Well that sucked.............. I felt Caps played great, especially in the 3rd, but all it takes is a second for the Pens to strike with that offense. On to Game 2.
https://www.nhl.com/news/senators-clarke-macarthur-leaves-game-2-with-injury/c-289174962 Ottawa Senators forward Clarke MacArthur left Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the New York Rangers in the second period because of an undisclosed injury. MacArthur appeared to take a hit from Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh at 18:24 of the first period. His final shift of the period ended seven seconds later, at 18:31. MacArthur played two shifts in the second period, with the last one ending at 5:37 of the second. The forward has missed 78 games in each of the past two seasons. He returned for four games this regular season before playing in each of the first eight games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, against the Boston Bruins and Rangers. MacArthur, 32, has dealt with post-concussion syndrome, with a fourth concussion taking place at training camp this season. That caused him to miss almost all of the regular season -- and ponder the end of his career -- before returning. He scored twice against the Bruins in the first round, including the series-clincher in Game 6. Prior to his first goal, in Game 2 against Boston, he had not scored in more than two years.
Pens just continuing to own the Caps. Fleury has probably been their best player. Jim Rutherford asking for an arm and a leg for him at the trade deadline proving to be very smart.
It's all about the matchups, I have said this before and I will say it again, get those 2 European style playing Backstrom and Johansson off the Caps and bring in 2 tougher and skilled players to complement Ovechkin. They play great during the regular season because the weaker teams can't stop them, but they are not tough enough to play physical playoff hockey. They can't make their presence known, because they don't play tough, physical playoff hockey. Kessel is a beast, Malkin has stepped up his physical game as he has developed as a player, no one can criticize him anymore for not playing tough. I want Ovechkin to win a cup, but it's not going to happen with those two guys playing with him.
2 pretty even teams usually comes down to the little things. Fleury has outplayed Holtby and Sullivan has out coached Trotz. Not over yet but a terrible start. I disagree with @Red Menace, the line of Ovechkin Backstrom and Oshie is one of the best I have ever seen. Backstrom shut down the Crosby line last year in the playoffs. And Marcus Johansson scored both goals in the Game 6 series win in Toronto. If they do lose this series, and it is heading that way with 3 more games in Pittsburgh, I am not sure what the next move would be for the franchise. All I can say is last night is the most furious I have been over a hockey game ever. Haha.
Niskanen thrown out for the hit. Game misconduct, etc. Crosby has had his issues with concussions. Missed a lot of games over the seasons.
Got hurt more by Ovie slash, Niskanen didn't deserve that, the old Cindy double standard...bullshit...go Caps
1-0, only goal was ridiculously lucky Backstrom threw it in front and it deflected off of Cole and Fleury into the net As for the injury play, Ovechkin could've actually been penalized for a slash, as the commentators pointed out.
