Backchecking the Pens: May 3, 2017

Game 4 tonight between Pens and Capitals.  Be sure to follow Dan Kingerski, Bob Grove and John Steigerwald all day for the latest pre-game and in-game news and opinions. 

Update (7:11 PM)

Rowney and Wilson will slot in on the 4th line.

Shaking things up in Game Four. pic.twitter.com/oxsGaUFR8t

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 3, 2017

Update (7:03 PM )-

Dan Kingerski suggests the absence of Sidney Crosby and Conor Sheary means the Penguins could emphasize their strength and play to the Capitals weakness with the insertion of Josh Archibald into the line-up. Though Carter Rowney and Scott Wilson are ahead on the depth chart, neither possess Archibald’s speed, while all three bring some physicality.

Also, look for the Penguins defenseman to continue skating with the puck, as they did in Game 3. The Capitals have pressured the Penguins break-outs. The Penguins defense improved the Penguins puck possession and puck control by playing with the puck more. If the Capitals choose to blitz the Penguins D, that will again open up the Penguins lethal transition game.

Is there any doubt Malkin and Kessel need monster games? And Fleury, too. He’s beaten Bobrovsky, and outdueled Holtby to this point.

Follow our team on Twitter:  Dan Kingerski @budmoonshine and Bob Grove @bobgrove91

UPDATE (2:18 PM)-

Niskanen on Crosby hit. #Pens #Caps pic.twitter.com/suXgfPTv0V

— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) May 3, 2017

UPDATE (11:14 AM)-

Phil Kessel responds to @Capitals Jay Beagle: "If he thinks that's a clean hit, he's an idiot." #Penguins

— Chase Williams WPXI (@chasepwilliams) May 3, 2017

UPDATE (9:53 AM)-

Capitals: seeking to win consecutive road playoff games at Penguins for only 2nd time in franchise history (1996)

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) May 3, 2017

UPDATE (9:37 AM)-

The moment everyone has been waiting for: Don Cherry's take on the Crosby/Ovechkin/Niskanen situation. pic.twitter.com/Tkbq9Vt2ak

— Ryan Gilbert (@RGilbertSOP) May 3, 2017