PENGUINS 2
RANGERS 0
We can't get too caught up around here in the euphoria of Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed if only for the reason that there's some championship-caliber hockey being played at Mellon Arena. And the fans were treated to another world-class exhibit of such hockey on Sunday as the Penguins blanked the Rangers 2-0, taking a similiar 2-0 lead in the seven-game series.
Marc-Andre Fleury, now 6-0 with two shutouts in the playoffs, stopped all 26 shots he faced. He's making Michel Therrien's decision to go back to him instead of sticking with Ty Conklin look like a stroke of genius.
While the game was not as interesting for fans of offense as the shootout at the OK Corral on Friday night, a win is a win is a win. A second period goal by Jordan Staal was ultimately the game-winner, although Adam Hall tacked on a freebie with 16 seconds to go. And then we had this at the end of the game, which should add some spice to Game Three:
The series resumes when Crosby and Co. take center stage in New York City on Tuesday night at 7 PM at Madison Square Garden. The Pens are 0-3-1 at MSG this year, and their struggles are well-documented.
Game Notes:
--Empty Netters offers a comprehensive recap loaded with photos from inside (and outside) the Arena.
--Jaromir tells Sidney to stay on his feet.
--Here's the PG's Photo Gallery
--The Rangers are confident despite their 2-0 hole
--Marc-Andre Fleury notched his second shutout of the 2008 postseason. He is the first Pens goalie to do so since Johan Hedberg recorded two in the 2001 playoffs.
--For the first time in six playoff contests, Pittsburgh failed to score at least three goals.
--The Penguins took a 2-0 series lead. They are 8-2 all-time when holding such a series advantage.
--The Rangers were blanked in the playoffs for the first time since the Devils shut them down in Game 3 of the 2006 Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
--For the first time in six playoff contests, Pittsburgh failed to score at least three goals.
--The Penguins took a 2-0 series lead. They are 8-2 all-time when holding such a series advantage.
--The Rangers were blanked in the playoffs for the first time since the Devils shut them down in Game 3 of the 2006 Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
--The Penguins are 8-2 in home playoff games against the Rangers
--Pittsburgh has at least one power-play goal in all six playoff games
--The Penguins have won Game 2 in their last eight playoff series
--The Rangers last came back from a 2-0 playoff deficit to win a series in 1996, taking the final four against Montreal
0 comments
Post a Comment