Just a Short Sprint? Why These Penguins Can Actually Make a Deep Run

To say this man has been around the league is an understatement. Domingue has been in a total of 142 regular-season games, with a record of 59-60, and one postseason appearance prior to joining the Pens. Not exactly the resume of someone you want backing up your netminder to take you deep into a playoff run, let alone your starter. I don't know how long this Domingue train is going to churn, but I plan on riding it until the last stop.

Now let's look at what this offense has been able to do to complement the journeyman goaltender. I generally have a feeling of doom the last few years' prior to the playoffs, and for good reasons. The offense always seems to sputter. Evgeni Malkin is usually hurt, or the top lines just can't produce. That hasn't been the case so far against the Rangers. The Pens have had their struggles over the years with being unable to get the puck in the back of the net, so I don't think I'm the only one who's shocked at the goals they've been putting up against the potential Vezina winner in Igor Shesterkin. In just three years in the NHL, Shesterkin has more wins (62) than Domingue does in eight years.

Not only is the scoring ramped up, but everyone seems to be getting involved in the action, and most importantly, the first line is producing. Jake Guentzel is doing his normal playoff thing, but Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are finally showing up when they're needed. From Geno's game-winner in game one, to Sid's show-stopping performance on the ice, it's nice to finally have confidence in all of the lines. 

Last but not least, let's not forget what this power play has been able to accomplish. The Rangers have been a pretty disciplined team this series, but on the opportunities that the Penguins have been given, they have been able to capitalize. In four games, the Pens have four power-play goals, sitting at a 33.3 percent conversion rate which puts them 3rd among all playoff teams.

Given the expectations this team had with Tristan Jarry being out to start the series, then Casey DeSmith going down in the first game, I don't think many could have predicted the Pens would be up 3-1 right now. And who's to say it's going to stop anytime soon? Not me.