The Pittsburgh Penguins lost all of their momentum thanks to an unsportsmanlike penalty to a veteran defenseman.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled in their last handful of games, but were managing to keep up with one of the top teams in the NHL. As the game between the Penguins and New York Rangers passed it’s midway point, the score was tied at three.

With time winding down in the second period, the Penguins took a penalty that would ultimately cost them the game. However, it wasn’t this exact call that got the Penguins worked up.

Noel Acciari took a tripping call with just under four minutes remaining in the second period. Forward Artemi Panarin scored to give the Rangers a 4-3 lead but were immediately given another power play opportunity.

This time, officials gave Penguins’ defenseman Kris Letang two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. Following the goal from Panarin, Letang had some words for an official and was quickly assessed the penalty.

The Rangers went on to score on that power play, as well, giving them a 5-3 lead into the second intermission.

Following the game, Letang didn’t dive into what he said but noted that the emotions of the game were a factor.

“Emotions on the penalty and on the play,” Letang said. “That’s it.”

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan also didn’t provide many details about what Letang said but stood behind his player.

“He obviously had an exchange with the referee, and the referee didn’t like what he said,” Sullivan said. “I’d like to believe, especially at this time of year, the officials understand that the players have a lot at stake. These guys are invested; it’s an emotional game.”

Sullivan said it was those two penalties that flipped the momentum of the game and put the Rangers in the driver’s seat for the rest of the contest.

“The game flipped in that two-goal swing on their power plays,” Sullivan said.

Regardless of what was said between Letang and the official, it seemed to have cost the Penguins the game. The Rangers took over and didn’t let off the pedal until the final whistle. The Penguins are sitting further back in their push for the playoffs, and could have used a big two points from the Rangers.

NHL officials are not made available following games, and this is an instance where some clarification is needed.

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