The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for an early start to their game against the Nashville Predators, with a puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. in Stockholm. But here's where it gets controversial: despite dominating large swaths of their two games last weekend, the Penguins only earned one point via a shootout loss. Is it a case of poor finishing or a deeper issue?
The Penguins are the visiting team in the first of two games as part of the NHL Global Series, and they'll be looking to bounce back after a less-than-stellar performance. Coach Dan Muse expressed his disappointment, stating, "I liked a lot of what we were doing. I think it was stuff that's sustainable. A lot of the things that I liked were things that should be there from game to game."
The Penguins' goaltender, Sergei Murashov, made his NHL debut on Sunday, stopping 24 of 27 shots. However, the team gave up a pair of ugly goals to the LA Kings in the regulation loss. Will Murashov's performance be enough to secure a win against the Predators?
The Predators, on the other hand, have been struggling mightily this season, with trade rumors surrounding last year's free agent catch, Steve Stamkos. Can the Penguins take advantage of Nashville's struggles and secure a win?
How to Watch:
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh
Radio: 105.9 The X
Expected Penguins Lines:
Bryan Rust-Sidney Crosby-Ben Kindel
Tommy Novak-Evgeni Malkin-Anthony Mantha
Ville Koivunen-Kevin Hayes-Joona Koppanen
Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Philip Tomasino
Defense:
Parker Wotherspoon-Erik Karlsson
Ryan Shea-Kris Letang
Ryan Graves-Matt Dumba
Goalie: Arturs Silovs, Expected
Expected Nashville Lines:
Filip Forsberg-Ryan O'Reilly-Luke Evangelista
Steven Stamkos-Erik Haula-Jonathan Marchessault
Michael Bunting-Fedor Svechkov-Matthew Wood
Tyson Jost-Michael McCarron-Ozzy Wiesblatt
Defense:
Brady Skjei-Nick Perbix
Nic Hague-Brandon Blankenburg
Spencer Stastney-Adam Wilsby
Goalie: Juuse Saros, Expected
Special Teams:
Penguins' power play: 35.7%, 1st. Penguins penalty kill: 84.3%, 7th.
Predators power play: 17.5%, 22nd. Predators penalty kill: 80.7%, 13th.
Penguins Game Notes:
Domination: The Penguins have points in 13 of their last 15 games against the Predators (11-2-2).
The Penguins have the top-ranked power-play in the NHL at 35.7%. Only Dallas' Wyatt Johnston (7) has more power-play goals than Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby (6).
The Penguins made two trades with Nashville last season, first acquiring Philip Tomasino in November, then Tommy Novak in March.
Anthony Mantha has 10 points in his last 12 games (3-7-10).
Evgeni Malkin's 18 assists this season are tied for first in the NHL with Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche.
With one more goal, Malkin will tie Dale Hawerchuk for 40th on the all-time goals list with 518.
In 20 career games against Nashville, Kevin Hayes has 23 points, including seven goals.
What do you think? Will the Penguins be able to bounce back and secure a win against the Predators? Let us know in the comments!
