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Pittsburgh Penguins Can Easily Sweep Columbus Blue Jackets

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Apr 16, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Jake Guentzel (59) and center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrate Guentzel's game winner during overtime in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Pittsburgh defeated Columbus 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Jake Guentzel (59) and center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrate Guentzel's game winner during overtime in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Pittsburgh defeated Columbus 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins went up 3-0 in their round one series with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night.

After coming back from a 3-1 deficit, the Pittsburgh Penguins rallied to steal game two in overtime with a final score of 5-4.

The Penguins have a strangle hold on Columbus right now. Unless the Blue Jackets become the 2010 Philadelphia Flyers or the 2014 Los Angeles Kings, they have no chance of coming back.

But looking at things closely, a sweep may be expected to be completed in Tuesday night’s game four.

Key Players Stepping Up

These past three games have been crazy, and this is partially due to the fact that a lot of Penguins are really stepping their game up when needed.

The Penguins first line is absolutely dominating. Sidney Crosby is a given, but both Conor Sheary and Jake Guentzel have really escalated their game. Guentzel has especially been making a statement this playoffs by scoring a clutch goal in game two and then following that performance up with a hat trick in game three which included the overtime winner.

Bryan Rust also has three goals in three games this post-season. Two of these came in game three which ultimately helped tie the game.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

On defence with Kris Letang out, players like Justin Schultz and Trevor Daley have also visibly stepped up to ease the loss. They have increased their production this year and are a big reason why the Penguins are winning.

Bobrovsky Has Holes

Sergei Bobrovsky seemed like a favourite to win the Vezina Trophy this season. He played great and was among the best of the best. But now in the post-season, the Penguins have figured Sergei Bobrovsky out.

Our offence is spectacular. We’ve scored 3 goals on him in every game in the series so far. The Penguins have him on his toes in every rush, and we want to keep it this way. If we keep playing like we’ve been playing, Bobrovsky shouldn’t be a problem anymore.

Fleury is Back to His Old Self

Marc-Andre Fleury came in cold this series only because expected starter Matt Murray suffered an unexpected injury before game one.

Well Fleury is proving that he deserves to be the real starting goalie. He has been absolutely dominant this series. Despite the fact that he let in four goals in game three, he still kept the Penguins in the game. Clutch is an understatement for him.

More from Pens Labyrinth

Fleury is hot and he knows he has something to prove this post-season. We should feel comfortable with him in net right not.

In Their Heads

We’re up 3-0. Being down 3-0 is possibly the worst thing for a team in hockey. The Blue Jackets are most likely frustrated as ever right now, and that’s exactly what we want.

Next: The Penguins First Line is Magical

We’ve gotten in their heads in every way possible. Game four will see them try to come out as strong as ever, but they will also be more pressured than ever before. The Penguins should take advantage of this. If we do, it could possibly end in an easy sweep.

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