The Pittsburgh, the Penguins needed extra time and Sidney Crosby to defeat the Nashville Predators on Sunday, 3-2.
Crosby scored the first goal of the game, and the winner in extra time.
“I thought [Crosby] was terrific all night,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “Obviously, his offensive production speaks for itself, but it was more than that. I thought he was terrific all night. He was a threat every time he was on the ice. When Sid elevates his game like he did tonight, I just think it gives our whole bench a boost.
“That’s the impact that he has on our team. He leads by example, just how he plays the game. … I thought he was a consistent threat all night long.”
Crosby now has 1,400 career NHL points.
“It’s fun being in an emotional game like that down the stretch here in the season,” Crosby said. “You know, obviously, the points are so important always, but especially now when we’re fighting for position. So you just want to find a way to contribute. For that one to go in in overtime, and to get two points, is huge.
“I’ll take that [milestone] if that’s what comes with it. But I think we’re all just trying to get points and play the right way, give ourselves the best chance here.”
Casey DeSmith made 33 saves to help the Pens snap a four-game skid.
After Crosby gave the Pens a 1-0 lead, Matt Duchene scored to gt the Preds even.
Pittsburgh improved to 42-22-10
Nick Cousins gave Nashville a 2-1 lead in the early minutes of the third period.
“I thought it was a good game,” Cousins said. “I think overall, it was a pretty even game. They just make a play in overtime. We’ll take the point and move on to our five-game homestand.”
Just before the midway point of the third period, Jason Zucker hit off a backhand for the tying goal that forced the extra session.
Nashville fell to 41-26-5, and has lost three of five.
David Rittich made 27 saves in the Nashville loss.
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