Penguins Embarrass Rangers 5-0; Lead Series 3-1

Well, that was easy. In front of a silent and shocked crowed Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, the Penguins were able to easily dispose of the New York Rangers 5-0.  Some observations:

There won't be many when there is a drubbing like this, but Matt Murray was again spectacular as he recorded his first shoutout of his career in the playoffs.  He ended up stopping 31 saves and during that process made some spectacular saves.  The question I guess remaining is, is Marc Andre Fleury done being a Pittsburgh Penguin if the Pens win this series and go deep into the playoffs?  Let's be honest, there is no sense in keeping him around at the price he is making if someone at a much cheaper price can get the job done.

Another aspect of the game the Penguins dominated was their power play.  The Penguins ended up going 3/6 on the power play and were able to distribute the puck at will.  Furthermore, their forechecking bothered the Rangers the entire night and didn't allow them to exit their own zone freely.  

With the speed and the tenacity the Penguins are displaying, they should have no problem ending this series in Pittsburgh tomorrow.  Face-off is set for 3 o'clock EST.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/malkin-stars-penguins-push-rangers-playoff-brink-015930906--nhl.html

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

Lundqvist Shines as Rangers Tie Series at 1

A lot can happen within a 72 hour span as the Penguins found out on Saturday afternoon against the New York Rangers.  After a game 1 victory by the Penguins 5-2, the Rangers flipped the script and won convincing in game 2, 4-2.  Some observations:

First and foremost, the Penguins had a horrendous second period, which is shocking because for most of the season the second period was their strongest.  The Penguins scored early in the second period as Phil Kessel scored a beautiful goal that was set up by both Trevor Daley and Nick Bonino.  That would be the only bright spot as the Rangers would end up scoring three goals in the period in roughly about four minutes of playing time.

Second, Zatkoff was not good in yesterdays game.  He saved 24/ 28 shots, and he never really looked comfortable in the net.  While he absorbed shots in game 1 and was in good position, that was not the case and he let a lot of juicy rebounds out there for the Rangers to capitalize the entire game.  However, one goal was not his fault as Derick Brassard torched past Oil Maatta with his speed and scored on a breakaway.

Last, it has always been clear of how to beat the Penguins whether it be in the regular season and in the playoffs.  You have to get them frustrated.  The key to any success opposing teams have on the Penguins is to take the lead and watch the Penguins take stupid penalties.  Throughout this game in the third you would see the Penguins cross check and even slash at the Rangers players legs late in the game.  The Penguins must get back to their game of utilizing their speed to neutralize the physicality of the Rangers.  Also, having Fleury back wouldn't hurt the Penguins either.

The Penguins look to regain their advantage in the series as the venue shifts to Madison Square Garden.  Face-off is set for 7:00 on Tuesday.

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/rangers-respond-top-penguins-4-2-even-series-221516522--nhl.html