In a game of such magnitude, that was an unfathomable lapse by the Penguins.

It turns out there was more to come in what was their most important game yet.

The two sides trading chances and rattled posts until Crosby gave the Penguins a 3-2 lead eight minutes into the second period. Rust had another spectacular setup, zipping the puck through three Red Wings to Crosby at the back post.

By that point, the game already had a real playoff feel. Things got even chipper from there on out. Crosby and Letang both had heated moments with opponents.

Rust made it 4-2 later in the second period, pulling in a pass from Reilly Smith, whipping one in off the crossbar and celebrating like he knew he was scoring.

Pittsburgh allowed another late goal in a period. Jeff Petry got it for Detroit. And after Carter’s short-handed goal put them back up two, the Penguins collapsed.

The defense pair of Marcus Pettersson and Karlsson were on for both of those goals. Karlsson left the slot vacant on Larkin’s goal. Pettersson then lost a race for the puck, letting Raymond to skate in on a breakaway and tie the score.

It was the fourth time in the last 10 games they lost a two-goal lead in the third.

But Karlsson redeemed himself in overtime, giving the Penguins a rare 3-on-3 win.

ICE CHIPS

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