In Pittsburgh, the visiting Colorado Avalanche were looking to add one more victory to the record before they would lose their first game of the season.
Instead of two points, the Avs secured a single in an overtime loss to the Penguins, 3-2.
Everything was set and the table was ready to serve the Avs but Brandon Tanev struck in the extra session with a shorthanded goal to hand the Avs their first loss.
“I didn’t love our game tonight. I’ll be honest with you,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “I actually liked our first five minutes, or whatnot. I thought we had some jump. Then we took the penalties and [Pittsburgh] gained a lot of life out of that. … I felt like all of our lines were a little bit in-and-out. Just not good enough to come on the road and win.”
Nathan MacKinnon‘s goal early in the third tied the game at 2-2 for Colorado.
“I think we’re learning a lot about ourselves. We didn’t have the greatest second period. … We were able to flip the switch in the third and kind of bring it back,” the Avs’ Cale Makar said.
Matt Murray made 26 saves to get the win for the Pens.
“We have the privilege of watching [Crosby] night in and night out. Sometimes we marvel at what he does out there. That goal was one of them. He’s just such a great competitor. He’s got the best 200-foot game in hockey. I think that’s why he wins the way he does. He’s a great leader,” Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said after the win.
Sidney Crosby had a goal and two points, Jake Guentzel had a goal as the Pens improved to 5-2-0.
“I think we’re just working together,” Crosby said. “I don’t think anybody is having to defend on their own. … I think our effort and our work ethic has got to be there, and if it’s not, we’re a much different team.”
Matt Calvert also scored for the Avs.
[WATCH: All Avalanche vs. Penguins highlights]
Philipp Grubauer made 30 saves in the loss.
“I don’t think we’re happy with the outcome or how we played,” Grubauer said. “Maybe today was a little bit of a reality check. Have to move on. The next game is coming quick.”
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