The Pittsburgh Penguins made a huge statement in Game 4 by beating the New York Rangers 5-0.
The Penguins made a huge statement in Game 3 by winning 3-1 in a relatively low-scoring affair. They made an even bigger statement and have put the Rangers with their backs against the wall after a 5-0 blowout in Game 4.
Pittsburgh had the speed advantage going into the series and that was something that they exploited tonight. The Pens got two goals from Evgeni Malkin (who also had two assists) and a goal apiece from Eric Fehr, Patric Hornqvist, and Connor Sheary. Nick Bonino, Ben Lovejoy, Olli Maata, Trevor Daley, and Chris Kunitz each got one assist apiece while Sidney Crosby picked up two assists.
While New York mustered 31 shots on goal, Pens goaltender Matt Murray came through with his first career playoff shutout in just his second career playoff start. Pittsburgh chased Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist out of the game after he allowed four goals on 18 shots on goal. The Rangers are not in unfamiliar territory, as they have come back from 3-1 deficits multiple times over the past few years. This, however, seems to be too big of a deficit for New York to overcome.
Three stars
Malkin came up huge for the Pens tonight. He didn’t look healthy in the first two games of the series, but dear goodness did he look great tonight. If he’s healthy, the rest of the Eastern Conference is on notice. The scary part? If Malkin and Crosby are both healthy and playing well, the opposing team can’t do much to stop both of them.
Crosby made plays all night long for the Penguins. He set up Hornqvist’s first goal and also set up Malkin’s first. Once again, he was asked to handle the tough minutes in order to give Malkin better opportunities to score, and he handled it brilliantly. That’s why he’s the best player on the Penguins and arguably the best player in the world.
Murray kept the Rangers at bay as they attempted to make a comeback. 31 saves from a rookie goaltender in the playoffs in one of the toughest arenas to play in is a very difficult thing to do. Give him credit. He fully deserves it.
Highlights
Next Game
The Penguins and Rangers will face off again in Game 5 on Saturday. However, the time has yet to be revealed.
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