A couple of great story lines as the Pens move on to the Eastern Conference finals beating the Rangers 3-2 in overtime. First, Marian Hossa finally buries some opportunities including the gamer. Hossa kept a power play alive in the 2nd period diving to keep the puck in the zone and eventually was rewarded with the goal--those plays often go overlooked, but despite struggling with his scoring, Hossa continued to work hard.
Second, the undervalued play of Jordan Staal. His play on the penalty kill and the little things he does go unnoticed by many.
Third, let's give some credit to Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. He stopped a ton of great Pens chances, a lesser goalie and this series would have been a rout.
Fourth, Evgeni Malkin and his spectacular goal to make it 2-nothing. He has become the Pens most electric goal scorer.
Fifth, the Pens poise. Despite their youth, they never got rattled even when the Rangers tied the game. Credit to Michel Therrien for having them well prepared.
Sixty-eigth, Jaromir Jagr. Jagr played like a superstar in this series. His yapping at Sidney Crosby drew deserved boos from the Mellon Arena crowd, but he is the second best player in Penguins history. One day he will be celebrated here.
We'll talk more about the Pens-Flyers series coming up. Ben Roethlisberger was at the game and was the 3rd best Pittsburgh play-maker in that building.
