Penguins, Islanders keep playoff hopes alive in East

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders are both still in the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Recent strong performances in the third periods of their games have kept their hopes alive. On Saturday, the Penguins played against the New Jersey Devils and won 7-3. They scored three goals in the final six minutes of the game to secure the victory. The Penguins have now won four consecutive games and have improved their goal difference during this stretch. The Islanders also had a significant win on Sunday. They came back to defeat the Florida Panthers, who are the defending champions, with a final score of 4-2. The Islanders had been down by two goals in the third period but managed to score three goals in quick succession. This win ended their three-game losing streak. On Tuesday, the Penguins will host the Islanders in a crucial match between the two teams. Both are trying to catch up to the New York Rangers for the second wild card playoff spot. The Penguins coach, Mike Sullivan, emphasized the importance of staying focused on each game. The Islanders also showed determination in their recent victory, with captain Anders Lee expressing satisfaction after their comeback. They had faced some tough losses in recent games but felt energized by the win over the Panthers. This matchup is essential for both teams as they strive to keep their postseason hopes alive.