Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers 01/02/11

Penguins 4, Rangers 3 - SO Final

  Despite their record in the big apple and missing so many key guys, the Pens managed to grab two points in a 4-3 SO win in New York.  With captain Crosby missing his tenth game due to a concussion and alternate Malkin missing his fourth, Penguin fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief and know that the boys can still win!

  It was a tense game throughout, with the Pens rallying from two-nil down in the second to end the period drawing three-three.  With Prust scoring the only first period goal and Anisimov doubling the score just over a minute and a half into the second, it wasn't looking good for the boys in white.  But they didn't give up.

  At 5.30 in the second, Dustin Jeffery started the night with a nice slap shot, on a 4-on-3 power-play... that'll teach Prust to mess with Engellend and Newbury to keep his elbows to himself.  Five minutes after the Burgh's first goal, Mike Rupp followed Jeffery's example and snapped one into the back of the next.  A few minutes later, Chris Kunitz tipped the puck into the net for Pittsburgh's final goal of the night.  The score was 3-2 with five minutes left in the period; if only they could hold them off and defend will in the third.  Unfortunately, in the last minute, Ryan Callahan blasted one into the back of the next, on the power-play after Jordan Staal was served a match penalty for a punch to Brandon Prust.

  The third period paled in comparison to the second, being goalless.  Although there were a few minor penalties - 2minutes to Dupuis, Letang and Dubinsky for various offenses - not much else to report on.  The OT period also failed to keep the audience engaged with no goals and no penalties, everyone was now holding their breath for the shootout.

  As per usual, the Pens' first shooter was Kris Letang.  Unfortunately his shot was saved Lundqvist (who managed to save 23 of 26 shots).  Rangers' first shooter was Wolski and the Flower (who also stopped 23 of 26 shots against him) had no problem stopping it.  The shots kept coming, either being stopped or missing the net completely, until round seven, when Dustin Jeffery stepped up to the plate.  With Lundqvist failing to block his shot, the pressure was n for Gabrik to score.  But he was not match the Pens' tender.  Final score 4-3 Pittsburgh.