5 Ways for the Pittsburgh Penguins to Shock the New York Rangers
By Will Tomer
Apr 11, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Brandon Sutter (16) celebrates his first period goal against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
4. Tighten Up The Power Play
At the beginning of the season, the Penguin power play looked unstoppable. Even at the season’s close, the unit was ranked 10th best in the NHL, which is not shabby. But this ranking does not tell the story of the season’s close. The team scored one power play goal on 13 chances, while also allowing two shorthanded goals.
In order to solve the Rangers masterful goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and push themselves past their opponent, it will be key for the power play to ignite during the postseason. With the skill sets of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist, it is not hard to envision this unit producing.
However, the Penguins struggled to score against the Rangers during the regular season, even when they were hot, and have been miserable against even the worst teams they have faced recently. If they wish to advance in the playoffs and shake off the ice that formed over the past few weeks, the power plays’ ability to put the puck in the net will become a determining factor.