The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, facing off against the St. Louis Blues on April 14 at 9:30 p.m. ET. With a remarkable record of 41-24-16, the Penguins have scored a total of 285 goals this season, ranking third in the NHL.
Sidney Crosby, a pivotal player for the Penguins, is just four assists away from becoming the all-time leader in assists with one team. Meanwhile, Evgeni Malkin, at the age of 39, is averaging an impressive 1.09 points per game this season. Bryan Rust is also on the brink of his second 30-goal season, needing just one more goal to reach that milestone.
In contrast, the Blues have struggled this season, holding a record of 35-33-12. Their power play is ranked 27th in the NHL at 17.5%, while the Penguins boast a much stronger power play at 24.3%, ranking 7th overall. This disparity could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.
Anthony Mantha has been a standout for the Blues, setting career highs with 32 goals, 30 assists, and 62 points this season. The Penguins have also seen impressive performances from Erik Karlsson, who leads all defensemen in points over the last 23 games with 31 points. Rookie Ben Kindel has made his mark as well, with 34 points (17 goals, 17 assists), tying him for seventh among NHL rookies.
The Penguins have dominated their recent matchups against the Blues, with an 8-1-1 record over the last ten games. This trend adds to the pressure on the Blues as they prepare to face a team that has clinched a playoff spot and cannot move from their current standings.
As the Penguins gear up for this East vs. West battle, they are considered heavy underdogs, with NHL odds placing them at +176 to win. Notably, this game will also mark the NHL debut of Penguins defenseman Jake Livanavage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the matchup.
Despite their strong offensive capabilities, the Penguins have struggled at times to convert opportunities into goals, as seen in their recent performance against Washington, where they generated chances but lacked the killer instinct. Observers are keen to see if they can turn that around against the Blues.
With the stakes high and both teams looking to make a statement, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineup, but fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
