Penguins ready for do-or-die Game 7 with rival Capitals

PITTSBURGH — The last time these teams squared off in a Game 7 was in 2009, and all anyone can remember is "The Save." Capitals star Alex Ovechkin was on a breakaway just minutes into the first period with the opportunity to set the tone, but goalie Marc-Andre Fleury came up with the save of his career. The Penguins took a 3-0 lead, the series and, eventually, the Stanley Cup.

"Those are stressful moments and tough games to win," Fleury said after practice Tuesday. "Once you do (win those games), you start believing in your team and yourself."

Goalie Matt Murray was on the ice this morning and will serve as Fleury's backup, coach Mike Sullivan said.

Wednesday night could be the last time Fleury wears a Penguins jersey, and it may be the curtain call for many others as well. Matt Cullen admitted Tuesday his career could come to an end. Chris Kunitz, Nick Bonino, Trevor Daley, Mark Streit, Ron Hainsey and Chad Ruhwedel are all unrestricted free agents this summer. Some may come back, but most will end up on rosters elsewhere.

Looking at history, the Penguins do quite well in Game 7s. They're 5-0 on the road in franchise history and 3-3 overall in the Crosby/Malkin era.

The key tonight, in my opinion, as cliche as it sounds, is scoring the game's first goal. Teams that score first in Game 7s all-time are 124-42. The Verizon Center is a powder keg ready to burst for a team that hasn't experienced a Stanley Cup Playoff run past the second round.

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