Pens win pivotal Game 5

Well, despite a very tough task ahead, as winning the 4th game in a playoff series is tough against opponent, history is on the side of the Penguins. Historically, teams who win game 5 in a series that went into that game tied 2-2 win just over 81% of those series. Now, the way the Canadiens have played in this post season, trust me I would not take that for granted, but it does show how pivotal game 5 USUALLY is. I am hopeful that the Pens can go out and finish their business Monday night in Montreal, but the other stat that could factor in before the series is over is that Marc Andre Fleury is 15-5 following a loss in the post season over the past 3 seasons. His records is now 21-7 at home during the same stretch in the post season. All numbers that are encouraging should the Pens need Game 7 to close out this series. I for one, would rather not put all those statistics to the test, especially against this version of the Canadiens.

Some other thoughts on the game last night:

I LOVE the fact that Bylsma recognized the uselessness of Ponikarovsky and Fedostinko by making both Downey soft wimps healthy scratches;

I liked how physical the Pens played;

I love how Letang and Goligoski have both risen to the post season occasion with key offensive production and Letang deserved that goal after hearing the ridiculous Pittsburgh media tell us how he SCORED the GWG for Montreal the night before because of a fluke shot off of his skate;

It was great to see Letestu contribute on the fourth line with physical plays and energy;

I liked how the power play contributed again, but hated seeing the PK give up another one, even if it was way late in the game;

I am impressed by how the Pens can find other ways to win, but concerned that they have been so impotent 5 on 5;

I am also impressed that so many other Pens can contribute to a victory, but also concerned at how effectively the two headed monster has been limited during this series; Malkin had a very strong game this evening, despite gettting only one assist for his efforts;

The Penguins with one more win will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third season in a row! And if they can win that series to the Finals for the third season in a row! That is incredible! GO PENS!