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Pittsburgh Penguins Can Still Win Without Sidney Crosby

By Shane Lunnen

May 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) is helped off of the ice by Pens trainer Chris Stewart (R) after Crosby suffered an apparent injury against the Washington Capitals during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) is helped off of the ice by Pens trainer Chris Stewart (R) after Crosby suffered an apparent injury against the Washington Capitals during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sidney Crosby’s concussion is not good, but this could be the Pittsburgh Penguins finest hour

During Game 3 against the Washington Capitals, Sidney Crosby took a head shot from defenseman Matt Niskanen right after he took a high slash from Alex Ovechkin.  He never returned to the game that the Penguins lost in overtime 3-2.  On Wednesday he was diagnosed with a concussion and ruled out of Game 4 at the very least.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

It’s such a shame that this happened because Crosby was playing his best hockey at the most opportune time to do so.  No question that this loss could change the complexion of the series.

The debate if it was an intentional hit from Niskanen and whether he should have faced additional discipline from the league(the NHL announced he would have no hearing)  has raged across the media and fan websites.  That debate is not for this post.  Let’s discuss rather how the Penguins can still win this series and advance to their second straight Eastern Conference Final.

Evgeni Malkin Must Step Up

In Crosby’s absence, the Penguins will rely on a team effort to beat the Capitals.  However Evgeni Malkin has the ability to step up his game to the next level and lead this team.

This will be only the second time in Malkin’s career that he will play a playoff game without Crosby.   However Geno has experience without Crosby in the regular season, playing in 117 career games without the Penguins captain.  He has 66 goals and 88 assists in those games.

Just like he did after Crosby left Game 3, I fully expect Malkin to kick it up a notch.  His goal Monday night started the Penguins late rally that eventually fell short.  Wednesday night will be different and he should get to the top of his game faster.

Scoring Depth Will Be Key

Back in the 2011 NHL Playoffs, the Penguins lost their first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.   One of the big reasons for the early exit were the absences of both Crosby and Malkin.  The rest of the team lacked scoring depth.

Now look at this year’s team.  Besides Malkin, there are plenty of guys that can score goals and score heavily.  Phil Kessel, Patric Hornqvist, Nick Bonino, and Matt Cullen just to name a few.  Fully expect a huge effort from these guys.

In addition to the forwards, the defensemen have been getting involved a lot in the series versus the Capitals.  Pinching in and being aggressive.   Getting scoring chances from the blue liners will be huge.

Fleury Continuing His Resurgence

Marc-Andre Fleury has been excellent in these playoffs.  He currently holds a .933 save percentage and has faced the most shots per game out of any goalie in the playoffs.

Crosby’s two way play will be missed for sure.  But with great defense and continued great goaltending from Fleury, the Penguins can still win this series.  If Fleury steals a game, it would be a dagger to the Capitals.

Keeping Emotions in Check

Despite what has been said to the media, the Penguins are upset over the loss of their captain.  However now is not the time to start taking stupid penalties.  Now is not the time to start taking runs at Washington players in retaliation.

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The best thing the Penguins can do is control their anger and use it against the Capitals in Game 4 at home.  A win would be absolutely huge for the Penguins.  They would have a commanding 3 to 1 series advantage and a chance to end the series in Washington this Saturday night.  Let’s hope these Penguins do just that and send the Capitals to the golf course early.

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