The Arizona Coyotes etched a unique mark in NHL history by scoring a power play goal while holding a man-advantage with no shots directed at the opponent’s net. The milestone was reported by the Coyotes’ press service and stands as a singular achievement in league lore.
The moment came during a regular season clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins. One of the notable names involved in the sequence was Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins, a veteran forward known for his playmaking and scoring touch. His involvement added an extra layer of intrigue as the game unfolded on home ice for Arizona and carried implications for both teams’ approaches to special teams.
Arizona’s fourth goal proved pivotal. The Coyotes took advantage of a Penguins power play and, in a bold tactical move, pulled the goaltender in favor of a sixth skater. The risk paid off in an unusual way when Malkin, positioned near his own empty net, mishandled a feed from Kris Letang. The puck slid into the Penguins’ net, credited as an unfortunate own-goal that swung momentum toward Arizona.
When the final horn sounded, the Coyotes emerged with a convincing 5-2 victory. The result highlighted not only the late-game decision to replace the goalie with an extra attacker but also the effectiveness of Arizona’s special teams and their ability to capitalize on the situation.
Throughout this NHL season, Malkin appeared in 44 games for Pittsburgh, tallying 15 goals and 23 assists. His long career in the league has produced a substantial point total, with 1267 points accumulated across regular-season play (486 goals, 781 assists) in the NHL’s history, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport.
In a separate note from recent play, Kirill Kaprizov voiced clear frustration regarding losses, reflecting the high-emotion environment that surrounds high-stakes games and the continued pressure on players to deliver results for their teams.
In sum, the game showcased how a calculated risk on the bench can alter a contest’s trajectory, how a single misplay near an empty net can influence a scoreboard, and how veteran experience intersects with team strategy to shape outcomes in the NHL’s fast-paced landscape.