In the spring of 2010, the Penguins were looking to defend their Stanley Cup title that had been won the season prior.
For the third time in four years, that meant facing off with the Ottawa Senators in the first round.
After losing Game 1 and winning Game 2 of their series, the Penguins went to Ottawa and came away with both wins and a 3-1 series lead.
Trying to take the series in Game 5, it was a marathon overtime game at Mellon Arena. With the help of a 56-save game from Pascal Leclaire in net, Matt Carkner broke the tie midway through the third overtime period, forcing a Game 6 back in Ottawa.
Trailing 3-0 in Game 6, it seemed as if things were destined for a 7th game — but not quite yet. (Matt Cullen sighting.)
Matt Cooke got the Penguins on the board. Bill Guerin got the Penguins within one, and Matt Cooke scored a second goal to tie the game at 3-3.
Overtime was needed, and midway through the extra time, Pascal Dupuis punched the Penguins ticket to the second round.
What a play by Jordan Staal behind the net. Once again, every shot in overtime matters. Bad angle, falling down, felt sort of harmless, but it was the one that went in.
The Penguins would await the results of the other playoff series’ where the vaunted Washington Capitals would fall to the underdog Montreal Canadiens, who ultimately beat the Penguins in seven games.