2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (M1) New York Rangers vs. (W2) Pittsburgh Penguins

The series was the Rangers for the taking, and they did, but it was not easy. Even with their top three defensemen out (Letang, Maatta, and Ehrhoff), Pittsburgh played well enough to keep games close and suppress the Rangers' chances. Goaltending wasn't a problem for Pittsburgh either, as Fleury played pretty well. It was all for not though, as the Rangers found ways to take the lead and hold it. The Rangers managed to keep the series short, beating Pittsburgh in five games.

Games

Pittsburgh Penguins 1 - New York Rangers 2

New York opened the series with a goal 28 seconds in, as Derrick Brassard buried a rebound. They continued to outplay the Penguins early, drawing a couple of penalties as a result. The Rangers capitalized on one of them, as Ryan McDonagh blast a point shot through a screened Marc-Andre Fleury. It took until six minutes into the second when Pittsburgh got on the board, as Blake Comeau buried a rebound past a downed Henrik Lundqvist. The third period saw the Penguins pick up their play, as they pressed for the tying goal. It didn't happen, as the Rangers held on to win the opening game and take a 1-0 series lead.

Pittsburgh Penguins 4 - New York Rangers 3

The first period did not see many shots, as the Penguins managed five while the Rangers only had three. The third shot for the Rangers was a good one though, as Derek Stepan beat Fleury blocker side to put New York up 1-0. Pittsburgh tied the game in the second, as Brandon Sutter whacked a bouncing puck past Lundqvist. Sidney Crosby scored a pair later in the period, highlighted by redirecting a pass while falling down. The Rangers responded early in the third, as Derrick Brassard tucked home a rebound on a powerplay to pull New York within one. The Penguins would get a powerplay opportunity of their own minutes later, and they capitalized on it, as Chris Kunitz scored to put the Penguins back up by two. The Rangers could only muster one more goal, as Rick Nash scored with seconds left in the game. Pittsburgh won the game 4-3 and tied the series at 1-1.

New York Rangers 2 - Pittsburgh Penguins 1

The first period was once again low key, as both teams just managed double digit shot attempts. It did have one goal though, as Keith Yandle passed it to a streaking Carl Hagelin, who went in all alone and beat Fleury five hole. Crosby had a chance to tie the game, as he beat Lundqvist, but hit the post. New York added to their lead in the second, as Marc Staal shot wide of the net, but Chris Kreider was nearby to take the puck off the bounce and beat Fleury. Pittsburgh pressured in the third, trying to come back. Crosby had another chance to score, as he stepped out from beside the net and go across the crease. Unfortunately for him, Lundqvist had his pad down to make the save. The Penguins did eventually score, as Patric Hornqvist flicked a bouncing puck past Lundqvist. Just like in Game 1, the Rangers held on, and once again goes up a game in the series.

New York Rangers 2 - Pittsburgh Penguins 1 (OT)

Pittsburgh struck early in the first, as a Ben Lovejoy point shot was redirected by Hornqvist and into the net. The Penguins would outshoot the Rangers 8-2 in the first, but the score remained 1-0. The Rangers tried to find an answer in the second, and succeeded. From the corner, Nash through the puck on the net. It took a couple bounces before Brassard poked the puck into the net. The third period solved nothing, as the game needed overtime. The Rangers would find the winner, as the puck found Kevin Hayes beside the net, who beat a sprawling Fleury to give New York the win. The win gives the Rangers a 3-1 series lead, and pushes the Penguins to the brink of elimination.

Pittsburgh Penguins 1 - New York Rangers 2 (OT)

A powerplay early in the game gave the Rangers the chance to strike first. Hagelin jammed home a rebound, giving New York a 1-0 lead. Scary moment later in the period, as Mats Zuccarello took a McDonagh slapshot to the head. He made it to the bench on his own, but did not remain in the game. It stayed that way until late in the second. Crosby's cross-crease pass would deflect off Nick Spaling and over Lundqvist to tie the game. Overtime was once again needed to decide a game. It was the Ranger who once again found the back of the net first. Hagelin took the pack from behind the net, step out to the faceoff dot, and beat Fleury short side glove. The goal was the series clincher, as New York eliminated Pittsburgh in five games.

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Too bad Pittsburgh's defense was hurting. If healthy, this series probably goes longer.
2. Nice to see Fleury shedding his playoff choker reputation.
3. After every early exit by the Penguins I usually joke "Hope Crosby enjoys [city hosting World Championship]". Guess I can't make that joke this year.

Picture of the Series

Poor Zuccarello, knocked out of out playoffs after taking a puck to the head.

Highlight of the Series

This Crosby fellow is a pretty good hockey player.