The Pittsburgh Penguins will trot out a similar lineup against the Detroit Red Wings.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the second half of a back-to-back in a really tough spot. Seven points back of a playoff spot, the Penguins still believe they have what it takes to go on a run.

The test may be a bit easier as they are set to take on the struggling Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings have a 3-7-0 record in their last 10 games and just recently ended a seven-game losing streak.

Forward Lines

Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

He hasn’t found the back of the net himself in 11 games, but Sidney Crosby is still giving everything he can to the Penguins. Crosby helped keep the Penguins alive against the New York Rangers with a massive assist to Bryan Rust. There are contributions, but the Penguins will still need Crosby to score a few goals and kick the scoring slump.

Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell

Evgeni Malkin appeared to have some extra pep in his step against the Rangers, and he’ll need to keep bringing that energy. If the Penguins can get both Crosby and Malkin rolling, they will make things interesting as the league plunges toward the playoffs.

Reilly Smith – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen

In his first real stint in the NHL, Valtteri Puustinen has distinguished himself among the Penguins’ forward group. He picked up his third career goal against the Rangers but should be in perfect position to find the back of the net more consistently.

Emil Bemstrom – Noel Acciari – Jeff Carter

The Penguins are nothing if not consistent with their fourth line. Change is rare, and so is scoring, but their job is to help keep the puck out of their own net.

Defensive Pairs

Marcus Pettersson – Kris Letang
Ryan Graves – Erik Karlsson
John Ludvig – P.O. Joseph

The Penguins haven't gotten the best work out of their defense lately, but they will hold firm with their pairings. John Ludvig has goals in two straight games, but they'll need more contributions from the rest of the defense corps.

Jack St. Ivany will once again have to wait for his NHL debut as he continues to be listed as a healthy scratch.

Starting Goalie

Alex Nedeljkovic

Head coach Mike Sullivan pulled Tristan Jarry against the Rangers and claimed it was to get Alex Nedeljkovic ready for this contest against the Red Wings. The Penguins have full faith in both goalies, and Nedeljkovic will get the nod against his former team.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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