Pittsburgh Penguins
Young players and established stars alike have given the Pittsburgh Penguins hope of hoisting the trophy after taking Game 1 against the San Jose Sharks. In a game dominated by speed and athleticism, the Penguins were able to damper the Sharks’ excitement in their first-ever game in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Although Pittsburgh was out-played in the second period, the team dominated for most of the game and controlled the pace. If they want to win again, the Penguins must control the puck and play their own, very fast brand of hockey.
If the Sharks are able to take control and play how they want to, San Jose could make Pittsburgh’s fans leave Consol Energy Center with their heads down.
Bryan Rust, one of Pittsburgh’s biggest heroes in the past couple of games, will be a game-time decision.
San Jose Sharks
Despite losing the first game, it was only decided in the final minutes — the Sharks have plenty of hockey left to bring the series back to their advantage.
The top producers for San Jose must step up and make a difference in Game 2; neither Joe Pavelski or Joe Thornton made much noise in Game 1. But, should the Sharks lose tonight, they won’t take their feet off the pedal. San Jose didn’t match up well in the first game, so expect that to change.
Containing Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will be of the utmost importance, but it might just be the Penguins’ depth and lesser-known players who may seal San Jose’s fate.
Prediction
The Penguins will again play like the fastest team in the world and will roll over the Sharks in a 5-1 game with goaltender Matt Murray playing his best game as a pro.
Where: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA
When: Wednesday, June 1 @ 8:00 p.m.
Watch: NBCSN
Image credit: Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire/AP Images
