GLENDALE, Ariz., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins are winners for the first time in a month and a half.
The Penguins Wednesday night ended a string of 18 straight losses with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.
Richard Jackman scored the winning goal, deflecting a shot past Phoenix goalie Brian Boucher.
The Penguins cleared their bench and celebrated.
"We all breathed and now we can smile and not worry about everything," said rookie wing Ryan Malone. "The celebration felt like a ton of bricks was lifted off our back."
Although Pittsburgh lost 18 straight games, it is not considered a record "losing streak" by the NHL because one of the losses came in an overtime game -- and the Penguins received a point in the standings, even though they lost that contest.
The streak was, however, officially the longest in NHL history without a win or a tie.
