The Pittsburgh Penguins have a number of tests to close out 2023, starting against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to close out the year with three big matchups against a pair of Metropolitan Division rivals.

Not just Metro rivals, but a pair of teams the Penguins haven’t been able to get the better of in going on three seasons.

The Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders both swept the matchups in 2022-23 and the Hurricanes have already gotten a win in 2023-24.

It may be a game in late-December, but the upcoming battle between the Penguins and Hurricanes is tuning up to be a vital matchup.

The Penguins continue to sit out on the outside of the playoff race looking in and need to close the gap between them.

“Defensively be ready for them to be on their toes,” Sidney Crosby said on the upcoming matchup. “Force some turnovers and make sure we have numbers.”

Crosby emphasized also winning on special teams; considering all four of the game between the Hurricanes last year were separated by just one goal, that could be a huge focal point this year.

The Penguins power play has started to turn a corner, opening up golden chances for them to win games.

“If you look at those one-goal games it’s usually been the difference,” Crosby said. “5-on-5 has been even.”

It won’t be an easy night for the Penguins, but they are hoping to be ready for the test.

Everyone noted that the Hurricanes like to play a certain way and the Penguins will look to counter where they can.

“They like to play man-on-man everywhere,” Jake Guentzel said. “It’s going to be a big test for us.”

Guentzel currently leads the Penguins in points with 34, and is just under a point-per-game in his career against the Hurricanes with 18 (8G-10A) in 19 contests.

Following their duel with the Hurricanes, the Penguins have a couple of contests against the Islanders to close out the year.

The Penguins haven’t fared well against the Metro in a while, and they’ll have to kick their bad habits quickly and this is the perfect chance to improve.

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