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Crosby Faces 0-2 Hole Again
23 Apr
Summary
- Crosby's team trails 0-2 in a playoff series for the sixth time.
- Flyers' defense limits Penguins to 15 inner-slot shots in two games.
- Penguins' power play is 0-for-7 against the Flyers' penalty kill.
The Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby, are facing a critical Game 3 at home against the Flyers, having lost the first two games on the road. This marks the sixth time in Crosby's career his team has started a playoff series down 0-2, with two previous instances in 2009 resulting in series victories.
The Flyers' strong defensive effort has been a significant factor, allowing only 15 shots from the inner slot across the first two games and boasting a .956 save percentage from their goaltender, Dan Vladar. Philadelphia's penalty kill has also been perfect, shutting down all seven of the Penguins' power-play opportunities.
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan stated that the team needs to find momentum, particularly from their power play, which has struggled to generate chances or scoring. Forward Justin Brazeau is expected to join the lineup for Game 3, skating with rookie center Ben Kindel and winger Egor Chinakhov. This game falls on the eight-year anniversary of the last Flyers playoff home game, where they were eliminated by Crosby and the Penguins.
