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Penguins kick off 2019 in New York

January 2, 2019, 3:03 PM ET [111 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Penguins are back in action tonight against the New York Rangers. Pittsburgh is currently on a six game winning streak. Yesterday I talked about goaltending carrying the current winning streak and I have two quick examples to further show what is happening lately.





Wins are wins, but if the goaltending dries up at all the Penguins are in trouble. If the goaltending is average and the CF% returns to average the Penguins have enough finishing talent to win more than they lose. They have this advantage over most teams. There is room for improvement in front of the goaltenders.

The Rangers are in rebuild mode so tonight is a good opportunity to try and right the ship on the possession front. New York is the 30th ranked score-adjusted Corsi team in the league at 44.55. Only Ottawa is worse.

Bryan Rust will be a game time decision. One of his strengths throughout his career has been positive contributions to possession. Even when the goals dry up his speed helps his linemates forecheck and it also creates zone entries.

Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
Simon-Malkin-Hornqvist
Pearson-Brassard-Kessel
Aston Reese-Cullen-Sheahan

The top nine looks good, but Matt Cullen has got to go. He’s not capable anymore. Since his return his CF% by game:



Nothing above 50%. He’s a drain. Great career, bad player now. He shouldn’t be playing let alone at center.

Thanks for reading!
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