Penguins humiliate themselves with own-goal on delayed penalty

We've witnessed a few instances of this phenomenon over the years, but it may be the first time in recent memory that it has occurred in this particular manner - taking place in a team's own defensive zone. 

During last night's game at Mullett Arena, the Pittsburgh Penguins accidentally put the puck into their own net with goaltender Tristan Jarry pulled for the extra attacker due to the fact that the host Arizona Coyotes were about to be whistled for a penalty. But as defenseman Kris Letang avoided the forechecking Clayton Keller and swung the puck back to Evgeni Malkin, the Russian forward completely misplayed, and it careened into the vacated net.

And for those interested, here is the Penguins broadcast version of the gaffe: 

Lawson Crouse would get credit for the goal, which essentially halted any possible comeback attempt for the Penguins, who also saw their 11-game winning streak against the Coyotes come to a close. 

“We just have to have a heightened awareness that we don’t have a goalie in the net in that scenario,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said during media availability broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh’s postgame show. “We’ve got to try to avoid making plays in that area. I think if we have a heightened awareness, then we don’t fall victim of a bad bounce or whatever.”

“I’ve only seen videos of it happen somewhere, but never been in the game,” said Coyotes forward Alex Kerfoot. “That was wild for sure.”

Former Penguins forward Carl Hagelin found himself guilty of the embarrassing mistake a handful of years ago. In fact, New York Islanders Hall of Fame goaltender Billy Smith became the first goalie ever credited with scoring a goal due to the fact that he was the last player to touch the puck during a game in November 1979 against the Colorado Rockies.