For the first time since hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2008-09, the Pittsburgh Penguins have tallied a win in the Stanley Cup Finals. Game 1 saw three periods of completely different play. In the first period, Pittsburgh dominated with an aggressive forecheck, killing speed and good instincts by just about every player. In the second period, the San Jose Sharks evaporated the Penguins 2-0 lead and bring the game back to even.
In the third period, each team had their fair shot at taking the advantage, but Pittsburgh, on a late goal by Nick Bonino, would end up salvaging Game 1 and put itself in a position to need only three more win from here on out.
Every player who was healthy to be out on the ice had an impact in some way. The ability to pass in high pressured and narrow lanes continued to prevent San Jose from getting much momentum. Another reason for the Sharks being unable to control the game was the performance by Matt Murray. Although allowing two somewhat soft goals, expect Murray to play similarly for the rest of the series.
Despite netting only an assist in Game 1, Sidney Crosby’s presence was still felt around the hockey rink. The ability of the captain to handle the puck through defenders and find an outlet to setup a shot was Crosby’s biggest contribution all game long. Many times during the opening game to the Stanley Cup Finals, Crosby was not too far off from receiving another assist.
Period 1
The first period of Game 1 was completely dominated by the Penguins. They were able to control the puck and just as importantly, take control of the pace and play how they want. San Jose looked unable to match up against some of Pittsburgh’s forwards leading to two goals by the conclusion of this period.
The Penguins were able to generate chances among all forward lines and had an opportunity on the power-play to extend their lead even further. The Sharks looked shocked when the game began and had a hard time controlling the puck and playing the game their way. However, things changed quite a bit once the first intermission was over.
Period 2
San Jose took a lot of steam out of Consol Energy Center scoring two goals in the second period to bring the game back to a draw. Goals by Tomas Hertl and Patrick Marleau brought momentum back to the Sharks and continued to play this period with great skill and tenacity.
If not for the outstanding play by Murray and the defense being able to prevent San Jose from sustaining long offensive pushes. The game may have tilted too far in one direction and could have given the Sharks an advantage Coach Mike Sullivan or the Penguins would have wanted to see.
Period 3
Bonino came up in a magical moment once again scoring his fourth goal of the playoffs and capturing Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game-winning goal came with only minutes left in the game. A desperate San Jose team was difficult for the Penguins to fend off, but clearing the puck, along with an electric crowd, gave Pittsburgh the momentum it needed going into Game 2.
Sullivan couldn’t say enough about Bonino in his address to the media following the game: “He’s a terrific player in every aspect of the game. He has a high hockey IQ, good hands, he’s brave, he blocks shots.”
What’s Next?
The Pittsburgh Penguins will continue their march on Wednesday at 8 p.m. for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Photo credit: @Penguins
