Speed Rules The Day; Pens Take 2-1 Series Lead

In baseball, the phrase usually known about pitching is, "You are only as good as your next day starting pitcher."  Well in game 3, the Penguins went to their next starting goaltender in the form of regularly backup goaltender Matt Murray.  What resulted was a 3-1 game 3 win by the Penguins and a 2-1 series lead over the New York Rangers.  Some observations:

The Rangers fell into the trap of trying to play the style the Penguins play which is speed.  Yes, the Rangers were physical at times, but they weren't exactly trying to slow down the pace of play and tried trading scoring opportunities against the Penguins.   Even with them trying to trade scoring opportunities, the Rangers were only able to put 17 shots on net.  For the Rangers to be successful, they have to not fall into the trap of playing the Penguins style of hockey.

Furthermore, both goaltenders last night were superb.  Two out of the four total goals were scored on the breakaway.  I thought for how high pressured the game was that Matt Murray played spectacular, and that the big stage of it being the playoffs and playing at Madison Square Garden didn't really phase him.  I'm not sure if there has ever been a playoff series in which three separate goaltenders have recorded a win for one team.  If Fleury would come back in this series, one it would be interesting to see even if they go to him in net, and two, if he would be able to accomplish that feat.

The Penguins look to put a stranglehold on the series when they face the New York Rangers in game 4 Thursday night at 7:00.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/cullens-third-period-goal-leads-penguins-over-rangers-014948574--nhl.html