Penguins/NHL
A stretch run without Sidney Crosby? The Penguins eyeing a postseason berth for the first time since 2022 and embarking on one of the NHL toughest schedules the rest of the way, will have their depth tested over the next month.
Crosby injured in the Olympics on a Radko Gudas hit, was diagnosed by team doctors with what is being described as a lower level ‘Grade To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
The Penguins returning to action tonight vs the New Jersey Devils are playing at a 103-point pace and prior to the Olympic Break created separation with 26 games to game. Washington has some work to do and are at a 92-point pace, Columbus 95 point pace……..
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KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH
The Penguins with enough draft picks to last 10 years, does Kyle Dubas feel the need to reward this group and add insurance at the forward position in the sense of buying for a rental and not a long-term play? To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
On the ice, you have to look at some pressure points:
“You don’t replace him,” head coach Dan Muse said. “It’s an opportunity for a lot of guys. It gets spread out across the entire group
The most pivotal player without Crosby might come down to Rickard Rakell.
The Penguins are toying with the center experiment once again for Rakell, whether that’s a good idea is up for debate, but he’s a prime candidate to watch to see if he can elevate his game to an area near last year’s level…….
A fresh Evgeni Malkin. Does he turn back the clock for one last time in Sidney Crosby’s absence?
Then there’s the power play. Pittsburgh has to cook on the power play and that’s where Ben Kindel will be coming into play. The Olympic Break could end up being a great thing for Kindel is getting some rest from the grind of an NHL season. To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
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