We've been talking so much about the resiliency of the Carolina Hurricanes throughout these playoffs and rightfully so. But you've got to hand it to the Pittsburgh Penguins for their resiliency in Game 2.
They had a 2-1 lead in the first period and it became a 3-2 deficit heading into the second period. But Maxime Talbot scored to make it 3-3 and then Chris Kunitz scored his first goal of the playoffs to put the Penguins in front.
At that point, things were looking good for the Penguins but the Cardiac Canes came back to tie it again before the Evgeni Malkin show took over.
The Penguins were behind, they were ahead and they kept on coming back. They showed a lot of the resiliency and mental toughness the Hurricanes have shown throughout the playoffs.
Full credit to the Penguins on that count.
Suspension Unlikely
I would be surprised if there are any repercussions for the match penalty called on Ryan Bayda near the end of the game.
I can understand why a referee might see the play and think that it was a cross-check to the head but I don't think this was in the category of a blatant attempt to injure. I think it was a garden variety high-stick.
It's better to err on the side of caution and call the match penalty to set the tone for the final minute for the players. Then, you can let Colin Campbell and the hockey operations department deal with it on Friday.
But I would be shocked if there is a suspension coming.