Today the Penguins fight

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF, 

PPG Paints Arena / MF

Well, here we sit, facing elimination. The Pittsburgh Penguins are not new to this type of situation. They have seen a few times before and all the numbers that I have looked at are in the Penguins favor. However, this is the playoffs and stats aren't something to stake your claim on.

More good news to add to the Penguins side is that Nicklas Backstrom will be out of the lineup for the Capitals due to an upper-body injury he sustained in Game Five.

The Penguins will have to come out and play their best hockey. This is a do or die situation and Pittsburgh isn't a city that gives up. The Penguins have had a wonderful two seasons, but that doesn't mean that things end here. No. Not today. Today the Penguins fight! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Simon
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Rust - Sheahan - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Brassard - Sheary

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Oleksiak - Schultz
Maatta -  Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 1 Capitals 2 OT

Overtime
The Capitals win the game and take the series 4-2. I am beyond proud of this team and we all have been spoiled for the past two years. Next year we go on the hunt for another Stanley Cup and build the dream again. Thank you for a great season Pens.

14:33 - Kuznetsov scores. A bad pinch by the Pens leads the Capitals down the ice on a rush. Kuznetsov beats Murray. 2-1 Capitals

15:33 - Murray denies Oshie after the Pens had a bad line change.

17:06 - Kuhnhackl fires one off the goal post.

17:41 - Sheahan starts this overtime with some great energy. On a personal note, I am freaking out. 

20:00 - Time for some overtime hockey! The Pens need to pressure early and hard. It's do or die. Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - With things still tied 1-1, this game is headed to overtime.

0:05 - Murray with a huge save at the end. Sorry, I haven't been typing much. This is a stressful game. 

2:20 - Finally some offensive pressure by the Pens. Nothing comes of it, but good pressure.

3:19 - Not a whole bunch to update on. Both teams are playing very defensively, not much offensive pressure.

8:32 - Murray has been outstanding since allowing that first goal. Just great goaltending.

12:50 - Capitals have a two-on-one chance, but Letang gets back to break things up.

14:09 - Pretty much non-stop hockey right now. Things are tight.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! Now is the time to ramp things up Pens. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and this game is tied 1-1.

0:04 - Malkin spins around and gets the puck to the front of the net. Schultz gets a shot off and Holtby just gets a shoulder to deny him.

1:36 - Evgeny Kuznetsov stick handles at the side of the net, but doesn't get one past Murray.

3:14 - More line changes for the Pens.

5:26 - A great chance for the Pens in front, but the puck just goes over the net.

8:08 - LETANG SCORES! A set faceoff in the offensive zone. They win and get the puck back to Letang at the point. He fires a rocket that goes off the stick of Chandler Stephenson past Holtby. 1-1 tie game.

8:14 - Sullivan has decided to change up the lines and see if that gives the team energy.

10:29 - Oleksiak's stick breaks at the blue line and gives the Capitals a four-on-two chance. Murry makes the save and dives out for the rebound.

12:24 - The Pens are a team that needs a spark and soon. Who will do it for them?

13:47 - Murray denies Jakub Vrana with a pad save.

17:01 - Not a good goal to allow by Murray. Soft.

17:47 - Alex Chiasson scores. Nathan Walker comes flying around the back of the net and outlets a pass to Chiasson. He shoots one short side and beats Murray. 1-0 Capitals

19:11 - Schultz's shot is turned away by the pad of Holtby. The Capitals clear the rebound.

20:00 - It's time for the second period! The Pens have to come out with energy and put the pressure on Holtby. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - The first period comes to an end. 0-0.

2:08 - Hornqvist with a chance in front. The Pens showing some energy.

3:55 - Solid shift for the third line of the Pens.

5:11 - The Pens have looked flat in this period. They more energy as a whole.

6:35 - That does it for the power play.

8:35 - Now the Pens get a chance on the power play. Michal Kempny will head to the box for tripping.

9:33 -  I have thought this for a few games now. Not sure I understand the reason for Simon on the top line. Doesn't seem to be working.

12:08 - Hornqvist just had a great shift. He was working hard to get the puck and disrupt the Capitals in their own zone.

13:49 - That is a successful penalty kill.

14:45 - In the slot, T.J. Oshie fires high-glove and ends up hitting the goal post.

15:49 - Not a good penalty to take. Maatta is called for high-sticking. This is a critical penalty kill.

18:11 - Sheahan forces a turnover at the blue line to keep the puck in the zone. He gets the puck to Kessel who is all alone in front of the net. Holtby poke checks him and is able to cover for a whistle.

18:55 - Malkin fires a shot wide.

20:00 - Game Six is officially underway! Don't let things end here Pens! Go get the win! Lets Go Pens!