The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 last night in their final home game of the regular season at PPG Paints Arena.
The Pens won despite having two early goals waved off by alleged goaltender interference. Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson led the Pens with a goal and an assist each. Emil Benstrom scored the game-winning goal for the Pens.
Crosby now has 42 goals this season, and has scored 23 points since the Penguins 8-3 run that began March 26th. That point total is the most in the NHL in that stretch.
The Pens did not receive any other help in their quest to make the NHL playoffs. Washington, Detroit and the New York Islanders all won last night, keeping the Penguins one point out of the post-season. Detroit defeated Montreal 5-4 in overtime. Washington shut out Boston 2-0. The Islanders defeated New Jersey 4-1. The New York victory clinched third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Penguins fate could be determined tonight. Washington currently sits in the final Wild Card spot and will visit Philadelphia tonight for their final regular season game, while the Red Wings visit Montreal. If both the Capitals and Detroit lose, the Penguins would need a victory against the New York Islanders tomorrow night to earn the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
If the Flyers top the Capitals, while Detroit and the Penguins lose, Philadelphia takes the final playoff spot.