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Penguins refuse to be intimidated, won’t go into a ‘defensive shell’

2016 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Three

SAN JOSE, CA - JUNE 04: Joel Ward #42 of the San Jose Sharks falls over Carl Hagelin #62 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Three of the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center on June 4, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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When the Pittsburgh Penguins are at their best, they’re playing without fear and exhibiting fearful speed.

The San Jose Sharks showed signs of adjusting to their strengths in Game 3, but the Penguins aren’t panicking as Game 4 rapidly approaches.

San Jose might be leveraging size advantages as they try to hem the Penguins in their own zone, yet that’s far from new for this team, as they told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“Teams have been trying to out-muscle us, trying to intimidate us, for the last three months,” Ben Lovejoy said on Sunday.

“The Rangers did it. Washington did it. … We’re a team that prides ourselves on being brave.”

It’s one thing to handle hits against a bigger Sharks team. The key is for the Penguins to get back to the rapid transition game that plays to their strengths.

So, the Penguins aren’t being bullied into changing their ways, but can they adjust to the Sharks’ adjustments? We’ll find out in Game 4.

For a little more from Mike Sullivan, check out his comments to the press before tonight’s contest.