PITTSBURGH (AP) — In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Pittsburgh Penguins outgunned the Columbus Blue Jackets with a decisive 6-3 victory on March 21, 2025. The star of the night was Sidney Crosby, who not only scored his 25th goal of the season but also added an assist, showing once again why he remains an iconic figure in the NHL.
The Penguins were aggressive from the start, with Evgeni Malkin opening the scoring just five minutes into the game at 5:28. Malkin, known for his sharp instincts and quick reflexes, shoveled a backhander from the side of the net past Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins, marking his 14th goal of the season. Soon after, Noel Acciari extended Pittsburgh's lead to 2-0 with a goal at 13:51, netting his first goal in 34 games with a skilled backhand shot from close range.
Though Columbus responded promptly, with Boone Jenner scoring his first goal since returning from shoulder surgery just 16 seconds later, the Penguins maintained their composure. Rickard Rakell quickly countered, adding another to the Penguins' tally after receiving a pass from Bryan Rust, extending his season total to 32 goals.
In a striking turn of events during the second period, Pittsburgh's Conor Timmins inadvertently directed the puck into his team’s own net, awarding Columbus's Justin Danforth a goal just 95 seconds into the period. However, less than a minute later, Bokondji Imama restored the Penguins' two-goal lead at 8:15 with his first goal of the season, bringing the score to 4-2.
The action did not slow down, with Crosby scoring his 25th goal at 15:31 of the second period, steering a pass from Matt Grzelcyk into the net to solidify a strong Penguins performance. As he celebrates this achievement, Crosby joins a prestigious club as the 13th player in NHL history to have 15 seasons with at least 25 goals.
With the benefit of an energized home crowd at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins took a 5-2 lead into the third period. However, the Blue Jackets, refusing to back down, clawed back to make it 5-3 with Kent Johnson’s goal at 3:45 of the final frame. The Penguins rallied in response, and despite some tense moments, particularly when Columbus was awarded a power play later in the period, Pittsburgh's Alex Nedeljkovic, who made a stunning 44 saves, stood strong in goal.
Nedeljkovic's efforts were critical throughout the match. Fresh off a two-week absence, he faced a relentless barrage from the Blue Jackets, showcasing resilience and skill that helped secure the win. With just under four minutes left in regulation, he delivered a crucial save against Luke Kunin, preventing the Blue Jackets from coming within one goal.
Following a physical encounter that included a notable fight between Imama and Blue Jackets enforcer Mathieu Olivier, Bryan Rust capped off the game by scoring an empty-net goal with just under two minutes remaining, sealing the 6-3 victory.
This game marked the Penguins' fifth win in their last six matches, a much-needed boost for a franchise fighting for a solid playoff position. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets' sixth straight loss keeps them struggling in their quest for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, remaining three points behind Montreal.
As the Penguins prepare for their next challenge against the Florida Panthers on March 23, the night served as a testament to their offensive prowess and team spirit, with Crosby leading the way forward and continuing to build his legacy in the sport.
With both teams and their players facing intense pressure as the end of the season looms closer, fans are eager to see how the dynamics play out. Pittsburgh's win solidifies their momentum, while Columbus must regroup quickly before their next match against the New York Islanders on March 24.
