Penguins vs. Maple Leafs: Do It for Dad
The Pittsburgh Penguins conclude their road trip with a showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have found new life on their most recent road trip, rattling off back-to-back wins. Now, sporting a winning record again, the Penguins are hoping to extend their winning streak to three games. Standing in their way are the 15-6-6 Toronto Maple Leafs. Here's what to watch for as the Pens and Leafs meet for the second time this season.
1. Rakell's Return
The Penguins received some positive injury news with forward Rickard Rakell returning to practice in a full capacity. Skating alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, it appears likely that Rakell will make his return from injured reserve against the Maple Leafs.
Prior to his injury, he was off to an unimpressive start, with just four points in 17 games. Now, healthy and with a fresh opportunity to make an impact, watch for Rakell to make an impact in his return.
2. Elite Defenders Square Off
Both the Penguins and Maple Leafs tout some of the most offensively gifted defensemen in the NHL. Morgan Reilly, a former 20 goal scorer, is off to a blazing start with 20 points in 27 games. The last five games have been more of the same for Reilly, pitching in four points to help his team win three out of their last five contests.
Over in Pittsburgh, the elite defenders are snake bitten offensively. Prior to a multi-point outing in Montreal, Erik Karlsson had gone four straight games without registering a point. His partner in crime, Kris Letang, has only one assist over his last five games as well.
There's no denying the talent these three players have, but it's hard to tell which one will have the stand out game in their Saturday night showdown.
3. Power Play Picking It Up
With power play goals in two straight games, the Penguins are hopeful they are turning their special teams around. It's hard to point at what exactly ignited this change, but the Pens couldn't care less.
Jake Guentzel has a pair of power play goals over this road trip, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him score again if Toronto gets in penalty trouble. If the Penguins want to end their fathers' road trip on a high note, they'll need to keep this special teams resurgence rolling.
The Penguins and Maple Leafs face-off at 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Arena.
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