Zach Miracle of Pennsylvania writes: “Shoot, shoot, shoot! The Penguins are a team that can outshoot anyone and they need it now more than ever.”
Defending NHL Champs, Pittsburgh Penguins, breezed through the 2017 regular season, racking up over 100 points and finishing second in the Metro Division and third in the Eastern Conference. They achieved those outcomes despite losing over 200-man games to injuries.
The Pens have looked dominant during most of the playoffs. Pittsburgh took out the Blue Jackets, Capitals, and Senators. They seemed to be a team of destiny–on the cusp of establishing a dynesty.
Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators (photo, Predlines)
Why not? The Penguins have perhaps the best player to ever play the game, Sidney Crosby. And they are loaded at forward, have a solid defense, and boast veteran leaders.
But that dynasty is suddenly on hold. What seemed like a sure thing–the Pens raced out to a 2-0 lead in the Finals vs. Nashville–is now in question, largely becuase of Pekka Rinne and the Nashville defense.
The Pens-Predators go into tonight’s fifth game tied 2-2 in the Stanley Cup Final.
What does Pittsburgh need to do to retain the Cup? Here’s what I think.
1. DEFENSE: Pittsburgh’s defense in Game 3 was just about nonexistent. Hainsey looked slow, like a guy who has never been to the playoffs. Maata has had a few good periods in the Finals but, overall, he hasn’t been up to par. Schultz has been getting the puck close to the net, but he’s not fast enough to keep up with Nashville’s forwards. Doumolin, on the other hand, looks to be the best on defense. He has been consistent at least. Daley looks okay, but he’s just not the same since returning from injury. His role is critical, too, because he seems to be the only defenseman who can keep up with the Preds’ forwards.
Overall, the defense must step it up. The key is moving the puck out of the defensive zone and getting the transition game going. There’s no question that Pittsburgh misses Letang, their core transition guy. But making it this far in the playoffs without him shows that the Pens have enough talent to prevail.
2. GOALTENDING: Murray has looked great in his limited playoff role, save for Games 3 and 4. For the most part he has kept the Penguins in games in which they had no business being. I think he stole a few games, too. He needs to be in that form for Pittsburgh to win.
Murray gave up 8 goals in two games at Nashville, but the defense is to blame for a least three of those scores.
The Pens will win this thing if Murray can bounce back.
3. SHOOT THE PUCK: The Pens need to get pucks to the net …. early and often! There’s no alternative. Kessel needs to shoot the puck and use his quick release. The superstars and rookies need to get pucks on net. Pepper Pekka Rinne! That kind of offensive will take pressure off the defense and Murray.
It’s simple: Shoot, shoot, shoot! The Penguins are a team that can outshoot anyone and they need it now more than ever. If they can do it–and keep the pressure on the Preds–I see no reason why they can’t win the Cup.
