Penguins

Penguins Lines, Goalie & Preview vs. Colorado Avalanche

Published

6 years ago

December 4, 2018

The Pittsburgh Penguins (10-10-5) lines may be consistent tonight against the Colorado Avalanche (16-6-5) but the defensive pairings could receive a jolt after the Monday acquisition of Marcus Pettersson. The Penguins have lost two in a row including in Colorado, last Wednesday 6-3.

The Penguins remain four points behind the New York Islanders for the third spot and playoff entry in the Metro Division. The team is also four points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.

Casey DeSmith (6-4-3. 2.45 GAA. .922 SV%) will start for the Penguins. Semyon Varlamov (10-5-3. 2.23 GAA. .930 SV%) will start for Colorado. Wednesday will be the Penguins first look at Varlamov. Colorado backup Philipp Grubauer was the winning goaltender, last Wednesday.

Both Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel are on four-game point streaks. Crosby is also on a three-game goal streak. He has five goals in that span.

The Penguins fourth line has come to life. Four players, Sheahan, Bryan Rust Derek Grant, and Garrett Wilson have shared time on the fourth line over the past four games. Sheahan (2g, 0a), Rust (0g, 1a), Grant (1g, 2a) and Wilson (0g, 1a) have combined for seven points in the past four games.

Colorado is 9-0-2 in its last 11 games. This is the first time Colorado has earned points in 11 straight games since 2006-07. Colorado has also won six consecutive road games.

Mikko Rantanen leads the NHL in scoring with 45 points (11g, 34a), followed by Nathan MacKinnon with 43 points (19g, 24a). Rantanen’s 45

points are tied for the most through 27 games in Colorado history. Peter Forsberg also had 45 points in 1995-96.

The Penguins penalty kill has killed 15 straight penalties.