The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 last night at PPG Paints Arena. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak. Sidney Crosby led the Penguins with another three-point night, scoring his 35th goal of the season.
The game featured the return of former Penguins Jake Guentzel, who was held scoreless.
Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 39 of 40 shots from the Hurricanes.
The Penguins host Columbus Thursday, but gained no ground in the chase for a playoff spot.
The Washington Capitals defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in overtime last night and remain nine points in front of the Penguins for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Penguins victory also allowed the New York Rangers to take a three-point lead over Carolina for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers became the team in the NHL to clinch a playoff spot with their 6-5 victory over Philadelphia in overtime. The Rangers also lead Boston by one point for the best record in the Eastern Conference.