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Pittsburgh Penguins: Three Takeaways from Game 2 Vs. Washington Capitals

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Apr 29, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) chases the puck in front of Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) chases the puck in front of Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins played a spectacular game two on Saturday, defeating the Washington Capitals by a score of 6-2.

There were a lot of highlights, some great plays and some bad plays. Here are three takeaways from the game that the Pittsburgh Penguins can keep in mind moving forward to game three.

1) Welcome Back Carl Hagelin

Finally. The injuries are coming to an end and we have another key piece for our team back. Kris Letang may still be gone, but Carl Hagelin’s return puts the Penguins in a much better position to win.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

He may not have gotten any goals or assists in game two, but he was definitely flying out there considering it was his first game in a while. Give him a few games and I’m sure he will be an essential piece to our Cup run just like last year.

2) This Series Will Be All About the Goaltending

Game two was crazy. Lots of big plays and many more bigger saves.

Marc-Andre Fleury has been playing great for the Penguins this series. He has come up big countless times and bailed out our defence quite a lot too. He is our backbone right now. We should be grateful to have him in net in relief of Matt Murray.

Braden Holtby also played well so far. I mean, he was pulled in game two, but don’t doubt his talents. He made some really big saves during the game that did not go unnoticed.

Essentially I think this series is going to go right back to one aspect–goaltending. Both goaltenders are elite, and will be looking to steal games for their teams.

3) Jake Guentzel is Amazing

Seriously. This kid is showing no signs of slowing down. Finishing the first round leading the entire league in goals is one thing, but continuing to put up clutch goals in the second round is great. He really is showing he wants a Conn Smythe Trophy.

What really amazes me is just how unexpected his breakout was this year. Starting as a call-up in relief of injury, Guentzel showcased his talents and earned himself a well-deserved spot on the first line with Crosby. Now in the playoffs, he just upped his game to another level.

Next: Going Home With Confidence

I’m excited to see what else Guentzel has in store. He may be something really special.

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