Penguins Game 82, The End; Lines, Notes & How to Watch vs. Capitals

This is the end. My only friend. The end.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (33-36-12) can neither reach hockey .500, nor can they reach anything more than personal goals as they close out a disappointing 2024-25 season. They will face the Washington Capitals Thursday at PPG Paints Arena. It is Game 82 for both teams.

The puck drops just after 7 p.m., but the game will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+. We apologize in advance.

Sidney Crosby is one point shy of his third-straight 90-point season, and Ville Koivunen is still without his first NHL goal despite an exemplary seven-game start to his NHL career, which includes five assists.

Koivunen, Vasily Ponomarev, Valtteri Puustinen, Filip Kral, and Joona Koppanen, and possibly Matt Nieto, will return to the Penguins’ AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, to begin what the organization hopes is a lengthy playoff run.

Washington is gearing up for another Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance. They were quickly swept by the New York Rangers last season as they squeaked into the postseason. This season, they own the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Their lineup could vary greatly from the usual as coach Spencer Carberry rests veterans in advance of Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens this weekend (Saturday or Sunday).

Alex Ovechkin has already claimed the all-time goals title, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals on April 6 against the New York Islanders.

Otherwise, the Capitals will have to quell their rivalry against the Penguins to stay healthy.

Somewhat surprisingly, Alex Nedeljkovic will start in goal. It will be just his third start since Tristan Jarry claimed the net on March 9.

Penguins roster notes: P.O Joseph will not play. Kevin Hayes is a game-time decision.

Per tradition, after the game, the Penguins will present their jerseys to lucky fans drawn via lottery.

Possible Penguins Lines

Ville Koivunen-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust

Danton Heinen-Evgeni Malkin-Rickard Rakell

Connor Dewar-Kevin Hayes-Philip Tomasino

Joona Koppanen-Vasily Ponomarev-Valtteri Puustinen

Defense

Matt Grzelcyk-Erik Karlsson

Ryan Shea-Conor Timmons

Ryan Graves-Vladislav Kolylachonok

Goalie: Alex Nedeljkovic

Possible Capitals Lines

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Anthony Beauvillier

Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson

Andrew Mangiapane-Lars Eller-Ryan Leonard

Brandon Duhaine-Nic Dowd-Taylor Raddysh

Defense

Rasmus Sandin-Matt Roy

Martin Fehervary-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Dylam McIlrath-Martin Fehervary

Goalie: Clay Stevenson, possible

Penguins Game Notes

The Penguins are 4-2-1 in their last seven games and 9-5-2 in their last 16 games overall.

Ville Koivunen has been named to the AHL All-Rookie Team for the 2024-25 season. Through 62 games in the AHL, Koivunen ranks third among all rookies with 55 points (21-34-55).

Evgeni Malkin has 81 points (27-54-81) in 65 career games against the Capitals.

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang underwent successful surgery to close a patent foramen ovale (PFO; small hole in the heart). The expected recovery time is four to six weeks.

How to Watch

TV: ESPN+ (Sorry)

Radio: 105.9 The X