Rangers at Penguins
THE STORY: The Pittsburgh Penguins have guaranteed themselves a spot in the postseason. One more win and they’ll be assured of home ice for at least the first round of the playoffs. The Penguins will eye that win and a fourth consecutive triumph over the New York Rangers when the Atlantic Division rivals meet Thursday night. The Rangers, owners of the East’s top seed, can also claim the Presidents’ Trophy by winning their final two games.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG, FOX Pittsburgh, NBCSN
ABOUT THE RANGERS (51-22-7): New York clinched the conference crown with a 5-3 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday. It is the first time the Rangers own the No. 1 seed at season's end since winning the Stanley Cup in 1993-94. "To win the division and the conference is definitely good, and it shows that all year long we have been consistent,” winger Marian Gaborik said. “We don't want to let up. We want to tune up for the playoffs."
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (49-25-6): The Flyers’ loss, combined with Pittsburgh’s 5-3 win over Boston, has the Penguins three points clear of Philadelphia in the race for home ice with two games to play. Sidney Crosby continued his recent tear since returning from lingering concussion symptoms, finishing with two goals and an assist against the Bruins on Tuesday. The former Hart Trophy winner, limited to just 20 games to date, has three goals and six assists in his past three outings.
OVERTIME:
1. Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin has a league-best 105 points and is all but assured the NHL scoring title. He has four goals and an assist in his last three games against the Rangers.
2. Gaborik is working on a six-game point streak (six goals, four assists).
3. New York is 21-3-2 when leading after the first period.