Pittsburgh looks to wrap up series against Rangers
Penguins still hold all the cards, despite fans' between-game angst
Last Updated: Sunday, May 4, 2008 | 9:03 AM ET
CBC Sports
Sidney Crosby, left, and his Penguins teammates weren't able to penetrate the Rangers defence during New York's Game 4 victory, but they'll be back at it Sunday on their own ice where they haven't lost in more than two months. (Frank Franklin II/Associated Press) Given the talk over the past few days, you'd think the Pittsburgh Penguins were actually trailing their NHL Eastern Conference semifinal 3-1.
Partly due to the extra day off since the New York Rangers won Game 4 to stay alive, media, fans, call-in shows and the like have been filled with chat about how the Broadway Blueshirts may have gotten to the Pens, especially when snipers Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin lost their tempers late in the game after taking exception to what they felt was a late hit.
But let's take a look at a few facts here, starting with a date: Feb. 24. That was a Sunday, if you're interested — a day when the Penguins lost 2-1 at home in a shootout to the San Jose Sharks.
It was also the last time Pittsburgh lost in its own building, where the team will be on Sunday afternoon for Game 5 with the New York Rangers (2 p.m. ET).
So before the true panic erupts, perhaps waiting until this one is over might be called for.
"I was kind of laughing about it, everybody is panicking — not in our room — but you hear all these people saying, 'I don't know now, I don't know now,'" said Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik after Saturday's practice.
"If we had lost the first game [in New York], then won the second one coming back with the same lead in the series, I think everyone would have a different outlook on it."
History not on New York's side
There might be some kind of flashback thing going on — people remembering back 31 years to when the Pens had a 3-1 series lead on the New York Islanders and lost it.
But if history is important, we could mention the Rangers haven't come back from being 3-1 down since before the Second World War and they've had 13 tries at it.
At the same time, those who believe Sean Avery is an integral part of the New York attack now have another argument against the Blueshirts. The super pest is just out of intensive care after suffering a lacerated spleen in Game 4.
Avery won't play again until the fall.
Coach sticks by his players
Pittsburgh coach Michel Therrien is sticking with his club.
"After four games, leading 3-1, it's a little adversity, but we feel comfortable playing at home in front of our fans," he said. "This team has always bounced back after a loss."
Not scoring on 29 shots in the 3-0 loss last game may have been a little frustrating, but Crosby is still enjoying it.
"It's part of the fun, learning to fight through that," he said.
Not that the Rangers are throwing in the towel.
"They won three games, but they didn't win anything yet," Jaromir Jagr said.
Maybe Sunday.
With files from the Associated Press
