Posted by Scott Burnside
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Thought we were going to see a repeat of the first period there as the Penguins dominated play during the last minute of the second frame with both Sidney Crosby's and Evgeni Malkin's lines having decent chances and the Canes looking like a group of headless chickens -- again.
That Pittsburgh did not score does little to diminish another impressive performance by the Pens. Carolina coach Paul Maurice talked this morning about the impressive energy in the RBC Center, how the building fairly vibrates when the fans are into it. Not so much now. For most of the second period, this place was like a giant tomb. You can thank the Canes and their penchant for turning the puck over for helping to suck the life out of this building.
There were a couple of rushes or moments of pressure from the Canes -- one from the Eric Staal, Ray Whitney and Erik Cole trio that comes to mind -- but nothing substantial and nothing that rattled Marc-Andre Fleury, who has had a pretty easy time of it this evening, facing just 16 shots, eight in each period.
The Pens, meanwhile, have poured 31 shots at Cam Ward, who will be unhappy to learn that Canadian Olympic executive director Steve Yzerman is once again in attendance. Apart from the turnovers, the fact the Canes can't seem to hit the net is also problematic for a team that trails 3-1 in Game 3 and 2-0 in the series.
Now, they say the two-goal lead is the toughest lead in hockey to protect. I'm not sure the "they" that say that have been watching Crosby and Malkin of late. And frankly, it doesn't seem like the Canes are in any emotional place to affect such a comeback.
More from me after the game!
ESPN.com Stanley Cup playoffs blog
