WATCH: Sidney Crosby MORTIFIED after watching Evgeni Malkin score own-goal in humiliating 2-5 loss to Coyotes

Sidney Crosby’s face of disbelief and the Penguins' own goal elate the Coyotes fans, as the Pens lose the match 2-5 in a humiliating fashion.

WATCH: Sidney Crosby MORTIFIED after watching Evgeni Malkin score own-goal in humiliating 2-5 loss to Coyotes

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin [Image Credit: NY Post/AP News]

Well, there are many instances where a player scored a goal in their own net, not only in the NHL but in other sports too. But having it echo in recent 2023-24 regular season games surely refreshed every NHL fan’s mind. The Pittsburgh Penguins gave up their crucial chance to win the game against the Arizona Coyotes and lost Monday’s match in a humiliating 2-5 record.

Sidney Crosby’s face of disbelief was something to see as he saw his teammate Evgeni Malkin shoot the puck across the empty net in their own zone. The puck shot came after Kris Letang made an errant pass on the ice to build up an attacking play, which ended in failure.

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The disastrous empty net own goal shot happened during 3rd period as they lost their prime goal-scoring opportunity during a delayed penalty. The Pens fans were shocked and baffled by what transpired on the ice within a few minutes. While on the other hand, the Coyotes fans celebrated the unexpected free goal.

There may have been some Coyotes fans who thanked the Penguins for their cataclysmic mistake as it boosted their ticket to win. Malkin reportedly fumbled on Letang’s shot resulting in the mishandled exchange into their own goal. 

Kris Letang reacts to Evgeni Malkin’s own goal, “Oh my god”

Monday’s third goal scene was unforgettable and will be like that for a long while. Ultimately, this own-goal shoot was not something fans or even the Penguins themselves expected from the trio of future Hall of Famers. In slow motion, one can see the puck slide across the ice, and Evgeni Malkin’s futile attempt to stop the shot midway upon realization.

Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin [Image Credit: Pensburgh]
Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin [Image Credit: Pensburgh]

Kris Letang on seeing Malkin’s shot go into their own net reacted, “Oh my god” while Sidney Crosby was seen skating on the ice with his hockey stick on top of his helmet. Malkin refused to comment on the incident following the game. Even prior to the game against the Coyotes, head coach Mike Sullivan noted how the team’s lack of observation could be a problem in upcoming matches.

Well, seems like his worries came true quite soon. He lamented the missed opportunity and the team’s lack of detail. He stated,

I think we just have to have a heightened awareness that we don’t have the goalie in the net in that scenario. We have to avoid making plays in that area. If we have a heightened awareness, then we don’t fall victim to the bad bounce.
Mike Sullivan as per The Athletic.

The Penguins fans were devastated. Sullivan and the Penguins players admitted how they need to learn more and be attentive while in the game, especially during the last moments of the match. With the next match on their schedule, they are expected to make a comeback and bury their mistake in the past. Fans are waiting to see how they’ll bury the hatchet and recover their lost opportunity in upcoming matches.

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