Penguins Game 56, Playing Short; Lines, Notes & How to Watch vs. Rangers

NEW YORK — The Pittsburgh Penguins (22-24-9) are figuratively fighting with one arm tied behind their back. The Penguins will be without Sidney Crosby Friday when they open a back-to-back set of games, beginning with the New York Rangers (26-23-4) at Madison Square Garden.

The puck drops at the self-proclaimed “World’s most famous arena” just after 7 p.m.

The Penguins are already missing Evgeni Malkin, who is out week-to-week and on injured reserve. On Friday, they’ll also go without Sidney Crosby.

Read More: BREAKING: Sidney Crosby OUT vs. Rangers; Full Update

The Penguins’ makeshift lineup will bear little resemblance to their optimal configuration. The team also recalled Emil Bemstrom from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Bemstrom played in the AHL All-Star Game earlier this week and has 41 points in 37 AHL games.

However, based on practice, the Penguins’ top line will be centered by Rickard Rakell, with Anthony Beauvillier and Bryan Rust.

Cody Glass remained in the middle of the second line.

The Penguins struggled to score goals again Tuesday, losing 3-2 in a shootout to the New Jersey Devils. The Penguins rallied from a 2-0 deficit behind strong goaltending by Alex Nedeljkovic and goals by Rickard Rakell and Kevin Hayes.

The Penguins are eight points out of a playoff spot, trailing the Detroit Red Wings.

Coach Mike Sullivan said Alex Nedeljkovic will start in goal for the Penguins. Presumably, Igor Shesterkin will start for the Rangers.

Penguins Lines

Anthony Beauvillier-Rickard Rakell-Bryan Rust

Michael Bunting-Cody Glass-Danton Heinen

Matt Nieto-Kevin Hayes-Phil Tomasino

Boko Imama-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari

Defense

Matt Grzelcyk-Erik Karlsson

P.O Joseph-Kris Letang

Ryan Graves-Vincent Desharnais

Goalie: Alex Nedeljkovic

Rangers Lines

Artermi Panarin–J.T. Miller–Mika Zibanejad

Reilly Smith–Vincent Trocheck–Alex Lafreniere

Chris Kreider–Jonny Brodzinski–Will Cuylle

Jimmy Vesey–Sam Carrick–Matt Rempe

Defense

Ryan Lindgren-Adam Fox

K’Andre Miller–Will Borgen

Zac Jones–Braden Schneider

Goalie: Igor Shesterkin

Special Teams

Penguins power play: 25.0%, 6th. Penguins penalty kill: 79.2%, 17th.

Rangers power play: 20.9%, 19th. Devils penalty kill: 82.5%, 6th.

Penguins Game Notes

The Penguins have performed well against New York, going 14-10-3 in their last 27 games. This is the first game of the Penguins’ annual Dad’s Trip.

Over the last four games dating back to January 27, the Penguins have allowed a league-low six goals against.

Anthony Beauvillier has 25 points (13-12-25) in 32 career games against New York. It’s the most goals and points he’s recorded against any one team.

Alex Nedeljkovic has a .936 save percentage over his last seven games.

How to Watch

TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh

Radio: 105.9 The X