Penguins/NHL
Down two games to none, the Penguins can look at the lack of secondary scoring as the prime reason, Washington is up in the series 2-0.
While the Capitals have got pivotal goals from role players such as Tomas Fleischmann and David Steckel through the first two games, Mark Eaton and Sidney Crosby are the only Penguins players to get on the scoresheet.
The honeymoon appears to be over with forward Chris Kunitz. Kunitz has been a physical presence on the Penguins top line but Kunitz has failed to find the net in the playoffs and has only scored one goal in his last 28 playoff games dating back to Anaheim’s Stanley Cup run in 2007.
Ruslan Fedotenko is the Penguins only top 6 winger to score an even strength goal through the entire playoffs.
With no secondary scoring help in sight, Evgeni Malkin must jump start his game or this series will be over in five games. The Capitals have neutralized Malkin and the Penguins have not got any production from Jordan Staal who was a -2 Monday night.
There was some concern following the game regarding
defenseman Kris Letang. Team officials told me Letang will be evaluated this morning. It’s believed Letang suffered a shoulder injury in the third period of last nights game.
I will update later today.
The Penguins are holding an optional skate this morning at 11:30 a.m..
