Penguins vs. Sabres: Going 'Four' It
The Pittsburgh Penguins return home looking for their fourth straight victory.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are closer to being back on track after sweeping a three-game road trip in California. Now back at .500 with a 6-6 record, the Penguins are hopeful they have turned the page on their sluggish start. They now return home for a matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. Here's what to watch for when the Pens battle the Sabres.
1. Hellberg Rising to Occassion
With starting goaltender Tristan Jarry still on the shelf, third string goalie Magnus Hellberg looks like a more than suitable temporary replacement. In his first start of the season against the Ducks, Hellberg came up huge in clutch situations, giving the Pens just enough of a boost to steal the extra point in Anaheim.
Going against the Sabres, Hellberg will face another potent offense in his second start of the season. It'll be a true test for the depth goaltender and the Pens.
2. Offensive Defensemen in Buffalo
The most dangerous aspect of Buffalo's lineup is their highly skilled defensemen. Led by two former number one draft picks, Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, and puck mover, Henri Jokiharju, the Sabres have one of the deadliest corps of defenders in the league.
Dahlin leads the defense in scoring, with 11 points in 13 games. Power is taking his sophomore season in stride, gathering seven points to start the season and progressing his defensive toolkit. Jokiharju is not far behind with six points in 13 games.
The Pens will have their hands full with Buffalo's elite forwards, but the key to victory is to keep their talented defensive trio off the scoresheet.
3. Third Line Improving
Despite a start to forget, the third line is slowly finding their way. Led by newly signed center Lars Eller, there is a chemistry forming between himself and linemates Drew O'Connor and Radim Zohorna.
Zohorna has especially been a spark plug for this line. Since his recall from Wilkes-Barre, he has three goals in eight games. Similarly, Eller has come alive since Zohorna joined his line. With only one point in the first four games, he's geared up his production with 5 points in the last eight. As the unit continues playing together, they should continue to find ways to chip in offensively.
The Penguins and Sabres face-off at 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.
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