These Penguins have the look of a defending champion on a mission to repeat. It’s that simple. They find different ways to win, but in the end they just find ways to win hockey games. In games in which they’ve been outshot by ten or more shots in these playoffs they’re 6-1. Enough said.
For the second straight game the Nashville Preds looked poised to win a road game in these Finals. But for the second straight game Pittsburgh exploded for three goals in a quick burst to take both games and head back to Nashville with a 2-0 series lead.
To be blunt, Pecca Rinnie has been abysmal in net for Nashville. The Predators have no chance to win this series if his play continues at this level. Of the nine Pittsburgh goals scored in the first two games, by my count, four of the goals have been soft. You can’t win the Super Bowl without solid QB play. You can’t win the World Series without pitching. And you can’t win the Stanley Cup with you netminder giving up soft goals in bunches.
Conversely, Penguin rookie goalie Matt Murray has been outstanding. He was my No. 1 Star in Game 2 and played well enough in Game 1 for his team to win.
Rookie winger Jake Guentzel has been incredible in these Finals. He has both game winners and three goals in the two games. All told, Guentzel has 12 goals in the playoffs and is the hunt to break Dino Cicarelli’s rookie record of 14 goals scored in a single playoff season.
Game 3 is in Nashville on Saturday. Very simple. Pecca Rinnie needs to bring his game and give his team a chance.