By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
PITTSBURGH — The crafty, misdirection play by Lightning center Dominic Moore, which includes a no-look pass to linemate Sean Bergenheim from behind the Penguins net, might have looked like impressive improvisation.
But it's actually a set play that the two, as well as the rest of the Lightning team, practiced in preparation for the first-round playoff series with the Penguins.
And after the play worked to perfection for the second consecutive game — this time, leading to Bergenheim's winner in the second period of Wednesday's Game 7 — the wing said he wasn't surprised it worked again.
"I think that maybe it wouldn't work the third time,' Bergenheim said, smiling. "I'm not too surprised, it's a good play."
The play began with a ferocious forecheck, something the third line of Moore, Bergenheim and Steve Downie did all game.
"They had a good shift in our end," Penguins defenseman Craig Adams said. "And we started running around a little bit."
Moore said he had a great opportunity right before, with defenseman Mattias Ohlund setting him up in the slot. Moore's shot was blocked, but he got to the puck and protected it as he skated form the right circle around the net.
The key, Bergenheim says, is that Moore goes so far toward the other side of the net that the goaltender, in this case Marc-Andre Fleury, has to turn his attention that way, as do opposing defensemen. Adams and forward Arron Asham were focused on Moore, and not Bergenheim, who was trailing behind him.
"I thought I held the short side post long enough," Adams said. "I held it for a second, then saw he was going behind the net. Obviously I didn't hold it long enough."
And Fleury, who was spectacular with 22 saves, couldn't stop what he couldn't see. He said the play was difficult to read.
"(Moore) is coming in with a lot of speed behind the net," Fleury said. "I'm looking to get over to the right post there, cover the bottom of the net. He passed it back, and I just lost it."
Moore said he and Bergenheim play so much, and well, together that they can read each other well. "It's something where he knows when he goes behind the net, I'm going to be there."
And like he did for Monday's goal on the same play, Bergenheim finished for his third goal of the series.
"They made a nice play, give them credit," Asham said. "That won them the game."