The desperate Pittsburgh Penguins battle the New Jersey Devils in the second of back-to-back games.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins battled for a well-earned victory over the New York Rangers. Between captain Sidney Crosby’s three-point performance and clutch goaltending, it was a gutsy performance from a team backed into a corner.

Unfortunately, the Penguins have no real time to rest and reset before facing another Metropolitan Division test. In the second of back-to-back games, here’s what to watch for when the Penguins play the New Jersey Devils. 

1. Desperate Times, Desperate Measures

What stood out the most about the Penguins’ win in New York was their desperation level. For 60 minutes, the Penguins played like their season was on the line, no matter which line stepped on the ice. With just eight games remaining and a playoff spot still within reach, can the Penguins bring that same desperation against New Jersey?

2. Directionless Devils

The Devils arguably have had one of the most disappointing seasons compared to what was expected. Many thought they'd contend for a division title, not sit on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. The team fired their head coach and performed even worse under interim coach Travis Green.

In the summer, the Devils will likely make changes to the roster and coaching staff in hopes of returning to the playoffs next year. The hapless Devils aren't giving up hope just yet this campaign, and they should very easily match the desperation levels the Penguins will bring. 

3. Illness Plaguing Penguins

As if playing games on back-to-back nights wasn't tough enough for the battered Penguins, now they appear to be dealing with a sickness in the locker room. It began when Michael Bunting was unable to finish the game in Columbus.

Whatever the bug is, it's going through the Pens' lineup. Due to illness, the team had to scratch Tristan Jarry and John Ludvig at the last moment against the Rangers.

On the second half of a back-to-back and already shorthanded, the Penguins will most likely have more lineup moves to make. There are no excuses for a desperate Penguins team, and they will still need to bring their A-game to New Jersey.

The Penguins and Devils meet at the Prudential Center for a 7:00 p.m. face-off.

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

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