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Pittsburgh Penguins Talk: Your Three Stars of the Playoffs

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz (14) and right wing Bryan Rust (17) react after Rust scored a goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz (14) and right wing Bryan Rust (17) react after Rust scored a goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 14, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalies Marc-Andre Fleury (29) and Matt Murray (30) lift the Stanley Cup during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally in downtown Pittsburgh. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalies Marc-Andre Fleury (29) and Matt Murray (30) lift the Stanley Cup during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally in downtown Pittsburgh. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Melissa Nelson

1. Matt Murray/Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Pens made the most of their last year with two superb goaltenders. When Murray was injured in the warmups before game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Fleury stepped up. When Fleury was pulled against the Washington Capitals, Murray was solid in relief. Both goalies had great stats. Fleury finished the postseason with a .924 save percentage and 2.56 GAA. Murray ended the year with a .937 save percentage and 1.70 GAA. No way do the Penguins repeat as Cup champs without such great goaltenders.

2. Evgeni Malkin.

Geno is always a force to be reckoned with. He finished the postseason with the most points (28), second in goals (10) behind Jake Guentzel, and second in assists (18) behind Sidney Crosby. He also finished eighth in plus/minus with a rating of +9. Malkin was tied with Phil Kessel for most power play points at 11. Geno is fantastic, dynamic player that rarely gets the credit he deserves.

3. Mike Sullivan.

It’s obvious that the Penguins have flourished under Sullivan’s coaching. Under him, the Pens have a remarkable win percentage of .653. In the regular season, Sullivan’s win percentage is .670. He stepped in when the Penguins were struggling under Mike Johnston and won two Stanley Cups in a row. Sullivan has out-coached every opponent the Pens have faced. He faced the biggest challenge against Guy Boucher and the Ottawa Senators, but came out on top.

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