By Michelle, a contributing writer with Gold Star Games, your tailgating games company.

With the New York Rangers at the top of the Atlantic Division, it seemed as if the Philadelphia Flyers had the best chance of catching the red-hot Rangers. That is, until recently. It seems as if the Flyers have given up. While second place isn’t bad, it seems as if the Pittsburgh Penguins want it more than the Flyers. With six straight wins, this is amazing news for the Penguins. On the other hand, for those across the state, a hot Penguins team could not come at a worse possible time.

The Penguins road the tails of the Flyers for a majority of the season and have just recently found themselves in control of second place in the division. With six straight wins and a 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on March 5th, the Penguins may be the new red-hot team in the League and currently possess a four point lead over the Philadelphia Flyers.

For the Pens’ players, coaches, staff and fans, this is amazing news. The Penguins have found themselves on a roller coaster ride all year dealing with injury after injury. We all know about Crosby, but the Pens have also found themselves without other star players on numerous occasions such as Kris Letand and Jordan Staal.

The Pens have found themselves on hot and cold streaks throughout the 2011-2012 season. They get hot and then can go for days without the ability to find the net. For Pittsburgh fans, this can still mean plenty of uncertainty. On the other side of the state, one thing is for certain. The Flyers and their fans are desperately hoping for another Pens’ cold streak. However, a Pens’ cold streak won’t be enough. The Flyers are going to have to go on a hot-streak themselves just to catch the Pens.

If this doesn’t happen, we may see an all Pennsylvania first round of the playoffs. Or will the Flyers start losing just to avoid a series with Pittsburgh? Only time will tell; especially with the recent news that Sidney Crosby has been cleared for contact. However, there is still no time-table for his return.