Petr Sykora’s triple overtime goal made the NHL put the Stanley Cup back inside its box for another game.
Seventeen years ago today, Petr Sykora called his shot in a triple overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings in Game 5 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Final.
The young, upstart Penguins had their hands full with the veteran-led Red Wings who shut Pittsburgh out during the first two games of the series in Detroit, taking a 2-0 lead over the Penguins.
When the series shifted to Pittsburgh, the Penguins won Game 3 but were unable to tie the series in Game 4, falling behind 3-1 and suddenly had their backs against the wall.
It was back to Detroit facing elimination in a building where the Penguins had yet to even beat goaltender Chris Osgood, but this game felt different.
Marian Hossa and Adam Hall broke through, giving the Penguins a 2-0 lead, but Detroit wouldn’t just go away that easily.
Darren Helm put the Red Wings on the board and Pavel Datsyuk tied the game early in the third period.
Brian Rafalski put the Red Wings ahead 3-2 and it looked like the Penguins were in trouble.
The Stanley Cup was out of its case being shined up and ready for presentation….and Max Talbot said not so fast, scoring a game-tying goal with 35 seconds left in regulation.
The game was headed to overtime. It was do or die for the Penguins.
Marc-Andre Fleury was getting peppered by Detroit’s offensive onslaught, stopping 55 shots.
A second and third overtime period came and that’s when Petr Sykora called his shot, telling analyst Pierre McGuire he was going to score.
And score he did! Sykora’s goal made the NHL put the Stanley Cup back inside its case, but Detroit would ultimately go on to win the Cup on Pittsburgh’s home ice in the following game.