Pittsburgh Penguin Coach Pierre Creamer was unaware...

Pittsburgh Penguin Coach Pierre Creamer was unaware until late in last Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals that his team needed a victory to remain alive in the NHL playoff race, five players told the Pittsburgh Press in a story published Thursday.

Creamer, speaking through the team’s public relations department, said he was aware of the Penguins’ need to win.

Penguins Vice President Paul Martha said he finds the players’ accusations “somewhat hard to believe,” but said they will be investigated.