It took some extra hockey to overcome some sloppy defense, but the Penguins did the job again last night, beating Detroit and taking over the second wild card slot in the Eastern Conference.
Paul Steigerwald has the recap of an overtime win for the Pens.
In addition to the goals by Karlsson, Crosby, and Carter, the Pens got scores from Drew O’Connor, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust.
Coach Mike Sullivan says the Penguins didn’t play their best defense, but they just kept coming at the Red Wings.
Crosby’s goal was his team-leading 41st of the season. He got his 1,000th NHL assist and moved into sole possession of 10th place in all-time scoring, passing Phil Esposito. Sullivan says he never gets tired of talking about Crosby’s milestones.
Rust’s goal was his career-high 27th of the season. Sullivan admires the forward’s two-way game.
Crosby says he’s having a great time chasing the playoffs.
Crosby liked the Penguins’ approach to the overtime period, something the team has struggled with all season.
The playoff race is coming right down to the wire. The Washington Capitals lost at Buffalo, 4-2, and the Philadelphia Flyers upset the New York Rangers, 4-1. The Penguins hold the second wild card with 86 points, followed by the Capitals, Red Wings, and Flyers, all with 85 points. Third place in the Metro Division remains in play for the Penguins. The Islanders beat Montreal, 3-2 in overtime to maintain their three point lead over the Pens.
The Penguins play the Eastern Conference’s best team, the Boston Bruins, tomorrow night. Then they close the regular season at home on Monday against Nashville and on the road against the Islanders on Wednesday.
The Capitals close with Tampa Bay, Boston, and the Flyers. The Red Wings have Toronto and two against Montreal. The Flyers get New Jersey and Washington.
Sidney Crosby has been voted the Penguins’ Most Valuable Player and “The Payers’ Player” by his teammates.
