The Jets are hitting the road again for the second game of their three-game road trip, squaring off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. After a tough 6-1 loss to the Bruins, the Jets are looking to bounce back against a Penguins team that's been exceeding expectations this season. This matchup is set on the first full day of spring, adding a touch of renewal to the ice.
The Penguins, sitting comfortably in the top 10 of the NHL standings with 84 points, have gone 4-3-3 in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Jets are five points shy of the Los Angeles Kings for the second wildcard spot, with three teams between them and that coveted position.
It's a tight race, and the Jets' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread as they bring their 27th overall 28-29-11 record against the 7th overall 34-18-16 Penguins. With only 14 games left in the regular season, every point counts.
These two teams have faced off once this season, back on November 1st in Winnipeg, where the Jets secured a 5-2 victory. Tonight's game will determine if the Jets can sweep the season series or if the Penguins will even the score.
Injury-wise, the Jets are still missing Neal Pionk, Nino Niederreiter, Colin Miller, and Vladislav Namestnikov. Pionk and Miller have been skating on their own, with Pionk appearing closest to a return. On the Penguins' side, they've got seven players out, but most are short-term absences.
Jets Projected Lineup:
- Connor - Scheifele - Iafallo
- Perfetti - Lowry - Vilardi
- Nyquist - Toews - Rosen
- Koepke - Barron - Lambert
Defense:
- Morrissey - DeMelo
- Samberg - Salomonsson
- Fleury - Bryson
Goalies:
- Hellebuyck
- Comrie
The Jets are expected to start Connor Hellebuyck (17-19-10) in goal, with Eric Comrie likely taking the net tomorrow against the Rangers. The lineup remains consistent, as the Jets seem to have found a rhythm with their current combinations. Keep an eye on the Jets' official social media for any last-minute changes.
Penguins Projected Lineup:
- Rakell - Crosby - Rust
- Chinakhov - Novak - Malkin
- Mantha - Kindel - Brazeau
- Soderblom - Dewar - Acciari
Defense:
- Wotherspoon - Karlsson
- Girard* - Letang (Girard is a game-time decision)
- Shea - Clifton
Goalies:
- Silovs
- Skinner
The Penguins' lineup might raise eyebrows, but their veteran presence and standout performances have propelled them to 7th place. Sidney Crosby leads the team with 61 points in 57 games, despite missing 11 games. In goal, Arturs Silovs has shone in a shared role with Stuart Skinner, boasting a 15-9-8 record and potentially starting tonight.
Player to Watch: Morgan Barron
Morgan Barron is on the cusp of tying his career-high in goals, having already set a new personal best with 22 points this season. His chemistry with Cole Koepke and Brad Lambert has been clicking, making him a player to watch as he grinds out valuable minutes against the Penguins.
Player to Watch: Evgeni Malkin
Evgeni Malkin, despite missing 20 games, has racked up 51 points in 48 games. He's just three points away from the 1,400 mark in his illustrious career. Malkin's impact on the second line could be pivotal in front of the home crowd.
Puck drops just after 12:00 pm CDT in Pittsburgh. The Jets are aiming to stay in the playoff hunt, while the Penguins look to solidify their position.
It's shaping up to be an exciting afternoon of hockey. Stay tuned for all the action as the Jets strive to keep their postseason dreams alive.