PITTSBURGH — There still a lot of hockey to be played in the Eastern Conference finals, but there already have been two defining moments.
In Game 1, the Canes' Eric Staal missed an open net in the final 30 seconds that would have tied the score and possibly forced overtime. Staal rarely misses an opportunity like that but he did that time. The Penguins' won 3-2.
In Game 2, the Pens led 5-4, in another tight game at Mellon Arena, when there was a faceoff in the Carolina zone. Moments later, it was 6-4 after Evgeni Malkin's third goal of the game.
"It was a faceoff play and it's called 'The Geno' for a reason," Pens coach Dan Bylsma said. "He pushed through and went and got the puck himself and after that it's just all him."
Malkin controlled the puck behind the Carolina net, skated to the right circle, spun and got off a backhander that sailed by Cam Ward's head to make it 6-4.
"There are not many players in the world can make a play like that and two of them are on our team," Bylsma said.
The other being Sidney Crosby, who had a goal and assist Thursday as the Pens took a 2-0 series lead with the 7-4 victory.
Malkin and Crosby, Crosby and Malkin. The Hurricanes went into the series knowing they had to do all they could do slow down those two dynamic scorers. Through two games, Malkin and Crosby have combined for five goals and four assists.
How to contain them?
"Well, you're not going to be able to do it one on one," Canes coach Paul Maurice said. "We struggled a little bit with some of that in our own end. We left them alone at times, one on one with a player."
As defenseman Dennis Seidenberg said, Malkin is a great player and will get his chances, but the Canes have to be much tighter defensively. Pittsburgh also had 42 shots in the game.
The Hurricanes were saying all the right things after Game 2, with the series now going back to Raleigh for two games.
Defenseman Tim Gleason: "We're down 2-0. We're going back to our building. It's not over with."
Maurice: "They won two games on home ice. We have to do the same thing. That's our challenge."
And a challenge it will be.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
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Gee, where have I heard that before?
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 15:08 — jwj1952They've got to crash the net, get in (fill in the opposing goalie's name here) face, keep the puck in the offensive zone. Well...yeah. Isn't that the whole point? My guess: Don't think the Penguins weren't watching the series against the Devils (where, to be honest, there was a lot of luck and some pretty weird stuff), and the Bruins (who, I believe, were overconfident and by the time they figured it out, it was too late). Only two games in, true enough, but ...
Film at 11.
Pens were not...
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 15:21 — AllenHwatching the series against Boston as they were playing the Caps at the same times. Yeah, I know about TiVO, etc.
Game 3 and beyond
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 14:50 — LordstanleycaneAgree with what esteban had to say, the 'Canes need crash the net, and the slot. Get in Fleury's face. He has had lots of trouble with seeing pucks when there is loads of traffic in front of him. Screen the daylights out of him the remainder of the series. If the Pens don't like it, then let them take bad penalties, and we'll take advantage. As for the "D", they need to stop playing back when the opposition has the puck.
OMG Seidenburg is driving me crazy how far off he plays, and he is getting beat badly so much. Dennis, one word of advice~ Step up and ride the player out of the play. Stop being so non~chalant, your scaring me!!!!
BTW, what has happened to Brandon Sutter? Why did they not put him in last night instead of Dwyer? Has anybody seen him? He might step up like Andrew Ladd did when we won in '06. He would bring some much needed speed to the lineup.
And....one other thing, Cam can you PLEASEEEEEEEE get consistent. You have like 3 good games then go south and give up tons of goals. You've been in the league now long enough, that you should be able to keep the opposition down, even on a bad night. 6 goals is inexcusable.
We will win both home games, and from there we have got to get the upper hand in game 5. Pittsburgh is more hungrier than Jersey or Boston. They want to prove last year wasn't a fluke, and they want another shot at Detroit again. Let's not let that happen.
GO 'Canes...........YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! JUST KICK THEIR BUTT every shift, and you will..!!!!!!!
'Caniacs RULE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Brandon Sutter
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 17:13 — esteban1949while "offically" is Probably eligable to play, but he is part of the AHL Albany River Rat Squad that is part of the Black Aces group the Canes have.And from what Chip has said, while they do practice some with the canes on home ice,with 99.9% of the Regular roster being healthy...the out look for Brandon and the rest of the Rats crew playing during the run for the cup is small.Also there is what could or might happen during the off season and summer camp to see who comes up to the Canes and who will go and play for Albany(AHL). Again this is what Chip has said and what many of us who know and understand what the Canes management & staff will be doing after the season is over, one way or the other. Hope this helps,as this is what will most likely happen...anything else would or could be idol speculation on anyone's or my part.
Go Canes !!
Swine Flu
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 11:08 — dan_canesThat's the only hope the Canes have. Get them both sick.
Unless Bayda doesn't get suspended and can get a couple knee-on-knee hits in early...
Otherwise...game...set...match
And Ward has to...
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 10:51 — AllenH...show he is an elite goalie even if the D doesn't cover like they should. And above all, quit going down on his knees quicker than a groupie on a rockstar.
He can't cover the crease that way!
In watching
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 11:01 — esteban1949The replay of that goal where it went over Wards right shoulder from "Geno's" backhand shot i would have to agree...if Ward had stood squared he could or might have been able to deflect that shot, but that is nothing more than " idol" speculation" and some wishful thinking too! As i am sure there isn't too many of us fans here, that would kill for a chance to replace Cam Ward to show HIM how it's done...ahhh is anybody here named Tom Barrasso or something like that ??
Go Canes !!! Please !!!
Certainly he could have stood...
Sat, 05/23/2009 - 13:05 — MichaelProctonbut then the odds are just as good malkin just scores the same goal through the five hole.
How to do it ?
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 05:04 — esteban19491. keep them out of the Trap.
2. Keep the puck in their end of the ice even more( the Canes proved they can do it)
3. Crash their net,Crash, their net,Crash their net.
That is how you keep players like Sid & friends at bay.But and yes, everyone is tired, sore. But it boils down to this: no team can win if they allow themselves to be and remain a half step behind. The pens are not faster than the canes are, just a hair quicker. players like LaRose, Bayda & Eaves are and can be as well. "The Juice" proved it in his goal last night as well. And if the canes don't step it up, and reach down a little lower, and keep ahead of the Pens that half step, then having all the Fins from all over the universe won't help the canes win.
Go Canes !!!
Pressure's on
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 05:01 — jcritserGame 2's speak volumes. Against NJ and Boston, the Canes showed they had the moxie to win bounce-back games in the enemy's tent. But not last night...not even close. The Canes D was all over the place last night, chasing players on the ice and not playing it tight. Malkin had all kinds of time and space to make his plays. I think the Canes defense will play much better in Game 3 (they have to), but now the Canes must win 4 out 5 games to advance. Those are some long odds, but that's what the Canes are all about: long odds.
Despite the four goals scored by the Canes, the offense looked disorganized last night. The breakouts were choppy and our PP was ineffective. With Bayda likely being suspended for the match penalty, Cole must step up...if there was ever a time for Cole to score, it's now. Kunitz ended his drought last night, so it's time for Cole to do the same.