The Pittsburgh Penguins battle the red hot New York Rangers in a Thanksgiving Eve matchup.

As the Pittsburgh Penguins approach the holiday season, the team is right in the thick of a powerful Metropolitan Division. Sitting two points out of a playoff spot, the Penguins need to start stringing together wins against their own division. They get the chance to do so as the New York Rangers come to town. Here’s what to watch for. 

1. Guentzel Streaking 

While Sidney Crosby’s point streak came to an end at 11 games, Jake Guentzel has stepped up in his place. Currently riding an eight game point streak, he’s put up 12 points in that span and been a pivotal piece of the first line’s 5-on-5 dominance. With Rust’s status a question mark, the Pens will need Guentzel to keep his point streak going against the Rangers.

2. Breadman Delivering For Rangers 

The Rangers are one of the best teams in the NHL this season. Their success is largely due to the offensive leadership of Artemi Panarin. With 26 points in 16 games, it seems the Breadman will continue his point per game pace during the 2023-24 season. Taking down the Rangers will be no easy task for the Penguins, and it starts with defending Panarin. 

3. Wilkes-Barre Reinforcements 

The injury bug struck in Pittsburgh and now the Pens are without forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust and defenders Chad Ruhwedel and P.O. Joseph. 

To bring in some reinforcements, the team called up forwards Alex Nylander and Jansen Harkins to provide some scoring punch in Rakell and Rust’s absences. 

Rookie defender John Ludvig was recalled from his conditioning stint, as well.

The Penguins and Rangers face-off at 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. 

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