Pittsburgh Penguins: 2017-18 Atlantic Division Preview

Detroit Red Wings

The Penguins and the Red Wings faced off three times last season and only won one of the matchups. In the Penguins’ losses, the Red Wings led the Pens by three goals and used their defensive system to keep their lead.In the Pens’ win, the Penguins topped the Red Wings 5-3 and used their offensive system to infiltrate the Red Wings and get ahead.

The Red Wings’ defense-first system makes them a difficult team to play if one’s team isn’t pushing for offense. Pittsburgh needs to keep their offense high against teams with defensive systems. A defense-first team isn’t inclined to charge the net therefore having an offensive system, with blue line involvement, is the best way to take control.

The Penguins can take control of their series against the Red Wings this season by pushing to the net. By challenging the Red Wings with forceful offense, the Penguins can take control of the game, since Detroit’s inclination is to defend and not score. If the Penguins don’t start strong and let the Wings score on them, they’ll have a harder time beating their defense to take the game back.