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Pittsburgh Penguins: 3 Gameday Story Lines vs Ottawa

By Samual Campbell

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Pittsburgh Penguins Center Sidney Crosby (87) takes up position in front of Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) during first period National Hockey League action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators on November 16, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Pittsburgh Penguins Center Sidney Crosby (87) takes up position in front of Ottawa Senators Goalie Craig Anderson (41) during first period National Hockey League action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators on November 16, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off a 4-1 victory against the St. Louis Blues. It was a chippy game that saw Sidney Crosby score his 400th career goal.

Now the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Ottawa Senators at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins are currently 2nd in the Metropolitan Division with 66 points, while the Sens sit in 7th in the Atlantic with 47.

Here are three story lines to follow during tonight’s matchup.

Sneak Preview?

It has been rumored that the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in trading for Ottawa’s Derick Brassard. A price has been named, but it’s unclear how the Penguins will proceed. His cap hit would be tough to fit, but Jim Rutherford has been known to get what he wants. The addition of Brassard would give Pittsburgh the depth they seek down the middle.

Fans can consider tonight a preview of what Brassard could offer the Pens. Known primarily as a playmaker, he has 30 points in 52 games this season, with 75 hits to boot. He usually suits up on Ottawa’s second line, between Zack Smith and Mark Stone.

Guentzel’s Role

Jake Guenztel has been in a bit of rut as of late. The forward has only logged five points since the start of January, and is being plugged in all over this lineup.

Pensburgh detailed how his various roles have led to less ice time, and more shifts with the bottom six. In the last game against St. Louis, he took 12 shifts, and only played a total of 9:01. Only Carter Rowney and Ryan Reaves played less.

According to the NHL.com, he is projected to line up on the left side of Riley Sheahan and Phil Kessel on the third line tonight. It will be interesting to see if he remains there, or continues to get bounced around as the game goes on.

Get Ready for a Fight

“People don’t forget!”

This is Ottawa’s first game back at PPG Paints Arena since the Pens eliminated them in Game 7 of the ECF last year.

Although their overall record isn’t very flattering, a team with a chip on it’s shoulder can still be dangerous. The Sens are 8th in the league in total hits on the season, so be prepared for another gritty, fun game.

Next: Who's Who of Penguins Trade Rumors

The Pittsburgh Penguins next game will be Thursday, Feb. 15 against the Los Angeles Kings at home. The game starts at 7 PM EST.

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