The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to earn two more big points in the standings on Sunday.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will look to sweep this back-to-back against the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
The Penguins blitzed the Panthers 9-4 on Saturday, earning two more crucial points in the standings. They now have 94, and their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to four.
If the Penguins win on Sunday, they'd have 96 points and would get them even closer to a playoff spot.
For as easy as Saturday's game was for the Penguins, it will likely be a lot different on Sunday. The Panthers may be eliminated from playoff contention and banged up, but they still play with a ton of pride. They'll likely come out a lot harder in this game, so the Penguins will have to be ready.
Sam Bennett is always a threat on the ice, compiling 26 goals and 58 points in 73 games. Carter Verhaeghe has 23 goals and 53 points in 74 games, while Matthew Tkachuk has 13 goals and 32 points in 29 games.
The Panthers got goals from A.J. Greer, Noah Gregor, Seth Jones, and Mackie Samoskevich on Saturday.
The Penguins will likely go with the same lines from Saturday's game for Sunday's game. Here's a look at the projected lineup:
Forwards
Chinakhov-Crosby-Rust
Novak-Kindel-Malkin
Mantha-Rakell-Brazeau
Soderblom-Dewar-Acciari
Defensive pairs
Wotherspoon-Karlsson
Girard-Letang
Shea-Clifton
Goaltender Stuart Skinner will likely start for the Penguins after having the day off on Saturday.
Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh+. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
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