The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to open a home-and-home with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins returned home and ended their losing streak with a stunning win over the Carolina Hurricanes. A berth in the postseason still seems like an extreme long shot, but the Penguins aren’t giving up hope.

Next on the Penguins' schedule are home-and-home matches with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the only team in the Eastern Conference eliminated from playoff contention. If the Penguins can pull out two wins over the Blue Jackets and get a little outside help, the playoff race might just heat back up in Pittsburgh.

Projected Forward Lines

Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

The Penguins might not have a chance of making the postseason, but that won’t stop Sidney Crosby from giving everything he’s got every night. Crosby has recorded seven points in the last two games and is sure to keep up the scoring trend against the brutal Blue Jackets.

Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell

It may seem like Evgeni Malkin is having a poor season, especially by his standards, but his numbers beg to differ. Malkin’s season hasn't been outstanding, but he’s producing well enough to be in the middle of the pack for a second-line center.

It’s likely Malkin’s numbers would be much better if he had a consistent winger or two. He’s had to deal with a bit of a revolving door on both of his wings all season long.

Reilly Smith – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen

Despite being absent from the most recent practice, head coach Mike Sullivan says Reilly Smith will be available for the Penguins. Smith missed the last skate due to the birth of his second child.

Jonathan Gruden – Sam Poulin – Jesse Puljujarvi

This line drove most of the headlines for the Penguins following their victory. The Penguins are set for a youth movement next season and guys like Sam Poulin and Jonathan Gruden might be leading the charge.

Jesse Puljujarvi has also continued to improve with each passing shift and has been rewarded with goals in back-to-back games.

Projected Defensive Lines

P.O. Joseph – Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson – Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves – Jack St. Ivany

The Penguins likely aren’t changing anything with their lines and that will continue into the defensive pairs. P.O. Joseph has been playing well as the top defenseman next to Kris Letang, while Jack St. Ivany has looked really good in just three NHL appearances.

Starting Goalie

Alex Nedeljkovic

There isn’t much of a goalie controversy anymore, but the Penguins are riding the hot hand in net. For the third consecutive game, Alex Nedeljkovic will start in goal for the Penguins. Sullivan says they have liked what they’ve seen from Nedeljkovic and that’s why they keep turning to him down the stretch.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Downfall of Penguins Core Greatly Exaggerated

Penguins Have Youth Movement Next Year

Penguins Keeping Struggling Defenseman

Penguins Get Positive Update on Injured Forward

Penguins GM Responds to Jake Guentzel's Comments

• undefined
• undefined