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Pittsburgh Penguins: Stars of the Eastern Conference Finals

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

May 25, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz (14) and center Sidney Crosby (87) react after Kunitz scored a goal in double overtime against the Ottawa Senators to win game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz (14) and center Sidney Crosby (87) react after Kunitz scored a goal in double overtime against the Ottawa Senators to win game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Ottawa Senators in game 7 on Thursday night to advance to their second straight Stanley Cup Finals.

The Eastern Conference brought a lot of ups and downs for the Pittsburgh Penguins. We had good games and bad games, but above all, we had many players step up and get us the wins when we needed them.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

Let’s take a look at a few of our players who deserve credit for their efforts

Sidney Crosby

Our captain and our superstar. In this series against Ottawa, he put up six points in seven games, which included three goals. He led our team in more ways than one.

His spot on this list is almost guaranteed. No matter what, he will be the best player on our team and has contributed a lot.

Evgeni Malkin

Just like Crosby, Malkin is also a superstar that is currently leading the league in playoff scoring. Malkin also had six points in seven games this series. It’s important to note that he had an impressive three point game in game five which helped propel us to victory. Overall Malkin’s contributions were essential.

Trevor Daley

With the absence of Kris Letang this season, Justin Schultz had to assume the role of number one defenceman. Well with Justin Schultz also suffering from injury for this round, Trevor Daley had to step up.

He did exactly that and the Penguins defence were able to hold it together. Great efforts all around.

Marc-Andre Fleury/Matt Murray

With Matt Murray returning from injury, the pair of goalies split games throughout this round. They both played excellently as well in order to get us to the Finals.

So far in five starts, Matt Murray has put up a 1.35 goals against average and a .946% save percentage. Marc-Andre Fleury has played more games during these playoffs but has still put up a 2.56 goals against average and a .924% save percentage in 15 games.

Chris Kunitz

Chris Kunitz has been in a slump all playoffs long. Let’s face it, he wasn’t the best player on the ice all the time, but he makes this list for coming in clutch when we needed him.

Next: Penguins Defeat Senators

Game seven went to double overtime, and who was the one to win the game for us? Chris Kunitz. He was there when we needed him most and he definitely was a star in game seven.

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