Pittsburgh Penguins (37-24-8)
The Penguins, coming off of a nail biter of a win on Tuesday, will look to win their fourth in a row. In the last ten games the Penguins are 7-3 and are still in the thick of things in the Metropolitan Division.
Currently slotted into the first wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, the Penguins have begun to separate themselves from Detroit and are gaining momentum. Pittsburgh has been able to take care of its business and must continue this trend against a team that, in the playoff picture, is on the outside looking in.
Carolina Hurricanes (31-26-13)
The Hurricanes have been stalling a bit and are four points out of the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. Going 4-3-3 in their last ten games, Carolina has not had very much luck in one-goal games.
Each of their last five games have ended with only a single goal between the two teams, most recently of which was a 2-1 overtime loss handed to them by the Washington Capitals. The two teams have met four times this season and are even at two wins a piece, this game will determine the season victor.
Prediction
The Hurricanes have not played their best hockey lately and the Penguins will take advantage of this. Carolina looked over-matched around the net against the Capitals and Pittsburgh needs to take advantage of this.
The Penguins offense will continue to sputter a bit without the production of Evgeni Malkin, but a hot Marc-Andre Fleury will be the difference maker. Final score, Penguins 3-1.
Where: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA
When: Thursday, March 17 @ 7:00 p.m.
Watch: Root Sports
