Penguins vs. Sabres: Holiday Frenzy Begins
The Pittsburgh Penguins failed to muster a single goal in their Thanksgiving Eve loss to the New York Rangers. 48 hours later, the Penguins have a chance to start their post holiday schedule on the right foot. Here’s what to watch for as the Penguins battle the Buffalo Sabres.
1. Will the Power Play Ever Score?
It seems beyond ridiculous that a group consisting of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel, Erik Karlsson, and any other player can’t find a way to turn around the Penguin’s stale power play. Entering this contest, the Pens have the 25th ranked power play in the league. Given their personnel, the output through the first quarter of the season has been a complete failure.
Coming out of a brief Thanksgiving break, the Penguins need to find any solution possible to mend their ailing power play. The Sabres sport the 8th best penalty killing unit in the league, so it will take a monstrous effort to cash in with the man advantage.
2. Decision Looming in Buffalo
The Sabres selected one pick before the Penguins in the 2023 NHL Draft, and took an extremely talented player with their selection. Forward Zach Benson has been stellar in his first professional season, registering five points in nine games.
His highlight-reel first goal further cemented his skill and potential and put Buffalo in the extremely difficult position of choosing between returning Benson to his junior team or keeping him in Buffalo and burning the first year of his entry-level contract.
If he plays against the Penguins, it will officially mean the 18-year-old will be a Sabres all season. And the Pens will need to find a way to shut down the fiery young scorer.
3. Jarry’s Rolling
Despite the warranted levels of criticism, Tristan Jarry has been an elite goaltender in his last five appearances. He’s put up 30+ saves in each outing and posted one shutout in that span.
Recommended Articles
More importantly for the Penguins, he’s been the number one reason this team has stayed in or held onto victories. When he’s on like he has been recently, he gives the Pens a serious chance at victory every night. Needing a critical two points against Buffalo, can Jarry continue his run of success?
The Penguins and Sabres face-off at 6:00 p.m. in Buffalo.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
THN Archive: Penguins Defy Logic; They Take Flight
Penguins Separate Stars on Power Play
Penguins Recall Jansen Harkins from AHL
Penguins Behind Eight Ball at Crucial Date
GAME RECAP: Rangers Blank Penguins 1-0
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins
