Round 3 Game 1 Results

Carolina Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins Lead Series 1-0

Both teams came out firing on all cylinders just as expected.  Pittsburgh got the first power play and was unable to generate too much.  Then Carolina got a power play and a few good chances to capitalize on broken plays as Fleury just shut the door.  As that penalty expired, Cooke cleared the puck to center ice and setup Satan on a breakaway.  Satan made it look easy as he burned Ward for the games first goal.  Then a little over a minute later, Malkin and Boucher teamed up with a give and go to go ahead by two.  Pittsburgh continued to get some good chances as the period went on but no one could beat Ward again.  The second period was as even as it can get.  Both teams showed how fast they can be and generated several good scoring chances.  It was the Canes who would win the period as Larose cashed in on an even strength tally.  The game was far from over at the start of the third.  Both teams again played well but a Delay of Game penalty on Cullen would allow Pittsburgh to take another two goal lead.  That would turn out to be the winner as Carolina pulled Ward and launched a late game attack on power play with just around 2 minutes to go.  Corvo scored the goal to pull within 1 but they just couldn’t get the equalizer.  It was a fun game to watch especially knowing both teams have more to give.  Now the stats…

This was a good game, neither team played flawlessly but, both teams generated offense and both goalies made some big saves.  In the end it came down to Pittsburgh out chancing them.

Carolina has to regroup and be ready for the next game.  The big concern is the injuries to Cole and Ruutu.  If they are serious these are two guys that could be very hard to replace.  They are counted on for depth scoring and without that it may be too tall of a task for Staal and Whitney to replace.

Pittsburgh has to take this win with a grain of salt.  They can play better and will have to, if they plan on advancing.  They need to get some good cycles going like they did in the first.  If they cycle the puck down low they should be able to draw penalties and create turnovers.  This will lead to some tired legs for Carolina defenders late in the game and should allow Pittsburgh some great opportunities with the open ice.

Next Game Thursday May 21 @ 7:30 on Versus