In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Tampa Bay Lightning wrecked havoc on the Pittsburgh Penguins on both sides of the ice, scoring three and preventing Pittsburgh from getting good opportunities. Patric Hornqvist removed the goose-egg from the scoresheet, but it wasn’t enough, and the Penguins lost the series opener, 3-1.
Perhaps the biggest headline was the early exit of Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop, who was injured after 12:25 in the first period. Backup Andrei Vasilevskiy was slotted in as Bishop’s substitute and finished the game with 22 saves on 23 shots.
Tampa Bay’s defense rose to the occasion and limited the ability of Pittsburgh’s offense. The Lightning’s ability to intercept passes and lift the Penguins’ sticks was a major reason for the win. Although Pittsburgh’s defense didn’t play exceptionally well, goaltender Matt Murray looked a bit out of his zone and struggled to corral and keep up with the puck.
Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin looked to have taken a nasty blow to the head after being shoved into the glass by Ondrej Palat late in the third period. As of now, it’s unknown how long, if at all, Dumoulin will be out with an assumed upper-body injury. He’s been one of Pittsburgh’s biggest workhorses and has significantly improved his play since the beginning of the season.
No Scoring, No Winning
The Penguins had multiple chances to get themselves back in the game after Tampa Bay took a commanding 3-0 lead. Pittsburgh’s inability to cash in on prime opportunities and the team’s lack of communication hurt its chances of winning the game.
Vasilevskiy didn’t do the Penguins any favors, either. His ability to concentrate on the puck and skill using his big leg pads gave him an advantage. Bishop’s status is currently unknown, but it would be a major blow to Tampa Bay if he’s unable to play in any of the next games.
The Lightning blocked 20 shots, as compared to the Penguins’ 10. Tampa Bay’s ability to get bodies between the net and the puck lifted a lot of pressure off of the team’s netminder and was a key reason Pittsburgh never gained much momentum.
Can Penguins Rebound?
Following Friday’s loss, Pittsburgh will need to respond well. Although the Penguins were beaten in many aspects, they still weren’t far from making it a much more interesting game.
Their inability to put the puck on net prevented them from creating much pressure in the zone and on the Lightning’s goaltender. Murray, who is assumed to be Game 2’s starter, must also put together a solid game if the Penguins want to move on to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Pittsburgh’s defense didn’t help the team’s cause and didn’t match up well against Tampa Bay’s speed. The Penguins played on their heels the entire game and couldn’t shift into the high, aggressive gear they so desperately sought to reach.
What’s Next
The Penguins will again play host in Game 2, which will take place Monday at 8:00 p.m.
Image credit: NHL.com
