Not optimistic at all. The same problems that plagued us for more than half of the season were at the forefront in Game 1. AV needs to make some serious adjustments (you know he wont), most importantly getting McIlrath in for Girardi (HAHAHAHA you idiot no chance that happens).
Good teams make you pay for your mistakes, and that is exactly what the Pens did on their first 4 goals. 3 of the 4 were mistakes made by Girardi.
The problems aren't going to go away, no matter what day of the week it is.
The biggest no-no in hockey is giving up a goal in the final minute of a period. The Rangers did that TWICE. In one game. In a playoff game. That tells me everything I need to know about this team and it's coach.
I honestly think we are going to get swept. I thought it before the series and I think it even more after a.) not being able to take advantage of Zatkoff, b.) Malkin is coming back and c.) losing Lundqvist. No Malkin and Fleury and you're not able to to steal that game. Pshh good luck.
And I don't want to hear about "LOL Playoffz Fleury". He has turned that corner and was probably the best player for either team in last year's series.
edit: I see Lundqvist is out there for practice. The 1st goal is whatever AV should've pulled him right then and there when he got hurt. You could see his eye was already starting to swell up, he was bound to let one in.
The 2nd goal a Crosby breakaway, nobody is stopping that.
The 3rd goal was scored on a 2-on-1 shorthanded goal. Yep they gave up a 2-on-1 shorthanded rush.
Neither of those goals were on the goalie and probably would've been scored regardless who was in net. And that's the game. 2 of 3 goals that would've been scored on any goalie in the universe. 3 goals to our 2.