After dropping their first two games, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in a bit of a mess as they get set to take on the Islanders tomorrow in game three.
Sometimes in this sport, you stumble upon a goaltender that is playing phenomenal hockey. That is exactly what has happened with Robin Lehner of the New York Islanders. The Penguins offense has been getting opportunities in each of these first two games, but Lehner has just been playing better.
He stopped 41 shots in the first meeting between the two, and last night held Pittsburgh to just a single goal. That being said, this series is long from over, and the Penguins have a great opportunity to get back on track with the next two games being at PPG Paints Arena. And if they are going to do that, and going to find a way to get back on track, they will need to find ways to get past Lehner.
Offensively, this season has been led by the first line that features Crosby and Guentzel. Those two now have to step up just like they did at numerous points throughout this season, and find a way to get this offense rolling. Consistency is so important, and something that Pittsburgh has lacked over the course of the season.
If you are a Penguins fan, there really is not yet a reason to be concerned. This is a locker room filled with players that know what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, and a locker room that is full of experience.
The Penguins played the Islanders four times this season, splitting the games with two wins a piece. Pittsburgh would love to get two wins in a row in the coming days, most would say that they probably need to if they are going to have a chance to make it to the next round. But if there is one thing we know about the Pens, it is that they step up when they need to, and hopefully they will do the same once again.