:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46073396/usa-today-8506497.0.jpg)
Good morning one and all,
Last night sucked. I was gulping wine from a plastic cup, Ron Burkle-style. The Pens are not limping toward the playoffs, they are on a stretcher and being carried across the finish line. But will they get there on time? We'll see. First up, here are last night's recaps:
Basically what we're seeing is not exactly a collapse. A long stretch of injuries and other factors are catching up. The Pens have built themselves a decent cushion, which is why they still have a chance, though. [Hockey Buzz]
*How Penguins' trade deadline moves panned out (or didn't). A terrific read. [Today's Slapshot]
*Here is a great read about the Penguins myths vs. reality. It was a little late for yesterday's post, but I recommend you read it anyway. [Hockey Buzz]
*Another one I recommend reading is Seth Rorabaugh's game blog, which has some interesting comparative information about current assemblage of the Pens vs. the Sens. [PPG]
The New York Rangers have clinched the Presidents' Trophy. Well done. A year after everyone thought their high was making it to SCF, they are even better. Devils, not so much. [New York Times]
The Islanders' bid to clinch a playoff spot was spoiled by the Flyers in a spectacular fashion last night. [New York Times]
Red Wings won thanks to their captain Henrik Zetterberg bursting out of his goal drought. [Detroit Free Press]
If the Pens are on a stretcher, the Los Angeles Kings' playoff hopes are on life support after they lost to the Edmonton Oilers. [LA Times]
The Calgary Flames were the direct beneficiary of Edmonton's efforts. What Alberta hate? The Flames were very appreciative afterwards. [Sportsnet]
Ducks goalies await word on who will start in the playoffs. That's a good problem to have. Or maybe not. [LA Times]
*Now that we have the news out of the way, here is a great story about Olli Maatta's brother Antti and his long-time devotion to the Penguins over in Finland. [Penguins.com]
Kasperi Kapanen is ready to contribute to the WBS Pens playoff effort. What can be expected from him? [Citizen Voice]
*Here is another great read: an in-depth analysis (in two parts) of elite defensemen by Kevin Shattenkirk. The link will open Part I and from there you can go to Part II. [The Players' Tribune]
And for the end, this just in: the Erie Otters file for bankruptcy as they continue to fight off attempts by the Edmonton Oilers to acquire the team. [GoErie.com]
*, recommended read