PITTSBURGH – The sweat was still running down the side of Sidney Crosby’s face at least 20 minutes after the clock stopped on one of the crazier playoff games you’ll ever see.
His Pittsburgh Penguins had improbably survived three late delay of game penalties for clearing the puck over the glass, and a blown 3-0 lead to the Washington Capitals, and an entire second-round series where he and Evgeni Malkin combined for one goal.
They had somehow managed to book a ticket to the Eastern Conference final for just the fourth time in his NHL career, and Crosby was asked what emotions were coursing through him at that moment.
“Well in a game like that: relief,” said Crosby.
Relief that they didn’t have to head back to Washington for a Game 7. Relief that they had survived a near-disaster. Relief that they unequivocally have a team capable of winning the Stanley Cup.
While the second version of “Sid vs. Ovi” didn’t turn into another head-to-head battle of the game’s biggest stars – “Sorry to disappoint,” said Crosby – it was an epic, exciting clash between two of its best teams.
So turbulent was the feeling inside Consol Energy Center on Tuesday that they should have handed out motion sickness bags to the crowd instead of those gold towels.
Excitement rose as the Penguins built a three goal lead by the midway point of the game and gave way to unbearable tension when the Capitals scored just before the second intermission and again early in the third period.
Then came chaos.
First, Chris Kunitz, then Nick Bonino, then Ian Cole cleared pucks over the glass from the Penguins’ zone in a span of 2:02. It was just the second time since that rule was modified in 2005 that a team took three of those in a row.
And it came in a potential elimination game, allowing Washington to tie it 3-3, not long before Pittsburgh defenceman Kris Letang was called for interference. Disbelief spilled over on the home bench.
“I think there’s a little shock initially when you see that third [puck] go over [the glass],” said Crosby. “It’s like ‘you’ve got to be kidding me.’ And then Tanger ends up with a penalty. You almost have to laugh sometimes in situations like that.
“You just have to find a way to get through it.”
That they did is going to be what defines this group. It’s also what will be remembered about a game that ended when Pittsburgh poured on the pressure in overtime and saw Bonino swipe the puck across the goal line at 6:32.
Every deep playoff run requires negotiating some speed bumps just like the Penguins did here.
It is in these moments where we find out about the character of a team. Pittsburgh has now gone 50 games without suffering consecutive losses and they’ve built a formidable foundation in the process.
The Bonino-Phil Kessel–Carl Hagelin line carried the offence against the Capitals, with the Crosby and Malkin units facing tough matchups. In the past, the Penguins depth has failed its stars. Now it is a strength.
All three of those players were acquired in trades since the end of last season. A couple other new faces from the American Hockey League – including rookie goalie Matt Murray, who made 36 saves in the series clincher – have also helped change the complexion of this group.
“I just feel like we haven’t had that mentality where it’s ‘here we go again,”’ said Crosby. “I think it’s been more ‘how are we going to find a way?’ There’s been some situations where it didn’t look good in the past and things might have creeped into our minds and I don’t see that in this group. A lot of new guys helps; they haven’t necessarily been in games [like] maybe in the [2012] Philly series where you give up a three-goal lead.
“So I think that may help a bit too because they don’t have to look back on those memories necessarily.”
There is something pleasing about watching the Penguins play. They push the pace, they believe the best defence is created through offence, and they’re poised to have one heck of a series with a speedy Tampa Bay Lightning team in the next round.
This has been the perfect home for a player like Kessel, who is extremely well-suited to being the third offensive option rather than the go-to guy. His value was hammered home early in Game 6 against Washington when he created a goal from nothing.
He went on to score another and assist on Bonino’s overtime winner – giving him five points in Pittsburgh’s two series-clinching efforts in these playoffs. We’re learning the former Toronto Maple Leafs winger isn’t afraid to be on the big stage, he just hasn’t had too many opportunities.
“I don’t remember the last time I’ve been nervous for a hockey game,” said Kessel.
Without prompting, Crosby brought up the fact that Kessel was part of the Leafs team that blew a 4-1 lead against Boston in Game 7 of the 2013 playoffs. Some crazy things happen at this time of year and the Penguins captain was thrilled that Kessel didn’t have his name attached to another historic collapse.
“He didn’t want to be involved in two of those,” said Crosby.
After the interviews wrapped up, Crosby continued to linger at his locker, wearing half of his equipment. Soon Penguins owner Mario Lemieux and teammate Kris Letang joined him and the three of them sat there discussing a few of the memorable moments from an evening spilling over with them.
They couldn’t have looked any happier – or more relieved.
