Pittsburgh Penguins Talk: Your Three Stars of the Playoffs
Shane Lunnen
My three stars of the playoffs, in no particular order, Evgeni Malkin, Matt Murray, and Marc-Andre Fleury.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Malkin was sensational during the playoffs and in this humble writer’s opinion, deserved to win the Conn Smythe. He led the playoffs with 28 points, 10 goals and 18 assists. Not just the points, but it was his presence on the ice. Most nights he played well and was a force with his physical play. Just consistent and was working hard for that third Stanley Cup.
Murray was hurt before Game 1 against Columbus and did not play until Game 3 in the Eastern Conference finals. Once he was in net though he was great. He posted a .937 save percentage and 3 shutouts, including the last two games to close out the Stanley Cup victory. Two Stanley Cups for Murray in his first two playoffs. Not bad for a rookie!
That leaves us with Fleury. The Flower stepped into net when Murray went down and was fantastic through 14 games. His shutout of Washington in Game 7 was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately in Game 3 against Ottawa he let up 4 goals in the first period and was pulled in favor of Murray the rest of the way. Hard to say that was probably his last game as a Penguin. But make no mistake about it. If not for Flower, Pittsburgh does not win the Stanley Cup. Tip of the hat to the man for not only this playoff run but for his entire career in Pittsburgh.
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.
Rich Newpol
3. Marc Andre Fleury
Fleury was able to step in after Murray hurt himself minutes before the playoffs started. He ended being a savior in the crease on more than occasion, and came away with a respectable .924 save percentage and 2 shutouts in these playoffs. No matter where he ends up this summer, he’ll be remembered for getting the ball rolling for this 2017 championship team.
2. Jake Guentzel
The spunky forward proved that his regular season was no fluke. As a rookie, he led the NHL in postseason goals with 13. Impressive. His energy served as a spark and when Jake N’ Bake was rolling, it seemed to lift everyone up. If you’re leading your team in goals and you play with Sid, Geno, and Phil, you know you’re doing something right.
1. Sidney Crosby
For the second year in a row the captain was awarded the Conn Smythe. Sid posted 27 points in 24 games, and led the team through back to back seven game series. His leadership skills and offensive production were essential for the Pittsburgh Penguins to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions, and that is why he is number 1.
Matthew Rodrigopulle
3. Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby did win the Conn Smythe after all and his fantastic leadership skills make him very well deserving of the prize, but I felt as though he was the third most consistent player on the Penguins in these playoffs. Nevertheless, his performance was excellent all around and he is the biggest piece to our team year in and out.
2. Jake Guentzel
The rookie sensation really showed off his skills this postseason, leading the entire league in goal scoring with 13 goals in 25 games. He really stood out in these playoffs and he scored at very clutch moments. He was consistent at always and deserves credit.
1. Evgeni Malkin
Now in my opinion, Evgeni Malkin was the Penguins most consistent player throughout the playoffs. Scoring 28 points, he led the league in scoring proving that he has the offensive flair to lead a team. He was also right behind Guentzel in the scoring race with 10 goals.
Malkin may not have won the Conn Smythe, but he’s my choice for playoff MVP. The Penguins had many great players step up this season and it eventually led to our victory.