The Penguins are back in action to take on their rivals, the Washington Capitals. Pittsburgh is coming off of a disappointing opening night while the Capitals are kicking their season off at home.
It was an optional skate for the Penguins. I would imagine the lineup will be the same and that includes Tristan Jarry starting in goal.
Finishing chances is likely to be a theme all year long when you are doing with a bottom six with limited offensive upside. Something that should not be a theme is Sidney Crosby toiling in the 20’s for an xGF%. I fully expect a bounce back game from the Penguins captain. Especially considering he will be up against his #1 individual rival of his career in Alexander Ovechkin
Tomorrow, for the 66th time, it's Crosby vs. Ovechkin.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 12, 2023
Crosby on Ovechkin: "Just having the opportunity all of these years to go up against him - to be in the same division, and have that matchup, it's probably brought the best out of both of us." pic.twitter.com/8IWYTdCyc7
Lars Eller will be playing against the Capitals for the first time since he was acquired by them
Lars Eller is set to face the Capitals for the first time since being acquired from them at the trade deadline.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 12, 2023
Eller: "It will be fun. I am looking forward to it. I'm going to be fired up, our whole team is... I'm looking forward to going there and trying to get two points." pic.twitter.com/exMKkLj2nx
There’s not much else to add at the moment. The Penguins need to get it in gear and finish their chances against a divisional rival. Points lost in October matter and nobody else cares if the team needs to gel with all the new faces. There is enough talent to be an effective team that gets results. Washington isn’t the beast they used to be. They still have enough talent to ruin your night. This needs to be a big bounceback game for the Penguins.
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