Pittsburgh Penguins (40-24-8)
The Pittsburgh Penguins are arguably playhing their best hockey this season. The struggles of the first part of the season have all but been wiped from memory. The 6-2 victory against the Washington Capitals showcased that the Penguins are capable of beating the best teams in the league.
Brian Dumoulin, who sustained a minor injury in Sunday’s game against the Capitals, is expected to be a game-time decision, but has made progress after being carried off to the locker room. In addition to Dumoulin, Beau Bennett is also expected to be a game-time decision.
Bennett has missed 25 games with an upper body injury, but has been practicing since March 12. Pittsburgh is currently placed in third place in the Metropolitan Division and have won all five games without having the services of Evgeni Malkin.
New Jersey Devils (35-31-7)
The New Jersey Devils will start Scott Wedgewood between the posts. Wedgewood made his first start in the NHL last Sunday and getting a 2-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Wedgewood was an emergency call-up after the Devils’ starting goaltender, Cory Schneider would be out with an injured right knee. It was also announced by coach John Hynes that playmaker Michael Cammalleri will be out for the rest of the season with a hand injury.
New Jersey was able to get a win against the Blue Jackets by scoring in quick transition and a forecheck that put Columbus on their heels. The Penguins must be able to keep the Devils from finding space and force them to make difficult shots.
Prediction:
The season series is 2-1 in favor of the Penguins. In the last two games Pittsburgh has outscored New Jersey 8-1 with a 2-0 win on January 26 and a 6-1 win on March 6. However, the Devils did win the first meeting of the season, 4-0.
After back-to-back games of hard-hitting hockey, the Penguins have been able to take time off and recover from the bumps and bruises. Although the Devils have had the same amount of time off, Pittsburgh will still carry momentum into Consol Energy Center and leave with a 4-1 win.
Where: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA
When: Thursday, March 24 @ 7:00 p.m.
Watch: ROOT, MSG+
