NHL Scores: A Ducks buzzer-beater; Malkin is back

The Ducks kept a season-long streak alive, and Evgeni Malkin returned for the Penguins.

Jan 6, 2014, 1:00 PM UTC

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

The Ducks entered Sunday night’s game at the Honda Center undefeated in 18 home contests this season, so it was only fitting they kept up their streak in dramatic fashion. Anaheim overcame a 2-0 deficit, and then tied the game again late in the third with under two minutes to go.

Proving that effort wasn't dramatic enough, Corey Perry netted the game-winner in overtime with 0.6 seconds left, beating Eddie Lack, and giving Anaheim a 4-3 win, moving the Ducks to 17-0-2 at home.

It was a tough night to be a goalie in the NHL on Sunday. Roberto Luongo was declared out before the Canucks could even hit the ice, and Ben Bishop lasted one shot (and subsequently gave up one goal) against the Oilers before leaving with an injury of his own. Both teams are in playoff positions, and would be Affected big time by losing their No. 1 goalie for an extended stretch. Both teams would also go on to lose their respective games.

In Pittsburgh, the Penguins outlasted the Jets in a high-scoring, 6-5 affair, with Evgeni Malkin scoring twice. Elsewhere, a late Jeff Skinner goal pushed the Hurricanes past Nashville, and back within a point of a playoff spot.

All the NHL scores

Penguins 6, Jets 5

Hurricanes 2, Predators1

Sharks 3, Blackhawks 2 (SO, 2-0)

Oilers 5, Lightning 3

Ducks 4, Canucks 3 (OT)

Five Questions

On Sunday we asked you five burning questions about the days games. These are your cool, soothing answers.

Can San Jose get out to a better start?

It wasn’t the Sharks’ start that troubled them, as San Jose led the Blackhawks 1-0 for most of Sunday’s game. Chicago pumped in two quick goals at the start of the third to take the lead, before the Sharks were able to equalize, and then win in a shootout.

Did the Oilers' top line learn its lesson?

On paper, yes. The trio combined for a goal, two assists, a plus-two, and was much more effective at creating quality offensive chances. Jordan Eberle scored on the first shot of the game, a play that knocked Ben Bishop out of action, and made the task easier for Edmonton all night.

Will Nashville make up some ground in the West?

No. On a night the Hurricanes were without Eric Staal, the Predators had a great chance to steal a game on the road. Nashville tied things up at one in the third before Jeff Skinner netted the game-winner for Carolina.

Is Roberto Luongo the one to take down the Ducks?

After turning back 46 shots in a losing effort Saturday night against the Kings, Luongo looked prime to give the Ducks a run for their first home loss of the season. Unfortunately, that opportunity was derailed before the game even started, when he was held out with what is presumed to be a re-aggravation of his groin injury.

Do the Penguins finally get Evgeni Malkin or Kris Letang back?

A resounding yes to both. Malkin looked like his normal self, scoring two goals and adding an assist. Letang was back and also appeared completely healthy, eating up over 24 minutes of ice time in a 6-5 win, and chipping in with an assist.

Impact Moment

The one play or moment from Sunday that is going to be making headlines over the next couple of days.

Ben Bishop has been a stalwart for the Lightning all season, and the biggest reason they've remained in the top four in the East. During Sunday's game against Edmonton, the Lightning's top goalie exited after facing one shot with an apparent hand injury. Bishop will be evaluated on Monday, but if his injury is anything serious, it's hard to imagine how the Lightning can endure yet another major injury.

Stat of the Night

The Anaheim Ducks entered Sunday's night home game undefeated this season undefeated at the Honda Center, but entered period two against the Canucks trailing, 2-0. Then, they went off, evening the scoring in the middle frame, and outshooting the visitors 20-2. Both Saku Koivu and Matt Beleskey tallied to even the score, and the Ducks would go on to win in overtime.