Penguins vs. Wild: Backs Against the Wall
The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Minnesota Wild in a must-win matchup.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the outside looking in on the playoff race. After an abysmal showing against the New Jersey Devils, the Penguins were leapfrogged in the standings by the Florida Panthers. Now, the Penguins take on the Minnesota Wild at home with just four games remaining. Every game is a must win for the black and gold, and here's what to watch for as they take on the Wild.
1. Solving Minnesota's Defense
In a pivotal matchup for the Penguins, the defensive depth of the Wild will prove to be an overwhelming challenge. The Penguins are 18th in the league in goals per game, with 3.18. The Wild are a top-five defensive team in the league on the other hand, allowing just 2.64 goals per game.
The Wild are backstopped by two very familiar faces to the Penguins' organization: Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson. The duo is one of the best tandems in the league this season, with a combined save percentage of .921 and five shutouts. Between the goaltending and defensive system of the Wild, the Pens will need an incredible effort to pick up two points.
2. Bryan Rust Keeps Rolling
There's no hotter Penguin right now than forward Bryan Rust. After a largely forgetful season for Rust, he's suddenly shifted into the clutch player that emerged in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has four goals and an assist in the last three games, and it seems he's shaken off the slump he was in during the month of March. The Penguins need another game from Big-Time Rust if they want any chance of jumping back into a playoff spot.
3. Will Mikael Granlund Finally Show Up?
It may only be a month into Mikael Granlund's tenure in the black and gold, but it feels pretty certain that the trade was another strike against Ron Hextall. Granlund has looked like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole since his arrival in Pittsburgh. He hasn't fit on the second or third line, and has only five points in 19 games. If the Penguins want any shot at the postseason or success there, they'll need Granlund to finally show up and produce.
The Penguins and Wild face-off at 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.
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