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NHL · Coaching · published 2026-10-04T00:00:00+00:00 · via Gino Hard

Novak's Overtime Goal Saves Penguins After Canadiens Rally

Image via Gino Hard
Image via Gino Hard

Tommy Novak scored 1:33 into overtime to give Pittsburgh a 6-5 home win after Montreal erased a 5-1 deficit. The Canadiens pulled Jakub Dobes and tied it with two goals in the final 68 seconds, including Chris Kreider's first for Montreal and Ivan Demidov's late tap-in. Novak finished with two goals, Evgeni Malkin assisted on the winner and matched a Gordie Howe record at age 40, and Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said his team's early play made the rally difficult.

Expanded Detail

Pittsburgh's home opener at PPG Paints Arena saw a 5-1 advantage nearly vanish. Montreal pulled Jakub Dobes and struck twice in the last 68 seconds, with Chris Kreider and Ivan Demidov scoring, before Tommy Novak converted Evgeni Malkin's 2-on-1 pass 1:33 into overtime.

Malkin, 40, matched Gordie Howe's 1968-69 mark by scoring in his first two games of a season. Sidney Crosby's assist tied Joe Thornton for seventh all-time at 1,109. Mario Lemieux's ceremonial puck drop marked Pittsburgh's 60th season and a rematch of its 1967 home debut against Montreal. Andrei Kuzmenko made his Penguins debut after a leave following his father's death.

Context

This result may energize Penguins and Canadiens fan bases, driving more attention to early-season games and highlight reels. Coaches and players could use Montreal's rally and Pittsburgh's response as teaching moments about composure, game management, and finishing. Malkin's age-40 milestone may resonate with older athletes,

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Tommy Novak OT Winner: Penguins Survive Canadiens Comeback.” Browse more stories.