The Pittsburgh Penguins advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 6 Monday, but certainly made things interesting along the way.
Pittsburgh scored two goals in each of the first two periods and appeared well on their way to a relatively easy victory. The "never say die" Blue Jackets scored three goals in 4:52 in the third to bring the game to within one with just under five minutes to play, but the Penguins held on for the win.
[Courtesy Extra Skater]
The Penguins will have home-ice advantage in the second round, and will face the winner between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers.
Star Performer
Evgeni Malkin led the way offensively for the Penguins, registering a hat-trick on six shots on goal. It was a big-time performance from a true star player, highlighted by this uber-confident goal on a two-on-one rush.
Don't worry fellas, Geno's got this.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Turning Point
While the comeback attempt ultimately came up short, the game took a drastic turn after this shorthanded goal by Fedor Tyutin midway through the third period.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
The goal got the Blue Jackets on the board and began a furious rally that lasted right up until the final buzzer.
Highlight Reel
Brandon Sutter scored his third goal of the playoffs 34 seconds into the second period, taking advantage of a Columbus turnover and going backhand shelf on Sergei Bobrovsky.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Sutter later left the game with an apparent injury.
Quote of the Night
Sidney Crosby didn't score against the Blue Jackets in six games, but he had the quote of the series after Game 6:
Crosby to Pierre, talking about Fleury: "He was our best player all series."
— Mike Cole (@MikeColeNESN) April 29, 2014
Crosby's an elite liar, too.
