Rangers Look to Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Penguins
The New York Rangers visit the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 4 of their best of seven NHL conference quarterfinals series. The Rangers are leading the series 2-1. The current line has Pittsburgh at +100 while the over/under scoring total is sitting on 5.
New York coming into this game is 8-2 over its past 10 games played, while Pittsburgh is 3-6-1.
New York has used nearly the same script to win two of three games in the series over Pittsburgh. The Rangers scored first and build a sizable lead then weather the storm as the Penguins bring their firepower. A win by New York would put Pittsburgh on the brink of elimination.
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Johnston was critical of his team’s slow start on Monday, as the Penguins did not have a shot on net until less than 5 minutes remained in the first period.
New York has been getting offensive production from its defense. In Game 3, Dan Girardi had two assists, Keith Yandle assisted on a breakaway goal and a shot-pass by Marc Staal was converted at the post by Chris Kreider.
Kevin Klein another defenseman for New York participated in the optional skate for the team on Tuesday, but his condition was not updated by coach Alain Vigneault.
The Rangers coach said that as soon as Klein told him he could play, he would play him. Klein has not played since March 11 when he broke his arm blocking a shot.
Evgeni Malkin let it out that he has played this series with an injury, but said he was progressing each game. Head Coach Johnston said of Malkin, who did not record a single shot in Monday’s loss and held scoreless in eight straight games, “He still must direct more pucks toward the net. Adding that Malkin shoots at least three to four times per game and the team needs that from him now.
New York, which was 28-11-3 on the road during the regular season, won three of its four games in Pittsburgh during last year’s series in the second round.
New York is 2 for 14 in its power play during the first three games of this series, while Pittsburgh has converted only 2 of its 7 power play opportunities.
New York is 4-1 over its past 5 games played in Pittsburgh. The Rangers have won 8 of the past 10 games between the two teams.
The series hinges on tonight’s game. A win by Pittsburgh and the series turns into a best of 3 series. A win by New York puts Pittsburgh’s back against the wall, as they will play an elimination game for three straight games if it were to go that far.
