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5 Minute Penguins Postgame: Pens Pass Up Shots, Rally but Lose to Rangers

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The Pittsburgh Penguins late-game rush wasn’t enough. After passing up shots for most of the game, the Penguins finally began to pepper New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin in the closing minutes.

However, Shesterkin made saves, the Penguins clanged the iron behind him, and the Rangers won 3-2 in regulation to claim sole possession of second place in the Metro Division.

Dan Kingerski broke it down, including Mike Sullivan’s comments which conflicted slightly with Jake Guentzel’s assessment of the Penguins’ shot selection. And Brian Boyle chimed in with the big picture disappointment.

“We’re not thrilled with the whole of our game. Great push at the end. Way better effort (than last Friday in the 5-1 loss to the Rangers),” Boyle said. “We’ve got another level to get to, and we’ve got to continue to work to do that.”

Ultimately, a Rangers power-play goal after a controversial roughing call against Mike Matheson at the end of the second period was the difference.

Shesterkin made 22 saves on 24 shots. Though Evan Rodrigues hit the post in the final minute as the Penguins swarmed the Rangers net. Rickard Rakell led the Penguins with four shots on goal, including two in the third period.

The Penguins had just 12 shots in the first 40 minutes but still outchanced the Rangers 11-9 after two periods and 20-19 overall.

Did the Penguins give Shesterkin too much respect? Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said no. Jake Guentzel said yes. Dan discussed that very topic in the postgame hit.

“Quality over quantity, so to speak,” Sullivan said.

It’s the PHN Pittsburgh Penguins postgame–a little rushed as the arena crew needed our spot–in five minutes or less, or it’s yours free.