Pens Points: Grit and Character Time

Good morning one and all,

Down to only 5 defensemen and with their playoff matchup largely determined, the Pens conceivably could have fallen to a desperate team clinging to the last string of playoff hopes. Instead, they gutted out two points. [PPG]

Big props to the penalty killers and David Perron. PK conceded one goal in the second period, but most importantly survived nearly 4 minutes of 4-on-3 in OT. Perron was sick but dressed to play, and came through in the shootout. [Penguins.com]

Kris Letang has another concussion. There will be no discipline for Shane Doan, who was contrite about it. I'm on the fence about that hit. Late, maybe. Necessary, not in a million years. [Trib]

Our dear friends the Philadelphia Flyers were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs courtesy of the Bruins win yesterday. All that's left is to play them two more times, because why not. Ugh. [CSN Philly]

After season with diminished role, Flyers' Lecavalier is at a career crossroads. [Yahoo Sports Canada]

Former NHLer Andre Deveaux is representing like a champion in Sweden. There is talk - and rightly so - about him facing criminal charges for the most vicious thing I've seen on the ice for a while. IIHF should ban him for life. [YouTube]

Jonathan Toews buried the game winner in the last minute to kill the Jets. The Blackhawks are weathering Kane's absence somewhat successfully only because Toews has been the definition of clutch. [NHL.com]

The NHL playoff picture changes almost daily. Five things we learned yesterday. We know the broadcasters are in playoff-ready mode. [Sportsnet]

The Anaheim Ducks have clinched a playoff berth, but enter the postseason without a clear starter in net. That is going to be interesting to watch. [Pro Hockey Talk]

Tha Rangers goalie thing will be interesting too. Lundqvist returned Saturday, but got torched by the Bruins. Talbot held the fort mightily while he was away. How does this one play out? [THN]

Lastly, the immortal Jaromir Jagr is keeping the Panthers playoff hopes alive with two crucial points, one a sick wrap-around goal, against the Senators. [Sportsnet]