Domi breaks tie in 3rd, sparks Maple Leafs past Penguins to stop skid
N
NHL.com
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by NHL.com. Read the full original article here →
In a thrilling matchup on December 23, 2025, the Pittsburgh Penguins faced off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at PPG Paints Arena. The game was marked by a high-paced intensity as both teams sought to secure crucial points in the playoff race. The Penguins came into the game with a strong lineup, featuring star forward Sidney Crosby, who was looking to extend his scoring streak.
The first period saw both teams trading chances, but it was the Penguins who struck first with a beautiful goal from Jake Guentzel, who found the back of the net after a perfect feed from Evgeni Malkin. The Maple Leafs, undeterred, responded quickly with Auston Matthews leveling the score with a powerful shot that beat Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry.
As the game progressed, the second period became a showcase of elite goaltending, with Jarry and Toronto's goaltender, Ilya Samsonov, making several key saves. However, the Penguins managed to regain the lead with a stunning wrist shot from Bryan Rust, leaving the Leafs scrambling to respond. In a nail-biting final period, Toronto's relentless pressure paid off as Mitch Marner set up William Nylander for a quick equalizer, pushing the game towards overtime.
In the extra period, the Penguins showcased their experience, with Crosby orchestrating the play and ultimately sealing the game with a decisive goal, bringing the final score to 4-3. The victory not only boosted the Penguins' standing but also demonstrated their resilience in closely contested games. Fans left the arena buzzing, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling rivalry between two NHL powerhouses.
The first period saw both teams trading chances, but it was the Penguins who struck first with a beautiful goal from Jake Guentzel, who found the back of the net after a perfect feed from Evgeni Malkin. The Maple Leafs, undeterred, responded quickly with Auston Matthews leveling the score with a powerful shot that beat Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry.
As the game progressed, the second period became a showcase of elite goaltending, with Jarry and Toronto's goaltender, Ilya Samsonov, making several key saves. However, the Penguins managed to regain the lead with a stunning wrist shot from Bryan Rust, leaving the Leafs scrambling to respond. In a nail-biting final period, Toronto's relentless pressure paid off as Mitch Marner set up William Nylander for a quick equalizer, pushing the game towards overtime.
In the extra period, the Penguins showcased their experience, with Crosby orchestrating the play and ultimately sealing the game with a decisive goal, bringing the final score to 4-3. The victory not only boosted the Penguins' standing but also demonstrated their resilience in closely contested games. Fans left the arena buzzing, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling rivalry between two NHL powerhouses.