NHL Daily: Playoff Door Opened for Pitt; Flyers’ Seeler Saluted

The New York Islanders opened the playoff door Monday for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Will the Penguins be able to take advantage?

Almost definitely.

The Islanders dropped a 5-2 decision to shorthanded Washington. That means the Penguins only need to win their last two games against bottom-feeders Chicago and Columbus to extend their playoff streak to a staggering 17 straight years.

Washington, which won for just the second time in 10 games, jolted the Islanders despite not having Alex Ovechkin, T.J. Oshie, Anthony Mantha, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Nic Dowd in the lineup. The Capitals played with just 17 skaters because salary-cap constraints prevented call-ups.

In other news, defenseman Nick Seeler, whose career is the definition of perseverance, was the Philadelphia Flyers’ nominee for the Masterton Trophy. Former Flyers Derick Brassard (Ottawa), Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (Tampa Bay), and Sam Gagner (Winnipeg) were among the 32 nominees.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Nick Seeler’s career was saved by then-Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher, who drafted him for Minnesota and brought him to Philly. Seeler has overachieved and has become one of the Flyers’ best defenseman after taking a year off from hockey. Now, he’s a Masterton nominee. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins got help from the Caps. Now all they need to do is beat Chicago and Columbus and they are in the playoffs for the 17th straight season. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Florida Hockey Now: Despite losing in overtime to Toronto, the Panthers control their playoff destiny. Florida Panthers.

New York Islanders: The shorthanded Caps severely damaged the Islanders’ playoff hopes with a 5-2 win on Monday. New York Islanders.

Colorado Hockey Now: With five days left in the defending champs’ season, here are five thoughts to digest. Colorado Avalanche.

San Jose Hockey Now: David Quinn called defenseman Erik Karlsson the best player he has ever coached. Karlsson reached the 100-point mark with two goals Monday in the Sharks’ 6-2 loss to Winnipeg. He is the sixth defenseman in NHL history to reach triple digits, and the first since the Rangers’ Brian Leetch in 1991-92. San Jose Sharks.