PITTSBURGH — The Penguins are back in New York City, preparing for Friday night’s do-or-die Game 5 against the Rangers.
The only hope for the Pens is to run the table against the Rangers, but they know they can’t win three unless they win one. That’s why their singular focus is the game in front of them.
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Penguins head coach Mike Johnston is only thinking about Friday night and what a win would do for his team.
“Going into New York, if we win, the whole series changes,” he said.
Many fans are discouraged, but the Pens have support from one of Pittsburgh’s other pro teams.
After a win over the Cubs Thursday to end their 10-game home stand, the Pirates showed their support of the Pens. As they left the clubhouse to make the trip to Arizona, players and coaches were sporting Penguins jerseys.
Relief pitcher Jared Hughes wore a “throwback” jersey of former Pens defenseman Paul Coffey.
“We’re going to support the fellow team in town here. We just got to do everything we can to hopefully get them through the playoffs here,” Hughes said.
Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez donned a Marc-Andre Fleury jersey.
“Anytime you can show support, we try to because they’ve done the same for us…like a close-knit family, even with the other sports here,” Alvarez said.