You can understand if the Pittsburgh Penguins were frustrated during much of Game 2 against the Ottawa Senators, and Phil Kessel certainly showed it.
But, to their credit, they just kept hammering away as the Senators seemed content to “turtle” in their own zone, failing to register a shot on goal through about a period’s worth of game time. Kessel finally beat a game Craig Anderson on an extra-effort attempt, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win as the Penguins tied the series 1-1.
The Senators might have been accused of a “rope-a-dope” technique when it came to trying to counterattack, but they weren’t just leaning on the ropes when it came to the actual physical stuff. Dion Phaneuf delivered some huge hits, including one that possibly injured Bryan Rust, while Justin Schultz may also be hurt thanks to an innocuous Mike Hoffman check.
It's a roller coaster of emotions in the #StanleyCup Playoffs. Even for Phil. pic.twitter.com/apaqBWX5Eh
— NHL (@NHL) May 16, 2017
However you dole out the credits for hits, it was a nasty one at times, including when Evgeni Malkin, Kyle Turris and others were involved in a scuffle in the dying moments.
Marc-Andre Fleury grabbed his 10th career playoff shutout, making 23 saves in uneven waves from the Senators. It will be interesting to see if Guy Boucher deploys a similar strategy against Pittsburgh as the Eastern Conference Final goes along or if he’ll try to take advantage of the growing number of injuries for the Pens’ defense corps.
Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his 10th career postseason shutout to tie Ken Dryden and Henrik Lundqvist for 11th place all-time. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/qVvjsewGDx
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 16, 2017
The narratives could have revolved around the Senators frustrating the Penguins and getting away with a ... questionable style of play. They certainly did frustrate the Pens and almost escaped with a 2-0 series lead.
Pittsburgh got that key win, however, so the series will shift tied 1-1 as Games 3 and 4 will take place in Ottawa.
Game 3 takes place on NBCSN at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. You can watch online and via the NBC Sports App. (Stream online here)