The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 last night at PPG Paints Arena. Both teams scored short-handed goals in the first period, with the Penguins goal coming from Bryan Rust, his 21st of the season. The Sabres took control of the game in the second period on a power-play, then scored another short-handed goal. 11 penalties were called in the game, but the most damaging was a slashing penalty on Evgeni Malkin in the second period. He was ejected from the game and will likely face league discipline for hitting a Buffalo player in the head.
The Penguins host Philadelphia Saturday for a 5:30pm face-off. Pre-game on WISR begins at 5pm.
Sunday – the Pens host Boston. Pre-game on WISR is 4pm for the 4:30pm face-off.
The Sunday game will be the Penguins final home game until Saturday, March 21st. The Pens have a five-game road trip after the Boston game. Four of their next six games will be against current first-place teams.
The Penguins remain tied with the New York Islanders for second place in the Metropolitan Division. The Islanders lost 5-3 to the Los Angeles Kings last night.
Keep an eye on the Columbus Blue Jackets who won their third game in a row last night, defeating Florida 4-2. Columbus have moved to within three points of the Penguins and Islanders.
The Florida Panthers have now lost four games in a row, and have fallen into last place in the Atlantic Division. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions are in danger of not making the playoffs. They are currently 10 points out of a Wild Card spot with 20 games to play.
The NHL trade deadline is 3pm today.