Hockey’s greatest rivalry is a tale of two teams going in opposite directions right now. The Penguins, riding high on a 13-game win streak and stockpiling new players for a deep playoff run, are now neck-and-neck with the Blackhawks for the best record in the NHL. Meanwhile, the Flyers are neck-and-neck with the league’s cellar dwellers for the race to the number one pick in the draft.
NHL Scores: Rangers keep Flyers falling in Atlantic
Philadelphia’s disappointing season hit a new low while the Penguins won their 13th straight game on Wednesday.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
In fact, that was the tale of many games on Wednesday night. Matchups like Toronto-Florida, Chicago-Calgary and Vancouver-Columbus all featured teams in totally different places as a franchise. I suppose it all goes to show that as the season winds down two very different kind of races are emerging at each end of the standings.
Anyways, enough of my ramblings. Let’s get to the action you might’ve missed from Wednesday.
All The NHL Scores
Get caught up on Tuesday’s NHL scores with recaps from our network of SB Nation team blogs. Here’s a quick glance at the full night of action:
Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 2
Penguins 1, Canadiens 0
Jets 4, Hurricanes 1
Blackhawks 2, Flames 0
Canucks 1, Blue Jackets 0 (SO)
Five Answers
Prior to last night’s games, we presented five burning questions regarding the night’s action. Here are your cool, soothing answers.
1. Will the Pittsburgh Penguins extend their winning streak to 13 games?
They eked out a 1-0 victory thanks to some outstanding goaltending. The Canadiens threw 37 shots on net and Marc-Andre Fleury and Tomas Vokoun combined to stop all of them. Unfortunately Fleury couldn't stop Brian Gionta from knocking Tyler Kennedy into his head.
2. Will Ray Emery remain undefeated this season?
One of these days he’ll lose, right? He went to 12-0 on the year with his first shutout since Feb. 1, 2010. The team he shut out then was none other than ... the Flames.
3. How will Tye McGinn fare in his return to the NHL?
McGinn was alright. He had energy and created a few chances. He was a minus-2, but then again so were six of his teammates. You’re a bad hockey team when when Tye McGinn is one of your better players during a big game.
4. How will Alexander Semin play on Tuesday night?
His line had a tough night. Semin and Eric Staal both were minus-3 and produced nothing offensively. Stout Jets defense or poor effort from the Canes? Kirk Muller says it was the latter.
5. Will Cory Schneider continue his dominating run?
He didn’t have to be dominant on Wednesday. The Jackets only managed 17 shots on goal. Vancouver won. 1-0. In a shootout. I seriously have nothing left to say about this game. It was awful.
Impact Moment
What moment from last night’s games will be making headlines in the coming days?
The biggest moment from last night happened before any games began. Miikka Kiprusoff's decision to not report for any team he's traded to handcuffs the Flames and further weakens the potential excitement of deadline day.
Stat of the Night
My friends at elias have informed me that Philadelphia hasn't seen all four of its major pro sports teams miss the playoffs since 1991.
— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) March 26, 2013
Post to Post
- The Islanders are inching toward the playoffs.
- Mikael Granlund had a big game in the AHL.
- Jeremy Jacobs is the worst.
- Finally, this needs no explanation:
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