Penguins Preview: Top Stars Surging
The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second straight game.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins were carried to victory by Evgeni Malkin in their most recent matchup, as he posted the 15th 20+ goal season in his illustrious career. Malkin's big performance came at the perfect time, as he and Sidney Crosby are playing their best hockey of the season as March concludes. After dismantling the Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins travel to Columbus with the chance to win two straight against the worst team in the Metropolitan Division. Here's what to watch for as these teams battle for the final time this season.
1. Top Six Surging
The Penguins are getting a huge offensive boost from their top two lines lately. It's exactly what the doctor prescribed for the snakebitten Penguins, as the top six has searched for chemistry without Jake Guentzel in the lineup. It seems to be improving as the season winds down, with Malkin, Crosby, Bryan Rust, and Michael Bunting all scoring at least four points in their last five games.
Add in the hot streak Drew O'Connor is on and Rickard Rakell playing decent enough, and the top six is suddenly formidable again. The Penguins needs their big guns to lead the way in another can't lose game in Columbus.
2. Getting Silli
The Blue Jackets have a few young pieces that can hopefully lead them back into the postseason, and forward Cole Sillinger is top of that list. The 20-year-old former 12th overall pick is already in his third NHL season. He has 12 goals and 27 points on the year, including two points in the Blue Jackts last contest against the Penguins
The future star is just a few points off of establishing new career highs. The Penguins will have to keep an eye on the young playmaker, for fear of another multipoint effort from Sillinger.
3. Defensive Adjustment
The Penguins were dealt another injury blow in their victory over Columbus, losing defenseman Ryan Graves to a concussion. With Graves out, the Pens will likely turn to hard-nosed John Ludvig to fill out their defensive pairings. He should slot in alongside fellow youngster Jack St. Ivany on the third pairing, but head coach Mike Sullivan will likely shuffle all six defensemen around depending on the flow of the game. One thing that is certain is Kris Letang will play another 30 or more minutes, and Erik Karlsson should get 20 or more as well.
The Penguins and Blue Jackets meet at Nationwide Arena for a 7:00 p.m. face-off.
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