Penguins vs. Blue Jackets: Go Out With a Bang
The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in their final game of the 2022-2023 season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time the 2005-06 season. With their playoff hopes dashed, the Penguins turn their attention to the final game of the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here's what to watch for the as the Penguins bring their miserable 2022-23 season to a close.
1. Finish Strong
Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the Penguins have one more opportunity to end the year on a high note. The entire roster is undoubtedly down after this disappointing season, and they need to take their frustrations out on the lowly Blue Jackets.
The Penguins have owned their divisional opponents, with an 18-3-1 record in their last 22 games against the Blue Jackets. Similarly, Sidney Crosby has dominated the Jackets in his career. With the exception of Patrick Kane, Crosby's 51 points against Columbus is the most among active players. The Penguins will hopefully flex their dominance over their lesser rivals one more time and finish the season with a victory.
This game should also mark the first time in the careers of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin that both players played in 82 games in the same season. In their remarkable, nearly two-decade career, the dynamic duo has never played a fully healthy season together.
2. Jason Zucker's Final Time in Black and Gold?
The Penguins will be facing contract decisions with several key players, and most important on that list is Jason Zucker. After several injury filled years, Zucker finally gave the Pens everything they hoped for and more this season. He's netted 27 goals and has been a spark plug every night he's in the lineup.
With his scoring acumen and two-way game, Zucker will be a hot commodity on the free agent market. He's also 31-years-old and will be looking to sign a contract that takes him into his age 35+ seasons. Will the Penguins want to invest more money in another older player with injury history or will this be the final time we see Zucker's intense and infectious energy in the black and gold?
3. Rickard Rakell Hitting 30 Goals or 60 Points?
The season is an abject failure for the Penguins, but there is one huge positive: Rickard Rakell. With 28 goals and 31 assists, Rakell has been a huge upgrade to the top-six forward unit. In the final game of the season, can Rakell hit the 30 goal and or 60 point plateau for the first time since 2017-18? The Pens may not have much to play for, but this milestone is well within reach for Rakell.
The Penguins and Blue Jackets face-off at 7:00 p.m. at Nationwide Arena.
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