Last change swings in Penguins' favor in Game 3 | TribLIVE.com
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Last change swings in Penguins' favor in Game 3

Joe Rutter
| Saturday, April 13, 2019 5:00 p.m.
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Penguins coach Mike Sullivan handles bench duties against the Islanders in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round on April 10, 2019 in Uniondale, N.Y.

Without the benefit of the last change, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ top line featuring Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust was held without a point in consecutive losses to open a first-round playoff series against the New York Islanders.

That will change Sunday in Game 3 at PPG Paints Arena when Penguins coach Mike Sullivan will have final say on line matchups.

“It could be a difference,” said Guentzel, who recorded 40 goals and 76 points in the regular season. “They used it to their favor on home ice. The thing about home is the last change, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

Crosby, though, downplayed the significance of the Penguins having the final change.

“Regardless of who you are playing against, guys are used to playing in different situations against different line combinations,” he said. “I thought we did a pretty good job generating a little more opportunities last game. We just have got to find a way to execute.”

Islanders coach Barry Trotz frustrated the Penguins’ top line by deploying with his top defensive pair of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. He also frequently paired his fourth line of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck against Crosby and company.

Crosby (three), Guentzel (three) and Rust (two) were held to a combined eight shots through the first two games.

“I thought Guentz had a couple good looks, and I had an opportunity to take the puck to the net a few times,” Crosby said. “Shots on goal are great, but it’s a mindset of taking the puck to the net and taking the shots when they are there. You’ve got to hit the net, but whether they get blocked or miss the net, things like that happen. That’s what happens in the playoffs when it’s tight.”


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