The Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1) played a stellar game to take back the lead in the series against the New York Rangers (1-2) at home, winning by a score of 3-1. Goaltender Matt Murray got the nod tonight — making his first career playoff start — and was a force in between the pipes for Pittsburgh.
The Rangers squandered four power-play opportunities but played tough against the boards. However, this time, the Penguins didn’t show any signs of fatigue as they were able to put up 30 shots against Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.
Matt Cullen’s third-period goal gave Pittsburgh the lead in the first five minutes. This goal would prove to be the difference-maker.
Oh Murray, My Murray!
Mike Sullivan was quoted earlier saying. “Matt Murray is an option for tonight.” When Pittsburgh came out onto the ice tonight for warm-ups, it was led by none other than Murray.
By the time the game started, it was clear the 21-year-old was comfortable — he allowed just the one goal on 17 shots. If not for Murray, the Penguins may very well have lost Game 3.
The long legs of Murray and his cat-like reflexes proved why he is such a coveted player. At this point, it is still uncertain when Marc-Andre Fleury will return to the ice; he’s been listed as day-to-day since the playoffs began.
Defensive Madness
Pittsburgh’s defense played amazingly well in the second half of the game. While looking shaky at the start, the Penguins were able to step up, skate well and take control of the game.
Both teams played a very physical game and combined for 70 hits (Penguins 30, Rangers 40). Although the Rangers were able to take the body more, they played too aggressively in some cases and made mistakes like the one that led to Cullen’s goal.
Matt Cullen says “king me” and puts the #Pens up 2-1. Video replay: https://t.co/EndCQubI9V pic.twitter.com/9DxFJY2lLA
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 20, 2016
New York will look to regroup after losing only its 15th time this season at home. The Rangers have a reputation for not allowing one loss to get to them, but the Penguins hope they can take Game 4 in New York and have a chance to win the series at home in Game 5.
Sidney Crosby notched another point tonight when he scored Pittsburgh’s first goal, making it 22 out of the last 24 games he’s recorded a point. Evgeni Malkin still looked to be getting his bearings together after coming back from a mid-March injury, but he looked to have improved on his Game 2 performance.
What’s Next?
The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers will get tomorrow off before playing Game 4 in New York on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
Image Credit: Getty Images
