East Division Update - March 16th

There were three games in the division tonight, all of which were fairly competitive. Washington hosted the red-hot New York Islanders in DC, the Penguins hosted a back-to-back with the Bruins at PPG Paints Arena, and the Devils hosted the Buffalo Sabers who basically have nothing to play for at this point. My analysis of each game below.

(Image Credits: 1 - Lighthouse Hockey, 2 - WHEC TV, 3 - Stanley Cup of Chowder)

ISLANDERS @ CAPITALS

The Caps are riding high right now, coming off a 6-0 win in Buffalo last night and beating their last five opponents. They were looking to add to the streak, taking on an Islanders team that had won nine straight coming into tonight. The Islanders are still without captain Anders Lee due to injury but are finding ways to win despite his absence. The Capitals played hard in this one, getting the majority of the chances and improving their powerplay along the way. Captain Alex Ovechkin got another PPG, passing Phil Esposito for sixth all-time on the goal-scoring list. Goaltender Illya Samsonov recorded the win in goal for Washington, making 21 saves on 22 shots. The Caps win this one, 3-1 at home.

Scoring:

Islanders: Oliver Wahlstrom (6 - PPG).

Capitals: T.J. Oshie (7-ES), Alex Ovechkin (12-PPG), Nicklas Backstrom (12-PPG).

SABERS @ DEVILS

This game wouldn't be everyones' first choice, but it still had some excitement to it. The Sabers fought hard and kept it close all the way through the game, trying to avoid losing their 12th straight game. Buffalo also got another kick in the shins, when veteran leader Taylor Hall was hit in the mouth with a puck on a shot from defenseman Rasmus Ristolinen and did not return. The Sabers stuck with New Jersey right until the end but gave up a goal in the third period to Miles Wood on the powerplay. The Devils snapped a four-game skid winning 3-2 and handed the Sabers their 12th loss in as many games. The Sabers are about as low as anyone can get, with basically nothing to play for at this point.

Scoring:

Sabers: Tobias Reider (5), Jeff Skinner (2) (Even Strength).

Devils: Yegor Sharongovich (6-ES), Sami Vatanen (1-ES), Miles Wood (9-PPG).

BRUINS @ PENGUINS

This one would be sure to entertain, especially after the game we saw last night in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won that one 4-1, after another stellar performance from goaltender Tristan Jarry and a solid showing of the stars. The Bruins were sure to be hungry in this game tonight, especially because they now trailed Pittsburgh by 5 points in this tight division. The Penguins played a half-good half-bad first period, getting a goal from Brandon Tanev in the waning minutes of the first. Boston started well and controlled the offensive pace for the majority of the game. However, goaltender Casey DeSmith kept the Penguins in it when Boston pressed their hardest. The best part of tonight's game for Pittsburgh was the kill of the game misconduct assessed to Brandon Tanev, after his (clean) hit on Jared Tinordi near the Bruins bench. The Penguins would fall in this game 2-1 after a stellar goaltending performance from Bruins rookie Dan Valdar, stopping 34 of 35 in the win. Considering the Penguins lost Teddy Blueger as a late scratch and Evgeni Malkin in the first period, they played a really solid game tonight. The injury bug has not been kind to Pittsburgh, as it was revealed after the game that Blueger would be out "longer-term", and Evgeni Malkin is being evaluated for an "undisclosed injury", as well as John Marino being moved to the LTIR.

Scoring:

Bruins: David Pasternak (13-PPG), Trent Frederic (4-ES).

Penguins: Brandon Tanev (7-ES).

Standing Update After Tonight

1. Capitals

2. Islanders

3. Penguins

4. Bruins

5. Flyers

6. Rangers

7. Devils

8. Sabers