The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for a big win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are finally home after a five-game road trip and have a big game against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.
The Penguins will welcome the Jets for their second and final meeting of the season. The two teams met in Winnipeg on Nov. 1, with the Jets winning 5-2.
Both teams got off to great starts through the first month of the season, but the Jets couldn't sustain theirs. They won nine of their first 12 games but are now 28-29-11, good for 67 points. They're five points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Penguins are in second place in the Metropolitan Division.
Despite the Jets' struggles after the first month of the year, they still have some elite talent up front, led by Mark Scheifele. Scheifele has been fantastic this season, compiling 31 goals and 83 points in 68 games.
Kyle Connor has also been great, racking up 31 goals and 78 points in 68 games. Don't forget about Gabriel Vilardi, either. He has 26 goals and 56 points in 68 games.
Josh Morrissey is elite in all three zones for the Jets and is their top defenseman. He has compiled 12 goals and 46 points in 63 games and will likely get a lot of minutes against the Sidney Crosby line.
Connor Hellebuyck will likely start in goal for the Jets and is coming off an unbelievable performance for Team USA at the Winter Olympics. He willed the team to a Gold Medal and is arguably the best goaltender in the world when he's locked in.
The Penguins will get defenseman Sam Girard back from injury on Saturday after he missed the last five games. He was paired with Kris Letang during Friday's practice.
Here's a look at the projected lineup for the Penguins:
Forwards
Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Chinakhov-Novak-Malkin
Mantha-Kindel-Brazeau
Soderblom-Dewar-Acciari
Defensive pairs
Wotherspoon-Karlsson
Girard-Letang
Shea-Clifton
Arturs Silovs will start in goal for the Penguins.
Puck drop is set for 1 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh and NHL Network. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
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