Penguins Preview: Erik Karlsson Approaching Historic Milestone
The Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Florida Panthers to PPG Paints Arena.
PITTSBURGH- The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for answers again after two brutal losses. Despite solid efforts and continuously strong goaltending, the team couldn't muster the offense to keep up out west. Returning home, the Penguins will get no relief with their next opponent. Here's what to watch as the Penguins take on the Florida Panthers.
1. Karlsson Approaching Milestone
Erik Karlsson has been on an offensive roll lately, with points in three straight contests and four of the last five. As he accumulates points, another milestone is just around the corner.
Karlsson currently stands at 798 career points and is just two away from becoming the 19th defenseman in NHL history to score 800 points. He will be just the second active NHL defender to score that much, along with former teammate Brent Burns. In a critical matchup with Florida, can Karlsson hit the 800 mark and help the Penguins secure a victory?
2. Panthers May Be Best Team In East
The Eastern Conference is the lesser of the two conferences this season, but that doesn't mean there aren't genuine contenders in the mix. The Panthers are making a solid case for being not only a contender but also the best team in the East.
The Panthers are easily the most complete team in the league. They are a defensively stout team, giving up the fourth least goals this season. Backing the defense is the impressive play from the $10 million man Sergei Bobrovsky and the surprise backup, Anthony Stolarz.
In addition to the impressive defense, they are also an offensive juggernaut. Led by pending free agent Sam Reinhart's 39 goals, they have four forwards averaging higher than a point per game. The Penguins will have their hands full with the conference's strongest team.
3. Can Puljujarvi Claim His Spot?
Three games in and newly signed forward Jesse Puljujarvi is still looking to make an impact with the Penguins. While he's pointless in his three outings so far, it's not as if he's been unimpressive. His size and physicality stick out, and he's gotten six shots on goal.
Head coach Mike Sullivan has been highly complimentary of Puljujarvi's game so far and has rewarded his play with a spot on the second line alongside Evgeni Malkin. The points will hopefully come soon as he continues to acclimate to the Penguins' system, and this game against the Panthers is a perfect time for his game to shine.
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