Penguins Game 39, New Coach Smell; Lines, Notes, & How to Watch vs. Red Wings

DETROIT — The Pittsburgh Penguins (17-16-5) have won 10 of their last 15 games and have points in 11 of them. The team even briefly occupied a playoff spot after a win on Sunday. The new commitment to defense and structure will get a solid test against the Detroit Red Wings (14-18-4) at Little Caesars Arena Tuesday.

The puck drops just after 8 p.m. So, an early Happy New Year, too.

The Penguins were commanding Sunday, claiming a 3-0 lead over the New York Islanders by midway through the third period. However, a good goal and a fluky goal closed the Islanders’ gap before the Penguins retook control.

Michael Bunting scored a second-period goal assisted by Sidney Crosby, as Crosby’s helper allowed him to set the Penguins franchise assist record formerly held by Mario Lemieux. It was Crosby’s 1034th career assist.

Anthony Beauvillier scored the first Penguins goal on a clean tap-in from in front of the net, and Evgeni Malkin scored the Penguins’ third goal. Alex Nedeljkovic made 29 saves for the win.

Nedeljkovic will start against his former team Tuesday. He played two seasons with Detroit, making 65 starts and 74 appearances. He signed with the Penguins as an unrestricted free agent and re-signed last June.

On Dec. 26, Detroit fired coach Derek Lalonde and replaced him with veteran head coach Todd McClellan. Detroit promptly won their first game under McClellan by beating the Washington Capitals.

Still, the Red Wings are a team in flux. From Detroit Hockey Now:

“…a resounding win against the Washington Capitals has fans hopeful and players saying a weight had been lifted off their shoulders.

However, not much has changed on the surface. The Red Wings are still tied with Buffalo for last place in the Eastern Conference.”

Alex Lyon will start for Detroit.

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is out day-to-day, but Marcus Pettersson is a game-time decision.

Penguins Lines

Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust

Michael Bunting-Evgeni Malkin-Drew O’Connor

Anthony Beauvillier-Cody Glass-Phil Tomasino

Matt Nieto-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari

Defense

Matt Grzelcyk-Erik Karlsson

Marcus Pettersson-P.O Joseph

Ryan Graves-Ryan Shea

Goalie: Alex Nedeljkovic

Red Wings Lines

From DHN:

Joe Veleno–Dylan Larkin-Lucas Raymond

Alex DeBrincat-Andrew Copp-Patrick Kane

Jonatan-Berggren– J.T. Compher-Vladimir Tarasenko

Michael Rasmussen-Marco Kasper-Tylers Motte

Defensive Pairings 

Ben Chiarot–Moritz Seider

Simon Edvinsson–Jeff Petry

Erik Gustafsson-Justin Holl

Goalie: Alex Lyon

Special Teams

Penguins power play: 25.9%, 5th. Penguins penalty kill: 83.0%, 7th.

Red Wings Power Play: 22.9%, 12th. Red Wings Penalty Kill: 69.7%, 31st.

Penguins Game Notes

The Penguins faced the worst penalty kill in the league on Saturday and Sunday (New York Islanders). Now, they’ll face the 31st-ranked PK Tuesday.

The Penguins have points in 13 of its last 15 contests against Detroit (10-2-3). They’ve scored four or more goals in 11 of the 15 games. The Penguins are 5-2-0 in their last seven visits to Little Caesars Arena.

Michael Bunting has notched 15 points (6-9-15) in 13 career games against the Red Wings. His teams are 10-2-1 in those games.

Sidney Crosby has an active six-game point streak against the Red Wings (4-8-12). It is the 7th-longest active such streak in the NHL.

Since Nov. 30, the Penguins have the best power play in the league at 35.9%.

How to Watch

TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh

Radio: 105.9 The X