If it weren't for the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist and injuries to key players (Staal, Letang, Crosby) the Penguins would have had a record year. As it is they amassed two more points than last season (108 with 51 wins) second only to the 1992-93 campaign's total of 119 (with 56 wins). Since the 2006-2007 season the Penguins have average 103.5 points per year and 47.7 wins.
FINAL NHL STANDINGS
Strangely the Penguins finished with the same number of wins as the Rangers and they finished both fourth in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the league overall. In fact, four teams from the Penguins' Atlantic Division finished in the top 9 in the league overall. But interestingly enough the Penguins all-time win-loss record is still under .500, 1631-1639.
With the game basically meaningless in the standing it was about letting the Flyers know the Penguins can beat them and goaltender Serge Bobrovsky (or as I like to call him just Bob Rovsky) at The Consol. The Pens had been 0-5 over the past two season in the new arena against them.
There were two other matters that required settleing. Eyvgeni Malin needed a goal to reach 50 for the season. And he did while winning the season scoring title with 109 points.
MALKIN SCORES 50th
Joe Vitale would probably have to fight someone to protect his honor after his hit Tuesday night on Daniel Brierre. And he did, dispatching Jakub Voracek in short order. Guess the Flyers will have to send someone tougher next time.
VITALE FIGHT
Now it's onward into the Commonwealth Cold War with the Flyers beginning later this week (TBD). But I guarantee it will be anything but COLD.
Excuse me for almost forgetting but Pascal Dupuis extended his scoring streak to 17 games. Congrats, Duper.
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