Atlantic Division Recap: Isles Beat Canadiens (SO), Flyers Win, Devils Eliminate Thrashers, Caps Outscore the Penguins
Since most of the Atlantic Division teams battled opponents who are close in the race with the Rangers for the playoffs, here is a quick rundown with scores, games remaining, and total points.
The New York Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 4-3 in a shootout, with Sean Bergenheim (10,13) scoring and assisting twice. The Canadiens have not totally clinched a playoff spot yet, though they are in the best shape out of the teams who haven’t yet locked up a spot. Canadiens Current Situation: 87 points, 6th place, 2 games left (@Carolina, Toronto).
The Philadelphia Flyers shutout the Toronto Maple Leafs, 2-0, with goals from Claude Giroux (16) and Mike Richards (29). Flyers Current Situation: 86 points, 7th place, 2 games left (@Rangers, Rangers).
The New Jersey Devils also shutout the Atlanta Thrashers, 3-0, courtesy of goals from Dean McAmmond (7), Zach Parise (37), and Travis Zajac (24), officially eliminating the Trhashers from playoff contention.
And finally, with both of these team’s the top in the East, there’s no battling for last minute playoff hopes, but the Washington Capitals beat up on the Pittsburgh Penguins, 6-3. Alex Ovechkin (48) had two goals, while Sidney Crosby (48,52) had a goal and two assists in the loss. The Devils are now two points ahead of the Penguins for the top spot int he Atlantic. Both teams have three games remaining.
