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Penguins: Must Regroup vs Rangers

ByNate Temple

Apr 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Jeff Zatkoff (37) makes a save as Pens right wing Phil Kessel (81) defends New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Jeff Zatkoff (37) makes a save as Pens right wing Phil Kessel (81) defends New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins look to retake the series lead when they head to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday Night (7 pm ET, USA, SN, TVA Sports, ROOT, MSG) to tango with the New York Rangers.

The storyline of this series has been role players stepping up to fill roles of injured starters and thePittsburgh Penguinsgreeted goaltendersMarc-Andre FleuryandMatt Murraywith open arms.

We said it before with Sid and Geno... And now the goalie band is getting back together.pic.twitter.com/ZTAsIzu8qJ

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins)April 18, 2016

According to head coachMike Sullivan, Fleury’s status still remains the same and that there is no update on Murray’s return.

Coach Sullivan on Fleury: "Marc's status is the same. It's day-to-day."

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins)April 18, 2016

Coach Sullivan says that he does not have a timetable for Matt Murray's return, but he likes what he saw from Murray today.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins)April 18, 2016

More from Pittsburgh Penguins

Sullivan and staff reconvened to discuss the line combinations. According to The Inside Scoop by Michelle Crechiolo, there were two line changes. The first change was forwardEvgeni Malkinskating withEric FehrandConor Sheary. The second change was forwardMatt Cullenserving as a pivot forBryan RustandTom Kuhnhackl.

After the Rangers stole Game 2 in Pittsburgh, the Blueshirts received some welcoming news as their best defenseman and captain Ryan McDonagh took part in the team’s practice after suffering a hand injury blocking a shot versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.

#NYRcaptain @RMcDonagh27 taking part in today's practice in Westchester

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers)April 18, 2016

Head coach Alain Vigneault mentioned that his star defender’s status does not look good, but “stranger things have happened.”

AV says it's "doubtful" that McDonagh will play tomorrow for#NYR"but stranger things have happened"

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers)April 18, 2016

In addition to McDonagh practicing with the team, the Rangers recalled defenseman Raphael Diaz from the Hartford Wolfpack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate. Fellow blue liner Dan Girardi did not practice and is not expected to take the ice for game three. Rookie Dylan McIlrath served as Girard’s replacement and will look to do so if Girardi does not suit up for the Rangers.

Players To Watch

Derick Brassard/JT Miller

Brassard registered a goal and two assists versus the Penguins in Game 2. He has been known as a Penguin killer over the most of his career. Miller, his fellow linemate, recorded three assists in the second period. The Pittsburgh, PA native was the 4th Ranger to do that in the last 29 years to record 3 assist games in the playoffs (Brian Leech, Mark Messier, Jaromir Jagr).

Next: Penguins: Do We Really Need Malkin (Yet)?

Sidney Crosby/Patric Hornqvist

After receiving no combined points in Game 2, the duo will look to respond in game-one-like fashion.Crosbyrecorded a goal and two assists in Game 1 whileHornqvistrecorded his first career playoff hat trick.