The Penguins lost both of their games over the weekend, to the Islanders and the Devils, but heading into tonight’s rematch against the Isles, they are still holding onto one of the two Eastern Conference Wild Card spots, in a tie with the Islanders.
Some of the numbers work in the Penguins’ favor tonight, such as their 8-3-1 record in their last 12 games against the Islanders, including five straight at home. But other numbers are not so friendly; they blew a two-goal lead Friday night in New York and had the lead again on Saturday before losing to New Jersey.
Coach Mike Sullivan says the Penguins need to take advantage when they have the momentum, but lately they’ve been giving up goals just moments after scoring themselves.
The Penguins have been playing without key defensive stalwarts in defenseman Jan Rutta and goaltender Tristan Jarry, who are both nearing their returns from injured reserve, and their special teams could certainly use the help. They gave up a power play goal and a short-hander on Saturday, and they’ve given up at least one power play goal in four of their last five games. They’ve gone from having the third-best penalty kill before January 1st to the fourth-worst since then. Sullivan says the penalty kill has been especially disappointing.
Tonight’s game faces off at 7 at PPG Paints Arena. The pregame airs on 92.5 FM U92 at 6.
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