NHL playoffs: Penguins look to take more shots in Game 2 vs. Senators
Pittsburgh was outshot 35-28 in an overtime loss against Ottawa to start the series.The Pittsburgh Penguins’ plan for Monday's Game 2 against the Ottawa Senators follows the logic of the memorable Wayne Gretzky quote: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.
Matt Murray will start in Marc-Andre Fleury’s place in Game 3 against the Senators.
mike sullivan . Sullivan and Murray started this season together in Wilkes-Barre, so the coach has had plenty of chances to see how his young goalie deals with setbacks and success, and maybe that’s played a role in his thinking.
© Getty Images OTTAWA, ON - MAY 17: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates to the bench as he talks to his replacement Matt Murray #30 of the Pittsburgh Penguins after giving up four goal during the first period to the Ottawa Senators in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 17, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) It’s weird, really, that we’re sitting here seven hours ahead of a playoff game, wondering whether Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is wise to start his starting goaltender.
It’s also a testament to how good Marc-Andre Fleury had been, in aggregate, during the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs. Save for a couple squishy moments against Columbus — nobody can be 100 percent great, 100 percent of the time — Fleury’s play had been bulletproof until Game 2 against the Senators. The Penguins are still playing because of him.
Stanley Cup playoffs: Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel suffers concussion on big hit from Bobby Ryan
An already thin Penguins roster suffered another injury Friday, when defenseman Chad Ruhwedel exited late in the first period and never returned in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals after taking elbow to the face on a big hit from Senators winger Bobby Ryan. Ruhwedel remained down on the ice in pain while a scrum ensued along the boards. His Pittsburgh teammates thought Ryan left his feet and went elbow-first into Ruhwedel's head.Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told reporters after Pittsburgh's 3-2 win that Ruhwedel suffered a concussion. The defenseman will be re-evaluated when the club returns to Pittsburgh.
There's no timetable for Matt Murray 's (lower body) return, per Penguins coach Mike Sullivan . Murray is clearly making progress though. He's at top of his game," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. That makes sense for the reasons that Sullivan cited.
Murray needed a rest, and they felt like that outweighed the risk of starting Fleury for the first time since March 31. " Matt played a lot of hockey," Sullivan said. Makes sense ; between April 19 and May 20, Murray started 13 games.
Now, they’ll play without him. Matt Murray, dealing with a groin injury since he warmed up for Game 1 of the postseason, is taking Fleury’s place in the wake of his first-period meltdown on Wednesday.
"Marc was a professional like he always is,” Sullivan told reporters after announcing the decision, saying that the decision was good and difficult because the pair is “as capable as they are.” He wouldn’t elaborate much beyond that.
It’s a cold profession, goaltending; Fleury was throwing up a .931 save percentage in the very, very recent past. But if you think the Penguins’ margin for error is nil — and it’s close enough, given the way the series has unfolded — and if you pretend for a second that Marc-Andre Fleury were, in terms of his personality, somebody else, Sullivan’s decision makes sense.
Miami 'Joker' lookalike busted for pointing loaded gun at drivers
The Joker got busted. But the Caped Crusader didn't take him down, Miami-Dade police did. Lawrence Patrick Sullivan, 29 _ whose green hair and tattooed face bears a striking resemblance to The Joker in the Batman movies _ was stopped by police Tuesday night outside the Hammocks Place Apartments in West Kendall. In his pocket: a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun with sixLawrence Patrick Sullivan, 29 — whose green hair and tattooed face bears a striking resemblance to The Joker in the Batman movies — was stopped by police Tuesday night outside the Hammocks Place Apartments in West Kendall.
This website is temporarily unavailable, please try again later. Fired Sullivan jail captain charged with theft.
Starting goaltender Matt Murray , Plan A, suffered a lower body injury in pregame warmups, forcing The Pens play poorly in the 1st period (after Matt Murray is injured in warmups) but Fleury makes Penguins coach Mike Sullivan named Matt Murray his Game 1 (7:30 p.m., PPG Paints Arena; TV
Fleury has started the Penguins’ last 15 games. Like Dave Lozo noted at Vice Sports, he hasn’t played that much that consistently since a 23-game stretch in 2011-12. That, coupled with how much work Fleury had to do in the first two rounds, makes him a prime candidate for burn-out — and he certainly looked the part in Game 2.
Sticking with Fleury over Murray — the guy who won a Stanley Cup last June, then outperformed Fleury .923 to .909 during the regular season — would be predicated on two things. One, that he’s the hot hand, isn’t true anymore. He’d been better than he’d ever been before. Unsustainably so, in fact. That ended a couple days ago.
Maybe he needed a day off. Maybe he’d turned back into a pumpkin. This is not the time to figure it out.
The other is that the switch would do real damage to the psyche of the team at large. There’s something to be said for that — Marc-Andre Fleury is a legendarily nice guy. He’s beloved by all. You hear it ad nauseam because it’s true. That only takes you so far, though; Murray doesn’t quite spend his off days torturing his teammates’ pets. He also won them a Cup a year ago. They know that.
'Do what you need to do': Matt Murray ready for Game 7
Matt Murray has been through two Game 7s in his NHL career, and the experiences were quite different. For his first, in the Eastern Conference final last season, Murray stopped 16 of 17 shots as the Penguins beat the Lightning, 2-1, to advance to the Stanley Cup final.His second was two weeks ago against Washington. Murray watched from the bench as Marc-Andre Fleury led the Penguins to a 2-0 victory.Murray will be back in the net for his third career Game 7 Thursday night against Ottawa, as he and the Penguins once again face a do-or-die game with a trip to the Stanley Cup final on the line.
Sure, that makes sense . However, if Murray again is flat, coach Mike Sullivan better at least consider turning the remainder of Game 6 over to Marc-Andre Fleury. Penguins goaltender Matt Murray makes a save on the Sharks' Matt Nieto during the second period in Game 5 of the Stanley
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So, maybe Sullivan thinks Fleury is gassed. He’s got reason to believe it. Maybe he thinks the guy that has been demonstrably better than Fleury since the moment he left Wilkes-Barre is healthy enough to do the job. He’s got reason to believe that, too.
Maybe the most positive way to think of it all — the best way, if you’re a Penguins fan — is as Sullivan showing his team that their effort in Game 2 wasn’t good enough. It’s time to get desperate. This was the biggest button available to the coach, and we’re about to find out whether he pushed it at the right time. He’s been right before.
Sean Gentille: sgentille@post-gazette.com, Twitter @seangentille.
Related slideshow: Stanley Cup playoffs (Provided by photo services)

Up against the boards
Colin Wilson of the Nashville Predators battles for the puck along the boards against Josh Manson of the Anaheim Ducks in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.
Predators-Penguins marks 1st final in NHL history with 2 American coaches
For the first time in NHL history, two American-born head coaches will square off in the Stanley Cup Final, according to the NHL Coaches Association. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Mass., rallied his team to the final by winning two Game 7s. He made a series-altering decision against Ottawa by starting Matt Murray in Game 4 after Marc-Andre Fleury had carried them up to that point.Peter Laviolette, a native of Franklin, Mass., has masterfully led his team to a 12-4 record on the road to the Cup Final. His willingness to adapt to his opponent has been put on full display.
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Thus, Marc-Andre Fleury, not Matt Murray , will be in net for Sunday’s Game 5 between Pittsburgh and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pittsburgh coach Mike SullivanCharles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports. Sullivan spoke in generalities regarding the decision, as Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reported.

Hard hit
Pontus Aberg of the Nashville Predators hits Sami Vatanen of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.
Predators-Penguins marks 1st final in NHL history with 2 American coaches
For the first time in NHL history, two American-born head coaches will square off in the Stanley Cup Final, according to the NHL Coaches Association. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Mass., rallied his team to the final by winning two Game 7s. He made a series-altering decision against Ottawa by starting Matt Murray in Game 4 after Marc-Andre Fleury had carried them up to that point.Peter Laviolette, a native of Franklin, Mass., has masterfully led his team to a 12-4 record on the road to the Cup Final. His willingness to adapt to his opponent has been put on full display.
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Error 404: Page Not Found. Trying to make sense of the death of a 12-year-old.
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Over the top
Josh Manson of the Anaheim Ducks falls over Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators and Hampus Lindholm of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Scrum on the net
Kevin Bieksa of the Anaheim Ducks scrums with Mike Fisher and Austin Watson of the Nashville Predators in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Ducks celebrate another
Nick Ritchie of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period against Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Rakell celebrates an early one
Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell, of Sweden, celebrates his goal in the first period of Game 4 of the Western Conference final against the Nashville Predators in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Tripping over Penguins
Zack Smith, center, of the Senators trips over Matt Murray, right, of the Penguins on May 17 in Ottawa. The Senators won 5-1.
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Chasing the puck
The Senators' Frederik Claesson, left, battles for the puck with the Penguins' Phil Kessel on May 17 in Ottawa. The Senators won 5-1.
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Heat on ice
The Senators fight the Penguins during the game on May 17 in Ottawa. The Senators won 5-1.
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Full goal mouth
Ducks goalie John Gibson and Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson fall to the ice as a shot by Nashville's Filip Forsberg gets through for a goal during the third period of Game 3 in the Western Conference final on May 16 in Nashville, Tenn. The Predators won 2-1 to take a 2-1 series lead.
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Victory salute
The Predators celebrate after their Game 3 win against the Ducks the Western Conference final.
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Throwing down
Ducks right wing Jared Boll, left, and Predators left wing Cody McLeod fight during the second period of Game 3 ib the Western Conference final on May 16.
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Duck shooting
Ducks right wing Corey Perry lines up to shoot against Predators goalie Pekka Rinne during the first period of Game 3 in the Western Conference final on May 16.
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Waiting for the puck to drop
Ducks center Ryan Kesler, left, and Predators center Ryan Johansen take a faceoff during the first period of Game 3 in the Western Conference final on May 16.
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Penguins even series
Phil Kessel, left, of the Penguins plays against the Senators in the second period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won 1-0 to even the series at one game apiece.
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None shall pass
Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury tends net during the third period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15.
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Heating up
The Penguins' Olli Maatta (3) and Nick Bonino tangle with Mark Stone of the Senators during the third period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15.
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Clearing the danger
Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, left, clears the puck past Senators left wing Mike Hoffman during the first period of Game 2 in the Eastern Conference final on May 15.
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Out of the crease
Senators goalie Craig Anderson knocks the puck out of the crease against the Penguins during the second period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15.
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Ground battle
Filip Forsberg (9) of the Nashville Predators battles against Hampus Lindholm (47) of the Anaheim Ducks in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals at the Honda Center on May 14, in Anaheim, Calif. The Ducks won 5-3.
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In the crease
Ryan Getzlaf (15) of the Anaheim Ducks skates in the crease to play the puck on a shot by teammate Ondrej Kase (not in photo) as Colin Wilson (33) and goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) of the Nashville Predators try to defend the play on May 14.
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Quack attack
The Ducks celebrate after scoring their fourth goal of the game on May 14.
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Duck dumped
Matt Irwin (52) of the Nashville Predators trips Ondrej Kase of the Anaheim Ducks on May 14.
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Closing in
Mike Fisher (12) of the Nashville Predators falls to the ice as he tries to put a shot past goaltender John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks on May 14.
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Stretching for the puck
Justin Schultz (4) of the Pittsburgh Penguins dives for the puck against Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) of the Ottawa Senators during the third period in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.
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Moving forward
Carter Rowney (37) of the Pittsburgh Penguins moves the puck in front of Bobby Ryan (9) of the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.
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Getting it through
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) of the Ottawa Senators scores a goal against Marc-Andre Fleury (29) of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.
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Senators celebrate
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) of the Ottawa Senators celebrates with his teammate Mark Stone (61) after scoring a goal against Marc-Andre Fleury (29) of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.
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Up against the boards
Pittsburgh Penguins' Carter Rowney (37) and Ottawa Senators' Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) battle along the boards during the second period of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, on May 13, in Pittsburgh.
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Game winner
James Neal (18) of the Nashville Predators celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in the first overtime period of Game One of the Western Conference Final as Nate Thompson (44) of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 12, in Anaheim, California.The Predators defeated the Ducks 3-2 (OT).
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Close quarter save
Goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) of the Nashville Predators makes a save in front of Andrew Cogliano (7) of the Anaheim Ducks and Roman Josi (59) of the Nashville Predators in the third period of Game One of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 12, in Anaheim, Calif.
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Battling it out
Pontus Aberg (46) of the Nashville Predators battles against Jared Boll (40) of the Anaheim Ducks after a whistle in Game One of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 12, in Anaheim, Calif.
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Diving steal
Nashville Predators Defenceman Mattias Ekholm (14) falls to the ice and tries to steal the puck from Anaheim Ducks Center Ryan Getzlaf (15) during game 1 of the 2017 NHL Western Conference Final between the Nashville Predators and the Anaheim Ducks on May 12, at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
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All out defense
Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) reaches to cover the puck against the Anaheim Ducks in front of net traffic during the third period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Ducks outlast Oilers
Ryan Getzlaf of the Ducks reacts after Nick Ritchie scored the go-ahead goal against the Oilers on May 10 in California. The Ducks won 2-1.
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Penguins on the ice
The Penguins' Jake Guentzel and the Capitals' Matt Niskanen go after the puck on May 10 in Washington. The Penguins won 2-0.
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Getting a firm grip
The Ducks' Josh Manson grabs the jersey of the Oilers' Zack Kassian on May 10 in California. The Ducks won 2-1.
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Check please!
Tom Wilson of the Capitals is checked by Ron Hainsey of the Penguins on May 10 in Washington. The Penguins won 2-0.
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Safe landing
The Ducks' Antoine Vermette lands on top of the Oilers' goalie Cam Talbot on May 10 in California. The Ducks won 2-1.
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Set in Stone
The Senators' Mark Stone controls the puck in front of Brady Skjei of the Rangers during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 9 in New York.
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On top of things
The Senators' Alex Burrows falls on Derek Stepan of the Rangers on May 9 in New York. The Senators won 4-2.
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Sandwiched
The Rangers' Tanner Glass gets tripped up between the Predators goalie Craig Anderson and Marc Methot on May 9 in New York.
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Setting the pace
Penguins right wing Bryan Rust, left, and Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie chase the puck during the first period of Game 6 in their second-round series on May 8 in Pittsburgh. The Capitals won 5-2 to even the series 3-3.
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Guarding the goal
Capitals goalie Braden Holtby stops a shot during the second period of Game 6 on May 8 in Pittsburgh.
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Down in the corner
The Capitals' Kevin Shattenkirk battles the Penguins' Carl Hagelin for control of the puck during the second period of Game 6 on May 8 in Pittsburgh.
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Hats off
Ice attendants pick up hats after Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl scored his third goal in the Oilers' 7-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Second Round at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on May 7.
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Into the boards
Milan Lucic, left, of the Edmonton Oilers runs Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks into the boards on May 7.
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Fight night
Drake Caggiula (36) of the Edmonton Oilers punches Andrew Cogliano of the Anaheim Ducks on May 7.
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Drilled
Griffin Reinhart (8) of the Edmonton Oilers hits Nate Thompson of the Anaheim Ducks on May 7.
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Bye, bye Blues
Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen, left, scores the eventual game-winning goal past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jake Allen, center, in the third period of their 3-1 victory at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., on May 7.
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Party time for Preds
Ryan Johansen (92) of the Nashville Predators celebrates his eventual game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues with teammates on May 7.
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Poke check
Linesman Shane Heyer separates Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) and St. Louis Blues left wing Vladimir Sobotka on May 7.
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Capitals sneak one in
Nicklas Backstrom of the Capitals scores a third-period goal against Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference second-round series on May 6 in Washington.
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Upended
Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh hip-checks Senators left wing Viktor Stalberg in the second period of Game 5 in their second-round series on May 6 in Ottawa.
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Face off
Rangers center Kevin Hayes and Senators goalie Craig Anderson get up close and personal during the second period of Game 5 in their second-round series on May 6.
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Celebrating another
Alex Ovechkin, left, celebrates his third-period goal against the Penguins with Capitals teammate Kevin Shattenkirk in Game 5 of their second-round series on May 6.
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Check, please
Sidney Crosby of the Penguins checks the Capitals' T.J. Oshie during the third period in Game 5 of their second-round series on May 6.
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Watching one slip past
Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist turns as a first-period shot by the Senators' Mark Stone (61) makes its way into the net during Game 5 of their second-round series on May 6.
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Top shot
Vladimir Tarasenko of the Blues takes a shot against Predators goalie Pekka Rinne in Game 5 on May 5 in St. Louis.
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Sekera is assisted off the ice
Andrej Sekera of the Edmonton Oilers is helped off the ice by Milan Lucic and a trainer during the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 5, in Anaheim, Calif.
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Heavy hitting
Matthew Benning of the Edmonton Oilers reacts as he is hit by Nate Thompson of the Anaheim Ducks during the first period in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 5, in Anaheim, Calif.
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Stretched out
Paul Stastny of the St. Louis Blues attempts to pass the puck against Ryan Johansen of the Nashville Predators in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center on May 5, in St. Louis, Miss.
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Cautiously watching
Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators watches the puck after losing his mask against the St. Louis Blues in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center on May 5, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Miss.
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Fight time
Dion Phaneuf of the Ottawa Senators fights with Brendan Smith of the New York Rangers during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Senators 4-1.
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Slipping one through
Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers scores a third period goal against Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Senators 4-1.
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Reaching for it
Bobby Ryan of the Ottawa Senators attempts to control the puck against Oscar Lindberg of the New York Rangers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Senators 4-1.
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Celebration time
Tanner Glass of the New York Rangers celebrates a goal by Oscar Lindberg at 15:54 of the second period against the Ottawa Senators in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City.
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Group battle
The New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators fight during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4.
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Snow spray
Goalie Cam Talbot of the Oilers makes a save against Nick Ritchie of the Ducks on May 3 in Edmonton, Canada. The Ducks won 4-3.
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Making a Marc
The Penguins' Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury makes a save as the Capitals' Lars Eller and the Penguins' Evgeni Malkin battle for puck on May 3 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won 3-2.
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Celebrating Duck
Ryan Getzlaf of the Ducks celebrates after a goal against the Oilers on May 3 in Edmonton, Canada. The Ducks won 4-3.
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Double check
The Penguins' Ian Cole checks the Capitals' Justin Williams on May 3 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won 3-2.
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Going somewhere?
The Oilers fans cheer on their team against the Ducks on May 3 in Edmonton, Canada. The Ducks won 4-3.
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Crossing sticks
Colin Wilson, right, of the Predators battles for the puck against the Blues' Patrik Berglund in Game 4 of a second-round series on May 2 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The Predators won 2-1 to take a 3-1 series lead.
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Predators party
Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Ryan Ellis during the third period against the Blues in Game 4 of a second-round series on May 2.
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Getting an earful
Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, left, and Predators left wing Harry Zolnierczyk battle for the puck during the first period in Game 4 of a second-round series on May 2.
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Puck control
The Rangers' Michael Grabner, left, looks to control the puck in front of the Senators' Dion Phaneuf during the second period of Game 3 of a second-round playoff series on May 2 in New York. The Rangers won 4-1 but trailed in the series 2-1.
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Victory salute
Rangers players celebrate after defeating the Senators in Game 3 of a second-round series on May 2.
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Break it up
Rangers center J.T. Miller and Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau are separated by officials during the third period of Game 3 of a second-round series on May 2.
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Heat on ice
The Penguins' Evgeni Malkin, left, and the Capitals' John Carlson scrum during the game on May 1 in Pittsburgh. The Capitals won 3-2.
Predators-Penguins marks 1st final in NHL history with 2 American coaches .
For the first time in NHL history, two American-born head coaches will square off in the Stanley Cup Final, according to the NHL Coaches Association. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Mass., rallied his team to the final by winning two Game 7s. He made a series-altering decision against Ottawa by starting Matt Murray in Game 4 after Marc-Andre Fleury had carried them up to that point.Peter Laviolette, a native of Franklin, Mass., has masterfully led his team to a 12-4 record on the road to the Cup Final. His willingness to adapt to his opponent has been put on full display.