Penguins/NHL
Hurricanes defenseman Anton Babchuk scored the winning goal at 1:11 into overtime, as the Hurricanes beat the Penguins 3-2 at the RBC center Saturday night.
The win was the Hurricanes eighth straight and franchise record 11th straight home win. The win clinched the Hurricanes first playoff berth since the 2005-2006 season.
The Penguins trailed 2-1 going into the third period, and at 3:34 in the third period, Jordan Staal tied the game from the left circle with a quick one timer on a Tyler Kennedy’s pass from the left corner.
Tyler Kennedy had a goal an assist for the Penguins. Ruslan Fedotenko added two assists and Marc Andre made 27 saves in the loss.
The third period had a playoff atmosphere to it that saw up and down action, including an Evgeni Malkin penalty shot with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third period.
Malkin went in on goaltender Cam Ward with the opportunity to put the Penguins up 3-2 but Ward made a right pad save on Malkin to keep the game thied at 2-2.
Pittsburgh killed off a third period Bill Guerin penalty (18:12) that went into overtime but Pittsburgh was unable to get control of the puck following the penalty and Babchuk blasted home the game winner.
Cam Ward made 38 saves to record his 38th win of the season which ties a club record.
Pittsburgh travels to Florida for an early 5:00 p.m. start Sunday afternoon.
