Penguins Preview: Veteran Chasing History

The Pittsburgh Penguins try to end a losing streak in New York against the Rangers.

PITTSBURGH – The 2023-24 season is officially in the home stretch for the Pittsburgh Penguins. With just nine games remaining, the Pens are hopeful they can end the season on a strong note and possibly push for a playoff spot. In the middle of a four-game road trip, the team's next matchup is undoubtedly difficult. Here's what to expect when the Penguins take on the New York Rangers. 

The Penguins are not only playing for their playoff hopes but also trying to reverse a disappointing trend at Madison Square Garden. They have been winless in New York since 2022, going four straight visits without a point. The Rangers seem to have the Penguins' number, especially since they met in the first round of the 2022 playoffs. 

With the Penguins' top two lines firing on all cylinders the past few games, Pittsburgh hopes to snap this losing skid and win a huge game against the Rangers. 

The pressure of being a number one pick in the NHL draft seemed to have gotten to Alex Lafreniere and the Rangers. The first overall pick in 2020 had heavy expectations awaiting him after a fantastic junior career, but his production in the NHL hadn't matched in his first few seasons. 

This season, however, the Rangers are getting an excellent season from Lafreniere. Setting new offensive highs across the board, he has 25 goals and 52 points. He looks like he might finally be the player the Rangers hoped he would become. What this means for the Penguins is they have another extremely talented Ranger to try to contain in this matchup.

Jeff Carter has had a decent season as the team's fourth-line right winger, with nine goals and 12 points in 63 games. One more tally will secure Carter's 19th 10+ goal season. When he does hit that milestone, he will be the 25th player in NHL history to achieve such a feat. Can Carter hit the 10-goal plateau in a make-or-break game against the Rangers?

The Penguins and Rangers face off at Madison Square Garden at 7:00 p.m. 

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