The Pittsbrugh Penguins took to the ice in New Jersey last ngiht with a chance to clinch the playoffs. A sentence none of us thought we would be reading for at least another year, but if we are all being deeply honest, probably 2 to 3 years at best. But this team has that Ted Lasso BELIEVE spirit, and last night they had a job to do.
A stark difference between the Dan Muse guided Penguins and those flightless birds of the late Mike Sullivan era is a feeling that the team is not only prepared but also ready for the moment. After years of dull starts and scar tissue, we all took to our phones betting the Devils would score first here. After they started the game with the first 7 shots on goal it looked like the safe bet. Finally the Pens got some pressure, the Devils couldn’t get it out of the zone and the puck found Letang at the point. An open Chinakhov flipped it to Rusty and thye were on the board.
BRYAN RUST (29) Assisted by Chinakhov (20) & Letang (31) @ 4:53
Just smooth puck movement that we are becoming accustomed to seeing. Chinakhov continues to shine as a keystone piece to this season and team. The goal came on the Pens first shot of the game and would spark the boys. They outshot New Jersey 14-3 the rest of the way but that was the lone marker that tickled the twine.
The first half of the second period felt a little bit like the New Jersey games your dad used to watch. A few “ohhs” a few “ahhs” and a 1-0 score. Halfway through the Devils had the puck in their own zone and somehow Paul Cotter snuck behind the two defenders who were appropriately playing at the right depth. A deep pass to Cotter sent him on a breakaway and he smoothly tuck it home.
This was innocent enough, and likely a lack of communication between the defense to allow a forward to split between them on the center logo.
Play resumed and it didn’t take these Pens long to answer, two minutes later they were back in the lead.
Tommy Novak (16) Assisted by Malkin (42) & Karlsson (51) @ 11:43
Transition, transition, transition. This play develops in the defensive zone, Karlsson is streaking up the side boards, but what really makes the play is the patience by Novak. When he sees Karlsson on the wing he could snap it over, but instead he takes two seconds to skate to the center of the ice. This not only spreads out the out man rush as Rakell takes Novak’s place on the left boards, but also allows Malkin time to join and create a 4 on 2. It’s a tiny move with a huge implication, as it gives Mr. 101 the puck with no defender time to make a decision. Heck of a shot by Tommy Boy.
SSG and Birdman had barely had time to clean up the nachos that Little Bird spilled before they had to do it all again. Right off the faceoff from the goal the puck goes into the Pens zone, Ryan Shea grabs the biscuit and sends it up ice to a streaking Chinakhov. He shakes, he bakes, its 3-1 Pens.
Egor Chinakhov (21) Assisted by Shea (26) & Crosby (44) @ 11:52
Just to keep it interesting Jack Hughes would score in the final 5 minutes and the period would close out 3-2 Pens.
20 minutes of solid play is all the boys needed to get back to the dance. Years ago they would’ve started flat. A one goal lead heading to the third in an important game would’ve given us no confidence. But, these guys are different. They came out poised and ready. Six minutes in, we got our dagger.
EVGENI MALKIN (19) Assisted by Crosby (45) & Chinakhov (21) @ 6:50
Maybe I am just emotional, but there is something about this celebration between Crosby and Geno that just hits the feels. Chinakhov continues his outstanding rebirth. He was everywhere tonight, and getting a rare moment with both Sid and Geno, he took advantage.
The Pens shut the door, missed a few powerplay opportunities, but more importantly did not let the Devils back in the game. New Jersey pulled their goalie with about an hour left and Karlsson wrapped things up.
ERIK KARLSSON (15) Assisted by Wotherspoon (27) & Acciari (12) @ 17:00
As we should expect, the Pens didn’t celebrate the significance of this goal. They kept pushing. They wanted more. And they nearly scored again in the final minutes. To steal from Jerseys finest:
Well, everything dies, baby, that’s a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back
Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty
And meet me in battle for Lord Stanley.
I could type something here, but the Pens PR did it for me:
Your Pittsburgh Penguins are going into the playoffs with little expectations. It feels oddly similar to Mike Sullivans first year as a coach after replacing Byslma, which my computer autocorrected to Balsam. This team has character and they do believe in their blueprint and their skillset. Are they the deepest team in the race? No. Do they have goalie issues? Yes. Have we seen streaking goaltending lead unexpected teams to playoff success? Yes. Are you going to bet against this team right now?
There is something about that Malkin goal that is resonating with me. Just an all out desire by Crosby and Malkin to get that puck in the goal. Is it just a simple goal in a regular season game in April or a metaphor for what we are about to witness?
Playoff Hockey is coming back to Pittsburgh baby!
And on the boardwalk, they’re gettin’ ready for a hell of a fight, Gonna see what them racket boys can do