Patric Hornqvist floats lucky goal past Braden Holtby in Game 7 (Video)

The Penguins had a skillful goal from Bryan Rust to start the scoring in Game 7, and got a lucky one from Patric Hornqvist to add to their lead in the third.

Sometimes, luck is better than skill, especially in hockey. Patric Hornqvist and the Pittsburgh Penguins needed all the luck they could get on their goal in the third period, but they’ll take the 2-0 lead that came with it.

Early in the third period, with a 1-0 lead already in hand, Hornqvist made an incredible individual effort to help pad the Penguins lead in a pivotal Game 7. The Penguins took advantage of an incredible opportunity, and came away with an important goal in a big game.

The goal came off a bad turnover from Alexander Ovechkin in his team’s zone, but not all the blame can be put on Ovi for this one. Holtby, who had been relatively solid all night outside of Bryan Rust’s goal in the second period, let the shot bank right off his shoulder and in.

Moments later, Holtby tried to make up for his mistake on a breakaway by Hornqvist, and helped stop the Penguins forward from another goal before the Capitals committed a slashing penalty and went on the penalty kill.

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The winner of the game will go on to play the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference finals, with a spot in the Stanley Cup finals on the line. Mistakes prove to be a lot more troubling on the big stage like this, and if the Capitals lose by one goal, they’ll surely be watching Hornqvist’s goal sadly until they return to the ice in October.

Meanwhile, the Penguins will take goals where they can get them, as they look to advance to another conference finals, and hope to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.