Patric Hornqvist has scored 2:34 into overtime and the Pittsburgh Penguins have seized a 3-1 series lead over NHL regular-season champions the Washington Capitals, winning 3-2 in game four of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
"It's huge," said Penguins rookie goalie Matt Murray on Wednesday after making 34 saves. "But we know we've got a lot of work left to do. We know nothing's done."
The Penguins, winners of 21 of 25 dating back to the regular season, had lost eight consecutive overtime playoff games until Capitals defenceman Mike Weber accidentally tapped the puck on Hornqvist's stick for a wrist shot that beat goalie Braden Holtby through his legs.
"It was obviously great to see the puck go in, we win the game and we're up 3-1," Hornqvist said. "I tried to shoot it as hard as I could."
Pittsburgh-native Weber, back for the first time since the opening-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers, was trying to get the puck out when it flew directly to Hornqvist for his fifth goal of the playoffs and first playoff overtime winner.
Murray withstood a Capitals goal by centre Jay Beagle less than three minutes into the game to win for the 13th time in his past 14 starts - and the Penguins overcame the loss of star defenceman Kris Letang to suspension.
"We didn't take advantage of it (Letang's absence)," Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. "Now we've dug ourselves a hole. We'll see if we can dig ourselves out."
Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, who did not score despite getting seven shots on net, said the Capitals knew a comeback from a 3-1 deficit could be achieved -- the New York Rangers accomplished it against them last season.
The Penguins, who lost 3-1 series leads to Tampa Bay in 2011 and the Rangers in 2014, have won seven of eight previous playoff series from the Capitals.
All four games in the series have been decided by one goal and game five could be another close one on Saturday in Washington.
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