Sixteen years ago today, Penguins winger Petr Sykora predicted he would score during a marathon overtime game in the Stanley Cup Final—and he did, ensuring the Stanley Cup stayed in its case for a few more nights.
Back in 2008, the Penguins dominated the Eastern Conference on their way to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in over a decade.
However, the Cup Final presented a new challenge for Pittsburgh, as the Red Wings, a team of seasoned veterans, made life difficult for the Penguins.
Pittsburgh trailed 2-0 in the series and managed to win only one of their home games, Games 3 and 4.
Game 5 returned to Joe Louis Arena, with the Cup present as the Red Wings aimed to celebrate a victory in front of their home fans.
The Penguins initially took a 2-0 lead, but Detroit fought back, leveling the score before taking a 3-2 lead.
Maxime Talbot became the night’s early hero by tying the game at 3-3 with an empty net.
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