In his first career NHL playoff start, Pittsburgh Penguins backup goaltender Jeff Zatkoff played lights-out hockey and helped the Penguins (1-0) nab the 5-2 win against the New York Rangers (0-1) at Consol Energy Center in the first game of the series. Zatkoff finished the game with 37 saves.
The Rangers were able to keep the game close heading into the final period, tightening the score to a 2-1 Penguins lead. But goals by rightwingers Tom Kuhnhackl and Patric Hornqvist further separated the two teams and put up an insurmountable lead.
The Penguins saw some stellar play on offense. Hornqvist finished the game with a hat trick, his first in the playoffs, and an assist. His three goals tonight were the first for the Penguins in the playoffs since Evgeni Malkin scored a hat trick in 2014. Captain Sidney Crosby finished the game with two assists and one goal, which came on a breakaway.
Are you kidding me?
Captain Clutch is at it again. pic.twitter.com/tzYDynOx6f
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 14, 2016
Tale of Two Backups
Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist had his night cut short after he was poked in the eye by the stick of teammate Marc Staal. Looking at replays of the Lundqvist injury, it appears as though it could keep out of the net for a bit.
Antti Raanta filled in for the injured Lundqvist and made 19 saves and allowed four goals.
Pittsburgh kept constant pressure on Raanta, and the Penguins never took their foot off the pedal, instead cranking it up a notch.
Pittsburgh is also dealing with injuries at goaltender, with both Marc-Andre Fleury (concussion) and Matt Murray (head injury) watching Wednesday’s game from the bench. (Fleury was considered a game-time decision.) Regardless, Zatkoff did his job tonight, earning the love from fans, who frequently chanted his name.
The status of any of the injured goaltenders is still unknown for Saturday’s game. Regardless, with or without Fleury or Murray, Pittsburgh can still win and be a very competitive team.
No Stoppin’ Them Now!
The Penguins made one thing known for certain in tonight’s game: they haven’t lost a step after a few days off (they hadn’t played a game since Saturday.) Before today’s game, head coach Mike Sullivan stressed focus and the ability to channel the team’s excitement, saying, “We are going to focus on one game at a time. Our guys are excited.”
Pittsburgh looked like it had that focus tonight, and the team put together a solid game that ended with the Penguins taking advantage of home ice. The defense put together a stellar performance, preventing the Rangers from catching up and making it a closer game.
New York never shied away, even though the team was down the entire game. Zatkoff had to play a perfect game, and that’s what he did.
What’s Next?
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have the chance to make it two wins to none when game 2 is played Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Consol Energy Center.
Photo credit: Sarah A.
