The Vancouver Canucks had it all in their hands. Playing at home against their division rival the Colorado Avalanche, they led after first period goal from Willie Mitchell ( 2nd goal of the season ) and second period power-play goal by Ryan Kesler ( 21 ), but the two goal lead did not last.

The Pittsburgh Penguins won in the last game against their division rival the Philadelphia Flyers 4:2 at home.

With the victory the Pens secured their first Atlantic Division title, ten years after taking the Northeast division ( 1997-98 season after which Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux retired for the first time ), and two years after they had the worst record in the Eastern Conference and second worst in the NHL. Now they have 102 points with one game remaining, leading the division by five points ahead of the New Jersey Devils, who have two games left in their schedule.

In yesterday’s game the Colorado Avalanche beat their division rival the Vancouver Canucks 6:3 at home.

It was a much needed win for the Avs as they are fighting for the playoff spot directly against Vancouver, which is trailing two points at the currently seventh placed Colorado, but has five games left to play.

Last years NHL’s Presidents‘ Trophy winners the Buffalo Sabres had to win in yesterdays home game against the Ottawa Senators, a team which stopped them in last years Eastern Conference finals, to keep their playoff hopes alive but did not.