Penguins Defeated Canadiens in Overtime Thriller
Tommy Novak scored the overtime winner to secure a 6-5 victory for Pittsburgh over Montreal.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Hockey
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The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-5 on Saturday. Tommy Novak netted two goals, including the deciding shot in overtime.
Why it matters
The game was marked by historic milestones for Pittsburgh veterans as the team secured a hard-fought win after a late-game surge by Montreal.
Evgeni Malkin recorded his 1,411th career point to move into 22nd place in NHL history, while Sidney Crosby tied Joe Thornton for seventh with 1,109 career assists. Arturs Silovs and Jakub Dobes combined for 44 total saves during the contest.
The players
Evgeni Malkin
He is a veteran center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who recently moved into 22nd place on the NHL all-time scoring list.
Sidney Crosby
He is the long-time captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins who currently ranks seventh in NHL history for total career assists.
Tommy Novak
He is a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored two goals and the game-winning point in the overtime victory.
Cole Caufield
He is a dynamic forward for the Montreal Canadiens who contributed two goals during the team's rally against Pittsburgh.
The details
Pittsburgh held a 5-1 lead before Montreal rallied with three third-period goals to force overtime. Novak eventually secured the win at 1:33 of the extra frame after receiving a pass from Malkin during a 2-on-1 break.
Timeline
Saturday, October 3, 2026: Pittsburgh defeated Montreal 6-5.
Monday: Pittsburgh hosts the Winnipeg Jets.
Tuesday: Montreal begins a four-game homestand against Carolina.
Season Trajectory
This win helps stabilize the Penguins early in their 60th anniversary season after Montreal nearly erased a four-goal deficit. The result forces Montreal to regroup before beginning a pivotal four-game homestand.
The overtime result grants Pittsburgh two points in the standings while Montreal earns a single point for the overtime loss. Fantasy managers should monitor Ben Kindel, who scored a power-play goal in his first game back from the injured reserve.
The takeaway
Historic performances by veteran stars helped Pittsburgh overcome a dramatic third-period collapse to secure a win. Fans should note that late-game momentum can quickly change the outcome of a match regardless of the lead.
What happens next
The Pittsburgh Penguins are scheduled to host the Winnipeg Jets this coming Monday, while the Montreal Canadiens prepare for their upcoming four-game homestand beginning Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Hockey section.
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