PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Just a week ago it was a more crowded and complicated scenario. Now it is really simple if the Pens are going to make a 17th consecutive appearance in the playoffs.
Here is the harsh reality, if the Islanders and Panthers win both of their games this week, the Pens are out. Another one is the Pens can’t tie either team in the standings, they lose tiebreakers for both. The what would seem to be good news is the Pens play the two last place teams in each conference to close the season.
Pens schedule
· Chicago at home on Tuesday-the Blackhawks have won one game since March 16, that’s losses in 10 of the last 11. All of Chicago’s last 10 losses have been by multiple goals. The Blackhawks play at home Monday, so the second game of a back-to-back
· At Columbus-the Blue Jackets have lost three straight games. In the last eight games, Columbus has been outscored 42-12. In the last two games, outscored 12-1
Florida Panthers schedule
· Toronto at home on Monday-a chance to either open the door or put some pressure on the Pens. The Maple Leafs are locked into second place in the Atlantic, but have points in four of their five games this month. Florida is 1-2 against Toronto this year
· Carolina at home on Thursday-the Hurricanes are currently a point ahead of New Jersey in the Metropolitan Division with a game in hand. Hurricanes have lost two straight games and play back-to-backs Monday (at Ottawa) and Tuesday (home to Detroit).
They have split the season series, each winning with shutouts and haven’t played since December 30
New York Islanders schedule
· At the Capitals on Monday-also the chance to put some pressure on the Pens or on themselves. New York has won their last two games by a combined 10-1 score. The Caps last win was against Chicago on March 23. Washington outscored 15-6 over the last three games.
· Home to Montreal on Wednesday. The Canadiens have scored three goals this month with a last win coming on March 27. Montreal won the previous matchup in overtime on February 11.
Monday night will set the stage. The Pens need to take care of business and have one team lose.