The Penguins need to win two of their three games this week since they have critical games against the Senators, Lightning, and Blue Jackets.
With a 17-17-7 record and 41 points thus far this season, the Penguins now hold the second wildcard place in the Eastern Conference. This week, that position will be put to the test when the Lightning, Senators, and Blue Jackets visit PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Penguins must win each of these three games if they hope to qualify for the playoffs.
Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Bunting were the Penguins’ goal scorers in that match, but it did not go well. In this one, the Penguins trailed 3-2 going into the third period before surrendering three goals in a row.
When the puck drops on Tuesday night, the Penguins will need to be more prepared and perform better.
Penguins vs. Senators this season: The Penguins have a 0-1 record against the Blue Jackets thus far. On Saturday, December 14th, they were defeated 3-2 by Canadian Tyre Centre in overtime.
This one was low scoring as the Senators took a 1-0 lead into the third period before Blake Lizotte made it 1-1, Drake Batherson made it 2-1 Senators, and Kris Letang tied it at 2 and sent it to overtime.
Brady Tkachuk scored the game winner for the Senators and come Saturday, the Penguins would like 2 points instead of 1 in this very tight race.
Penguins vs. Lightning this season: The Penguins have a 0-1 record against the Tampa Bay Lightning thus far. Tuesday, November 19th, they suffered a 3-2 overtime loss at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins lost in overtime after squandering a 2-0 lead (yeah, surprise, surprise) as Brayden Point netted the game-winning goal as Jarry came all the way out of his nett.
Since the Lightning are the most formidable of these three opponents, the Penguins will need to be prepared for a back-to-back on Sunday if they hope to gain two points.
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