Claude Giroux has made a career out of delivering in big moments, and Monday night in Pittsburgh was no exception. With just over five minutes left in regulation, the veteran forward found the net in dramatic fashion to lift the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 win over the Penguins - a fourth straight victory for a team starting to find its rhythm.
The play unfolded with Giroux charging toward the net, only to be upended by Erik Karlsson. He went crashing hard into the post, dislodging the net in the process. But the puck had already crossed the goal line before the net came off its moorings - a good goal, confirmed by review, and a crucial one at 14:52 of the third.
That tally wasn’t just clutch - it was historic. With the goal, Giroux tied Alex Ovechkin for the most career points against the Penguins by an active player.
He now has 78 points in 72 games versus Pittsburgh, including 23 goals. For a guy who spent the bulk of his career in Philadelphia, it’s fitting that he’s made a habit of haunting the Penguins.
But Giroux wasn’t the only Senator making noise. Tim Stützle continued his hot streak with a goal in his third straight game, giving him four goals in his last five outings.
Michael Amadio also chipped in with his first goal since December 11, capitalizing on a Pittsburgh turnover early in the game. Ottawa’s pressure forced mistakes, and they made them count - two of their three goals came directly off Penguins giveaways.
In net, Linus Ullmark didn’t have a particularly busy night, but he didn’t need to be spectacular - just solid. He stopped 14 of 16 shots and etched his name into NHL history, becoming just the third goalie ever - alongside Tony Esposito and Bob Froese - to win each of his first eight starts against the Penguins. That’s elite company, and it underscores just how well Ullmark has played against a team that typically brings firepower.
Ottawa outshot Pittsburgh 31-16, including a dominant 9-3 edge in the second period - the second-lowest single-period shot total of the season for the Penguins. The Senators controlled the pace, dictated possession, and limited Pittsburgh’s top threats for much of the night.
For the Penguins, the loss snapped a six-game win streak and a nine-game point streak. Still, there were a few bright spots.
Tommy Novak and Egor Chinakhov provided the offense, with Chinakhov adding an assist for a two-point night. Since arriving via trade from Columbus, Chinakhov has seven goals in 16 games - a strong return for a midseason pickup.
Evgeni Malkin also extended his point streak to six games with a helper, continuing a quietly consistent stretch of play.
Arturs Silovs faced more pressure in the Pittsburgh crease, turning away 28 of 31 shots. He kept the Penguins in it, but the Senators’ forecheck and opportunistic scoring proved too much.
The Senators are now riding a wave of momentum, with points in nine of their last 11 games. They’ll look to keep it rolling Tuesday night in Carolina as they continue their three-game road swing. As for the Penguins, they’ll try to bounce back quickly when they visit the Islanders on Tuesday.
In a game that featured a little bit of everything - history, hustle, and high-stakes moments - it was Claude Giroux who once again reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most impactful veterans in the league.