East Division Update - March 20th

There were three games in the division today, two of which were close ones. The Penguins visited New Jersey again, the Islanders hosted the Flyers in Long Island, and the Capitals hosted the Rangers in D.C. in the second half of a back-to-back series. My analysis of the games below.

(Image Credits: 1 - PensBurgh, 2 - Lighthouse Hockey, 3 - BlueLine Station)

PENGUINS @ DEVILS

This was one of the Pens' most complete efforts of the season, after coming off a loss to this team on Thursday night. The Penguins were missing key centers in Teddy Blueger and Evgeni Malkin (who had just been announced week to week) and needed others to step up in their absence. They would get yet another blow before the game as 3rd line winger Brandon Tanev became a late scratch, forcing the lines to change even more. The Devils came out a little flat in this game but capitalized on a rebound that Casey DeSmith kicked right out to take the 1-0 lead in the first period. The Penguins kept pushing all game long and ended up scoring three unanswered to get the win 3-1. Captain Sidney Crosby had another outstanding game and led the way without Malkin and Blueger. He set up the Pens go-ahead goal on the powerplay, as well as their third-period tally. Jake Guentzal also scored to stay hot, scoring in 6 out of his last 7 games.

Scoring:

Penguins: Zach Aston-Reese (6), Bryan Rust (11-PPG), Jake Guentzal (13).

Devils: Kyle Palmieri (5).

FLYERS @ ISLANDERS

The Flyers came into this one struggling and needed to make a statement despite beating the Isles yesterday 4-3 in a comeback win. The Islanders were still one of the hottest teams in the division and showed why in this game tonight. The Isles pretty much dictated the play and cruised to a 6-1 win after a 4-goal first period. Philidelphia is seeing their goaltending problems come to life again after everyone thought Carter Hart would be the savior the Flyers have been waiting for between the pipes. The Islanders are still in the conversation to win this division even after losing a couple earlier this week. Illya Sorokin only made 23 saves for New York, showing how poorly the Flyers played in this game tonight.

Islanders: Jean Gabriel Pageau (10-PPG), Jordan Eberle (10), Casey Cizikas (5,6), Anthony Beauvillier (3), Josh Bailey (4).

Flyers: Joel Farabee (13).

RANGERS @ CAPITALS

This game was the second between these two teams in two days. The Rangers played very well for 55 minutes yesterday but failed to get the two points. Washington came to life in the waning minutes of that contest and scored critical goals to steal the win at home. The Caps were riding a 7 game winning streak and looked to make it 8 tonight. The Rangers played a better defensive game throughout the entire contest and held the Capitals to a single goal on 29 shots. The Caps had tied it late in the third, but Mika Zibanejad responded with a goal of his own. The Rangers would add an empty-net goal and earn the 3-1 win. Washingtons' streak of 7-straight wins would come to an end here against a team that has given them trouble all season. The Rangers earned a big two points in this game, especially after losing the game yesterday in the final minutes.

Scoring:

Rangers: Pavel Buchnevich (11), Mika Zibanejad (7), Brett Howden (1).

Capitals: John Carlson (7).

Standings Update After Tonight:

1. Washington

2. NY Islanders

3. Pittsburgh

4. Boston

5. Philidelphia

6. NY Rangers

7. New Jersey

8. Buffalo