NHL Shootouts Feature Last-Second Goals and Thrilling Wins
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Recent NHL games have showcased the thrilling unpredictability of hockey, particularly with last-second goals leading to shootouts. In a stunning matchup on December 9, 2025, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 after Beckett Sennecke scored with just one-tenth of a second left in regulation.
Ducks goaltender Ville Husso made 45 saves and stopped all three shootout attempts, while Leo Carlsson secured the shootout win, marking the Ducks' third consecutive victory (Deadspin). Another thrilling contest saw the New York Islanders triumph over the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4, with Emil Heineman scoring the decisive shootout goal after Pavel Dorofeyev equalized with 12.1 seconds left in regulation (amNewYork).
Additionally, the Nashville Predators edged the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in a shootout, with Ryan O'Reilly scoring the winning shot after Cale Makar tied the game with just eight seconds remaining in regulation (Yahoo Sports, The Hockey Writers).
These recent games highlight the intense competition and dramatic finishes that make the NHL so captivating for fans.