The Penguins had 18 shots in the first period in game one. No goals.
The Penguins fell behind 2-0 against a heavy trapping team in game one.
If the Penguins had fallen behind in game two, they’d have felt like they were losing control of the series. The Canadiens, with their structure, and with Carey Price, would have appeared to be suffocating the Penguins.
So what did Sidney Crosby do? He scored 4:25 into the game. Of course he did. That’s what he does.
Crosby has 16 game opening goals in his playoff career.
The Penguins couldn’t afford to fall behind. Not in the game, and they couldn’t be down 2-0 in the series.
Enter the captain.
Crosby has two goals in two games.
For all of the problems the Penguins are fighting through right now, Sidney Crosby’s play isn’t one of them.
He was clutch on Monday night. He did what he does.