McTavish scores short-handed late, Ducks edge Penguins for 4th win in row

During the game, Vatrano of the Ducks took the lead, scoring a power-play goal with a snap shot from the left circle in the second period at 11:51.

Malkin later tied the game 2-2 at 19:25 of the second period with a one-timer on a 5-on-3 power play.

Speaking about the team’s performance, Malkin expressed, “Between wins and losses, it often comes down to just one mistake. We need to step up our game. The team fought hard throughout the night, but we can’t afford to play like this.”

Malkin’s goal followed an earlier waved-off goal from Ross Johnston at 18:20. It was determined that Carrick had interfered with Jarry, and this ruling was upheld after an Anaheim challenge and video review.

Following the incident, Ducks coach Greg Cronin received two bench penalties, one for a delay of game due to the unsuccessful challenge and another for unsportsmanlike conduct. Cronin’s behavior resulted in a game misconduct, and he was ejected from the game at 19:25.

Cronin addressed his team afterwards, expressing, “Our guys are incredible. I’ve apologized to them, admitting that I could have cost us two points with my actions. I informed them of the necessary adjustments we needed to make in order to secure the win.

“Our performance was not up to par, but we managed to come out on top. It was certainly a bizarre ending. This will be a game to remember.”

In the third period, Radim Zohorna scored a backhand goal near the left post, giving Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead at 1:25.

Reflecting on their recent losses, Jarry commented, “Losing games is always the toughest part, as we play this game to win. I recognize that I need to give my teammates more opportunities to win on a consistent basis.”

NOTES: McTavish’s go-ahead, short-handed goal at 19:47 of the third period earns him a place among the elite in NHL history. Only four other players have achieved this feat in regular season or Stanley Cup Playoff games: Bob Pulford (19:38 in Game 1 of the 1964 Stanley Cup Final), Mike Knuble (19:56 on Nov. 12, 2005), Peter Mahovlich (19:56 on Nov. 21, 1963), and Dave Hannan (19:55 on Dec. 6, 1988). … Silfverberg marked his 700th game with the Ducks. … Crosby’s secondary assist on Malkin’s goal pushed him ahead to 15th place in NHL history with 957 assists in 1,199 games, exceeding Mark Recchi’s record of 956 assists in 1,652 games.