Boston Bruins 3-2 Florida Panthers
The Boston Bruins pulled off a solid comeback in a 3-2 win over the visiting Florida Panthers. Things did not start off well for the hosts, who fell behind after four and a half minutes through Dmitry Kulikov. It was the only goal in the first two periods in what was a largely even game at that stage.
The goals did come in the third period, as the Panthers doubled their advantage 4:49 in. Matthew Samoskevich made the most of a power play, piling the pressure on the Bruins. It would be after that stage where the home team turned things around.
First, David Pastrnak capitalised on a power play to make it 2-1 with 11 minutes left. Mason Lohrei then made it 2-2 five minutes later, setting up a grandstand finale. The Boston comeback would be completed with 3:17 left in the game as Pavel Zacha got in on the scoring.
In what is an important victory, the playoffs-chasing Bruins are now just two points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They earned their second win in a row, which could be their way of going on a run. Florida, who saw their six-game winning streak end, remain second in the East.
Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 Vegas Golden Knights (OT)
The Pittsburgh Penguins held tough in their game as they required overtime to get past the Vegas Golden Knights. SIdney Crosby got the match's opening goal with 2:12 left in the opening frame. The Pens' captain got his marker via a power play.
Crosby then added a second three minutes into the middle period. Now behind by a pair, Vegas pushed to get back into the game. Pavel Dorofeyev got one goal back with five and a half minutes to go in the second. The third period saw the guests carry the game in search of a leveler.
It took them a while, but with seven seconds to play in regulation, Noah Hanifin converted their 24th and final shot. It would prove to be all for naught for the Golden Knights, as Erik Karlsson netted the winner 49 seconds into overtime.
The Penguins, having won their second straight, remain near the bottom of the East. They would need a strong winning run to reverse their fortunes. As for Vegas, they stay third in the West, but will want to snap their two-game losing skid with haste.