1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season: Difference between revisions

The Penguins were involved in one of the closest playoff races in NHL history, as they competed down the stretch with the [[New Jersey Devils]] and the [[New York Rangers]] for the final playoff spot in the Patrick Division. Despite two hefty losses to New Jersey in the last two weeks of the season, the Penguins gave themselves hope with a 7-6 overtime win against the [[Washington Capitals]] in their second to last game of the season. On the last day of the season, the Penguins defeated the [[Hartford Whalers]] 4-2 and moved ahead of New York and New Jersey. However, this position was temporary as the Rangers shut out [[Quebec Nordiques|Quebec]], 3-0, to move back ahead ofeliminating the Penguins. The Devils had the last laugh as they beat the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] 4-3 in overtime on a goal by [[John MacLean (ice hockey)|John MacLean]] to claim the fourth and final Patrick Division playoff spot ahead of the Rangers and Penguins.