Pens 4, Caps 2

Recap - The Pens got the better of the Capitals today, 4-2 in an intense, high energy game. Pens goals were scored by Sykora, Crosby (2) and Staal added an empty netter to close out the game. Crosby's goals were his first since coming back from the ankle injury. His second, the games winner was a bit of a fluke being shot directly into the net by Caps defensemen, Backstrom. Malkin had an outstanding game as well, setting up three of the Pens 4 goals. Fleury had an amazing game stopping 37 of the 39 the Caps threw at him.

The win puts the Pens one point behind Eastern Conference leader, New Jersey.

My Analysis - This was a very important game for the Pens to get a win. They've won only 3 of the last 8 when they could have really put some space between themselves and the rest of the East. Pittsburgh has 12 games remaining in the regular season, of which 10 are against Atlantic Division opponents. Three against the Rangers and Flyers, two against the Islanders and Devils. And the other two games are against Eastern Conference foes as well. This will be quite an opportunity to see how well this team has come together since the bold trade deadline deals that went down two weeks ago. Pittsburgh can probably stay in the top 8 of the conference by winning half of the games through the rest of the season, but will probably need to go 8-4 or better to get home ice advantage in the playoffs.

Injury Update - Hossa is skating and looks to be about ready to return. Roberts is in the same situation.