Do or Die for Penguins Against Red Wings
The Pittsburgh Penguins begin the final stretch with a must-win matchup against Detroit.
The race for the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference is reaching fever pitch, and the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a pivotal position. The Penguins take on the Detroit Red Wings later today in a de facto "do or die" matchup for both teams.
While neither team faces elimination with a loss, the Penguins odds of reaching the postseason would fall dramatically.
It would open the door for the New York Islanders, who host the Montreal Canadiens, to build a five-point advantage over the Penguins. It would also give the Washington Capitals an opportunity to extend their lead over the Penguins to three points with only three games remaining.
The Penguins, meanwhile, enter tonight's matchup with questions surrounding their third-line center. Lars Eller missed practice yesterday due to illness and is a game-time decision for tonight's matchup.
While Eller hasn't created much offense during the Penguins nine-game point streak, he has yet to allow a goal at 5v5.
The fate of the Penguins season hangs in the balance tonight, and they'll need all hands on deck to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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