Pens GM Jim Rutherford: 'Our Speed Is Hard To Defend'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford joined "The Cook and Poni Show" on Tuesday to recap their first round win over the New York Rangers and preview the upcoming matchup with the Washington Capitals.
Rutherford says he doesn't know when that series will start, but that he expected to hear news today because there is planning to do and it's not something that can be done at the last minute. He said they were planning as though it would be Thursday or Friday, but laughed when told about a conflict with a Justin Beiber concert.
"It won't be Friday then," he said.
When the series does start, one thing Rutherford expects is that the Pens won't change how they play against the Caps.
"Our speed is hard to defend," Rutherford said. "That is what we have to continue to use."
Rutherford said it has been the goal since the off-season to bring speed to this team and it is now paying off. He also said that this series will still feature the star power that it always does, including Sidney Crosby who he feels is still the best player in the game.
But, there is one big question going into this series: Will the Pens stick with Matt Murray in goal if Marc-Andre Fleury is cleared to play?
"It's fair to say there is one thing better than having a good goalie and that is having two. The only thing better than having two is having three," Rutherford said. "I don't think we need to get into where these guys fall...hopefully, Fleury is back sooner than later. He will add strength to that position."
Rutherford confirmed that Fleury was never cleared to play in the Rangers series, but that it's a good sign that he has returned to practice and is able to take contact. There is still no timetable on his return.
"The most important thing is his health," Rutherford said. "When he is ready to play, everyone will be happy and he will be playing."
Listen to the full interview here: