Penguins Preview: New Secret Weapon
The Pittsburgh Penguins attempt to gain more ground against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
PITTSBURGH -- At the most pivotal time of year, the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing some of their best hockey. It's brought them within two points of a playoff spot with six games remaining. The Penguins return home after a successful road trip, looking to continue their hot streak down the stretch. Here's what to watch for as the Penguins welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning to PPG Paints Arena.
1. Bunting Bomb
A critical component to the Penguins' sudden turn around is the play of the second line, especially winger Michael Bunting. He's been a breath of fresh air since arriving at the trade deadline, and it seems he's made a home alongside Evgeni Malkin.
The pair's past five games have been particularly noticeable. Bunting has one goal and four points, and Malkin has four goals and two assists over that span. Every game has a desperate and playoff-like atmosphere for the Penguins, an environment Bunting thrives in. With another critical contest against the Lightning, can the gritty forward continue his run?
2. MVP Season for Kucherov
The Lightning may be a few years removed from their Stanley Cup runs, but they still have one of the league's best forward groups. Nikita Kucherov is leading the way for them year in and out. The Russian superstar is having another MVP-caliber season, entering this matchup with a league-leading 133 points. He is an unstoppable force with the puck, making plays and creating offense at will. The Penguins are hopeful they can contain Kucherov in this contest. Doing so will almost guarantee the team a victory.
3. Depth Support...Finally
A constant complaint levied against the Penguins is their lack of depth scoring. In the past few weeks, however, they are getting much more production across the lineup.
Their bottom six has looked vastly improved, mainly due to the play of Lars Eller and Valtteri Puustinen. The pair have looked determined to contribute on the third line regardless of the third forward.
The same can be said of the few defensemen who have come into the lineup and played well. P.O. Joseph has settled in and looks increasingly like a top-four defender paired with Kris Letang. Youngster Jack St. Ivany has come in and played consistent and trustworthy hockey through eight appearances. And Ryan Shea earned his first NHL goal, getting rewarded for a season of jumping in and out of the NHL. Going up against an extremely talented Tampa team, the depth lines and defensive pairs of the Penguins will be crucial for earning two points.
The Penguins and Lightning face off at 1:00 p.m.
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