2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M3) Columbus Blue Jackets

The series didn't start well for the Penguins. Already missing Kris Letang, Matt Murray would go off during Game 1's warm-up. This put Marc-Andre Fleury back between the pipes, and it ended up paying dividends. Fleury only let up a goal in both the first two games, as Pittsburgh went on to win 3-1 and 4-1 despite Columbus being the better possession team. Game 2 didn't end peacefully, as Matt Calvert cross-checked and hit Tom Kuhnhackl, earning him a one game suspension. Transitioning to Columbus, the floodgates would open. Game 3 saw four goals in six minutes, with the Blue Jackets leading 3-1. The Penguins eventually took over and fought their way into the lead in the third. Brandon Dubinsky scored minutes later to tie the game. Overtime was needed, and saw Sidney Crosby feed Jake Guentzel, who capped off his hat-trick. Facing eliminating in Game 4, the Blue Jackets managed to build a -0 lead before the shutout was broken. Despite Pittsburgh's best efforts, Columbus kept in control, eventually winning the game 5-4 for their first regulation playoff win in franchise history. Back in Pittsburgh, the Penguins looked to close out the series. They built a 3-0 lead before Columbus came back with two goals in the second. Pittsburgh scored twice in the third and held on to win 5-2. The Pittsburgh Penguins got by the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games.

Games

Columbus Blue Jackets 1 - Pittsburgh Penguins 3
Columbus Blue Jackets 1 - Pittsburgh Penguins 4
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 - Columbus Blue Jackets 4 (OT)
Pittsburgh Penguins 4 - Columbus Blue Jackets 5
Columbus Blue Jackets 2 - Pittsburgh Penguins 5

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. The Columbus Dispatch was going to give away a crying Crosby mask, then cancelled it. First: it's really dumb to do the "whining Crosby" thing now. Second: they got the tears wrong, they are tears of laugher after how Crosby has dominated them in this series.
2. Matt Calvert should have gotten more than a game. At least one for the cross-check and another for the second hit.
3. Congrats to the Blue Jackets for winning their first playoff game in regulation.

Picture of the Series

Werenski after getting hit by the puck.

Highlight of the Series

Jake Guentzel gets his hat-trick in overtime. Full credit to Crosby on the play, who shows the definition of puck protection on this play.