Print

Mail

wiki links

Penguins defeat Islanders to give Crosby happy return

The return of Sidney Crosby for his first home game in more than two months saw the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New York Islanders 3-1 in Thursday's NHL action.

Jarkko Ruutu had a goal and two assists for the Penguins, who won their sixth consecutive home game to reclaim leadership of the Eastern Conference.

Crosby, who had missed 28 of the past 31 games with an ankle injury, didn't score.

Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 2

In Boston, the home side's win eliminated Toronto from playoff contention.

Tim Thomas made 30 saves while Phil Kessel and Peter Schaefer each had a goal and an assist for the Bruins, who moved into a tie with Philadelphia for the last two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto has now missed the playoffs for the third straight year -- the first time it has done so since 1926-1928.

Rangers 3, Devils 2

In New York, the home team beat New Jersey for the seventh straight time this season.

Nigel Dawes scored the tiebreaking goal while sliding on his back late in the third period.

The Devils lost their fifth straight, descending into a tie with the Rangers for fifth in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

In other NHL action on Thursday it was:

* Capitals 4, Lightning 3, OT

* Sabres 4, Senators 3, SO

* Sharks 3, Stars 2, OT

* Thrashers 3, Panthers 2

* Kings 4, Coyotes 0
This story has been viewed 1182 times.