Douglas Murray extended the Pittsburgh Penguins' lead over the New York Islanders in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series. After a high-scoring first period, Murray's goal to make it 4-2 was the only goal of the middle frame.
Islanders vs. Penguins Game 3 Update: Douglas Murray extends Pittsburgh’s lead
A high-scoring game settled down in the second period. But Matt Cooke and Matt Carkner were behaving badly.
Murray’s goal came after the Islanders had missed on two close chances, but otherwise play settled down considerably after the run-and-gun first period. Each team had eight shots in the second period.
The game continued to get more and more physical, with players trading big hits and sneaky agitation maneuvers behind the play.
One of those exchanges was not so sneaky. As Penguins forward Matt Cooke was being checked into the boards in front of the Islanders bench, Islanders defenseman Matt Carkner left his stick as a gift for Cooke.
An infuriated Cooke started swinging at Carkner. Carkner feigned innocence:
Each player was called for a penalty on the play.
The Penguins lead 4-2 heading into the the third period. To keep it close, the Islanders killed off a late Penguins power play that was made more difficult after Michael Grabner had to play without his stick. He had given it to defenseman Andrew MacDonald during play, after MacDonald's stick broke.
If the Penguins can hang on, they’ll take a 2-1 lead in the series.
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