The Penguins defeated the Panthers 3-2, after Jake Guentzel's game-winning goal in overtime on Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena.
This was significant, considering three-on-three overtime has been a struggle.
The Penguins have dropped games in overtime nine times this season, the fifth-most in the NHL. That's nine points left on the table in a season where the Penguins are in a tight playoff race. Eight of those overtime losses have been against Eastern Conference teams, including the Canadiens and Flyers, two other teams in the hunt for a spot.
In a race this close, one of those failed overtime games could be the difference between making the playoffs and having an early summer. With the personnel the Penguins have, and with that much open ice in three-on-three, the Penguins should be having more success than they have so far this season. Mike Sullivan spoke on his team's situation in his postgame press conference.
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