Penguins Preview: Sidney Crosby Nearing Another Milestone
The Pittsburgh Penguins play the Washington Capitals with a chance to draw within one point of a playoff position.
PITTSBURGH -- Suddenly, there is hope in the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room. After back-to-back wins over Metropolitan opponents, the Penguins are within just a few points of a wild card position. They are also within shouting distance of their next opponent, the Washington Capitals. Here’s what to watch for as these two teams battle for the final time this season.
1. Ned’s Net?
The Penguins recent surge is primarily thanks to the MVP play of Sidney Crosby, that is undeniable. But has there been a better player for these Pens over the past two weeks than Alex Nedeljkovic?
He’s been rock solid between the pipes, getting six straight starts and earning at least a point in each one. With the team vying for a playoff berth, Nedeljkovic has solidified himself as the starter down the stretch.
2. Ovechkin’s March to Remember
The Capitals are in the playoff picture, almost entirely due to an outstanding March from Alex Ovechkin. He netted 10 goals over the month and looked like a vintage form of himself. At 26 goals on the season, Ovechkin is shooting for the 30-goal mark once again. The Penguins know the blueprint after 19 seasons against the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, but can they contain him in this critical matchup?
3. 40 for Sid?
Sidney Crosby is having a historically good season at age 36. He has 84 points in 75 games, which is already good for the 11th-highest point total recorded in a season by a player 35 years or older. With seven games to go, he’s on a pace to climb even higher up the history books.
Crosby is just one goal shy of 40 on the season. If he hits the mark, it will be the third 40+ goal campaign of his illustrious career. With 15 points in his last six games, can Crosby keep this tear going against the Capitals?
Puck drop between the Pens and Caps is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Capital One Arena.
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