Penguins Eye Playoff Comeback as Devils Face Early Exit
Clinching the Coveted Playoff Spot: A Single Win Away
The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone: securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in four seasons. This highly anticipated moment could arrive with a victory in their upcoming game against the New Jersey Devils, scheduled to take place in Newark, N.J.
Pittsburgh's Dominant Performance Leading Up to the Postseason
With an impressive record of 40 wins, 22 losses, and 16 overtime losses, accumulating 96 points, Pittsburgh enters the final week of the regular season in stellar form. The team has clinched two consecutive victories and four out of their last five matches. Their offensive prowess has been particularly noteworthy, with an astounding 30 goals scored in their last five outings, including an eight-goal spectacle against the New York Islanders on March 30th and a remarkable nine-goal surge against the Florida Panthers last Saturday.
An Offensive Powerhouse: Ranking Among the League's Best
As of Wednesday, the Penguins boasted 277 goals for the season, placing them in a tie with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second-highest scoring team in the league. Only the Colorado Avalanche have surpassed this offensive output, with 287 goals to their name.
Team Morale and Motivation at an All-Time High
Pittsburgh's defenseman, Ryan Shea, shared with reporters on Wednesday that the team's performance has escalated as the competition for playoff berths intensified. He emphasized the profound motivation to participate in what he described as arguably the most thrilling playoffs in professional sports, noting the collective dedication and unwavering confidence among the players.
Rakell's Unstoppable Scoring Streak
Rickard Rakell has been a pivotal force in the Penguins' recent surge, earning the NHL's top star honors last week with an impressive seven goals across five games. Over the past fortnight, the 32-year-old forward has registered points in eight consecutive games, tallying 10 goals and three assists, including at least one goal in his last five appearances and seven of the last eight.
Goaltender Update: Skinner's Return to Practice
Penguins coach Dan Muse informed the press that goaltender Stuart Skinner participated in practice with the team on Wednesday. Skinner had been sidelined from the recent home games against the Florida Panthers after a puck deflection struck him near the eye while he was on the bench during Saturday's game.
Goaltending Reinforcements for the Devils Trip
In response to Skinner's injury, the team called up Sergei Murashov from their AHL affiliate to serve as backup to Arturs Silovs. Coach Muse confirmed that all three goaltenders would travel to New Jersey, with a decision on the starting lineup to be made upon arrival.
Devils' Playoff Hopes Dashed
While the Penguins are on the brink of playoff glory, the New Jersey Devils' postseason aspirations were officially extinguished on Tuesday night. A 5-1 home defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers, coupled with the Ottawa Senators' victory over the Lightning shortly thereafter, sealed their fate.
A Disappointing Season for the Devils
Since 2019, the Devils have only managed to qualify for the playoffs twice, including last season during Sheldon Keefe's inaugural year as head coach. This season marks an unfamiliar territory for Keefe, as it will be the first time in his seven seasons behind an NHL bench that his team fails to reach the playoffs.
Keefe's Candid Reflection on the Season's Outcome
Following the loss to the Flyers on Tuesday night, Coach Keefe expressed his profound disappointment, stating, "It's difficult. It's embarrassing. I don't like it. I've coached for 20 years, and it's the first time I won't be participating in the playoffs at any level. So, it's not fun." He further acknowledged the team's responsibility for their outcome, remarking, "I've never been in a situation like this, but we've earned this."
Hughes' Stellar Performance Amidst Team Struggles
Despite their recent struggles, with three losses in their last five games (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 overtime loss), center Jack Hughes has been a beacon of brilliance for the Devils. His exceptional play since returning from the Winter Olympics, where he netted the gold medal-winning goal for the U.S. team, has been a highlight of their season.
A Dominant Force: Hughes' Impressive Statistics
Even though he has only participated in 57 games, Hughes leads the Devils with an outstanding 72 points, comprising 25 goals and 47 assists. A significant portion of these points, specifically 13 goals and 23 assists, have been accumulated in the 21 games he has played since the NHL season resumed. Remarkably, Tuesday's loss was only the fifth game in this period where he was held without a point, underscoring his consistent and impactful presence on the ice.
