Game #61 - vs New York Rangers

Game 61

Rangers (26-27-6, 59 points) at Penguins (36-22-2, 74 points)

Why does it matter?
The Pens can take the lead in the division with a win and a New Jersey loss. They haven't had the lead (or a share of it) since December 27th.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Beating the Isles too some of the sting off of the prior weekend.
• Rangers - Losing 8 out of 10 games is bad. Having it take you out of the playoffs is worse.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens win as a team? The defense is still allowing too many shots, and the offense isn't registering enough time in the offensive zone to give the D a break. Fleury carried them through the Isles game. It would be nice not to have to rely on the goalie to be en fuego.
  
• Bylsma's system is built around being aggressive. What happens if the aggression just isn't there?
  
• I'm still looking for a shut out from a Pens goalie. Can they get one? (this question is staying here until they do)
  

Keys to the game

• Stay within yourselves. The Rangers last four losses were by one goal, which says they were in the game but found a way to lose. Exploit that by playing simple positional hockey.
  
• Give the goalie some support. The Pens have allowed more than 30 shots for three four straight.