The 7-4 result doesn’t say how close game 3 was.
A slow start by the Rangers–something that’s bitten the Rangers all season long–almost turned into a complete wipeout. The Penguins scored very early in the first period with a weird bounce of the puck but the Rangers quickly answered back with a goal by Lafreniere and Kakko. It was a strong showing that didn’t last long. The Penguins scored on two power plays and then a shot that should have been stopped to make it 4-1 at the end of the first. In a period that was dominated by the Penguins, it was a depressing sight to see. Igor was pulled for the second with Georgiev put between the pipes. The second period was a complete turnaround.
In a series where momentum doesn’t seem to carry for long, the Rangers stormed back. Goals by Vatrano, Panarin, and Copp made tied the game by the end of the second period. It was a stunning change of pace with the Rangers taking total control and the Penguins making one mistake after another. One of those goals was short-handed! That’s two for the series!
This game was decided on the power play, full stop. The Rangers had 3 consecutive power plays and did not score. They did everything but score on the second, which was non-stop aggression that Domingue had to do cartwheels to stop. The third power play was a complete dud. That was pretty much where the Penguins took back control. With a botched defense and an out of position (and probably surprised at the shot coming) Georgiev, the Penguins snuck their 5th goal in. Everything the Rangers tried to do after that was largely stuffed shut. Two empty-net goals and the final score is 7-4.
Tonight the game is back on home ice for Pittsburgh who is feeling really good about themselves. It’s important to not get down and realize it’s still anyone’s series. The first 3 games have been razor close and if anyone lets up it will make losing easier. Focus and determination are being tested and I’m expecting a bounce-back game from the Rangers tonight. We’ve seen it before and it will happen again.