What did Pittsburgh do Right in Round 1?
It seemed as if the first round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets got off the wrong note even before the puck dropped. Matt Murray had a lower-body injury during warmups, and he hasn't practiced ever since.
Marc-Andre Fleury got the surprise start in game 1 and throughout the series, he was rather calm and poised just like Murray. Yes Fleury is a veteran goalie and he has been there before, but Fleury hasn't had that playoff touch lately until this round.
He posted a .933 save percentage and a 2.52 GAA in the first round. Fleury will need to continue with that performance in case Murray can't return this season.
It obviously wouldn't hurt to have him back, but Fleury is doing a good job so far. Malkin had 9 assists in the first round. Crosby had 2 clutch goals. Jake Guentzel scored 5 goals, including the overtime winner in game 3.
The team also did a good job of scoring goals and playing defense in front of the net. They need better starts in the second round though.
It is unknown if Carl Hagelin or Chris Kunitz will return this postseason as well. Pittsburgh made some plays look easy in the first round against a good Columbus team.
