### Penguins Triumph in Overtime: Letang's Milestone Game Highlights Pittsburgh's Resurgence The Pittsburgh Penguins secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on January 2, 2026, marking a significant moment in Kris Letang's career as he scored the game-winning goal just 58 seconds into overtime during his 1,200th NHL game. This win is part of a positive trend for the Penguins, who have now won three consecutive games after overcoming an eight-game losing streak. Sidney Crosby also shone brightly, contributing two goals and an assist, while Erik Karlsson reached a notable milestone by achieving 900 career points as a defenseman, becoming the 14th in NHL history to do so. The Red Wings, despite the loss, had been performing well, winning five of their last six games prior to this matchup. ### Breakdown of the Penguins' Victory and Key Performers 1. **Game Overview** - The Penguins defeated the Red Wings 4-3 in overtime. - Kris Letang scored the decisive goal in his 1,200th game. - This victory marks the Penguins' third consecutive win after a challenging stretch. 2. **Key Players** - **Kris Letang**: Scored the overtime winner, marking a significant milestone in his career. - **Sidney Crosby**: Scored two goals and provided an assist, extending his point streak to five games. - **Blake Lizotte**: Contributed one goal to the Penguins' total. - **Erik Karlsson**: Achieved 900 career points, becoming the second active defenseman to reach this milestone. 3. **Game Statistics** - **Shots on Goal**: Penguins (27), Red Wings (24). - **Power-Play Goals**: Red Wings scored twice on the power play, with goals from James van Riemsdyk and Alex DeBrincat. - **Goalie Performances**: Arturs Silovs made 24 saves for the Penguins, while Cam Talbot stopped 27 shots for the Red Wings. ### Supporting Evidence and Data Points - **Kris Letang's Milestone**: Scored in his 1,200th game, showcasing his longevity and impact in the NHL [https://apnews.com/article/penguins-red-wings-score-bc9c12b1e4281ab7cd71639001cf7aa5]. - **Sidney Crosby's Performance**: Extended his point streak to five games with two goals and an assist [https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-pittsburgh-penguins-game-recap-january-1-2026]. - **Erik Karlsson's Achievement**: Reached 900 career points, highlighting his offensive contributions as a defenseman [https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/penguins-news-erik-karlsson-900-point-milestone-win-red-wings]. - **Game Statistics**: Penguins outshot the Red Wings and had a strong performance from their goaltender, contributing to the win [https://www.thesportsleader.com/2026/01/01/kris-letangs-ot-tally-lifts-penguins-past-red-wings]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Penguins The Penguins' victory over the Red Wings not only signifies a crucial win in their season but also highlights the individual achievements of key players like Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby. This game serves as a potential turning point for the team, as they look to build on their recent success and continue to climb the standings. 1. **Kris Letang's milestone** adds a personal achievement to the team's success. 2. **Sidney Crosby's consistent performance** is vital for the Penguins' offensive strategy. 3. **Erik Karlsson's 900 points** further solidifies the Penguins' strong defensive lineup. 4. **The Penguins' recent winning streak** indicates a positive shift in their season trajectory. The combination of individual milestones and team success paints a hopeful picture for the Penguins as they move forward in the NHL season [https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/sports/2026/01/letang-scores-in-ot-in-1200th-game-to-give-penguins-4-3-win].