SAN JOSE, Calif. — It's been like trying to sneak through the car wash without getting wet. Any shot the San Jose Sharks try to put on the Pittsburgh Penguins, it just gets all watered down by the time it gets to goaltender Matt Murray. That's if it gets through, which hasn't been often.
The Penguins' smothering, shot-blocking, lane-clogging defense was the dominant factor in Monday's 3-1 victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final over the San Jose Sharks, giving Pittsburgh a 3-1 series lead. The Penguins can win their first Stanley Cup since 2009, and fourth in franchise history, with a win in Game 5 back home Thursday night.
Ian Cole and Evgeni Malkin provided all the offense Penguins goalie Matt Murray needed, scoring goals in each of the first two periods on primary assists from Phil Kessel as the Sharks still have not held a lead in regulation in this series. Eric Fehr added a late insurance goal for the Pens.
The few times Murray faced any real danger from the Sharks, such as Patrick Marleau's walk-in bid early in the third period, the rookie was there with the save. He allowed one shot to beat him, from Melker ...
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Article written by Adrian Dater
Penguins’ Smothering Defense Has Them on Stanley Cup’s Doorstep After Game 4 Win
June 6th, 2016 by Adrian Dater Leave a reply »
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