The Pittsburgh Penguins have multiple key faces reaching a new level as the playoffs approach.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are set for one of their most important contests of the season. With the playoffs within reach, they will need a big performance against their Metropolitan Division rival, Washington Capitals.

Riding a six-game point streak, the Penguins are just three points behind the Capitals, who hold the second wild card spot. The right players are getting hot at the right time, and the Penguins could make a big push toward the postseason.

Projected Forward Lines

Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

Sidney Crosby is working his way back to the MVP discussion, and a big game against the Capitals could further solidify his spot. If Crosby can keep up his pace, the Penguins will continue to see their playoff hopes rise.

Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell

Much like Crosby, Evgeni Malkin is in the midst of a nice rebound down the stretch of the season. With six points in his last four games, Malkin is catching fire at the right time and has brought back the threatening one-two punch down the center.

Reilly Smith – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen

Head coach Mike Sullivan has been quickly flipping Reilly Smith and Drew O’Connor between the first and third lines. Heading into the Capitals contest, the struggling Smith will likely get the push down the lineup.

Jesse Puljujarvi – Jeff Carter – Emil Bemstrom

The Penguins recalled Sam Poulin from the AHL, but it doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a spot in the lineup.

Projected Defensive Pairs

P.O. Joseph – Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson – Erik Karlsson
Ryan Shea – Jack St. Ivany

Kris Letang missed the Penguins’ morning skate, but Sullivan clarified that it was just for maintenance. Letang has yet to miss a game this season, much like the other two main faces of the Penguins’ core.

John Ludvig has missed the previous two games with illness, and is likely not yet ready to return to the lineup.

Starting Goalie

Alex Nedeljkovic

Tristan Jarry may be back from illness, but the Penguins are still rolling with Alex Nedeljkovic for the seventh straight game. The Penguins need every point they can get, and Nedeljkovic gives them the best chance of winning.

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