Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins (48-25-8) went on the road for their final game of the season against the Philadelphia Flyers (39-27-14), with a chance to knock the Flyers out of the playoffs.
Pittsburgh’s offense couldn’t get the job done and was unable to cap off the season with a win, losing 3-1. The Flyers’ win now puts them in the playoffs where they will face the Washington Capitals in the first round. The Penguins struggled on offense, mustering only 19 shots, and were clearly a different team on the ice without their captain, who was given the day off.
The Penguins also played without defenseman Kris Letang (rest) and, for most of the game, without goalie Matt Murray, who left after taking a hard hit in net.
Jeff Zatkoff filled in for Murray, and Zatkoff allowed two goals and made 22 saves. This was the first action Zatkoff has seen since February, and he looked a bit rusty as Pittsburgh’s netminder. Philadelphia was determined not to give up an inch in today’s game with its playoff hopes on the line.
Struggling Offense
The Penguins’ offense didn’t perform today in the same manner it has recently. Pittsburgh just couldn’t find a way to put more than a goal up against goaltender Steve Mason. The Penguins struggled, and the lack of firepower from Crosby was very much felt.
The Penguins only drew one penalty, but they found themselves in the penalty box three times. Although not allowing a power-play goal, Pittsburgh put itself at a disadvantage and failed to stay competitive late in the game.
At this point, it’s still unknown who the Penguins will face in the first round, but it’s between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders. Fans will know Pittsburgh’s fate tomorrow when the NHL 2015-16 regular season concludes.
Murray Hurt
Murray was injured during today’s game after taking a pretty bad hit to the head that knocked his helmet off. It’s unknown whether or not the injury will keep Murray out for a significant amount of time. Murray’s early departure may have just been the coaching staff being wanting to be safe than sorry.
“We don’t really have an update,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “For precautionary reasons, it makes sense for us to keep him out.”
If both Murray and Marc-Andre Fleury (concussion) are unavailable for the Penguins’ first playoff game, Zatkoff will almost certainly start.
Final Words
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be hoping to raise the Cup for the first time since 2009. While Pittsburgh has had a very challenging, up-and-down regular season, the Penguins have been dominant in the last month and a half.
If Pittsburgh can continue its strong, fast style of play against its first round opponent, expect the team to go very deep in the playoffs. With center Evgeni Malkin expected to return sooner rather than later, the Penguins have a great opportunity to take the Eastern Conference by storm.
The Penguins definitely need to be healthy heading into the playoffs. Fleury has been the team’s most consistent player, and if both he and Murray are unable to play in the first few games, things might not be good. However, if one or both of the injured goalies are able to make a successful recovery, they could help carry this team all the way to the championship.
Photo credit: Michael Miller
