Game Day versus NY Rangers:
https://www.nhl.com/penguins/video/p...428/c-43525103
Digital preview:
The Inside Scoop:
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"The Inside Scoop: "A Very Encouraging Day"
Friday, 04.15.2016 / 1:54 PM ET / 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Coverage
By Michelle Crechiolo
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After today’s practice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex heading into Game 2 of their First Round series against the New York Rangers (where Pittsburgh holds a 1-0 lead), head coach Mike Sullivan called it a “very encouraging day.”
That’s because Evgeni Malkin (upper body) and Bryan Rust (lower body) joined full team practice after taking part in an optional skate on Thursday, and Marc-Andre Fleury (concussion) was on the ice as well.
“We’ve got guys participating,” Sullivan said. “They all had strong practices. Their status is still day-to-day. But it’s very encouraging.”
The Pens used the following trios during rushes: Kunitz-Crosby-Hornqvist, Sheary-Malkin-Rust, Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel, Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr.
Afterward, Sullivan dismissed the idea that working Malkin back in would present a lineup problem for him.
“Obviously ‘Geno’ is an elite player,” Sullivan said. “He makes us a better hockey team when he’s in our lineup. He’s one of probably a few players in the world that can change the outcome of a game single-handedly. So when he’s in our lineup, we’re certainly a better team. From my standpoint, it just gives our coaching staff more flexibility and more options.”
The players feel the same way.
“You can’t replace Geno,” Crosby said. “Whenever he comes back we’ll definitely be happy to have him in there, and we’ll make sure we keep gaining momentum and keep trying to play well.”
Malkin, who said he would be a game-time decision for Saturday’s Game 2, doesn’t care where the coach puts him as long as he’s in.
“I want to play,” Malkin said. “It’s a good time to be back. I’m excited to play in a short time. We have four good lines. It doesn’t matter which line I play on.”
We talked to him, Rust and Fleury after practice…here’s a breakdown of what they had to say.
MALKIN
In addition to centering Sheary and Rust during rushes, Malkin also practiced on the first power-play unit with Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel and Patric Hornqvist – all positive indications.
“I’m very happy,” said Malkin, who missed 25 of the Pens’ final 33 games in the regular-season (including the final 15) and also did not play in Game 1. “Especially because coach gave me a little bit of power-play too. I feel more confidence right now. It’s exciting to play with the team, these guys. It’s an amazing time. It’s playoffs.”
After participating in an optional practice on Thursday, it was a big boost for Malkin to be back with all the guys at a fully-attended skate – and the feeling was mutual.
“You see them progress, and you’re happy they’re doing well and you just kind of wait for that time,” said Crosby, who at one point – after an intense battle at the net-front – put his arm around Malkin as they skated away. “I think that you get a big lift from seeing guys come back.”
Though it’s been a while since Malkin had been out there with the guys – over a month, to be exact – Crosby feels like he hasn’t missed a beat.
“He always looks good. think that’s the thing with ‘G’ – he’s always dancing out there, always moving his feet,” Crosby smiled. “I think that hopefully it’s just a matter of time here, but he looks real strong.”
Malkin again took part in contact and was involved in all the drills. After saying Thursday he felt his shot wasn’t strong enough, today Malkin was pleased with how he fired the puck.
“I’m glad with how I’m shooting,” he said. “I haven’t lost power. It’s the same shot. Wrist shot and slap shot are the same. Every day it’s better. Again, it’s a good practice today. I’m glad to skate with the team, it’s more fun.”
RUST
While Rust said that things are “a little bit better than yesterday,” he was still taking it day by day and hopes to be ready sooner rather than later.
“There’s things that I’ve got to kind of keep in mind here over the next however long,” said Rust, who missed the last six regular-season games along with Game 1.
“If things keep going in the direction that they’re going, I’ll be happy. I’m just trying to get all those movements back to normal, whether it’s the turning, stopping, everything. It’s kind of one of those things that trying to see improvement every day.”
Malkin smiled at the thought of potentially playing with Rust and Sheary at some point, calling them two fast guys on the team. And if Rust does get a chance to skate alongside him at some point, his biggest focus would be using his speed to get the puck onto Malkin’s stick.
“It’s more about playing my straight-line, fast, hard game,” Rust said. “Trying to just get on the forecheck, win pucks and kind of give him some space to do what he does best.”
His former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton teammate Sheary feels that’s exactly what he could bring as well.
“(Malkin) likes to play offense, and he likes to play quick,” Sheary said. “I think I can play that game. I can play with speed, and I can play with pace. I think if he plays his own game, and I play my own game, I think we could complement each other.”
FLEURY
While players obviously prefer games over practice, especially at this time of year, Fleury is making the most of his sessions with the team over this week as he continues to progress in his recovery.
“(Today) was fun. Felt good,” said Fleury, who missed the final five regular-season games and did not start or fill the backup role for Game 1. “It feels a little better having a few more practices with the guys. So that was nice.”
It’s wait-and-see for Fleury when it comes to his status for Game 2.
“I don’t know if I expect to (play), but I’d love to,” he said. “It feels like it’s been taking forever. But it’s something with this injury. It’s tough to play with. It’s not like a bruise or bad knee or something you can battle through. It’s been frustrating, but it’s making progress.”
GAME 2
With Saturday having a 3 p.m. puck drop, the Pens will not hold a morning skate – so we talked to a few of them about Game 1 and what they hope to improve going into Game 2.
“It’s nice to see that we won 5-2, but we know we can play better,” Carl Hagelin said. “That wasn’t our best game so that’s a good thing, but we have to get a better start tomorrow night.”
That was the sentiment repeated throughout the locker room, as no one in there was happy with the way they played in the first few minutes. They were outshot by a wide margin and allowed a lot of quality chances against.
“We can’t let them dictate that pressure,” Chris Kunitz said. “If their game plan was to put pucks at our net, our goalie (Jeff Zatkoff) was up for that challenge and really bailed us out those first 10-11 minutes. He made some key saves and I think that got him comfortable in the net. Once we settled in and we started to play with the puck and not give them those odd-man chances, those rebound chances, we dictated the pace a little better.”
In addition, while one of the Pens’ strengths is their transition game through the neutral zone, Hagelin would like to see them spend more time in the offensive zone.
“We have to get more pucks deep on their team,” Hagelin said. “I think in that game all our chances came off the rush, so I think (we need to get) some more cycles going and tire them out a little bit.""
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Henrik Lundqvist may have started in goal for the New York Rangers, but it was the Penguins’ Jeff Zatkoff that stole the throne.
Spring is coming.
Zatkoff, who hadn’t started for the Pens since Feb. 20 and had been acting as the team’s No. 3 netminder on the depth chart, became Pittsburgh’s Game 1 hero.
Even if, as the late David Bowie would say, just for one day.
Zatkoff made 35 saves for the Pens as they topped the NY Rangers, 5-2, to take an early 1-0 series lead in the First Round matchup at CONSOL Energy Center on Wednesday night.
“Guys blocked a ton of shots. I was able to make enough saves to get the win,” Zatkoff said. “It was exciting. It feels good to get that first one, but there’s still a lot of work left to do.”
If Zatkoff had any rust on his pipes entering the contest, it was quickly sanded down as he faced 12 shots in the opening 10 minutes of the game, several of the high-quality variety.
JT Miller from above the circles. Save.
Kevin Hayes all alone in the slot. Save.
Jesper Fast walking in alone at the side of the crease. If you guessed save, you guessed correctly.
Are you noticing a trend?
“I got some shots early on. They were throwing a lot at the net,” Zatkoff said. “When they found out I was playing they knew I hadn’t seen a lot of hockey lately. They probably wanted to get me into the game. Fortunately I was able to settle in a little bit.”
Zatkoff received a text last night from Marc-Andre Fleury, who missed the final five regular-season games with a concussion and was a game-time decision to start in tonight’s game, and a phone call from the team’s goalie coach Mike Bales.
Both informed Zatkoff that he would be the starter for Game 1.
“It was nice to have a night to prepare,” Zatkoff said. “I slept last night. Not so much for pregame nap. These 8 o’clock games are killing me.
“It was more nerves building up to the game. Once the game starts, it’s like any other game. I’m really excited to have been able to play this game.”
It’s been an up-and-down season for Zatkoff, who began the year as Fleury’s backup. But late in the season, the team recalled Matt Murray from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to handle the backup duties.
Zatkoff, the consummate pro, handled the arrangement with aplomb and professionalism. He helped mentor the rookie Murray and was supportive of his new role to help the team.
But the late season concussion to Fleury and an upper-body injury to Murray suddenly casted Zatkoff back into the spotlight.
And just like Kygo, he stole the show.
“I thought ‘Zat’ did a terrific job,” Sullivan said. “I think he’s been a great soldier for this team all year. He’s really played in some big games at key times for us and he’s given this team a chance to win. That’s exactly what he did tonight. Couldn’t be happier for him.”
“We’re all so happy for him,” center Nick Bonino said. “He battles every day. When we had Murray up he didn’t complain. He did his job. He came in and made 35 saves in the first game of the playoffs. Hats off to him.”
This week leading up to the game, Fleury practiced on Monday and Tuesday, took part in Wednesday’s morning skate and was even the first goaltender to leave the ice at the morning skate – typically a telltale of that evening’s starter.
But as the Pens took the ice for warmups, it was No. 37 that led the team onto the ice.
“Up until the end we weren’t really sure (who would start),” Zatkoff said. “It’s the playoffs. Everything is day-to-day. We take it one day at a time. We’re happy to get this one tonight. We’ll enjoy it, but we’ll get back to work tomorrow.”
A half hour later, Zatkoff would lead the Pens onto the ice once again. And had the game of his life.
After the final whistle, Zatkoff did one final spin on the ice as the game’s No. 2 star. The grateful crowd showed their appreciation and chanted his name.
“The best,” Ben Lovejoy said of that moment before stopping, shaking his head and smiling. “I was proud of the crowd when that happened.”
“(Zatkoff) is one of those glue guys in the room that you always want around,” Bonino said. “You want him on the road and in the dressing room, out at dinner. He’s a great guy and great goalie, too. It’s great that the hockey world saw that tonight.”
When the Pens gathered to take their team picture two weeks ago, Zatkoff was wearing the official team jersey. He jokingly commented, “I forgot what it’s like to wear this.”
I’m sure he remembers now.
If just for one day.
“Going from not playing to Game 1 starter, it’s funny how things come around,” Zatkoff said. “It just goes to show that you have to stay with it, continue working hard because you never know when you’re going to get that opportunity."
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"Pens' Rookies Step Up in Playoff Debuts
Thursday, 04.14.2016 / 4:53 PM ET / 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Coverage
By Michelle Crechiolo
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Both Tom Kuhnhackl and Conor Sheary had trouble sleeping going into their NHL playoff debuts.
Kuhnhackl admitted to lying awake the night before, while Sheary said he barely got his pregame nap in that afternoon. And once they lined up in the runway to take the ice for Game 1 against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night at CONSOL Energy Center, that’s when it truly hit them.
“When we came out right before the game and the crowd was just going absolutely crazy and screaming, I’ve never heard it that loud in that building,” Kuhnhackl said. “I had goosebumps. It was just a great feeling, a special feeling to go out there.”
Both rookies admitted that at the beginning, they were focused solely on what would happen when they actually stepped on the ice for the first time.
“The first shift – you just wanted to get it over with,” Kuhnhackl laughed. “You didn’t want to make a mistake; you didn’t want to give up a goal. Just keep it simple.”
“After the first shift, get it out of the way then it’s just hockey from there,” Sheary agreed.
And it was phenomenal hockey from the two of them. They didn’t let the nerves get them off their game. Instead, they channeled that energy into their play and were difference-makers in Pittsburgh’s 5-2 win.
“For them to have not played a playoff game prior to this, I think they handled it really well,” captain Sidney Crosby said. “They were flying out there and it looked like they just used that excitement and energy to their advantage. You could see with the way they played, they didn’t look overwhelmed. They didn’t look like they were watching much out there. They just looked like they were comfortable and playing hard.”
With the Pens only dressing 11 forwards, Sheary got a few shifts with Crosby and Patric Hornqvist. He was incredibly effective on the ice with them and was noticeable with his speed early while the rest of the team struggled to get their legs under them.
Late in the first period, Hornqvist chipped a puck deep and Sheary was able to reach it first. He sent it towards the net, where a crashing Hornqvist put it in to open the scoring and give the rookie his first career playoff point.
The 23-year-old winger was also on the ice for Crosby’s goal that put Pittsburgh up 2-0, and nearly converted a feed from the captain as well.
“Obviously only playing with 11 forwards yesterday he was mixing up all the lines to make sure we all got on the ice and I got a couple shifts with those guys,” Sheary said. “I thought we created opportunities and chances and it was a good start.”
After that, it was Kuhnhackl’s turn to step up.
With a couple of the Pens’ best penalty killers in the box during the third period – Carl Hagelin got a double-minor for high-sticking and Ian Cole was called for roughing – Kuhnhackl was called upon to handle more shorthanded responsibility.
And while he was on the ice when Derek Stepan finished off a perfect play during New York’s two-man advantage to cut Pittsburgh’s lead to 2-1, a couple of shifts later Kuhnhackl got it back.
The 24-year-old forward converted a feed from Nick Bonino on an odd-man rush to regain the two-goal lead and swing the momentum back to Pittsburgh’s side. It was Kuhnhackl’s third shorthanded goal of the year, earned while logging a career high 3:15 shorthanded minutes.
“I couldn’t really believe it right away,” Kuhnhackl said of scoring in his NHL postseason debut. “’Bones’ made such a great fake, kind of faking the shot, and then passed it. Slid it to me back-door. I was just glad it went in. I was trying to be ready the whole time in case he makes that pass and glad I was. At the end, I’m very happy the puck went in the net.”
This isn’t the first time Kuhnhackl and Sheary have provided big huge plays in meaningful games for this team. They’ve done a tremendous job of handling the pressure since establishing themselves as legitimate NHL players during the second half of the year, and Kuhnhackl said a lot of that just came with time.
“I think at the start I was just really nervous being around these guys, being up here in this great organization,” Kuhnhackl said. “But I think the more I’ve been up here I feel more and more comfortable just on and off the ice. I think my confidence goes up every practice, every game.”
Kuhnhackl also attributes their success to the bond between all of the young guys who have spent time together in the American Hockey League with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
“When I called up, it was me and Bryan Rust,” Kuhnhackl said. “We drove up and he has been up before, so he kind of told me what to do, what not to do, what to expect, that kind of stuff. I hung out with him a lot and it’s just nice when you know a couple guys on your team, that makes you feel a little bit more comfortable.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan is certainly comfortable putting them on the ice in different situations.
“They’re good players,” he said. “That’s what I think. They’re different types of players. But they’re good players in their own right. They’re two guys that have earned their way here through their work ethic and nothing has been handed to them. They’ve earned their stripes the hard way. I have a lot of respect for how hard these guys have worked and what they’ve gone through to accomplish what they have to be part of this team.”"
