Wednesday, March 27

Slowing Sidney Crosby’s line is key


PITTSBURGH — Gerard Gallant was hesitant to just come out and say it, but after thinking it over for a brief moment, the New York Rangers’ coach decided it was pointless to skirt around what everyone has plainly observed.

The Penguins’ top forward trio of Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust has been the best line on either side through two games of their first-round playoff series, which will continue at 7 p.m. Saturday with Game 3 at PPG Paints Arena.

“You’re talking about one of the best lines in the league,” Gallant said following Friday’s optional practice at the MSG Training Center in Tarrytown, N.Y. “Right now, they’re playing outstanding. That line has been really tough to handle and manage. We’re doing the best we can.”

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There were subtle signs of improvement from Game 1 to Game 2.

The Crosby line was dominant in the Pens’ series-opening victory — a 4-3 triple-overtime marathon on Tuesday — while generating an eye-popping 30 scoring chances and allowing only two, according to Natural Stat Trick.



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