PITTSBURGH _ A Game 7 in Washington awaits, provided the Penguins' private plane can correctly and efficiently exit the runway and locate Dulles International Airport, about 45 minutes outside of the nation's capital.
Don't laugh.
For much of the 5-2 loss to the Capitals on Monday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at PPG Paints Arena, those tasks seemed about as simple as fixing the federal deficit.
This was a clunker, no two ways about it, among the worst playoff losses in franchise history. The Penguins picked up a pair of goals later, but it wasn't much more than lipstick on a pig; the Penguins' offense was offensive on this night, producing just 18 shots on goal and few legitimate scoring chances.
Through two periods, the Penguins had just eight shots on goal, one of them a 136-foot clear by Brian Dumoulin.
Part of that was how poorly the Penguins exited their own zone, a trend for much of this series. Another reason was the decisions the Penguins made at the offensive blue line. There should be plenty in both departments to consume the Penguins coaching staff between now and Wednesday.
Coach Mike Sullivan keeps demanding better, saying the Penguins need to put words into action. It hasn't happened. The Penguins have now basically been outplayed by the Capitals for the better part of six games, and the results have started to show.
Facing a two-goal deficit entering the third, the Penguins came apart at the seams. Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson and Andre Burakovsky scored to turn this one into a laugher.
Backstrom's goal was off a two-on-one rush, one of many the Penguins defense allowed on this night. Carlson scored on a point shot. Burakovsky cut into the slot and beat Fleury, as the Penguins rolled over.
The goals were good offensive plays from the Capitals, but there no way anybody associated with the Penguins will be pleased with this effort, especially defensively.
Down 5-0 in the third, Jake Guentzel scored on a two-on-one with Sidney Crosby before Evgeni Malkin finished his own rebound in two, two goals in less than a minute.
At least early, Marc-Andre Fleury was the Penguins' best player, but that was hardly a contested race. Fleury allowed five goals on 26 shots. His offensive contributions were minimal, giving him much company for this unforeseen, unsightly performance.
The Penguins talked at Monday's morning skate about treating this like an elimination game. That didn't translate to the evening festivities, with the Penguins looking tired, disinterested or maybe both. Now, they're actually facing elimination, and the Capitals have all the momentum.
The Penguins faced one Game 7 last year, against the Lightning, which they won, 2-1. The Penguins and Capitals also went to seven games in 2009, and the Penguins went to D.C. and came back with a 6-2 victory.
Late in the first period, it looked like Monday's game was going to be about more than just a loss.
Crosby crashed hard into the boards after getting tangled up with Capitals defenseman John Carlson and teammate Patric Hornqvist, a clean play but an unfortunate one that saw Crosby smack his head at full speed.
Concussed in Game 3 last Monday, Crosby appeared dazed, as he struggled to his feet. Nevertheless, he finished his shift, took one more in the period and was on the ice to start the second.
It is likely Crosby was evaluated for a potential concussion between periods, per team and NHL concussion protocol.
The Capitals stretched their lead to 2-0 at 6:36 of the second period on an Andre Burakovsky goal. Burakovsky knocked Ron Hainsey off the puck along the left-wing boards, then drove the net, stuffing the puck short side past Fleury.
First periods have been a struggle for the Penguins all postseason, and this one was no different. They amassed just three shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes.
Jake Guentzel and Crosby took penalties. The Capitals converted on Crosby's hooking minor.
A nifty passing play saw Backstrom draw the defense to him atop the right circle. He found Evgeny Kuznetsov below the goal line, and Kuznetsov threw a pass in front to T.J. Oshie.
From the inner-edge of the right circle, Oshie beat Fleury at 12:41, snapping the Penguins' mini-streak of eight consecutive penalties killed.
