Two Games Could Decide Penguins Playoff Fate
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a chance at the postseason, but they'll need to earn it.
PITTSBURGH – Riding a nine-game point streak, the Pittsburgh Penguins have worked their way back into playoff contention. With four games remaining in the year, they sit just a point out of the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot.
While teams around the NHL are clinching playoff berths and others are being mathematically eliminated, the Penguins have turned their season around.
With the playoffs quickly approaching, the Penguins don’t have complete control of their playoff destiny, but they do have vitally important matchups remaining.
The first of those crucial matchups is next on the ledger for the Penguins. The Detroit Red Wings visit for the final time this season, and it’s arguably the single most important game of the season. Both teams are tied with 84 standings points, just one back of the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot.
Whoever wins this contest will likely see a significant boost in their odds of making the postseason while forcing their opponent to play perfectly down the stretch.
The next most important matchup for the Penguins comes during the final game of the season. In game 82, the Penguins travel to Long Islander to face the New York Islanders, who hold the third spot in the Metropolitan Division.
While the Penguins could win that game and not harm the Islanders playoff chances at that point, it will still be crucial for them to come out on top.
One more outside factor is playing a role in the final stretch. The Washington Capitals are a point ahead of the Penguins with the same number of games remaining. The two teams don’t meet again this season, meaning there will be a lot of scoreboard-watching for the rivals.
For the Penguins to beat the Capitals in the race, they’ll need some outside help. The Penguins will need to win their contests against the Red Wings and Islanders, then just one more game than the Capitals to close the year.
If the Penguins and Capitals both win out, it’s the Capitals who have the points advantage.
Winning out would be the ideal situation for the Penguins and give them the best chance at making the playoffs. At a minimum, they’ll need to beat the Red Wings and Islanders and hope for positive outside help.
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