Pittsburgh Penguins
The time has finally come. With only hours until the puck drops, Consol Energy gets the chance to see its first ever Stanley Cup being raised. In their last game, the Penguins controlled the pace of play and did not hesitate in shooting the puck.
In tonight’s game, coach Mike Sullivan has the chance to put his stamp on the franchise and prove that he is the man for the job, if he hasn’t done that already.
“I’ve told these guys from day one that we believe in this group, we believe in our players and we know when the stakes are high, they’re going to be at their best,” Sullivan said.
Even without star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh has been lifted by a group of young players who are sure to make a big impact for years to come. There are no expected changes in the lineup for Game 5.
San Jose Sharks
This is only one of three straight wins the San Jose Sharks will have to put together to win the Stanley Cup themselves. The Sharks, who have been out-shot in every game, must take control of the game early and prevent Pittsburgh from scoring first.
Playing from behind is not a road to success and in order to jump-start the unprecedented comeback, they will need to score first. Tomas Hertl may be missing his third straight game with a lower-body injury. He is still listed day-to-day and it is unknown whether or not he will be in the lineup come game time.
His replacement, Melker Karlsson, scored San Jose’s only goal in Game 4 and would be expected to continue as Hertl’s replacement. Joe Pavelski, who entered the series with 22 points in the playoffs, has yet to get one. Look for the Sharks biggest names to make some noise and spoil the Penguins chances at victory on home ice.
Prediction
Witch Consol Energy Center the loudest it may ever be, with a massive amount of people outside the arena cheering the Penguins on, and with a chance to show Pittsburgh its first championship win within the city limits since the 1960’s, there is no way the Penguins lose.
Pittsburgh will play lights out and put the dagger in the Sharks by the conclusion of the second period. Phil Kessel and Carl Hagelin will be the Penguins biggest contributors in a 4-0 win.
Where: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.
When: Thursday, June 9 at 8 p.m.
Watch: NBC, CBC
