Both Crosby and Conor Sheary played in Saturday’s Game 5 for the first time since sustaining concussions in Game 3.
Fleury had stopped 133 of 142 shots through four games, making a mockery out of the core fundamental of hockey that having the puck more and putting it on net leads to success.
But no matter how this campaign ends, with Washington down three games to two going into Monday’s Game 6 in Pittsburgh, Kuznetsov’s play is assurance that the future of the franchise is still brimming with bird-flapping celebrations. The Washington Capitals have won 14 of their last 17 games when allowing three or less goals. Anyone familiar with Penguins coach Mike Sullivan’s core philosophies recognized those concepts and their centrality to the identity of the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Sheary picked up his injury running into Penguins winger Patric Hornqvist in Game 3 and was sporting some stitches on his upper lip Friday morning.
“The competitiveness of this team, the desperation that the guys in this locker room showed out there”, defenseman Ian Cole said. “So I think that’s the most prudent way to approach it and that’s how we are”. These are tough games. The demotion could be a spark for the captain, who can take over a game when he’s at his best.
The Penguins are in position to close out the series despite being outshot in each of the previous four games, often by a wide margin. They carried play for long stretches in each of the matchups, but mistakes opened the door for Penguins counterattacks and power plays.
Carrying that 2-1 lead into the third period, the Penguins had to feel good about themselves – yes, they were outshot 18-10 through 40 minutes, the play was nearly comically tight.
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Corey Perry scored 6:57 into the second overtime after the Anaheim Ducks rallied from a three-goal deficit in the final minutes of regulation, completing a spectacular victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night and seizing a 3-2 lead in their second-round playoff series. “We just need to get the job done and learn from these (games)”. Now theres no shortage of belief about getting the series back to Washington for a potential Game 7 on Wednesday.
That Crosby was newly concussed on May 1st and playing over 19 minutes on the 6th is a tribute to, well, you pick: advances in the treatment of concussions, the power of prayer or pluck.
“Some recover quicker than others, and I don’t claim to know a whole lot about it and that’s why we refer to the people that do”, he said. He was a non-factor for most of the series, and Trotz’s staff moved him to the third line for Game 6. “Some games we win blocking shots and killing penalties”. I think him and Tom [Wilson] together, especially and Lars [Eller] dogging the puck, that’s an effective line. “They come hard and they have good skill. The offense came through that way”. “You’re sitting right next to a guy who elevated his game, so you better elevate your game”. We’ve been here before, and maybe a year ago, worrying was called for.
Shots don’t always correlate to quality scoring chances, of course, but Washington has controlled play for extended stretches throughout the series, subjecting the Penguins’ team defense to significant stress.