The Pittsburgh PenguinsIt was impossible to close the deal New York RangersTheir Game 5 loss Wednesday night was their first since the start of the season, but their attention was focused on their loss to captain Sidney Crosby.
To reduce the Penguins' lead to 3-2, Game 5 was won by the Rangers (5-3). Game 6 will be played in Pittsburgh on Friday night. It is now uncertain if Crosby, second in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' scoring with nine goals in five games, will be available to play in that game.
Crosby was a three-time Stanley Cup winner and two-time Hart Trophy recipient. He sustained an injury in the second period from a high hit by Rangers defenseman. Jacob Trouba. He left his last shift at 6:50 in the period, and did not return.
Mike Sullivan, Penguins coach, stated that Crosby was currently being evaluated but did not provide any details about the injury. Sullivan stated that Trouba's hit was a hit. You may have the same opinion as I do.
Crosby being out, the Rangers rallied from a deficit of 2-0 to take a 3-2 lead during the second period. Forward Filip ChytilPower-play goal by's in the third quarter broke the tie, ending up as the game-winner.
Game 5 was not a great start for the Rangers. Forward Chris KreiderTrouba and Trouba were both penalized for minor offenses 24 seconds into the match, but New York was able stop the two-man advantage. At 10:28 of first period, the Penguins came through as the forward Jake GuentzelA rebound was taken from the Rangers' back and the puck was banked off of the goalie Igor ShesterkinLet's skate to the net.
At 7:58 in the second period, it was 2-0 Penguins Evgeni MalkinFound Kris LetangHis first episode of the series.
Pittsburgh was leading the game, when Rangers' defenseman Adam FoxAt 15:11 in the third period, the final break was made to bring the Garden back into life and to reignite New York's offense. Forward Alexis LafreniereOne minute and thirty seconds later, Trouba scored to reduce the Rangers' lead to 3-2. Trouba scored the Rangers' lead with a remarkable individual effort in just one minute 22 seconds.
It was short-lived. Malkin, who was playing in Crosby’s spot, found Guentzel to complete his second game of the playoffs and seventh of the playoffs. This tie brought the game to a 3-3 draw, just 13 seconds after Trouba's goal.
In the third period, the Rangers scored their first power play of game with defenseman Marcus PetterssonIn the box for interference. Chytil scored his first playoff goal on the ensuring power-play, giving the Rangers a lead at 2:53 in the third. Ryan LindgrenThe series was redirected to Pittsburgh, where Crosby's fate remains a mystery.
Guentzel said, “We don’t want to see such a player leave, but we must find a way.” “He is the best player in all of the world. It's a lot to be taken up by other guys. Next man up.”