The Penguins start the day still in third place in the NHL Metro Division after the New York Islanders walloped Washington last night, 5-1. The Pens are one point ahead of the Capitals heading into tonight’s regular season finale, with the Pens playing Columbus at home and the Caps taking on the New York Rangers.
If the Penguins finish third, they will play the second place Rangers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. If they drop to fourth, they will play as a wild card against the Florida Panthers, who will finish with the best overall record in the NHL.
PENGUINS QUICK HITS
Coach Mike Sullivan says the Penguins are simply looking to play well against the Blue Jackets tonight.
Sullivan was asked about the possibility that this will be the last playoff chase for Sindey Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang as a group.
Sidney Crosby was chosen by his teammates as their MVP and the “players’ player”. Sullivan says it’s well-deserved.
Sidney Crosby says the Penguins have to take care of business tonight against Columbus.
Crosby says he is just going to enjoy playing with Malkin and Letang and not think about the possibility of a future without them.
Crosby was grateful to be honored with the team MVP for the tenth time.
On Wednesday, Crosby was selected by players across the NHL as the league’s “most complete” player. He won the poll by a wide margin over Florida’s Aleksander Barkov, 29.5 percent to 20.5 percent.
Forward Jason Zucker’s status is still uncertain after he was hurt yet again on Tuesday against Edmonton. He suffered a lower body injury late in the first period. Sullivan said Zucker is still being evaluated.
The Penguins and Blue Jackets face off tonight shortly after 7 o’clock. The pregame airs on 92.5 FM U92 and the U92 Sportschannel at 6.
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