Penguins flex their muscles
last year, is once again playing an essential part to the Penguins’ success.
With Washington outshooting Pittsburgh and pressing for the game’s first goal on the power play, it was Cullen he scored a shorthanded goal to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead. Later on, he assisted on an empty-netter to seal the win.
For those keeping score at home, his four points in seven games is more than Corey Perry, Milan Lucic and other players you probably picked in your pool. player that supposedly cared more about padding his individual stats than the success of his teammates or actually winning. It wasn’t true, of course.
So, when Kessel hoisted the Stanley Cup last year, scoring 10 goals and 22 points in a Conn Smythe-worthy performance, a lot of those misconceptions were rightly smashed. This year, Kessel has picked up where he left off. He scored twice and picked up an assist in Game 2, putting him in a tie with Sidney Crosby for second place amongst playoff scorers with 11 points in seven games.
“He fought off a couple guys and obviously he’s special like that,” Kessel told reporters, referencing Crosby, who picked up a pair of assists. “He’s real strong out there and he’ll make a great play.”
As for Kessel, if he has a reputation these days, it’s as a big-game player.
Forget about Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom or even T.J. Oshie. If the Washington Capitals fail to advance past the second round again this year, fingers will mostly point towards goalie Holtby. While Ovechkin has four goals, Backstrom has eight points and Oshie has nine points, it is Holtby who hasn’t been able to match his regular season numbers in the post-season.
Last year’s Vezina Trophy winner, who was a finalist again this year, was criticized for his play early on in the first round against the Maple Leafs. Eventually, he turned it around and was a major reason why Washington advanced to the second round. But after giving up three goals on 21 shots in Game 1 to the Penguins, Holtby was pulled after allowing three goals on 14 shots in Game 2.
“The playoffs are made of big moments,” Holtby told reporters. “That third goal, that’s a big moment. That’s where your goalie needs to come up with a save and I just didn’t.”
No question, Holtby will need to be sharper — and fast, if the Capitals hope to avoid another early playoff exit.