Speed kills, and it wins a Stanley Cup.
Pittsburgh earned its fourth NHL crown on Sunday with a 3-1 win over the Sharks at SAP Center, a victory accomplished in the manner that was a common thread through Pittsburgh’s postseason run and the Stanley Cup Finals.
Pittsburgh was simply faster than anyone in the NHL, including a Sharks team that did all it could to hang but just didn’t have enough to generate offense or prevent the Pens from producing chance after chance in the series.
San Jose’s struggles to penetrate were epitomized by managing only one shot on goal during the first 19 minutes of the final period - a wrist shot by Logan Couture at 3:45.