In what is a likely first round matchup the Pittsburgh Penguins finished like they have the past few postseasons. They also received the same caliber goaltending they’ve received in their recent postseasons as well. The Rangers made quick work of the Penguins on Friday night dominating in a 5-1 victory which saw the home team up 3-0 before a lot of people could even find their seats.



The Penguins were out-attempted at 5v5 39-49 and had an xGF% of 36.90. It’s bad enough to lose the territorial battle. Trying to come back from an 0-3 deficit against Igor Shesterkin is not going to be a recipe for success. Only registering 21 shots is not going to be a recipe for success against Shesterkin, either.

When you combine Wednesday’s Sabres game and last night’s Rangers game the Penguins have been out-attempted 73-94 and have an xGF% of 35.6. We are talking about two games in the middle of March in a long season. They are two bad games, though.

One positive from the loss to the Rangers is Evgeni Malkin did not play due to a non-Covid related illness. By default, this means the Penguins have their chemistry back. They just need Malkin to stay out of the lineup and the precious chemistry will remain. The Penguins will be back in action against Detroit on Sunday. We’ll await to see if it will be with or without their chemistry.

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