Penguins Report Card: More Struggles Up Top, More Carter Goals | PHN+

First place is still on the table as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres 1-0 in regulation on Saturday. It wasn’t the firewagon trip down Mainstreet that we saw on Thursday night in the Penguins 8-4 win. It wasn’t as fun, but it was what was necessary.

Massive credit to Buffalo head coach Don Granato and Buffalo. They didn’t quit on the season, and they provided respectable competition even on what was supposed to be the final day of the regular season.

Hey, Buffalo, forget Mike Babcock, hire Granato. Anyhoo…

The Pittsburgh Penguins needed that regulation win to preserve their best chance to win the MassMutual East Division. They got the win with yet another Jeff Carter goal. He scored five goals in the last two games.

On Thursday morning, Buffalo’s morning skate ran well past 30 minutes. They had a few battle drills, some line rushes, and laughter could be heard. They were enjoying playing hockey.

The Penguins didn’t shirk their responsibilities in the final weekend, either.

“…Part of (our success) is the chemistry that’s developed off the ice and that translates on the ice,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “We like the group that’s assembled here. We think we have become a team and now our challenge is in front of us. We’re excited about it.”

To the Penguins team report card–we’ve got some real Xs and Os for you, too.