Penguins vs. Flyers: Outside Looking In

The Pittsburgh Penguins take on their arch rival looking to climb back into a playoff position.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are officially outside of the playoffs after their loss against the Boston Bruins. Sitting just one point behind the Florida Panthers for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, the Penguins get an immediate chance to hop the Panthers again. In order to do so, they'll need a win over their most heated rival, the Philadelphia Flyers. Here's what to watch for in this keystone state matchup. 

1. Bryan Rust Breaks Out

There wasn't a ton to admire about the Penguins' game against the Bruins, but one stand out was Bryan Rust. Rust has struggled in the first season under his new contract signed last summer. Rust was nearly a point per game player in the 2021-22 season, but his production has regressed this year. 

Rust broke out in a huge way against the Bruins, with two goals and an assist as well. His performance raised his season totals to 18 goals, 26 assists, and 44 points. The Pens need his game against Boston to be the start of an offensive outburst for Rust, and he'll get a shot to continue doing so against the Flyers. 

2. Penguins Looking for Season Sweep

The Penguins need a win in the worst way against the Flyers. They can put hope in the fact that they have outplayed their rival in each of their previous two meetings. The Penguins have outscored the Flyers by a score of 9-1, and they need to find a way to capture a season sweep in this matchup.

3. Where is Kris Letang?

If the Penguins are able to secure a victory over the Flyers, they'll need a huge game from their top defenseman. Kris Letang has flown mostly under the radar over the last few weeks. The result has been unproductive for Letang. Despite continually playing big minutes, Letang only has two points in his last nine games. Simply put, the Penguins need more from their defensive leader, and hopefully he brings it versus the Flyers. 

Not only would it be huge for the Penguins to get a big game from Letang, but it would be huge for his legacy. Letang will be playing in his 1,000th career game and it's the perfect time to emerge as a true leader.

The Penguins and Flyers face-off at 6:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena.

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