{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/FN7uEyoh.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin shares his thoughts on new linemate Valtteri Puustinen.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/FN7uEyoh-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/FN7uEyoh.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/FN7uEyoh.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FN7uEyoh-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 182, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 314736, "filesize": 7435643, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FN7uEyoh-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 272, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 448478, "filesize": 10595293, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FN7uEyoh-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 724, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1192834, "filesize": 28180714, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FN7uEyoh-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 114036, "filesize": 2694101 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FN7uEyoh-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 362, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 475687, "filesize": 11238122, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/FN7uEyoh-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 544, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 772666, "filesize": 18254235, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to close out the year with three big matchups against a pair of Metropolitan Division rivals." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins continue to sit out on the outside of the playoff race looking in and need to close the gap between them." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "“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.”" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins power play has started to turn a corner, opening up golden chances for them to win games." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "“If you look at those one-goal games it’s usually been the difference,” Crosby said. “5-on-5 has been even.”" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It won’t be an easy night for the Penguins, but they are hoping to be ready for the test." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Everyone noted that the Hurricanes like to play a certain way and the Penguins will look to counter where they can." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "“They like to play man-on-man everywhere,” Jake Guentzel said. “It’s going to be a big test for us.”" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Following their duel with the Hurricanes, the Penguins have a couple of contests against the Islanders to close out the year." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "id": "wn2cqvzg-me1vp3gw", "type": "embed", "data": { "service": "playlist.megaphone.fm", "source": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB7864907208", "embed": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB7864907208", "caption": "", "height": "200", "width": "100%" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Report: Penguins Looking For Help on Defense" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Star Center Heating Up With New Linemate" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Bryan Rust Skates, Other Penguins Injury Updates" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Alex Nedeljkovic to Make Second Straight Start for Penguins" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Erik Karlsson Expected to Reach Another Level With Penguins" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Penguins Ready for Tough Test Against Hurricanes