The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off against the Dallas Stars in a crucial matchup at the American Airlines Center this afternoon. Scheduled for a 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) puck drop, this game marks the second meeting of the season between these two teams, with the Stars having decisively won their first encounter 7-1 back in November. As the Penguins look to bounce back from a recent overtime loss, the Stars aim to extend their impressive winning streak as they gear up for the playoffs.
The Penguins come into this game with a record of 30-34-12, placing them fourth-last in the Eastern Conference standings. After a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh finds itself nine points behind the second Wild Card spot with only six games remaining in the season. Despite their struggles, there have been bright spots for the team, particularly from captain Sidney Crosby and winger Rickard Rakell. Crosby has amassed an impressive 82 points in 74 games, while Rakell has contributed 66 points in 75 games and is just two goals shy of surpassing his career-high.
In addition to their veteran stars, the Penguins are also showcasing some of their young talent. Rookies Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen are gaining valuable NHL experience. McGroarty recently scored his first NHL goal against the Blues, while Koivunen recorded his first assist on that goal. Coach Mike Sullivan expressed optimism about their development, emphasizing the importance of these young players gaining confidence as the season winds down.
On the other hand, the Dallas Stars are riding high on a remarkable seven-game winning streak, boasting an impressive record of 50-21-4. This success has placed them among the top teams in the league, just four points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the top spot in the Western Conference. The Stars have been dominant lately, going 8-0-2 in their last ten games, showcasing their depth and talent across the roster.
Key players for the Stars include veteran forwards Matt Duchene, Jamie Benn, and Tyler Seguin, alongside younger stars like Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnston. However, Benn will miss this game due to a lower-body injury, marking his second consecutive absence. Despite this setback, the Stars recently bolstered their offense by acquiring superstar forward Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline, further enhancing their already potent attack.
Defensively, the Stars are led by standout Miro Heiskanen and promising young defenseman Thomas Harley. The backbone of their defense is star goaltender Jake Oettinger, who has been instrumental in their success this season. As the Stars prepare for the playoffs, they are expected to be a formidable opponent for the struggling Penguins.
As the game approaches, the Penguins are hopeful for the return of Evgeni Malkin, who was a game-time decision after missing the last four games with an upper-body injury. Malkin has had a solid season, contributing 15 goals and 46 points in 62 games. His presence could provide a much-needed boost to the Penguins’ offense as they look to salvage their season.
The Penguins' projected lineup for the game features McGroarty, Crosby, and Bryan Rust on the first line, while Rakell and Koivunen are expected to play a significant role as well. The defensive pairings include Matt Grzelcyk and Kris Letang, along with Conor Timmins and Erik Karlsson. In goal, Tristan Jarry is anticipated to start, with Alex Nedeljkovic serving as backup.
Meanwhile, the Stars are expected to field a strong lineup including Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen on the top line. The second line features Mason Marchment and Matt Duchene, while the defense will be anchored by Thomas Harley and Ilya Lyubushkin. Jake Oettinger will be in net for the Stars, aiming to continue his stellar play as the playoffs approach.
With both teams having different motivations—Pittsburgh fighting for pride and experience, and Dallas looking to secure a top playoff position—the stage is set for an exciting matchup. The Penguins will need to find a way to contain the Stars’ explosive offense while generating scoring opportunities of their own. As the puck drops this afternoon, fans can expect an intense battle on the ice.
For those unable to attend, the game will be broadcast live on ABC and streaming on ESPN+. Fans can also catch the action on local radio stations. With the stakes high and both teams eager to make their mark, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter.
As the Penguins and Stars prepare to clash, all eyes will be on the ice to see if Pittsburgh can turn the tide against a formidable opponent. Will the Stars extend their winning streak, or can the Penguins pull off a surprising upset? Only time will tell as the action unfolds this afternoon.
