The New York Rangers were heavily favored to win their opening round playoff series, but it’s the Penguins who have pushed the Rangers to the brink of elimination.
Brian Metzer recaps a dominating Penguins win in Game Four.
REACTIONS:
Coach Mike Sullivan says Sidney Crosby sets a higher standard than other hockey players, and he is playing at that level right now.
Sullivan says the Penguins defense shut down the potent Rangers offense.
The coach says the Penguins can’t slow down now.
Always humble, Crosby says he’s just trying to do his best.
Crosby says the Penguins defense was stellar against the talented Rangers.
Crosby says the penguins are trying to make it hard on Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
Forward Jeff Carter says that after the Penguins gave up a goal on the first Rangers shot of the night, they didn’t panic.
Carter says Igor Shesterkin is not going to back down in Game Five.
Playing in place of injured defenseman Brian Dumoulin, Mark Friedman says the Penguins know they can win even when top players go down.
Friedman says the Penguins have been frustrating the high-scoring Rangers offense.
Seven different players scored goals for the Penguins. In addition to Guentzel’s goal, the others in the scoring column were Crosby, Carter, Friedman, Evgeni Malkin, Mike Matheson, and Danton Heinen.
Dumoulin and injured forward Rickard Rakell remained out of the lineup. Rakell skated in a non-contact jersey in the morning skate but did not take part in any rushes. He suffered a head injury in the first game of the series. Dumoulin did not skate. He has an undisclosed injury suffered in Game One.
Goaltender Tristan Jarry suited up and worked out with coach Andy Chiodo prior to the morning skate. Sullivan said Jarry is making progress.
NHL MONDAY
Florida 3 Washington 2 (OT) Series tied 2-2
Calgary 4 Dallas 1 Series tied 2-2
Colorado 5 Nashville 3 Avalanche sweep series 4-0
The Islanders yesterday fired head coach Barry Trotz.
