Metallica sure seemed to set the tone for a lightning-fast (one might even say speed-metal-like) start to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
There weren’t a ton of actual shots on goal, yet the action was exciting and there were plenty of close calls.
Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Penguins once again enjoyed a lead - the San Jose Sharks haven’t had to protect one yet with Game 3’s overtime goal in mind - as they ended the first period up 1-0.
The Penguins have not trailed in a game for 395 minutes, 56 seconds since losing Game 4 of ECF to Tampa. Only 2 losses since then came in OT
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) June 7, 2016
An unexpected trend
The Penguins have enjoyed remarkable production from defensemen not named Kris Letang during this series. Ben Lovejoy helped produce some big points in Game 3, while an ultra-rare Ian Cole goal stood as the only tally in the first period.
It came after Brian Dumoulin somehow didn’t score the 1-0 goal; when you consider Justin Braun’s production for San Jose, the 2016 Stanley Cup Final has been surprisingly rich in offense for lesser-known blueliners.
Understatement: goals have been rare for Cole.
#Pens Ian Cole scores his first career postseason goal. It's his first goal since March 26, 2015.
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 7, 2016
Again, there were some memorable moments, such as this Marc-Edouard Vlasic interference on Sidney Crosby:
"Ummm this isn't my bench." - Sidney Crosby, probably pic.twitter.com/4CJenTCGrJ
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) June 7, 2016
The Sharks are standing toe-to-toe with the Penguins, yet they’re still struggling to get on the board. We’ll see if that changes going forward.
Well, the right #PITvsSJS stats arrow is pointing up! 👍 pic.twitter.com/jFOj7WdwQb
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 7, 2016
Three shots for Pavelski in that period. Had four in the first three games combined. Looked livelier.
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) June 7, 2016