Pens rally from four back to down Blue Jackets, 5-4, in OT

In Pittsburgh, the Columbus Blue Jackets scored three times in the first period and once in the middle frame to take a 4-0 lead over the Penguins on Tuesday.

Then they stopped scoring, and the Pens rallied for four straight in regulation, and a fifth by Sidney Crosby in extra time for a 5-4 win.

“These guys have built an impressive legacy,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “So, to draw on those experiences, both the good and the bad, I think can only help us in these situations.”

Tristan Jarry yielded four goals, and made eight saves before getting the hook early in the second second period.

Casey DeSmith made 15 saves in replacement.

Columbus scored three in the first on goals from Emil Bemstrom, Lane Pederson, and Patrik Laine.

Liam Foudy‘s early second period marker pushed the lead to 4-0.

The Blue Jackets dropped to 20-37-7.

“Proud of our guys,” Columbus coach Brad Larsen said. “It got to 4-4 and it could’ve gotten way out of hand. We pushed right back. We were right there. … There is no negative in that game for me at all. I’m disappointed for the group. It’s not a negative.”

Jason Zucker scored the first of his double on the night to get the Pens on the board, 4-1, in the middle frame.

“We’ll take those two points,” Zucker said. “But obviously, we know it wasn’t the most ideal game for us.”

In the third period, the Pens opened up the offense to get the tie.

Jake Guentzel scored just 21 seconds into the third stanza, and Zucker got his double for a 4-3 score.

Danton Heinen tied it 4-with four minutes gone in the period.

“They just kept coming at us,” Laine said. “We were kind of scared to play, make plays that were there. At the end of the day, just have to find a way to win these games.”