Yesterday, the Pittsburgh Penguins (35-24-8) visited the second place Metropolitan Division team, the New York Rangers (39-22-7). The Penguins saw a surge of offense, came from both household names and players who have filled in and have taken advantage of their playing time.
Conor Sheary scored two goals tonight and additional players like Eric Fehr, Tom Kuhnhackl, and Bryan Rust all had a part of the pie yesterday as well. Marc-Andre Fleury stood on his head in the first period with 19 shots against.
Pittsburgh was able to keep pushing forward and the defense tightened to give the Penguins a 5-3 win that could be a game we look back on once the playoffs begin.
Young and the Restless
Pittsburgh has been fortunate enough to have young and more seasoned players on their bottom lines. While no one does not expect these players to have a helping hand each and every night, they have.
Many names that one day may go unnoticed have helped propel the team into playoff contention. Of course, with Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist scoring a goal yesterday certainly helps.
But, players like Crosby and Hornqvist need the extra bit of help now with Evgeni Malkin out for a substantial amount of time.
This extra help has not come in just the last week or so. Players like Scott Wilson, Matt Cullen, Nick Bonino, Fehr, Rust, and so on have all made great contributions that have really given this team a chance at the Cup.
Flower Power
The Rangers are a very dangerous team and they played like it even though they were sent away with a loss. In the first period Fleury faced a barrage of shots and only allowed one goal which is very impressive for some of the looks New York saw.
Fleury, although at times being shaky, has started to put himself, once again, in the NHL elite. His play has been truly unremarkable over the last few weeks and has been the reason Pittsburgh has won so many close games.
The defense is a part of the team fans should worry more about. Seeing some of the defensive mistakes in the first period worried many, but all was forgiven after the Penguins were able to leave New York with a win.
Fleury must continue this high level of play if Pittsburgh wants any shot at the playoffs and it will be a struggle for the rest of the season.
Final Words
Pittsburgh has a lot of work still to do. Now that the team’s second best player will be out for the rest of the playoff hunt, it is up to the stars of the team to take the weight. Younger and role-less players must continue to step up and allow other teams to downplay their abilities.
The Penguins are in the very thick of things and can continue their winning ways so long as the team stays healthy and players like Phil Kessel rise to the occasion and bring to Pittsburgh another Stanley Cup.
What’s Next?
The Penguins will stay in New York to face the Islanders tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
