New York. Yesterday, New Yorkers gave Pittsburgh control of its own destiny.
But last night they returned the gift by defeating Chicago against all odds – with which the Florida Panthers “clinched” their playoff spot.
– We just hope we get another chance, goalkeeper Tristan Jarry sighs after failing 5-2.
It just keeps getting more and more messy, the decisive battle for the wild card spots in the NHL East standings.
As recently as yesterday, it looked like it was decided, when the New Yorkers shot themselves in the foot against the Washington chops, as they thereby handed control of the score to the can’t-lose Pittsburgh Penguins for tonight’s home game against the Chicago Blackhawks. – specially Ka to He went up in his second match in one day.
But, yes.
Somehow the penguins managed to snag this free opportunity. They lost to the Western Pennsylvania General Shock by a score of 5-2 and brought back the gift to Long Island.
Now the Islanders only need to get a point against Montreal the next night, and they’re done — and the Penguins will miss the playoffs for the first time in sixteen years.
– A big disappointment, says goalkeeper Tristan Jarry.
We took control of our destiny, but now we don’t. Now it’s up to the other teams and we can only hope we get another chance.
For the Florida Panthers, the night was more exhilarating. They didn’t play at all, but with both Pittsburgh and Buffalo losing, they got their playoff ticket anyway.
Thus, there is only one open spot left, so the islanders can pinch it the next night.