The Pittsburgh PenguinsTwo-goal advantage on home ice was lost and, more importantly – the chance to eliminate it. New York RangersIn a Game 6 defeat on Friday night.
“Nobody said it would be easy, you know?” said defenseman Kris LetangAfter his team's 5-3 defeat, he said that their series was now at Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. “It's an uphill battle to get to four. It's important to stay positive, regroup and complete the task.
It was the second consecutive game in which the Penguins fell behind by 2-0 at the end of the second period to a Rangers' rally. Both games were lost. Game 5 saw the departure of captain Sidney CrosbyPittsburgh was left stunned by the injury, but the Rangers rallied to win. New York's win was achieved in Game 6 with Crosby out of the lineup.
“I would like us to keep the lead, you know?” We were at a good place. The team was doing well. They score and we give them a penalty, then it becomes a one-goal match,” explained Mike Sullivan.
Pittsburgh held a lead of 3-2 in series. Pittsburgh was up 2-0 after the second period. Jeff Carter Bryan Rust solved Rangers goalie Igor ShesterkinIn the first period, there was a lot of mocking and shouting “Igor!” Home fans.
The turning point came then. Penguins on the move Evan RodriguesRangers defenseman cross-checked the incident Ryan Lindgren. Rodrigues's retaliation was whistled by the referees but not by Rodrigues. Only five seconds were required by the Rangers to convert on Rodrigues's power play. Mika Zibanejad goal.
New York scored goals in lots this series, and it did so again in Game 6, when Zibanejad scored the second goal of the game and the series at 1:16 after his first goal. This tied the game at 2-2.
Sullivan stated that Rodrigues simply cannot take a penalty at that spot. This is especially considering the Rangers' powerful power play, which could get them back in the game.
“He can't. He can't. He needs to be controlled by his emotions. Sullivan stated that it was a necessity to win at this time of year.
The Rangers went 2-for-3 on their power play, with Chris Kreider's second period goal giving New York a 3-2 lead. Evgeni MalkinKreider's goal at 1:28 in regulation in the third period, which was supposed to tie the game, ended up being the game-winner. The Penguins were only 0-for-3 on their power play.
“I think I'm probably saying the obvious, but special team were the key to this game. Sullivan said, “We have to be better.”
Crosby, who was injured in Game 5, was an important part of that power play, according to sources. After taking a heavy hit from Rangers defenseman, he was injured in Game 5. Jacob Trouba. He was out of Game 6 and forward Rickard RakellThe defenseman was also hurt in the first game of Game 1. Brian DumoulinHe was also missing from Game 1.
The Penguins were defeated forward Brian BoyleTwo shifts in Game 6 were lost to injury, resulting in the team losing one of its best penalty killers. The Penguins were able to play through injuries losses, which was their story.
The regular-season goalie for the team Tristan JarryAn injury prevented him from attending the series. His backup Casey DeSmithInjured in double overtime in Game 1, and was replaced with a third-stringer Louis DomingueThe only regular-season game appearance of Domingue was in the second. Domingue fought through the series and was rarely a liability for Penguins. He was unable to save Kreider's game-winner as the puck bounced off his glove and into the net.
The Penguins now focus on Game 7, and who might still be available. Crosby skated on Friday with Ty Hennes, the skills coach. Sullivan stated that Crosby is in a “good place” and said that Crosby was skating well. Jarry practised with the Penguins Friday. His status for Game 7 isn't known.
