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"The Inside Scoop: Game 2 vs. Sharks
Wednesday, 06.1.2016 / 12:37 PM ET / 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Coverage
By Michelle Crechiolo
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“This is a little unexpected,” Rust smiled of the attention. “It’s a little bit new to me.”
Once there, Rust gave the media an update on his status. He left in the third period of the Pens’ 3-2 win in Game 1 on Monday after taking a high hit from Sharks forward Patrick Marleau.
“I feel good so far, but just going to take it through the afternoon and see how I feel come game time,” Rust said.
Marleau received a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head, but did not receive any further supplemental discipline from the league.
“The hit is what it is,” Rust replied when asked his thoughts. “The league looked at it. They dealt with it. They did what they thought was right. I didn’t really take much time to look at it or think about it.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that the rookie forward will be a game-time decision. Rust said that while obviously he wants to play, he reiterated that they need to see how he feels after the skate and moving through the day.
“It’s just talking with the trainers, talking with the doctors and just making sure I’m ready to go,” said Rust, who did not partake in Tuesday’s optional practice but did skate on his own.
The Pens certainly hope he will be, as the 24-year-old has gotten better and better as the playoffs have progressed.
After converting a breakaway in the Pens’ Game 6 win over Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Final, Rust scored both goals in their 2-1 win in Game 7 to earn them a berth to the Stanley Cup Final. He continued his hot streak by opening the scoring 12:46 into the first period on Tuesday.
Rust’s six total tallies lead all NHL rookies so far these playoffs – not bad for a kid who spent the first half of the season down in the American Hockey League with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
“I think what we see with Rusty is just his skating ability, his speed, his tenacity on the puck, his compete level,” said Sullivan, who was his head coach down there through December. “And he’s got a sneaky shot. He can shoot the puck. When you think of those attributes, I think it all adds up to someone that has the potential to score.
“He’s scored a few goals here throughout the course of the postseason; his confidence is probably at an all-time high and that helps. But certainly he’s a guy that we have viewed all season long as someone that can help us generate offense whether he’s scoring himself or he’s creating opportunity for his linemates through his foot speed, through his tenacity, forcing turnovers and things of that nature.”
GETTING TO THEIR GAME – AND STAYING THERE
That’s exactly what Rust did in Game 1, helping the Pens set the tone and establish how they want to play early. They’ve said time and time again that their competitive advantage is their speed, and they blew the Sharks out of the water with their quickness – which resulted in Pittsburgh taking a 2-0 lead.
However, the Pens got away from that in the second, where they sat back more and allowed the Sharks tie the game after 40 minutes.
“It’s tough,” defenseman Ian Cole admitted of playing aggressive with a lead. “You don’t want to mentally skate yourself out of the game, and give up defensive chances. There’s a certain pace we want to play at. We want to do it smartly. We want to do it calculated.”
However, Cole does feel that the Pens have the ability to sustain that quickness throughout the course of a game.
“The pace we want to play at can’t be matched by many teams,” he said. “Not only the pace we play at, but the duration we’re doing it is one of our huge strengths.”
The line echoed throughout the room over the past couple of days was that they got away from their game by trying to play in front of the Sharks instead of behind them.
“We’ve got to just keep going forward,” center Nick Bonino said. “If they want to jam the neutral zone or try to stop us up, we have to get pucks behind them. When we try to make plays in front of their defense and turn it over is when they go the other way. We need to keep our feet moving, get it behind them, keep playing and our speed should be effective.”
LINEUP CHANGE
Cole said that the Sharks are one of a few teams who can keep up with the Pens. And tonight, they could get a big boost in that regard as fast forward Matt Nieto, who has been out due to injury, will likely slot back into the lineup for Danius Zubrus.
“We haven't decided on line combinations yet, but he brings us speed,” Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer said. “A big part of our team all year. When he went down, we had some great contributions from guys to fill that hole. But he brings some things that are unique to his skill set that we think can help us.”"
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"Fan Guide: Penguins vs. San Jose Sharks (Stanley Cup Final, Home Game 2) 06.01.16
Tuesday, 05.31.2016 / 9:00 AM ET / Fan Guide
Pittsburgh Penguins
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The Penguins will wear their Pittsburgh Gold Third Jerseys
Be sure to stop by PensGear Wednesday to purchase your 2016 Stanley Cup Final merchandise including a brand new Stanley Cup Final tee – available exclusively at PensGear. Gear up for the post-season - only at PensGear!
Pittsburgh Gold Playoff T-Shirt presented by Flight Trampoline Park.
Pittsburgh Gold Playoff Rally Towel presented by PPG.
The 2016 Pittsburgh Penguins Playoffs are proudly presented by UPMC, AAA Auto Insurance and Westinghouse.
8:00 PM
Doors will open at 6:30 PM
Ticketmaster | Ticket Exchange | Student Rush
Fans attending Wednesday’s game are reminded to use tickets marked “Round 4, Home Game 2” when entering CONSOL Energy Center.
First Niagara Big Screen – Catch Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on the First Niagara Big Screen inside the First Niagara Fan Zone located at the Peoples Gate! The First Niagara Fan Zone opens 3 hours before game time. In addition to watching all the action on the First Niagara Big Screen, fans can test their skills at several interactive games, take advantage of free face painting and visit with Iceburgh and members of the Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Crew prior to the game!
Miller Lite Party Plaza – Enjoy 24 oz. Miller Lite beers for only $6 at the Miller Lite Party Plaza located at the Verizon Gate! Opening 3 hours before game time, the Miller Lite Party Plaza will help you get ready for the game with several free interactive games and a DJ!
Bud Light Party Plaza - Enjoy 24 oz. Budweiser and Bud Light beers for only $6 at the Bud Light Party Plaza located at the Trib Total Media Gate! Opening 3 hours before game time, the Bud Light Party Plaza will help you get ready for the game with a free Fan Photo booth, a DJ and more!
Several national TV networks also will have special outdoor broadcast areas at the Trib Total Media gate for pre-game coverage.
Plus, Steel City Gamerz will also be stationed outside the Bud Light Party Plaza along Centre Avenue before Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final! Get pumped for the game in this luxury, limo-style theater on wheels featuring 5 widescreen high-definition displays, surround sound and multiplayer gaming excitement! Go inside to play the latest hockey video games - for free!
Food Trucks – Grab a bite to eat before the game with the Penguins Food Truck round up surrounding CONSOL Energy Center! Food trucks scheduled to appear prior to Wednesday’s game include Franktuary and Nakama.
Bid to win one-of-a-kind Penguins items from the comfort of your seat with the new Penguins Foundation silent auction app! Visit bidpal.net/pens from your smartphone to take home a unique piece of Penguins memorabilia Monday!
“The Bulliest Dozer,” co-written by Penguins center Eric Fehr, is now available for sale at the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation’s silent auction stand outside of the First Niagara Club. This children’s book about why bullying doesn’t pay is signed by Fehr for just $20. You can also purchase the book by using the Foundation’s mobile bidding app at bidpal.net/pens.
As a reminder, new walk-through metal detectors have been installed at CONSOL Energy Center. The walk-through detectors are part of a league-wide initiative by the NHL to enhance security and allow arenas to deliver a smoother, faster screening experience. Previously, fans entering the arena were screened by security personnel with wands. The NHL policy of searching all permitted bags will remain in place. The walk-through metal detectors will be used for Penguins games and all other events at CONSOL Energy Center.
Pittsburgh Penguins fans in attendance can get the VIP treatment with Upgrade Your Game! Upgrade Your Game offers fans access to once-in-a-lifetime Penguins experiences like in-seat visits with Iceburgh, pre-game Lexus Club dinner reservations, post-game photo shoots on the ice and premium seat upgrades! Simply download the Penguins app and register today under the “Upgrade Your Game” section!
Please note, only small personal bags (purses, baby or diaper bags, etc.) will be permitted inside CONSOL Energy Center and all items are subject to searches upon entrance. Large bags, coolers, backpacks and sealed packages of any kind are not permitted. In addition, CONSOL Energy Center allows only small, personal still-cameras equipped with a 3 inch lens or smaller. Cameras with detachable lenses or flashes are not permitted. For a complete list of frequently asked questions, please visit CONSOL Energy Center’s A to Z Guide.
Stop by “The Carvery” located by Section 107 to purchase Wednesday’s special chef-prepared creation: Smoked prime rib with provolone cheese, caramelized spring onion and horseradish cream on a Kaiser roll
Premium Seat Holders, don’t forget to stop by an Action Station conveniently located inside the Captain Morgan and First Niagara Clubs to purchase Wednesday’s special: Carved prime rib with loaded potato tots and a potato bun.
For the kids, don’t miss the Kids Zone Menu at Sections 116 and 231 that includes kiddie sized sodas, popcorn, hot dogs and nachos for $2.75 each.
Pick up your tickets for the Penguins Foundation 50/50 raffle for a chance to win Wednesday’s jackpot. The more you play the more it pays. Proceeds from this season’s raffles benefit the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and the numerous charitable organizations it supports. Visit one of the concourse kiosks or watch for ticket sellers through the second intermission - the winning number will be announced in the third period."
Let's Go Pens!!
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Roenik is an idiot .
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Pens getting shots but no dice. It'll come. I'm trying to have patience.
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