The next three games just might make or break the Pittsburgh Penguins 2022-23 season.
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins have an important stretch of games coming up as they get set for three straight battles against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Opening up with two games in two nights, the Penguins will visit the New York Islanders before coming home to take on the New Jersey Devils.
Following an off day on Sunday, it’s the Islanders turn to travel as they visit PPG Paints Arena Monday night.
The Islanders are one of the main team’s battle with the Penguins for the few playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.
What makes the next few games so important for the Penguins has to be the separation of points between them and the Islanders in particular.
The Penguins hold a 27-17-9 record with 63 points in the first wild card spot; the Islanders have played four more games and sit at 27-23-7 for 61 points.
Just two points separate the Penguins and Islanders and the two games coming up will have massive impacts on the season.
The players are aware of the road ahead and are excited for the challenge.
“We’re going to have a lot of those games down the stretch,” Sidney Crosby said. “It’s something we get excited for, they’re great opportunities. We need to be at our best.”
Crosby also said that despite the Penguins most recent wins not being the cleanest, they are still gaining momentum as the final stretch of the season approaches.
“Consistency is something we need to find,” Crosby said. “Especially down the stretch. Playing some teams that we’re fighting for position with. Hopefully that’s something that will bring out the best in us.”
The Penguins are going to need their best as the last time they played the Islanders, they took a 5-1 loss in the midst of a six-game losing streak.
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