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New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Players To Watch For

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) faces off against New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) during the thirdperiod at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) faces off against New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) during the thirdperiod at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Players To Watch For
Mar 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Marc-Andre Fleury

The Penguins have been able to continue their winning ways despite Marc-Andre Fleury being injured, but the Penguins would rather have their starter between the pipes than watching from the bench.

Fleury has been sidelined with a concussion since March 31st, but has been progressing in recent weeks. He was able to practice this week with his teammates, and says that he is feeling good as the Penguins prepare for Game 1 tonight. But, despite the progress, he is still considered questionable to the start the series.

This could be a problem for the Penguins, as his backup, rookie Matthew Murray, suffered an upper body injury in the first period over the weekend in a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. With both players hampered, the Penguins could be forced to go with Jeff Zatkoff.

That is a scenario that the Penguins like to avoid, but pushing Fleury before he is ready to return can also have it’s drawbacks. Putting him on the ice before he is ready could lead to some rustiness and a golden opportunity for the Rangers to take advantage of.

The performance of Fleury is something to keep an eye on throughout the series, and something the Rangers need to make the most of if he is unable to get on the ice for the start of the series.

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