Lineup changes looming
By Steve Paulus
Shesterkin to start
Coach Quinn confirmed that it will be Igor Shesterkin in net, his fourth straight start. He has never started more than three games in a row, but Quinn will be riding his hot goalie. Shesterkin has a 1-1-1 record against the Pens this season, giving up seven goals in three games.
It’s now almost three weeks between appearances for Alexandar Georgiev. His last game was the 2-1 loss to Washington on March 19. Considering that he had shut out the Flyers in his previous start, it’s not like Georgiev was a disaster when he played, allowing only those two goals in his last two starts, but with a three week layoff getting him back into a game could be a challenge.
East Division
The good news was the Flyers beat the Bruins Monday night. The bad news was that it took overtime. So, Boston escaped with a point, pulling five points ahead of the Rangers though still with two games in hand.
The Bruins are in big trouble in goal. Tukka Rask in on injured reserve with an upper body injury and Jaroslav Halak just tested positive for COVID. That means it will be rookies Dan Vladar and Jeremy Swayman tending goal for the Bruins for the near future. Vladar has started four NHL games and Swayman hasn’t appeared in one yet.
The Rangers need to overtake Boston for the final playoff spot and the goaltending woes for Boston is opening a door for the Blueshirts.
Today is a big day for the East Division with all eight teams in action. The Capitals and the Islanders will be slugging out for first place. The Flyers and Bruins play on the second consecutive night in a home and away series. And the Sabres will try to continue their revival going against the Devils.
The Rangers have won only once in six games against the Penguins this season and this has to be considered a “must win” game for New York.
Today’s games
Penguins @ Rangers
Bruins @ Flyers
Capitals @ Islanders
Sabres @ Devils
Monday’s game
Flyers 3, Bruins 2 (overtime)
Standings
1- Washington 38 25-9-4 54 points
2- Islanders 38 24-10-4 52 points
3- Pittsburgh 38 24-12-2 50 points
4- Boston 35 19-10-6 44 points
5- Philadelphia 37 18-14-5 41 points
6- Rangers 37 17-15-5 39 points
7- New Jersey 36 13-17-6 32 points
8- Buffalo 37 8-23-6 22 points