PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pens came out to their loudest and largest crowd of the year, got out to an early lead and Tristan Jarry protected it. Pens even the series 1-1 with the Islanders with game 3 Thursday in New York.
“It’s awesome to have our fans back in the building and have as many as we do," Jarry said. "I think that gives us a huge boost. It boosts our team. You see the role they play out there to be behind us. I think that helps us a lot.”
“That was cool to be a part of, to see all of those towels waving,” said Pens defenseman Mike Matheson. “To see that gives you chills and puts a spark in your team.”
Two days after Tristan Jarry gave up a couple of goals he would like back high to the glove side, Isles goalie Seymon Varlamov returned the favor on a Bryan Rust shot at 3:22 of the first period and the arena was back to it’s raucous self.
Sidney Crosby would help cover for Jarry out of position to get his stick on a shot to prevent the tying goal. Then the Pens would take a two-goal lead.
Jeff Carter would patiently score after Kasperi Kapanen took a big hit behind the net to get it to Jared McCann. McCann would also take a hit on a blind pass to feed Carter for the goal. 2-0 Pens at 13:07.
After a couple of failed Pens power play opportunities, Islanders took control about midway through the second and Josh Bailey would score on a backhand in front. 2-1 at 14:44 of the second.
Jarry was the number one star of the game making 37 saves for a second consecutive game, this time only one got by.
Dumo scare
Twisted around by the Islanders JG Pageau, Pens defenseman Brian Dumoulin slammed into the boards where multiple body parts hit behind the Islanders net about a minute into the third period. The 29-year-old defenseman laid on the ice for a minute, eventually skated off under his own power and would return a couple of minutes later.
Dumoulin has been a key part of the Pens second half with their improved play directly coinciding with his return from injury on March 6.
Kris Letang’s partner was a game-time decision after missing practice Monday feeling the after effects of blocking a shot on Sunday.
Malkin out again
Second straight playoff games without one of the team’s all-time greats. Evgeni Malkin continues to be hampered by a lower body injury, re-aggravated during the last game of the season.
Malkin played only four games since returning from the injury suffered March 16 against Boston. The Pens alternate captain had 4 assists over those 4 games. On the season, Malkin has 8 goals and 20 assists in 33 games.
Up Next
Games 3 and 4 in New York on Thursday and Saturday before game 5 back in Pittsburgh on Monday.