Pittsburgh Penguins (0-0)
The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the last three meetings against the New York Rangers and will look to begin redeeming themselves after being eliminated by New York for the last two years.
The goaltending situation is still unknown as Coach Mike Sullivan said that it will be a game-time decision. Beau Bennett, Olli Maatta, and Marc-Andre Fleury all are suffering from injuries and it is unknown who will be in the starting lineup for Game 1.
With Pittsburgh winning its last 14 of 16 games, the Penguins will look to keep the momentum going, even after several days off. Last time Pittsburgh had more than a couple days off, it fell hard against the New Jersey Devils, tonight could be a different story.
New York Rangers (0-0)
Although being displaced from the second spot in the Metropolitan Division, the New York Rangers are just as dangerous in years past. However, they will be playing a whole new team in the Penguins when squaring off in Game 1 tonight.
Keep an eye out on Derick Brassard, who has had the Penguins number since being acquired by New York. Brassard has been a major thorn in Pittsburgh’s side, especially in the playoffs.
Henrik Lundqvist is one of the league’s most consistent goalies, and the Penguins will have to be able to break the goaltender’s confidence to take the series. Lundqvist, especially in the playoffs, has always played well and did not doubt his own ability to stop Pittsburgh from putting the puck past him.
Prediction
This prediction is difficult with a giant question mark on who will be starting between the pipes. If Fleury is able to come back and start, the Penguins will begin the redemption story with a 3-2 win.
If Pittsburgh is able to pressure Lundqvist early and often, it may be a very long game for the Rangers. In the same respect, if the Penguins are not able to bury opportunities and finish possessions, Pittsburgh may be in for a disappointing night.
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