Phil Kessel Quick Release Wrister Lifts Penguins Over Senators in Defensive Game 2

Sparkling save after sparkling save by Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson frustrated the Pittsburgh Penguins all throughout Game 1 and until late in Game 2, but persistence and a quick release from Phil Kessel ultimately paid off.

After his initial shot is blocked, Kessel uses his patented lightning fast release to beat Anderson and break the scoreless stalemate in the Penguins’ favor.

Regardless when it happens, a game-winner is a game-winner. #StanleyCup

A post shared by NHL (@nhl) on May 15, 2017 at 8:01pm PDT

The regular season in the NHL has seen goals become far more plentiful in recent years, but the Stanley Cup Playoffs are still a low-scoring war of attrition most nights.

The Penguins overcame injuries leading to a short bench to level the series with the Senators at one game apiece thanks to this snipe by Kessel.