Pens Faceoff: Penguins Winning Streak on the Line vs. Sabres

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 09: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on December 09, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 09: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on December 09, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are hitting the home ice tonight, welcoming the Buffalo Sabres for their season’s first face-off. Riding high on a three-game road victory wave, the Pens are eager to extend their winning streak on familiar territory. Despite a puzzling 2-4-0 record at the PPG Paints Arena, tonight’s matchup could be the perfect opportunity for a turnaround, with the Sabres rolling into town.

The Sabres, boasting a 7-6-1 record after edging out a 3-2 victory over the Wild on Friday, sit 6th in the Atlantic Division. They’re poised to give the Penguins a run for their money tonight, with left winger Jeff Skinner at the helm of their team.

Pens Key to Win: 4th Line Needs to Show Up

The Pens need to clamp down on Jeff Skinner, who’s off to a hot start this season with 7 goals and 13 points. He was instrumental in the Sabres’ recent game, netting a goal and an assist against the Wild. A major question for the Pens is the fourth line’s configuration, especially with Jeff Carter in the equation.

The top six forwards must step up their game to maintain the pace. Eyes are also on Tristan Jarry, who’s slated to start in goal per Rob Rossi at The Athletic. His performance post-injury—and the team’s defensive efforts—could be pivotal in preserving the Pens’ winning streak and bolstering their home record.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Tristan Jarry #35 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on November 07, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Tristan Jarry #35 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on November 07, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Penguins Projected Lineup

Jake Guentzel – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust
Reilly Smith – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell
Drew O’Connor – Lars Eller – Radim Zohorna
Matthew Nieto – Noel Acciari – Jeff Carter

Defensive Pairings:

Ryan Graves – Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson – Erik Karlsson
Ryan Shea – Chad Ruhwedel

Goalies:

Tristan Jarry
Magnus Hellberg

RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 07: Connor Clifton #75 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on during the third period the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on November 07, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricanes defeat Sabres 3-2. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 07: Connor Clifton #75 of the Buffalo Sabres looks on during the third period the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on November 07, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricanes defeat Sabres 3-2. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)

Buffalo Sabres Projected Lineup

Jeff Skinner – Tage Thompson – Dylan Cozens
Jordan Greenway – Casey Mittelstadt – John Jason Peterka
Victor Olofsson – Peyton Krebs – Matthew Savoie
Zemgus Girgensons – Tyson Jost – Kyle Okposo

Defensive Pairings:

Rasmus Dahlin – Ryan Johnson
Owen Power – Henri Jokiharju
Connor Clifton – Erik Johnson

Goalies:

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Devon Levi

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Lineup Projections courtesy of Daily Faceoff.

All stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.