Penguins: Bigger Problems than Goalie Situation
By Rich Donahue
The Pittsburgh Penguins face elimination tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Marc-Andre Fleury experiment has been terminated. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan announced earlier today that he will be going back to rookie Matt Murray for Game 6 in Tampa. Fleury might not have been at his sharpest for Game 5, there are bigger issues for the Penguins than their goalie situation.
Of those issues, the biggest has been the play of Kris Letang in the past two games. After Trevor Daley has lost in Game 4 with a lower body injury, the star defenseman lost his cool in an effort to get even. He instead took an unnecessary four minute minor penalty, leading to the fourth and deciding goal for the Lightning.
Game 5 was even worth for Letang. He was on the ice for all four Lightning goals and was a turnover machine. The Penguins need smarter play out of their star Norris Trophy candidate if they have any hope of avoiding elimination.
More from Pittsburgh Penguins
- Pittsburgh Penguins: A Look Back at 2019
- Penguins Will Continue to Persevere Despite Injuries
- Penguins: Alex Galchenyuk May Finally Start Meeting Expectations
- Penguins’ Three Keys to Help End Islanders’ Point Streak
- Penguins: Without Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin Will Be an MVP Candidate
Speaking of stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin both need to show up big tonight. Crosby did score the game winning goal in Game 3, but only has one another goal since the Rangers series. Malkin tallied a goal in the comeback effort in Game 4, but has been non-existent on the ice.
For two of the best players from their respective countries, they sure do not show the assertion of a superstar. When Lemieux and Jagr were running the show for the Penguins in the 1990’s, they would step up when they were needed most, asserting their will on the ice.
Crosby and Malkin have shown little of that through their playoff careers. They pass up opportunity after opportunity, trying to get another guys involve by passing the puck off. If Crosby and Malkin are the real big swingers in the locker room, they need to prove it in Game 6. Make a statement that you deserve your superstar status, assert your dominance.
Lastly, Beau Bennett should not be in the starting lineup tonight. Conor Sheary brings a lot more to the table than the disappointing winger. Bennett was minus two in Game 5 and proved little impact. The other line changes made by Sullivan did work, just keep Beau as a healthy scratch.
Next: Jim Rutherford Redeems Himself
The Penguins will respond in Game 6 and I predict they will win 5-3, sending the series back to Pittsburgh for Game 7.