The Pittsburgh Penguins have claimed their fourth Stanley Cup, taking out the NHL’s ultimate prize with a 3-1 game six victory over the San Jose Sharks.
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Crosby’s dominance was evident throughout the final game as Pittsburgh spent most of the time when he was on the ice in San Jose’s zone.
“We’re so excited to have the Cup back home in Pittsburgh, and I can’t wait to see them drink some beer out of the Cup and celebrate!”
Sure, they rolled through a bracket that had a soul-searching Caps team and a beat up Lightning squad in their way, but the Penguins came out scorching in the Stanley Cup Final and won it far and square.
The Penguins captured the Stanley Cup by beating San Jose 3-1 on the road to eliminate the Sharks in six games.
“I don’t think you could expect it”, said defenseman Ian Cole. Sharks G Martin Jones is the first netminder in the post-expansion era to record 40 or more saves multiple times in the Stanley Cup final….
That left the window open for the Sharks, but thanks to the Penguins’ defense they were never able to climb through it. And not only do the sites carry Pittsburgh NHK Stanley Cup Finals apparel, but also have hundreds of other Pens items for men, women and children, including shirts, jerseys, jackets, hats, hoodies and collectible memorabilia. The Penguins were out of a playoff spot on December 12 and fired coach Mike Johnston, replaced by Sullivan. “We’re looking forward to this game today”. He has yet to drop consecutive starts during the playoffs, going 5-0 with a 1.76 goals against average in games following a loss.
“It was a blessing in disguise looking back at it now, because it forced me to get to know the organization top to bottom”, coach Peter DeBoer said of the injuries.
“I think we played a hell of a game last 55 minutes of the game”.
The flow of the first period was reminiscent of Games 4 and 5, with the Penguins dominating possession.
The Penguins lead 2-1 on goals by Brian Dumoulin and Kris Letang.
The Sharks gave up a power play goal for the third straight game, and for the second straight game, it came after a penalty to Dainius Zubrus.
“It’s pretty wonderful how things work out sometimes”, said Cullen, who was convinced to sign with the Penguins by his former Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford. “How can you ask for anything better than this?” It doesn’t matter ultimately.
San Jose is trying to become the seventh team in 33 chances to force a Game 7 when down 3-1 in the final. “Especially the way things started out first half of the season”.
“By no means are we satisfied with where we’re at”, Sullivan said.
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Pittsburgh had a 20-17 advantage in shots through two periods.
