East Division Update - April 1st

Now that we are in the month of April, it is time to start the push for the playoffs. This is the month when teams look to gain ground and momentum heading into the postseason. If you're a team not in contention for the playoffs, then you're playing for a spot on the roster next season. The games tonight included Pittsburgh @ Boston, New York Rangers @ Buffalo, and Washington @ New York Islanders. My analysis of each game follows below.

(Image Credits: 1 - FanSided, 2 - Yahoo News, 3 - Action Network)

CAPITALS @ ISLANDERS

The Caps traveled to Long Island coming off a 5-2 loss in New York City on Tuesday night, in which they got outperformed badly by the Rangers. The Isles were coming off a tough series against the Penguins, in which they lost both games back-to-back. This game didn't disappoint in the goal-scoring department, with each team scoring at least 4. The Isles poured it on from the beginning of the game, eventually winning 8-4. The Capitals lost goaltender Illya Samsonov in the first period due to injury, which didn't help the fact that they already weren't playing well. Islanders forward Matt Barzal had a massive game, earning the hattrick and picking up 5 points tonight. The Capitals defense has shown signs of weakness this season, which means that they could be vulnerable come playoff time against an offense-heavy team.

Scoring:

Capitals: John Carlson (8,9), Daniel Sprong (7), T.J. Oshie (10 - PPG).

Islanders: Matt Barzal (11,12,13), Jordan Eberle (12, 13), Brock Nelson (13), Casey Cizikas (7), Josh Baily (6).

PENGUINS @ BRUINS

The Pens came into Boston on a 4-game winning streak, having beaten the Islanders most recently in a doubleheader situation. The Bruins meanwhile, were struggling and needed to find their groove. They beat New Jersey 5-4 in a shootout on Tuesday, but it wasn't a pretty game for them by any means. The Penguins started this one well and continued their excellent play throughout the game. Pittsburgh would eventually ride to a 4-1 win, winning at T.D. Garden for the first time since October 2014. The Penguins keep getting players back from injury, and Brandon Tanev was the latest, as he rejoined the team in this one. Tristan Jarry was still not ready to go for Pittsburgh due to injury, which required Casey DeSmith to start in goal tonight. He was excellent once again, continuing his fantastic year behind Jarry. DeSmith made 30 saves on 31 shots to help his team win. The Penguins have been playing excellent defensive hockey lately, and tonight was another example of their ability to win the close game. It was 2-1 midway through the third period, and Pittsburgh added a goal quickly in response to the Bruins push at that time.

Scoring:

Penguins: Zach Aston-Reese (8), Mike Matheson (3), Jason Zucker (5), Jake Guentzel (EN - 15).

Bruins: Brad Marchand (14).

RANGERS @ SABERS

The Sabers were coming off a game they could finally be proud of, winning big against Philly on Wednesday night 6-1. The Rangers were coming off a big game as well, beating Washington on Tuesday night 5-2 at MSG. These two teams battled hard in Buffalo tonight, keeping it very close. The Rangers had the lead late in the third period, but the Sabers didn't let them get away without earning the loser point. Buffalo lost in overtime 3-2 to the Rangers but played a very well-structured game for the second time in as many nights. The two teams have some pieces defensively that they can build around, but will need to work a little bit harder if they want to be contenders in the future. Rangers goalie Igor Shestirkin made 20 saves on 22 shots, while Dustin Tokarski was fantastic and made 44 saves on 47 shots for the Sabers.

Scoring:

Rangers: Colin Blackwell (9), Filip Chytil (7), Mika Zibanejad (12 - OT Winner).

Sabers: Rasmus Asplund (3), Tage Thompson (2).

Standings Update After Tonight:

1. Washington - 50 Points

2. NY Islanders - 50 Points

3. Pittsburgh - 50 Points

4. Boston - 41 Points

5. Philidelphia - 38 Points

6. NY Rangers - 38 Points

7. Devils - 31 Points

8. Sabers - 20 Points