The game was what I expected. It was a tough, very fast paced game between two of the NHL's most talented teams.
Brooks Orpik set the tone early in the game as he dished out some "free candy" to Steven Stamkos, delivering a bone crushing hit on him into the boards.
The Pens defense played very well but the biggest story of the night was the play of Marc-Andre Fleury.
Just like he's done all year, Fleury shut up all of his critics last night as he absolutely stood on his head, stopping all 32 shots he faced against the high-powered Lightning.
Fleury's best stop of the night came 11 minutes in. He found himself to stop Brett Clark's shot from the point that was deflected in front by Dominic Moore, who was so sure the puck had gone in he had already raised his arms to celebrate. Then, with Fleury's back to the play, the flopping goalie raised his leg to stop Malone's attempt to flip the puck in from the left side.
Fleury also had a ridiculous save on Vincent Lecavillier, who made an incredible move, putting the puck between his legs backhanded.
Fleury was the star and was treated that way afterward, leaving he ice to fans chanting his last name and "MVP! MVP!"
Dwayne Roloson, the opposing goalie didn't play that bad either. However, he unlike Fleury allowed two goals.
Alex Kovalev and Arron Asham helped make up for disappointing regular seasons for Pittsburgh by scoring 18 seconds apart in the third period to break up a goaltenders' duel. Chris Kunitz sealed the win by scoring into an empty net in the final minute.
Ryan Malone was all over the place for the Lightning, making his precence felt in front of the net.
I now more than ever feel that if Sidney Crosby, who watched the game from the press box, can come back to the lineup, this team no doubt has what it takes to win the Stanley Cup.
Lets go Pens!
No comments:
Post a Comment