The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the verge of removing one of their top forwards.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins couldn’t stretch their winning streak to four, losing a tight battle to the Seattle Kraken. With every game being a must-win situation, the Penguins hope to get back into the win column quickly. Their road trip continues with a stop in Calgary to take on the Flames. Here’s what to watch for as the Penguins and Flames battle it out. 

1. Bemstrom Learning The Ropes

The Penguins’ newest acquisition is just a few games into his tenure, so it’s far too early to make any judgments. Through three games, he has just one goal, playing around 10 minutes per game on the third line. He’s still getting his footing and learning the system in Pittsburgh, but he seems like a player who can contribute to their paltry bottom six.

Bemstrom should also get more power play time on the second unit, giving him more chances to use his lethal shot. Hopefully, the third line will get more ice time in Calgary, and maybe Bemstrom can register his second goal as a Penguin.

2. Calgary Open For Business

Despite being in the middle of a four-game winning streak, all signs indicate that the Calgary Flames will be sellers this deadline. They’ve already shipped veteran defender Chris Tanev out for future assets. Next, it seems that more experienced players, like goaltender Jakob Markstrom and defender Noah Hanifin, are also on their way out of town. The team isn’t out of postseason contention yet, but between the way players and management are speaking to the media, it feels like they’re already looking toward next year. The Penguins must take advantage of the situation and pick up two points in western Canada.

3. Smith’s Last Chance?

Reilly Smith has had a dreadful first season in Pittsburgh. Between injuries and trouble sustaining chemistry with Evgeni Malkin, Smith doesn’t feel like a fit. With injuries to Bryan Rust and Jake Guentzel, he’s been elevated to Sidney Crosby’s wing on the first line. He has one point in two games skating in that position, but he’s also looked unimpressive there. With the trade deadline looming, Smith may be running out of chances to prove he should be a Penguin. Otherwise, he could be shipped out before March. 

The Penguins and Flames square off at 10:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome.

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