East Division Update - March 28th

There were two games in the division today, both of which were close ones. The first featured the Rangers visiting the Capitals in Washington D.C. and the second featured the Devils visiting the Bruins at TD Garden in Boston. These games were action-packed, and my analysis of each follows.

(Image Credits: 1 - New York Post, 2 - Stanley Cup of Chowder)

RANGERS @ CAPITALS

The Caps beat the New Jersey Devils 4-0 on Friday and were looking to continue their outstanding play. The Rangers were coming off some big offensive performances against Philidelphia and looked to keep their scoring ways going in the District. The Rangers came out pushing the pace early, but Washington limited their chances and put their foot on the gas to take a 4-0 lead midway through the second period. The Capitals fell asleep a little bit though, and the Rangers took full advantage. A few errors by Washington saw the Rangers climb back into the game, eventually only trailing by 1 with two minutes left in regulation. The comeback was too little too late though, and the Caps prevailed, winning 5-4. Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals offense is surging right now, as they get contributions all throughout the lineup. Caps goaltender Illya Samsonov was excellent as well when called upon, making 16 saves on 20 shots and stopping the Rangers late in the third period.

Scoring:

Rangers: Colin Blackwell (7,8), Alexis Lafreniere (5), Chris Kreider (17-PPG).

Capitals: Tom Wilson (8,9), Alex Ovechkin (18), Evgeny Kuznetzov (6), T.J. Oshie (8).

DEVILS @ BRUINS

The game of hockey is often referred to as a game of inches, and that would prove to be the story tonight for the Bruins. Boston had many chances and opportunities to tie this game, but could not get any of them to go. A goal the Bruins thought they had scored was called back due to goaltender interference, as they pushed the goaltender's glove into the net with the puck under it. I think this was the right call because there was about a 3 second period of time where the play should've been blown dead but wasn't, which enabled Boston to score. The Devils' goaltender thought this was the case as well, as he immediately said something to his bench to be sure they look at it upstairs. This reversed the initial call of a goal on the ice, which made the Bruins and their fans unhappy. Boston also came within inches of scoring at the end of the game, when the puck nearly crossed the goal line before MacKenzie Blackwood kicked it away with his pad. Blackwood made 40 saves on 40 shots, earning the Devils a shutout win and 2 points they desperately needed, especially after losing to Washington 4-0 on Friday. The Bruins still trail Pittsburgh by 7 points in the East and need to get their act together before the push for the playoffs begins in April.

Scoring:

Devils: No Goals.

Bruins: Kyle Palmieri (7).

Standings Update After Tonight:

1. Capitals

2. NY Islanders

3. Penguins

4. Bruins

5. Flyers

6. NY Rangers

7. Devils

8. Sabers