Game 7 Recap: Penguins eliminate Senators with 3-2 win in double-overtime

The Penguins have advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year.

Following a scoreless first period, Chris Kunitz capitalized on a feed from Connor Sheary (secondary assist to Matt Cullen) to put the Penguins up 1-0. This was Kunitz’s first goal since early February. Ottawa was quick to silence the Penguin’s faithful, as Mark Stone sniped a goal passed Matt Murray just 20 seconds after Pittsburgh took the lead. Assists on the goal go to Erik Karlsson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

After Dion Phaneuf took an untimely penalty midway through the third period, Justin Schultz gave the Penguins their second lead of the game on a goal from Phil Kessel and Chris Kunitz. A resilient Ottawa squad responded with a tying goal just minutes after, as Ryan Dzingle potted his second of the playoffs with 5:19 remaining in the period. Erik Karlsson recorded his second assist of the game with an additional helper going to Kyle Turris. The remainder of the period went scoreless and set up an epic overtime finish.

Both teams traded punches during an entertaining 20 minutes of extra play however, due to stellar performance by Craig Anderson and Matt Murray, it was a scoreless session. The eventual winner came at 5:09 of the second overtime period. Chris Kunitz registered his second goal of the game and third point after a nice set up from Sidney Crosby. Justin Schultz also pitched in with an assist on the game winning goal.

Awaiting the Penguins are Western Conference Champions, the Nashville Predators. This will be the fourth finals appearance for Pittsburgh in the Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin era, while Nashville will play for the Cup for the first time in franchise history. The Stanley Cup Finals are scheduled to begin Monday, May 29 in Pittsburgh.

Side note: This is the third time the Penguins have gone to the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back seasons after doing so in 1991,1992 and 2008, 2009.

Video via Sportsnet.ca