Preview: Penguins Have New Dynamic Duo
The Pittsburgh Penguins kick-off the second half of their season by welcoming the Seattle Kraken.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins are now in the second half of the 2023-24 season and will look for a much needed return to the win column. To start the back half of the year, the Penguins play host to the Seattle Kraken. Currently one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the Kraken have won nine straight games and are 9-0-1 in their last 10 games.
The Penguins will have their hands full against a large handful of former teammates and a surging goaltender. Here are three things to watch during the sudden matinee game.
1. New Dynamic Duo In Pittsburgh
The two-headed monster that is Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin has ruled Pittsburgh for nearly two decades. While they are still playing at an elite level, there may be a new dynamic duo in town: Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson.
The Penguins have never had two defensemen who can score at the level these two defenders can. Amongst the league, there are only three other teams that are getting more scoring from two defenders than the 58 combined points Letang and Karlsson have recorded so far. In a game that contains talented defensemen on both teams, the Penguins' new dynamic duo will be critical in picking up a victory.
2. Return of Dumo
The Kraken are coming to PPG Paints Arena with another familiar face. In addition to former Penguins Brandon Tanev, Jamie Oleksiak, Jared McCann, and Justin Schultz, this will be the first time Brian Dumoulin returns to Pittsburgh.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion spent 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and played the vast majority of his tenure playing alongside Letang. With his game declining and the Penguins unwilling to give him a multi-year contract, he departed for Seattle via free agency this past off-season.
Currently, he's averaging 16 minutes of ice-time on the third pairing with Schultz. He should receive a warm welcome from the Pittsburgh faithful, but it will be interesting to see firsthand what of his game remains with his new organization.
3. Streaking Teams Collide
Despite rough starts to the year for both teams, the Penguins and Kraken are two of the hottest teams in the NHL over the last month. The Penguins have points in 12 of their last 15 games, and the Kraken haven't lost in regulation in their last 10 games. The efforts have brought both teams from their respective division's basement into the playoff hunt, and it will be a clash of streaking and determined squads in this afternoon matchup.
The Penguins and Kraken face-off at 1:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. The game has a special earlier start time to accommodate the re-scheduled Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins
