The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Florida Panthers 4-0 last night. Sidney Crosby scored a natural hat trick. Crosby’s linemates Conor Sheary and Jake Guentzel assisted on each goal. Crosby now leads the NHL with 40 goals and is tied for the league scoring lead with 11 games remaining. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury picked up his first shut-out of the season, stopping 21 shots.
The Pens visit Buffalo Tuesday. They are one point from clinching a playoff spot.
Columbus clinched their spot in the playoffs for just the third time in team history with a 4-1 win over New Jersey Sunday. The Blue Jackets are tied with Washington for first place in the Metropolitan Division. Each have 100 points. The Penguins have 99. Each have 11 games remaining.