The Pittsburgh Penguins reminded the Ottawa Senators just how explosive they can be Wednesday night on Ottawa's home ice, erupting for four third period goals in a 7-3 win in Game 4.
Sidney Crosby, who led the NHL in points per game (1.56) during the regular season, has five in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and is leading the Penguins in goals in the series, which they now lead 3-1. He also became the fastest player in NHL history to 40 career playoff goals. Next on the list is Penguins all-time great Jaromir Jagr, who achieved the feat in 86 games.
Despite stellar performances night after night, Crosby refuses to be caught up in his own hype. He also does not look ahead to the future until the present is wrapped up. When asked about an Eastern Conference finals dream matchup with the Boston Bruins, Crosby said, "I'm not talking about anything ahead of Game 5."
Crosby's Penguins are focused and ruthless, capable of sucking the life out of their opponents. The Senators, who made their way to the playoffs this year by being one of the league's scrappiest groups, seemed resigned to going home soon after Pittsburgh's third period blitz.
When asked if a comeback was coming, Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson said, "Probably not. [Pittsburgh's] depth and our play right now ... it doesn't look too good." NHL.com also reported that Alfredsson was seen retrieving the game puck after the game, a potential hint that he might retire once Ottawa's season ends. Game 5 in Pittsburgh could be the last time the Senators take the ice this season, and this may have been Alfredsson's final home game.
Still, despite the deck being stacked severely in the Penguins' favor, Alfredsson said his team isn't going to lay down. "We're going to go out and play one hell of a game. That doesn't worry me at all. We never quit and that's not going to stop now. We know the odds are against us in every way, but we never quit and that's going to continue."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
