Penguins coach Mike Sullivan wanted to pressure Montreal goaltender Carey Price, and the Pens did last night, putting 38 shots on goal and punching out a 3-1 win over the Canadiens to even their best-of-five playoff qualifying series at a game apiece.
Sidney Crosby started the scoring with a goal off a feed from Jake Guentzel at the 4:25 mark of the first period. That lead held into the third period, with goaltender Matt Murray making multiple big saves, including a highlight stop of a two-on-one shot by Tomas Tatar. Conor Sheary fed a gorgeous pass to Jazon Zucker, which Zucker converted into a goal at 14:41 of the third to put the Penguins up, 2-0. After Montreal’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s rebound shot finally cracked Murray to make it 2-1 with 2:09 left in regulation, Guentzel scored into the empty net at 19:50 to finally seal the win.
Matt Murray made 26 saves in the win. Price was spectacular again, making 35 saves for the Canadiens, including 14 while shorthanded. The Penguins power play was 0-for-5, including a second straight game when they failed to score on a 5-on-3. They are 1-12 in the series with the man advantage.
Sidney Crosby says the Penguins knew the Canadiens would come on strong in the third period, and they did.
Crosby’s goal was the 68th playoff goal of his career, which is second to teammate Patrick Marleau’s 72. Crosby tied Gordie Howe for 18th all-time in playoff goals and is eight behind franchise leader Mario Lemieux’s 76. He also is tied with Doug Gilmour and Joe Sakic for 8th all time in career playoff points, with 188.
Crosby says Sullivan made the right call by not switching up his lineup for the game.
Matt Murray says the Penguins had to be aggressive against Carey price and the Canadiens.
Jason Zucker says Matt Murray was a game-saver.
Game three is tomorrow night at 8.
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