The Penguins needed only to win their four remaining games this week against two of the weaker teams in the division in order to secure first place and home ice advantage for the NHL East playoffs. But they made life more difficult for themselves with a bad effort last night in Philadelphia.
Paul Steigerwald recaps a lackluster loss.
Coach Mike Sullivan says it was a dismal performance.
Sullivan says the Penguins have a great opportunity in front of them, but they didn’t play like it.
With Evgeni Malkin and Mark Friedman seeing their first action in well over a month, Sullivan says they’re going to have get up to speed quickly.
Goaltender Casey DeSmith left the game after the second period with a lower body injury, and defenseman Mike Matheson is termed “week to week” with a facial injury after getting hit by a puck Saturday night in Washington.
Injured forward Brandon Tanev skated as a full participant in a black jersey at yesterday’s morning skate. Forward Evan Rodrigues is still listed as “day to day” after taking a slap shot off his ankle in a game last week.
NHL EAST
Buffalo Sabres 4 New York Islanders 2
Boston Bruins 3 New Jersey Devils 0
Washington Capitals 6 New York Rangers 3
With the Washington Capitals beating (and eliminating) the New York Rangers, 6-3, the Caps are are back in a first-place tie with the Penguins. The Bruins, who beat the Devils 3-0, are three points back and the Islanders, 4-2 upset losers to Buffalo, are four back.
The Penguins and Flyers play the second game of the back-to-back series tonight in Philly. It’s a 6:00 airtime on 92.5 FM U92 and the U92 Sportschannel.
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