Is it Possible for Both Teams to Have a Comeback in the Same Game? How Did Crosby Make That Pass?! Did Shesterkin Get Chased? Find Out in This Game 3 Recap! (Videos/Interviews/Highlights)
We've all said it, before, and we'll say it, again. There's nothing like playoff hockey. We're still only in the first round, but Game 3 between these two division rivals had just about everything you could possibly want.
The Penguins took an early lead, with Brock McGinn scoring just under 2 minutes in. However, the lead didn't last long, as 3 minutes later, the game was tied by New York's Kaapo Kakko. But as we all know, home ice does have its advantages for certain teams, and the Penguins are one of them. The next 3 goals all came from the Pittsburgh depth in the form of two PPGs (Carter and Rodrigues) and a second Rodrigues goal, giving him 3 points (assist on the Carter goal) in the 1st period, alone. This feat also put the 28 year old in 2nd place for most points in a single playoff period in Penguins history. First place? Mario Lemieux. He had 4 points in the first period of the 1989 DF Game 5, and in the second period of Game 3 of the 1992 DSF. Another fun fact - EROD was only on the ice for 9:28, and he still made that accomplishment.
Speaking of accomplishments, Mike Matheson has added his name to the list of only 6 defensemen in Penguins history to record 3+ assists in a playoff game. He is in great company with Paul Coffey, Larry Murphy, Kris Letang, Sergei Gonchar, and Zarley Zalapski.
The second period basically fell apart for Pittsburgh, as the Rangers picked up 3 more goals of their own, and outshot the Pens 17-7 to tie the game. Whatever was said in the locker room during the intermission must have clicked, though, because the black and gold decided they'd had enough New York goals, allowing only 9 SOG, which were all saved by Domingue, and sent 15 shots to the other end of the ice. With just under 9 minutes left in the game, one of those, from Danton Heinen, got through Shesterkin and became the GWG.
Jake Guenztel followed that up with an EN at 17:46, but New York decided to stick with that tactic, so Big Jeff Carter capitalized on that.
And what kind of Penguins playoff game would it be without something fantastic from our Captain? While Sid assisted in both EN goals - the pass to Big Jeff Carter was especially notable:
This game was definitely all about depth scoring, which is something that was talked about after the first two. The Penguins knew they needed more than their top line to beat the Rangers, and their bottom lines stepped it up.
And while it's true that you can't win unless you score, it's also true that you can't win if the other team scores more than you. That's where Louis Domingue comes in. He made 32 saves on 36 shots, including this incredibly timely one in the 3rd period, to keep the score tied, allowing his teammates to get the job done.
The players weren't the only ones setting records, though.With last night's win, Mike Sullivan ties Dan Bylsma for most playoff wins by a head coach in Penguins history at 43.
Moving forward, there are still a number of areas the Penguins have to work on. But I feel like if they keep playing smart, and stay out of that box, they will continue moving in the right direction.
It is, as it has always been, a full team effort, and being at home helps. No matter what sport, Pittsburgh has always considered the fans members of their team. Same goes for the other teams. Because when you play Pittsburgh, you don't just play one team. You play the whole city.
| POLL | ||
What do you want to see in Game 4? (other than your team winning) | ||
| Goalie goal | 43 | 23.2 % |
| Gordie Howe Hat Trick | 43 | 23.2 % |
| More OT than Game 1 | 39 | 21.1 % |
| Something completely different. | 60 | 32.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
