East Division Update - Happy Easter (April 4th)

There was just one game today, which featured Washington visiting the Devils in New Jersey. The game was pretty close, and my analysis follows below.

(Image Credits: St. Louis Post Dispatch)

CAPITALS @ DEVILS

There were a lot of goals scored in this one, and not a lot of defense being played by either team. The game started as expected, with Washington dominating and building themselves a 5-2 lead in the middle of the third period. The Caps did what they seem to do best though, and made the game interesting by allowing two late Devils' goals and winning 5-4 in regulation. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored again, tying Brett Hull for the second-most goals in NHL history, at 725. Ovechkin continues to amaze at age 32, pushing as hard as he possibly can to beat Wayne Gretzyks all-time goal-scoring record. If I had to guess, I think he will play until he beats it, and I sure hope I will get to witness that moment in my lifetime. I am a Sidney Crosby > Alex Ovechkin person, but hockey history comes first and that would be something I wouldn't want to miss. Goaltender Illya Samsonov made big saves for the Capitals when it mattered and helped them fend off the New Jersey push late in the final frame.

Scoring:

Capitals: T.J. Oshie (11), Conor Sheary (8), Alex Ovechkin (19 - PPG), Carl Hagelin (4 - SHG), Evgeny Kuznetzov (7).

Devils: Travis Zajac (6,7), Yegor Sharangovich (8), Jesper Bratt (4).

Standings Update After Tonight:

1. Capitals - 52 Points

2. NY Islanders - 52 Points

3. Penguins - 50 Points

4. Bruins - 43 Points

5. Flyers - 39 Points

6. NY Rangers - 39 Points

7. Devils - 32 Points

8. Sabers - 22 Points