Pens Clinch Playoff Spot!

Tuesday night, in front of a Washington DC crowd that consisted of nearly half Penguins fans, Pittsburgh beat the Washington Capitals to claim their place in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Final score: 4-3.

The game started out on a sour note with the Caps scoring 2 first period goals on defensive breakdowns. Pens coach Michel Therrien wisely called a timeout after the second goal and got his teams heads back into the game. The Pens promptly scored 3 unanswered goals and added a fourth late in the second period to wrap up the game. Washington scored a third goal late in the third period that probably should have been called back for goaltender interference.

Pens goals were scored by Whitney (2), Crosby and Ouellet.

Read entire summary here: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_499918.html

Pens toughguy Laraque had a short brawl with Washington enforcer Donald Brashear. A couple of fists were exchanged and Laraque ended up being pulled down on top of Brashear. Bob Errey called it a win for Laraque on the FSN broadcast. Will post a video if one is available...

Check back later this week for a playoff preview!