The Penguins closed the gap even more in the chase for the second Wild Card slot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, knocking the Capitals out of the position and inching ever closer with a win in Washington last night.
Alex Nedeljkovic made 30 saves and Ryan Shea scored his first career goal as the Penguins beat the Capitals 4-1 in D.C. Former Capital Lars Eller had a goal and an assist and Reilly Smith had two assists. The Pens’ other goals were scored by P.O. Joseph and Michael Bunting. Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal for the Capitals. He needs 46 more in his career to pass Wayne Gretzky for most in NHL history.
Coach Mike Sullivan says the Penguins are in the race.
Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made his seventh straight start. He is 5-0-2 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in those games. He says the Penguins played great defense.
Rookie defenseman Ryan Shea scored his first career goal in his 25th NHL game. In fact, it was his first career point.
The frantic playoff race in the Eastern Conference is heading down to the wire…The Islanders beat Columbus last night, 4-2 to grab the second Wild Card slot. As of this morning, the Islanders have 83 points, which also ties them with the Flyers for third in the Metro Division, although the Flyers hold the position because they have two more wins. The Capitals and Red Wings have 82 points, and the Penguins 81.
The Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock.
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