Pittsburgh Penguins (45-25-8)
In their last meeting, the Penguins took it to a Philadelphia team that was not too far away from overtaking Pittsburgh. Since that game, things have changed considerably since. The Penguins have not only moved from wildcard positioning to second place in the Metropolitan Division, but also secured their 10th straight playoff season.
Matt Murray will more than likely be making his 10th appearance in a Penguins uniform. Murray currently has won his last four out of five and looked like a seasoned pro yesterday against a New York Islanders team that has been dominant at home.
With the Flyers winning three of their last four, Pittsburgh will look to play yet another physical and heated game. Murray must be able to continue putting in solid work while Marc-Andre Fleury is out for an unknown period of time with a concussion.
Philadelphia Flyers (39-25-13)
The Flyers are looking to embarrass the Penguins in the same fashion they were a few weeks ago. Lately, they have been able to close out close games and secure enough points to keep them in the second wildcard spot.
Goaltender Steve Mason is expected to make the start against Pittsburgh.
“We’re trying to make the playoffs and solidify our spot. If we catch some teams on the way in, that’s great. We just want to make sure we’re getting in. That’s our goal,” Mason said following the Flyers win over Ottawa yesterday.
Mason will be starting his ninth straight game and has done a great job of positioning his team in good playoff positioning. Although it may not be ideal, Philadelphia has been playing better as of late.
Prediction
The Penguins will fall back to Earth at some point with a loss, but it will not happen tonight. Pittsburgh has slain teams who are fighting for their season and have crushed their opponents both home and away.
The interstate rivalry will make this a close and physical game, but the second period will be Pittsburgh’s magical period again in their 5-3 win against Philadelphia.
Where: Pittsburgh, PA, Consol Energy Center
When: Sunday, April 3 @ 5 p.m.
Watch: ROOT, CSNP
Image Credit: Getty Images
