Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson Hit Milestones In Penguins’ OT Win

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in overtime on Thursday to pick up their first win of 2026.

Pittsburgh got out to an early 2-0 lead, but Detroit rallied to tie it, before the Penguins once again took a 3-2 lead, but Pittsburgh couldn’t hold onto it again. Despite blowing two leads, Kris Letang ended the game 58 seconds into overtime. Not only did Letang score the winner, but he also skated in his 1,200th career NHL game.

“It’s always fun when you have a game, like a milestone game, and you do something you can remember,” Letang said postgame on Thursday. “Like, 1,000 games, I was pretty silent. You know, you have all the nerves, the family, the ceremony. So, it was fun to cap it off.”

Meanwhile, in the third period, Blake Lizotte scored, which was assisted by Erik Karlsson, his second point of the game. The second assist was also a milestone as Karlsson reached 900 career points.

“He’s a special player,” Letang said about Karlsson. “Every time you watch him play, he can make something out of nothing. I had the chance to see him play in Ottawa for a long time, and he was always somebody who amazed you. He’s gonna reach 1,000 pretty quick, too. So, it’s fun to watch him play.”

Although there were two milestones hit for the Penguins on Thursday, Pittsburgh’s focus was on winning the game. With the victory, the Penguins improved to 18-12-9 and are one point out of a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh will return to the ice on Saturday on the road against the Red Wings.

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