NEW YORK – Rick Tocchet understood the stakes, so the Philadelphia coach didn’t want to make his players nervous before stepping onto the ice.

“They know,” Tocchet said. “They see the standings.”

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Rakell scores twice, Crosby has a goal and two assists as the Penguins beat the Panthers 5-2

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Malkin has 14th career hat trick, Penguins rout Panthers 9-4 to end Florida’s bid for a 3-peat

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