Rickard Rakell scores in shootout to lift Penguins over Stars, 2-1

October 12, 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby (87) cannot shoot past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) with Stars’ Thomas Harley (55) defending during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Rickard Rakell scored the deciding goal in the shootout and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Saturday.

Arturs Silovs stopped Mikko Rantanen in the shootout to help Pittsburgh snap a three-game losing streak. Sidney Crosby and Ben Kindel also scored in the shootout for the Penguins, who lost in a shootout at Columbus on Friday.

Connor Dewar scored in regulation for Pittsburgh and Silovs stopped 24 shots.

Jake Oettinger stopped 20 shots for the Stars.

Oettinger, coming off back-to-back shutouts against San Jose and Buffalo, set the longest shutout streak of his career at 188:52. It’s the third-longest shutout streak in franchise history.

During Oettinger’s run, in which he stopped 54 straight shots, the Stars set the longest shutout streak in team history at 2:06:08.

Tyler Seguin forced overtime for Dallas when he scored with 29.1 seconds left in regulation. He tipped Jason Robertson’s shot behind Silovs from the top of the crease.

Dewar scored the first goal of the game at 1:57 of the third period when he flipped a harmless looking backhand shot over Oettinger’s shoulder.

Kris Letang nearly ended Oettinger’s shutout streak early, but he had a goal waived off in the final minute of the first period. After review, it was determined that Hendrix Lapierre touched the puck with a high stick prior to Letang’s goal.

Up next

Stars: Host Colorado on Tuesday in the first game of a back-to-back against the Avalanche.

Penguins: Open a four-game road trip Tuesday at Chicago.

Kent Johnson scores lone goal in shootout to give Blue Jackets 3-2 win over Penguins

October 10, 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) scores on Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov (1) in a shootout in an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Kent Johnson scored the only goal in a shootout to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets over the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 on Friday night.

Damon Severson had a goal and an assist for Columbus. Mathieu Olivier also scored, and Cole Sillinger added two assists.

Cam Talbot made 20 saves and denied all three Pittsburgh attempts in the shootout. He became the first NHL goalie to win a game with nine teams.

Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins, who have dropped three straight games since winning their first two this season. Malkin tied it 2-all at 3:19 of the third period.

Johnson beat Sergei Murashov with a snap shot to begin the shootout.

Murashov stopped 43 shots in regulation.

The Blue Jackets outshot the Penguins 45-22 and won 66.7% of the faceoffs. Columbus outhit Pittsburgh 21-9.

The Penguins blocked 20 shots.

Talbot, in his 13th NHL season, has also won games with the New York Rangers, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Calgary, Minnesota, Ottawa, Detroit and the Los Angeles Kings.

In his first season with Columbus, he broke the previous record held by Curtis McElhinney, Sean Burke and Ron Tugnutt.

Up next

Penguins: Host the Dallas Stars on Saturday.

Blue Jackets: At the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.

Scores From Across The Valley: 10/09/26

October 9, 2026

Friday, October 09, 2026:

Pond-Lehocky Beaver County Radio Broadcast Game Neshannock Beaver Falls	27 8 Final
WPIAL Class 6A Quad County Conference
Mount Lebanon Seneca Valley	21 14 Final
WPIAL Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference
Thomas Jefferson West Allegheny	17 24 Final
WPIAL Class 5A NorthEast Conference
Moon Plum	35 28 Final
WPIAL Class 4A Parkway Conference
Montour New Castle	26 21 Final
Blackhawk Mars	30 24 Final
WPIAL Class 3A Western Hills
Beaver Ambridge	35 6 Final
Ellwood City Hopewell	0 60 Final
Olsh Aliquippa	0 52 Final
WPIAL Class 2A Mac Conference
Freedom Riverside	27 28 Final
Mohawk Western Beaver	7 45 Final
WPIAL Class 2A Century Conference
Quaker Valley Bishop Canevan	13 58 Final
WPIAL Class 1A Big Seven Conference
Rochester Union	0 42 Final
Cornell Shenango	6 42 Final
Southside Summit Academy (Saturday)	0 0 Final
Non-Conference
McKeesport Central Valley	47 7 Final

Mc Donald’s Preview Week 7

October 8, 2026

McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview

Week 7 | Friday, October 9, 2026

The playoff races are beginning to take shape across the Beaver Valley, and this weekend brings several important conference matchups. The biggest is Neshannock at Beaver Falls, our Pond Lehocky Game of the Week.

Neshannock at Beaver Falls — Reeves Stadium, Geneva College

This is the game everybody should have circled.
Neshannock enters at 5-1, Beaver Falls at 4-1, and both teams are unbeaten in Midwestern Conference play.
Beaver Falls has won four straight games. Last Friday, the Tigers defeated Mohawk 30-20 behind quarterback Rodney Slappy, who ran for two touchdowns and connected with Jawan Williams on a 54-yard touchdown pass.
Neshannock has also won four straight, and the Lancers’ offense is clicking. Freshman quarterback Jared Corey threw for approximately 255 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s 52-6 victory over Freedom. Justin Edworthy caught three touchdown passes and finished with 149 receiving yards.
The biggest question is whether Beaver Falls can contain Neshannock’s passing game. The Tigers will need to pressure Corey and prevent Edworthy from turning short completions into long gains.
The Pond Lehocky Game of the Week airs Friday, October 9, on Beaver County Radio, with pregame at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff at 7:00 p.m., live from Reeves Stadium on the campus of Geneva College.Other Key Beaver County Matchups

Blackhawk at Mars

Blackhawk suffered its first loss last week, falling to New Castle 50-34. But the Cougars still produced an impressive rushing performance, with Brayden McCarthy and Ryan Prisuta each gaining more than 100 yards.

The question is how Blackhawk responds to adversity. I’m expecting the Cougars to get back to the physical running game that helped them start 5-0.

Ellwood City at Hopewell

Hopewell is 5-1 and coming off a remarkable 62-14 victory over Beaver.

Quarterback James Armstrong has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, with Avery Bokor and Brody Rock providing dangerous receiving options.

Ellwood City is 0-6, but running back Richard Cureton delivered 144 rushing yards against OLSH last week.

Hopewell has too many offensive weapons, particularly with the Vikings playing at Tony Dorsett Stadium.

Freedom at Riverside

This matchup could have major implications for the Midwestern Conference standings.

Freedom started the season 4-0 but has dropped two consecutive games, including last week’s 52-6 loss to Neshannock.

One important storyline is the availability of Freedom running back Kaden Bailey, who reportedly missed last week’s game. Bailey has rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season.

Riverside comes off its bye week at 4-1. The Panthers have allowed just 56 points all season, making their defense a major factor.

Mohawk at Western Beaver

Western Beaver is becoming a team to watch.

Despite a 2-4 overall record, the Golden Beavers have won two straight conference games, including a 35-12 victory over New Brighton last week.

Mohawk remains winless at 0-6.

A third straight conference victory would put Western Beaver in a much more interesting position entering the final stretch.

OLSH at Aliquippa

Aliquippa responded to its loss against New Castle with a convincing 48-7 victory over Ambridge.

OLSH finally earned its first victory last week, defeating Ellwood City 32-15.

But the Quips have the advantage in overall talent and experience.

Beaver at Ambridge

Both teams need a victory.

Beaver is 1-5 after suffering a 62-14 loss to Hopewell. Quarterback Jaivin Peel remains the Bobcats’ biggest offensive threat.

Ambridge is also looking to recover after losing 48-7 to Aliquippa.

I expect this to be competitive, but I think Beaver’s offense produces enough big plays to get the win.

McKeesport at Central Valley

Central Valley has lost three straight games, including last week’s difficult 49-7 loss to Montour.

McKeesport enters after defeating Kiski Area 35-7.

The Warriors must control the football, establish their running game and limit McKeesport’s opportunities.

Rochester at Union

Rochester is 1-5 after losing to Northgate 21-14.

Union comes into this game at 3-3. Running back Gianni Million has rushed for more than 800 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns.

The Rams will need to limit Million’s production to stay competitive.

Cornell at Shenango

This is another interesting matchup involving a Beaver Valley-area program.

Cornell is 3-3 after hammering Summit Academy 59-6.

But Shenango is undefeated at 5-0 and coming off a 36-15 victory over South Side.

Shenango’s ground game is particularly dangerous. Jasyn Williams rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns last week.

Thomas Jefferson at West Allegheny

West Allegheny is 4-2 and coming off an impressive 33-13 victory over Bethel Park.

Thomas Jefferson defeated Trinity 19-14 last week and has been consistently strong on both sides of the football.

I expect a physical contest, with the Indians having an opportunity to make a statement at home.

Moon at Plum

Moon is still searching for its first victory following a 56-7 loss to Pine-Richland.

Plum started 5-0 before losing a close 38-35 game to Armstrong last week.

Moon has faced a particularly difficult schedule, and another tough challenge awaits the Tigers.

Quaker Valley at Bishop Canevin

Quaker Valley is also looking for its first win.

The Quakers suffered a 60-0 loss to Chartiers-Houston last week.

Bishop Canevin enters undefeated and is coming off a 42-6 victory over South Allegheny.

South Side at Summit Academy — Saturday, October 10

South Side is looking for its first victory after losing to Shenango 36-15 last week.

Summit Academy also struggled last Friday, falling to Cornell 59-6.

This represents one of South Side’s better opportunities to break into the win column.

Frank’s Pick: South Side 24, Summit Academy 14.

Teams With a Bye

New Brighton is off this week.

The Lions have an opportunity to regroup before returning to action against Mohawk on October 16.

That’s your McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview for Week 7.

Capitals top Penguins 5-3 in Alex Ovechkin’s final home opener in Washington, D.C.

October 8, 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) takes to the ice during player introductions before an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

WASHINGTON D.C. (AP) — Tom Wilson had a goal and two assists, and the Washington Capitals held on for a win in Alex Ovechkin’s final home opener, 5-3 over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night.

Anthony Beauvillier, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Alex Tuch and Ryan Leonard also scored for the Capitals, who introduced their roster one by one before the game, saving Ovechkin for last. The Russian star’s two kids handled that announcement, and the crowd gave a standing ovation.

Ovechkin announced earlier in the week that this season would be the last in the NHL for the league’s career leader in goals.

Bryan Rust, Tommy Novak and Nick Robertson scored for the Penguins, who nearly rallied from a 4-1 second-period deficit.

This is the 22nd straight season Ovechkin and Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby have played against each other at some point. Only one forward duo in NHL history has clashed in more consecutive seasons: Mark Messier and Ron Francis, who played each other in 23.

Crosby was on the ice for every Washington even-strength goal, finishing with a minus-4. His only career minus-5 was March 6, 2014, at San Jose.

Beauvillier opened the scoring for Washington after just 23 seconds. The Penguins needed less than a minute to tie it on Bryan Rust’s goal from in close.

Veteran defenseman Kris Letang of the Penguins played a blind pass in his own zone and paid for it when the puck went to Pierre-Luc Dubois behind the net. One pass later, and Wilson was making it 2-1 Capitals from alone in front.

Those same two players combined in the second period to make it 3-1 after another Pittsburgh mistake. Silovs went behind his net, but when he played the puck along the boards Wilson was right there to collect it and find Dubois in front.

Tuch intercepted a pass at his own blue line, and suddenly he and Wilson were bearing down alone on Silovs. After two quick passes back and forth, Tuch scored to put Washington up by three.

Novak quickly answered for the Penguins, and then Robertson cut the lead to one with a deflection from the slot.

It was 4-3 after two, but Leonard’s power-play goal in the third gave the Capitals a bit of a cushion.

Later in the third, Washington goalie Logan Thompson kept the lead at two by stopping Blake Lizotte on a breakaway just after the Pittsburgh forward came out of the penalty box.

Declan Carlile of the Penguins was shaken up in the third after Dubois was assessed a minor penalty for boarding him.

Up next

Penguins: At Columbus on Friday night.

Capitals: Host the New York Rangers on Friday night.

Jets edge Penguins 3-2 as Cole Perfetti scores 9 seconds after tying goal

October 6, 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Winnipeg Jets goaltender Clay Stevenson (33) celebrates with Morgan Barron (36) at the end of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Alex Iafallo had a goal and an assist, Clay Stevenson made 29 saves, and the Winnipeg Jets beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 on Monday night.

Pittsburgh’s Declan Carlile scored 8:53 into the third period to tie the game at 2-2, but Cole Perfetti scored the winner on a wrist shot just nine seconds later, assisted by Josh Morrissey, to put the Jets ahead to stay.

Adam Lowry also scored for the Jets, who have won two in a row after losing their season opener.

Benjamin Kindel also scored for the Penguins and Carlile added an assist. Sergei Murashov made 30 saves for the Penguins.

The Jets outhit the Penguins by 12, 23 to 11.

Up next

Jets: Host the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night.

Penguins: Visit the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

Novak scores 2 goals, including OT winner, to help the Penguins beat the Canadiens 6-5

October 5, 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Tommy Novak (18) gets a shot past the stick of Montréal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes for a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Tommy Novak scored his second goal of the game in overtime to give the Pittsburgh Penguins a 6-5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

Novak converted a 2-on-1 from Evgeni Malkin at 1:33 of overtime, as Pittsburgh recovered after allowing a four-goal lead in the second period slip away.

Malkin scored a power-play goal and had two assists. He recorded his 1,411th point, passing Dale Hawerchuk for 22nd place in NHL history.

Ben Kindel was activated from injured reserve and scored a power-play goal, while Sam Girard and Declan Carlile also scored for Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby had an assist, the 1,109th of his career, which tied Hall of Fame forward Joe Thornton for seventh-most in NHL history.

Arturs Silovs stopped 20 shots.

Franchise icon, former owner and hockey Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux took part in a ceremonial puck drop to celebrate the Penguins’ 60th season.

Cole Caufield scored twice, while Nick Suzuki, Chris Kreider and Ivan Demidov also scored for the Canadiens, who trailed 5-1 in the second period. Kreider scored with 1:08 to play and Demidov tied the game with 44 seconds left in regulation.

Montreal, which reached the Eastern Conference Final last season, sought to win its first two games of a season for the first time since 2015-16.

Jakub Dobes made 24 saves.

The Penguins outshot Montreal 23-5 during a 25-minute stretch and opened a 5-1 lead thanks to a four-goal second period.

Malkin scored his second power-play goal of the season, while Carlile, Girard, Novak and Kindel added second-period goals.

Suzuki started the Canadiens comeback at 18:46 of the second period before Caufield, Kreider and Demidov forced overtime with goals in the third.

UP NEXT

Canadiens: Begin a four-game homestand Tuesday against Carolina.

Penguins: Host Winnipeg Monday before playing six of their next seven on the road.

Scores From Across the Valley: 10/02/26

October 2, 2026

Friday, October 02, 2026:

Pond-Lehocky Beaver County Radio Broadcast Game Blackhawk New Castle	34 50 Final
WPIAL Class 6A Quad County Conference
Seneca Valley Hempfield	14 41 Final
WPIAL Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference
Bethel Park West Allegheny	13 33 Final
WPIAL Class 5A NorthEast Conference
Moon Pine Richland	7 56 Final
WPIAL Class 4A Parkway Conference
Montour Central Valley	49 7 Final
WPIAL Class 3A Western Hills
Hopewell Beaver	62 14 Final
Ambridge Aliquippa	17 48 Final
Olsh Ellwood City	32 15 Final
WPIAL Class 2A Mac Conference
Western Beaver New Brighton	35 12 Final
Neshannock Freedom	52 6 Final
Beaver Falls Mohawk	30 20 Final
WPIAL Class 2A Century Conference
Chartiers Houston Quaker Valley	60 0 Final
WPIAL Class 1A Big Seven Conference
Northgate Rochester	21 14 Final
Shenango Southside	36 15 Final
Summit Academy Cornell	6 59 Final

Mc Donald’s High School Football Preview: Week 6

October 1, 2026

McDONALD’S BEAVER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

It’s time for our weekly look around the area at this week’s high school football games involving Beaver County teams.

Our high school football preview is brought to you by Tri- County McDonald’s (mmm I’m Lovin It!).

And we start with our Pond Lehocky Game of the Week — Blackhawk at New Castle. This could be one of the best games of the night. Blackhawk puts its perfect 5-and-0 record on the line against a New Castle team coming off its biggest win of the season. The Cougars have been an offensive machine, scoring 228 points through five games — better than 45 points per game. Last week, Blackhawk survived its closest test of the year, beating Shaler 40-31. But New Castle just sent a message of its own by knocking off Aliquippa 42-21. So we’ve got an undefeated Blackhawk team against a New Castle team playing with a ton of confidence. I expect points, and I expect Blackhawk to get one of its toughest tests of the season.

We’ll have the Pond Lehocky Game of the Week Friday night. Pregame at 6:30, kickoff at 7:00 on Beaver County Radio.

Now let’s get to the rest of the games.

Western Beaver travels to New Brighton.

Both teams are 1-and-4 and desperately need a win. Western Beaver has shown flashes, including that impressive 28-10 upset of Riverside. New Brighton lost to Riverside 33-22 last week, but the Lions showed improvement offensively. Keep an eye on Heath Lewis for New Brighton. If the Lions can get him into the open field, he can change the game quickly.

Hopewell travels to Beaver.

The Vikings are 4-and-1 and rolling right now. They’ve beaten Central Valley 34-6 and Western Beaver 47-6 in consecutive weeks. Quarterback James Armstrong gives Hopewell a dangerous threat with both his arm and his legs. Beaver is 1-and-4 and trying to bounce back from a 49-6 loss to Avonworth. We know quarterback Jaivin Peel can put up huge numbers, but Hopewell is playing too well for me to pick against the Vikings.

Ambridge travels to Aliquippa.

Aliquippa is coming off that surprising 42-21 loss to New Castle, and I expect the Quips to come out with something to prove.

How about Beaver Falls at Mohawk?

Don’t look now, but the Tigers have won three straight. And last week’s was the biggest — Beaver Falls handed previously unbeaten Freedom its first loss, 24-13. Mohawk was beaten 48-6 by Neshannock last week. Beaver Falls is getting better as the season goes along.

Montour visits Central Valley.

The Warriors are 2-and-3 and have lost two straight, including a heartbreaking 16-14 loss to Hampton last week. Montour is 3-and-2 and is coming off a 34-29 loss to Thomas Jefferson. Central Valley needs to establish the running game and avoid falling behind early.

Neshannock travels to Freedom.

Freedom started the season 4-and-0 before Beaver Falls handed the Bulldogs their first loss. Now they get a Neshannock team that’s 4-and-1 and has won three straight. Freedom is dangerous at home, but right now Neshannock has the momentum.

Northgate visits Rochester.

Rochester is 1-and-4, while Northgate comes in at 3-and-2 after barely escaping South Side last week, 21-20. That’s why I’m going with my upset pick here. Rochester is at home, and if the Rams protect the football, I think they can steal one.

Shenango travels to South Side.

South Side nearly picked up its first victory last week before losing to Northgate by one. But now the Rams face an undefeated Shenango team that just hammered Rochester 49-8.

And OLSH travels to Ellwood City.

Somebody is getting its first win because both teams enter at 0-and-5. Ellwood City showed some offensive improvement last week in a 27-13 loss to Shady Side Academy. With the Wolverines playing at home, I’ll give them the slight edge.

And finally, Riverside has the week off.

The Panthers enter their bye at 4-and-1. They started 3-and-0 before losing to Western Beaver, then bounced back last Friday with a 33-22 win over New Brighton. Riverside returns next week against Freedom.

But the spotlight Friday night is on Blackhawk at New Castle.

Blackhawk is 5-and-0. New Castle just knocked off Aliquippa. And the Cougars are averaging better than 45 points per game. It’s the Pond Lehocky Game of the Week.

Pregame coverage begins at 6:30, with kickoff at 7:00, right here on Beaver County Radio.

That’s your McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview.

Malkin scores, Silovs stops 19 shots as Penguins pile on in 7-0 win over Flyers in teams’ 2026-2027 season opener

October 1, 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Filip Hallander (11), Ville Koivunen (41), Kaedan Korczak (6) and Samuel Girard (49) celebrate after a goal by Koivunen during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Evgeni Malkin, Hendrix Lapierre and Filip Hallander scored in the second period and Arturs Silovs stopped 19 shots to help the Pittsburgh Penguins steamroll the Philadelphia Flyers 7-0 on Wednesday night.

Silovs posted his third career shutout in his 57th start. Nick Robertson scored two goals and Ville Koivunen and Egor Chinakhov also scored for the Penguins. Sidney Crosby added an assist.

The Penguins’ season ended on the same Philadelphia ice in April when the Flyers won a first-round playoff series in six games.

The Flyers left the clincher to a roaring ovation on Cam York’s winner. Five months later, the Flyers were soundly booed off the ice – reaching a crescendo after the second period – and the opening night festivities were spoiled for a team trying to become a force in the Eastern Conference.

The Penguins are trying to run it back at least one more time between the longtime core of Crosby, Malkin and Kris Letang. Malkin signed a one-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh, and the hope is there’s enough magic left to help put the Penguins in position to win a playoff series for the first time in nearly a decade.

The 40-year-old Malkin ripped a one-timer from the slot early in the second period for the 3-0 lead that also gave him 100 career points against the Flyers. He became the sixth player with at least 100 points against the Flyers. Crosby’s assist on Robertson’s game-opening goal extended his record with 140 career points against Philly.

The Penguins scored five goals on their first 18 shots against Dan Vladar. Vladar didn’t play a full period in the preseason as he battled an unspecified injury, and with the Flyers in the first game of a back-to-back set, he was left in the game to take the beating.

Vladar knocked Robertson’s second goal of the game into the net with the back of his skate in a gaffe that made it 6-0.

Up next

Penguins play their home opener Saturday against Montreal.

Flyers play Thursday at New Jersey.