The Best Overtime Wins in WBS Penguins History

Quick answer: The most iconic overtime wins in WBS Penguins history include Colby Armstrong’s triple-OT clincher in 2005, Jake Guentzel’s multi-OT sweep winner in 2016, Simon Despres’ back-to-back playoff heroics in 2012 and 2014, and Rutger McGroarty’s recent 2026 postseason redirection against the Hershey Bears.

Few moments in hockey match the electricity of an overtime goal. The building goes silent, then erupts. Players pile on. Fans lose their minds. For WBS Penguins fans, those moments aren’t rare; they’re a proud part of the franchise’s identity.

From triple-overtime thrillers in the early 2000s to clutch goals in the closing seconds of sudden death, WBS Penguins history is packed with overtime wins that have defined seasons and created memories that last a lifetime. Here are the moments that stand above the rest.

Legendary Playoff Overtime Thrillers

1. Colby Armstrong’s Historic Triple-OT Winner (April 25, 2005)

It doesn’t get more dramatic than this. With the Penguins needing a win to stay alive, Colby Armstrong beat the clock and the Binghamton Senators by scoring at 12:26 of the third overtime to give WBS a 3-2 victory in Game 3 of the East Division Semifinals. That goal sparked a remarkable series comeback, cementing Armstrong’s name in franchise lore.

2. Alexandre Mathieu’s Western Conference Final Goal (May 7, 2001)

Before the WBS Penguins became a household name in the AHL, Alexandre Mathieu delivered a moment that helped put them on the map. On May 7, 2001, Mathieu scored at 15:43 of the second overtime in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final, giving the Penguins a 2-1 win over the Hershey Bears. That goal helped propel WBS to their first-ever Calder Cup Final appearance.

3. Jake Guentzel’s Multi-OT Sweep Clincher (April 23, 2016)

Jake Guentzel was a natural from the start. In a 2016 playoff series against the Providence Bruins where all three wins came in extra time, Guentzel delivered the finishing blow by scoring at 13:52 of the second overtime for a 5-4 victory on April 23. Sweeping a series is impressive. Winning every game in overtime is extraordinary.

4. Simon Despres’ Franchise-Defining Moments (May 8, 2012 and May 14, 2014)

Simon Despres did it not once, but twice. On May 8, 2012, Despres etched his name in WBS history with a massive multi-overtime winner. Then on May 14, 2014, he delivered again, scoring at 12:08 of double overtime to stave off playoff elimination against the St. John’s IceCaps. Two franchise-defining moments from the same player, in two separate postseasons.

Memorable Recent Overtime Moments

5. Rutger McGroarty’s Division Playoff Heroics (May 5, 2026)

The latest chapter in WBS overtime history was written on May 5, 2026. Rutger McGroarty redirected a Sebastian Aho shot at 5:02 of overtime, handing the Penguins a 4-3 win over the Hershey Bears in the division playoffs. The goal gave WBS a critical 2-1 series lead and reminded everyone that the Penguins’ clutch gene is still very much alive.

6. Avery Hayes’ Last-Second Playoff Clincher (March 26, 2025)

Talk about cutting it close. On March 26, 2025, Avery Hayes scored just 11.5 seconds into sudden-death overtime to defeat the Hartford Wolf Pack 4-3 and officially clinch a playoff berth for the Penguins. A goal that close to the opening horn is the kind of moment fans replay for years.

7. East Division Semifinals

The 2004 playoffs were a historic run for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, defined by resilience and a flair for dramatic finishes. That postseason, the team played in a record 11 overtime games, setting an enduring benchmark for grit and determination.

The Penguins won three overtime games, including an unforgettable Game Seven victory in Bridgeport, sealed by Konstantin Koltsov’s heroics.

8. Eastern Conference Finals

Another Game Seven thriller saw Matt Murley score the decisive overtime goal in Hartford, propelling WBS to the finals.s

9. Game Seven Victories

These wins etched Wilkes-Barre/Scranton into AHL history as the first team to clinch two Game Seven overtime victories in the same playoff series, a testament to the team’s unyielding drive under pressure.

• Game Seven Victory in Bridgeport – Konstantin Koltsov secured an unforgettable win with a heroic overtime goal, advancing the Penguins further in their playoff campaign.
• Game Seven Thriller in Hartford – Matt Murley delivered the decisive overtime goal that sent WBS to the finals in a nail-biting conclusion.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton became the first team in AHL history to achieve two Game Seven overtime victories in a single playoff series, showcasing extraordinary resilience and determination.

The WBS Penguins Overtime Legacy Lives On

These overtime wins reflect something deeper than statistics. They capture the resilience, determination, and competitive spirit that define WBS Penguins hockey. From Armstrong’s triple-OT drama to McGroarty’s postseason redirection, each goal represents a moment when players rose to the occasion under the highest pressure.

The 2026-27 season is just around the corner, and the next unforgettable overtime moment could be coming soon. Don’t miss it. Follow the WBS Penguins and stay tuned for every thrilling second of the upcoming season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous overtime win in WBS Penguins history?

Colby Armstrong’s triple-overtime goal on April 25, 2005, against the Binghamton Senators is widely regarded as one of the most iconic overtime wins in WBS Penguins history. Armstrong scored at 12:26 of the third overtime period to spark a series comeback in the East Division Semifinals.

Which WBS Penguin has the most notable overtime playoff performances?

Simon Despres stands out for scoring major multi-overtime winners in two separate postseasons, including a double-overtime clincher on May 14, 2014, that prevented the Penguins from playoff elimination.

When did the WBS Penguins first reach the Calder Cup Final?

The WBS Penguins reached their first-ever Calder Cup Final following the 2000-01 season. Alexandre Mathieu’s second-overtime goal on May 7, 2001, in the Western Conference Final was a key moment in that run.

Who scored the most recent overtime winner for the WBS Penguins?

Rutger McGroarty scored the most recent notable overtime winner on May 5, 2026, redirecting a Sebastian Aho shot at 5:02 of overtime to give the Penguins a 4-3 win and a 2-1 series lead over the Hershey Bears.