"It feels good to get one in there," Kessel said. "I've had some chances and they haven't gone in, but it is what it is. Just keep going."
WATCH: [All Oilers vs. Penguins highlights]
With Edmonton trailing by one with 2:53 remaining in the third period, Connor McDavid scored for the first time since he had a hat trick in the Oilers season opener against the Calgary Flames to tie it 1-1. He shot over goalie Matt Murray's glove from the left circle.
Ian Cole scored for the seventh time in 178 games with the Penguins for a 1-0 lead at 3:24 of the third.
Pittsburgh (6-3-1) has won six of eight games since beginning the season 0-1-1. Edmonton (2-5-1) is 1-5-1 and lost six of seven since winning their season opener on Oct. 4.
McDavid again got the best of Sidney Crosby on the scoresheet when they met for the third time, and first time this season. He has five points (two goals, three assists) in three career NHL games against Pittsburgh, but was frustrated with Edmonton's inability to finish quality opportunities Tuesday.
"You're happy you're getting chances as a team. You're not happy you're not scoring," McDavid said. "Missing flat-out open nets and it's costing us. … We went through it a little bit last year later in the season, but we just have to relax. Just calm down.
"I mean, we're getting these chances in front of the net that should be automatic and we're not scoring them, myself included."