You would think a six-goal lead would be safe in the NHL.
Well, on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins took a 6-0 lead into the third period on the New Jersey Devils.
Sidney Crosby’s 16th goal of the season midway through the third frame was the only thing standing between the Pens and abject humiliation.
The Devils scored six times in the third period.
They closed the gap to 6-3 before Crosby scored, and then three more after to make the final, 7-6.
“Well, I’ve never been through an experience like that,” Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said. “It’s not an easy one to react to. I’m not sure I have a valid answer for you, and that’s what I told the players. … We need to be a whole lot better in a lot of areas to close out games.”
Mike Matheson, Bryan Rust, Brian Dumoulin, and Jeff Carter (first with Pens) scored in the opening frame for a 4-0 lead.
“For him to score that first goal as a Pittsburgh Penguin means a lot to him,” Sullivan said. “I’m sure he can just relax and play now.”
Teddy Blueger and Evan Rodrigues extended the advantage to 6-0 in the middle frame.
“Every game is a new game,” Rust said. “Doesn’t matter if you win 10-1, lose 10-1. … We were definitely lucky enough, and fortunate enough, to pick up two points in regulation.”
The Devils rally started with three goals from Nico Hischier,Yegor Sharangovich and Nathan Bastian.
“In our locker room, we just wanted to come out and win that period,” Hischier said “In hockey, you should never quit. I think the team showed some character.”
Crosby stopped that run with his goal, but the Devils replied with three more.
Jack Hughes and Nolan Foote cut the lead down to 7-5.
“It’s virtually impossible to win a game when you give up seven goals,” Hughes said. “We had a good third period, obviously. But we can’t give up seven goals.”
Andreas Johnsson scored with 41 seconds left to make it 7-6.
“Here’s what we need, to start it off, we need better goaltending,” New Jersey head coach Lindy Ruff said. “Flat-out, need better goaltending. We’ve made some mistakes. Every team makes some mistakes. You’ve seen some of the goals that went in. Those are saves that need to be made. … At the end of the day, I need my guys between the pipes to be the difference for us.”
With the loss, New Jersey was eliminated from the playoff race.
Scott Wedgewood got the start for the Devils and made nine saves, yielding four goals in the first period, before getting the hook in the first intermission.
Aaron Dell made 16 saves in was a mop role that turned more serious as the Devils rallied in the third.
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