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    Matt Murray, Penguins Outlast Senators to Even Series; Sidney Crosby Scores

    Adam Wells@adamwells1985X.com LogoFeatured ColumnistMay 20, 2017

    OTTAWA, ON - MAY 19: Matt Murray #30 of the Pittsburgh Penguins warms up in goal during warm ups prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Ottawa Senators during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 19, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
    Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images

    The Pittsburgh Penguins evened up the 2017 Eastern Conference Final at two games apiece against the Ottawa Senators with a 3-2 victory in Game 4 on Friday. 

    This series has been an offensive struggle for the Penguins, who scored a total of three goals in the first three games. They matched that total midway through the second period of Game 4 when Brian Dumoulin put one past Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson. 

         

    Pens' Offense Springs to Life

    OTTAWA, ON - MAY 19: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Craig Anderson #41 of the Ottawa Senators during the second period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 N
    Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

    As Sidney Crosby goes, so go the Penguins. The two-time Hart Trophy winner had one point in the first three games, scoring a goal in Ottawa's 5-1 blowout win in Game 3. 

    Crosby was involved in each of Pittsburgh's first two goals, assisting Olli Maatta in the first period and putting one in the net on a power play in the second period. 

    After Crosby made his presence felt in Game 4, social media was happy to shower him with praise for his effort:

    NHL @NHL

    Well... whatever works. #StanleyCup #PITvsOTT https://t.co/UMgPtqVlhU

    Matt Murray, Penguins Outlast Senators to Even Series; Sidney Crosby Scores
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    Sportsnet Stats @SNstats

    #Pens Sidney Crosby scores his 55th career postseason goal, 4th most among active players

    Dimitri Filipovic @DimFilipovic

    @twolinepass Sidney Crosby when healthy is the best player ever do not at me

    Dimitri Filipovic @DimFilipovic

    Before the game Matt Murray told the Penguins to start scoring some goals and the strategy appears to be working

          

    Murray Steps Up

    OTTAWA, ON - MAY 19: Matt Murray #30 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Ottawa Senators during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 19, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada. (
    Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images

    Just as important for the Penguins' Stanley Cup hopes was the performance of goalie Matt Murray. He was given the start in Game 4 after Marc-Andre Fleury gave up four goals on nine shots in 13 minutes on Wednesday. 

    Murray was fantastic in his first postseason appearance this season after suffering a lower-body injury prior to Pittsburgh's first playoff game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He stopped 24 of 26 shots to earn the victory and send the series back to Pittsburgh all square.

    With the Penguins able to get momentum back on their side thanks to Murray, the internet let its thoughts on Pittsburgh's goalie situation be known:

    Mike Darnay @MikeDarnay

    Listen. I love Marc-Andre Fleury. It's not personal. I promise. But Matt Murray is a better goaltender. Again, it's not personal.

    ego @EvgeniMaIkinEgo

    Since entering the league last season, Matt Murray is tied for the league league in save percentage with Carey Price (.925). He's only 22.

    Dimitri Filipovic @DimFilipovic

    Before the game Matt Murray told the Penguins to start scoring some goals and the strategy appears to be working

    Bucci Mane @Buccigross

    Mike Sullivan walking to the podium tonight...​ https://t.co/YmRn38H8vy via @GIPHY https://t.co/JfS546W8Sr

    The Senators blew their chance to take a commanding lead in the series, but they had done a good job of containing Pittsburgh's offense prior to Friday. They have been in this situation before, losing consecutive games to the New York Rangers in the second round, and they responded with back-to-back wins. 

    The Penguins have yet to hit their stride in this series, but they are able to go back home with a chance to take a 3-2 series lead. They have overcome injuries and adversity all year to reach this point, so they have to feel good about where they are at.