Penguins vs. Stars: Finding a Way Back
The Pittsburgh Penguins face the Dallas Stars, looking for back-to-back wins on the road.
The Pittsburgh Penguins finally removed the monkey from their collective backs as they snapped their four game losing streak in Colorado. The team played well as a whole and looked balanced throughout the lineup. That balance will be challenged immediately, as the Pens quickly move on for a showdown with the Dallas Stars, Here’s what to watch for.
1. Jeff Carter Arrives
There’s no Penguin who has been on the receiving end of more scrutiny this season than Jeff Carter. The aging veteran has clearly regressed and is struggling in the twilight of his career. However, he put together his best game of 2023, and perhaps the entire season, against the Colorado Avalanche. Carter registered two goals, including one on the power play.
The Penguins need depth scoring if they want to sneak into the playoffs, and Carter’s performance came at the perfect time. He needs to build on this and find more success in Dallas.
2. Jason Robertson Thriving
The Stars boast one of the top offenses in the NHL, and the Penguins will need to find a way to stifle it just 24 hours after a hard fought victory. The number one focus of the Penguins’ defense needs to be Stars’ forward Jason Robertson. The 23-year-old is a budding superstar in the league, and has taken another step this season.
Roberston’s currently in the midst of his second straight 40-goal season, and has already set a new career high in assists and points. All offense for the Stars runs through Robertson, and the Pens will need to shut him down if they want to win their second game in as many days.
3. Sidney Crosby Leading the Way
Sidney Crosby continues to defy the odds. The 35-year-old achieved his 11th 30-goal campaign with his tally in Colorado, tying franchise icon Mario Lemieux for most 30-goal seasons in Penguins history. Crosby is single handedly willing his team into the postseason in a year when they really should be out of contention already.
Can he will his team to back-to-back wins on the road to preserve their season? Crosby will bring his game, and hopefully the rest of the Pens follow suit.
The Penguins and Stars face-off at 9:00 p.m. at American Airlines Center.
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