Injuries leaves Penguins with questions

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Cody Flavell, Staff Writer

The Penguins took down the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games in their first-round matchup, but they aren’t going into round two without any questions.

Despite breezing through the series behind above average goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury and 11 points from Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins are left with questions about some injuries and their potential opponent.

With Matt Murray sidelined due to a groin injury, the Penguins could be forced to ride Fleury through the rest of the playoffs. Fleury had his shining moments throughout the series but also made fans a little leery with some shaky play.

His play in game five, though, was incredible. He made 49 saves, which is a plus for the Penguins. The negative spin off of that is the poor defense that led to all of those shots.

The defense was porous and made some horrible plays throughout the series. They’re depleted without star defenseman Kris Letang. And the competition won’t get any easier from here on out.

With the Washington Capitals or the Toronto Maple Leafs the next potential opponent for Pittsburgh, the Penguins are going to need a mobile and more defensive-minded defense.

The Maple Leafs present a challenge because of their youth and speed with rookie sensation Auston Matthews and other complementing players such as Mitch Marner and William Nylander. Their goaltending has been shaky as well with Frederik Anderson playing okay but not great.

The Washington Capitals have Alexander Ovechkin and Braden Holtby to worry the Pens. They acquired Kevin Shattenkirk at the trade deadline, but they have always choked in the playoffs.

Expect the Penguins to have some struggles with all their questions heading forward.