Eastern Conference First Round: (2) New York Rangers vs (3) Pittsburgh Penguins

[2014olympicgold]

Pittsburgh is expected to call up goalie Alex D'Orio from the AHL, leading to some to think we'll see a Domingue/D'Orio tandem for game 2.

[2014olympicgold]

Domingue starting game 2

[hockeyrobot]

Hate to say any game this early is a must win... But I don't see NYR coming back if they lose tonight.

[Invictus]

Hate to say any game this early is a must win... But I don't see NYR coming back if they lose tonight.

I'm going to agree with this.
After playing two games worth of hockey for game 1, the older Penguin group should be more tired (though it was only game 1). They will also have their 3rd string goalie in. Seeing how NYR led most of last game... I'm going to have to think they are primed to win game 2.

[kovalchuk17]

So does Louis eat his Spicy Pork and Broccoli before the game as his pre-game meal or is it only in-between periods throughout the game? haha

[jdreed3184]

The Rangers appear to be in a good position to win tonight.

Domingue starting, Rakell and Zucker out, Malkin gassed after two periods, and the Carter line being inconsistent are not good signs for the Pens. However, the Rangers were outplayed for most of Game 1 and I don't think Crosby/Letang's conditioning is a liability like everyone is saying. Malkin, Carter, and Boyle on the other hand....I'd seriously rest Malkin in Game 2 and make sure he was ready for Game 3.

But the team is still sub-30 for the most part (Rust, Guentzel, Kapanen, Heinen, Blueger, Rodrigues, McGinn, Marino, Pettersson, Matheson) so maybe there's enough gas in the tank to take Game 2, which of course would be huge.

[rataylor22]

The Rangers appear to be in a good position to win tonight.

Domingue starting, Rakell and Zucker out, Malkin gassed after two periods, and the Carter line being inconsistent are not good signs for the Pens. However, the Rangers were outplayed for most of Game 1 and I don't think Crosby/Letang's conditioning is a liability like everyone is saying. Malkin, Carter, and Boyle on the other hand....I'd seriously rest Malkin in Game 2 and make sure he was ready for Game 3.

But the team is still sub-30 for the most part (Rust, Guentzel, Kapanen, Heinen, Blueger, Rodrigues, McGinn, Marino, Pettersson, Matheson) so maybe there's enough gas in the tank to take Game 2, which of course would be huge.

I don't think anyone has really point to Letang/Crosby's conditioning. Just the general fact that they are 35 while very few Rangers players are that old, and the average of Pittsburgh is 28.96 while the average age of New York is 26.41. That is pretty significant (though ultimately may not matter).

[pmorrow]

So does Louis eat his Spicy Pork and Broccoli before the game as his pre-game meal or is it only in-between periods throughout the game? haha

I bet you the team made him eat it as his pregame meal haha.

[Zorro]

Rangers in 5

[2014olympicgold]

DeSmith had core muscle surgery and is out for the playoffs.

[Invictus]

DeSmith had core muscle surgery and is out for the playoffs.

Tough blow to the Penguins...
Also to my little (not so little) cousin who I bet $5 with. lol

[2014olympicgold]

And Jarry hasn't even skated yet. He's not going to be a potential solution here. This is Domingue's net. He could very well save his career here.

[kovalchuk17]

so many backup/3rd string goalies deciding playoff games in the first round. unreal.

teams gonna have to be 3-4 deep of solid goalies it seems these days if thats even possible

[saucelife90]

so many backup/3rd string goalies deciding playoff games in the first round. unreal.

teams gonna have to be 3-4 deep of solid goalies it seems these days if thats even possible

Some teams don't even have a true #1 and now we're wishing for a solid 3 or 4?!

Just put one of those shooter tutors in net and hope for the best lol

[hockeyrobot]

Shesterkin is likely regretting the wave....