The Pittsburgh Penguins (21-24-8) return home to the 'Burgh for the first time in almost three weeks tonight for a matchup against the Nashville Predators (18-25-7).
The Penguins are currently seven points ahead of Nashville in the overall league standings, and Nashville has three games in hand (which they'll maintain through tonight's game).
With Kyle Dubas trading away Marcus Pettersson and Drew O'Connor last night, the outlook on the 2024-25 season is much clearer for Pittsburgh. The objective of winning has been stretched out to a future date - which is the right move.
Tonight's Rooting Guide
The Penguins have a better point percentage than the Predators currently, but that can change quickly with a loss tonight. Nashville is one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL this season after going crazy in free agency last offseason.
It's so shady that I have a theory that they planned to tank from the opening gun, but maybe that's just me.
It remains a better outcome for the Penguins to continue losing at this juncture. The win against the Utah Hockey Club was a nice changeup from the losing stretch, and, honestly, it was a necessary win.
Penguins Sidney Crosby
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 30, 2025
23rd career OT goal (2nd all-time)
47th career OT point (Extends his own NHL record) pic.twitter.com/hzx17qbHL0
Sidney Crosby notched two more points, including the overtime game-winner (on the backhand of course), a win over his 33rd different NHL franchise, and the 43rd different building he's scored in.
There is an art to tanking, and for as good as the Penguins have been for the last two decades, it's pretty impressive what they've accomplished thus far. Moral victories are necessary in the midst of losing even if they require the team to win.
The best way I can describe the Penguins' game philosophy right now is "strategic winning". Conversely, tonight is the perfect opportunity for a strategic loss.
Per usual, root for a Penguins loss, plenty of Crosby points, and good games from trade candidates like Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson.
Last time against Nashville
On the topic of overtime winners, the Penguins came away with a huge overtime win against the Predators the last time the 2017 Stanley Cup matchup happened.
Bryan Rust buried the goal for the Penguins' 5-4 win in Nashville back on December 19th. Ironically, that was the last time the Penguins have won back-to-back games. Woof.
BRYAN RUST!! 🐧
— NHL (@NHL) December 20, 2024
The @penguins win back-to-back games in @Energizer overtime! pic.twitter.com/oTwOzn3LX3
Tonight's Details
It will be interesting to see if Danton Heinen and Vincent Desharnais will be available tonight in Pittsburgh. Lines will undoubtedly have to be shifted around with the exodus of Pettersson and DOC, but both Heinen and Desharnais fill both spots nicely.
The Predators have been abysmal on the road, going just 6-16-4 away from Nashville this season. They find themselves on a three game losing streak against underwhelming teams as well, those being Buffalo, Vancouver, and Anaheim.
As much as the Penguins have recently embraced the tank, Nashville has gone full artillery since October. It will be a glorious game to witness.
And just remember, a loss tonight is a good thing, especially if Predators fans try to rub it in our face. If that happens, just remind them what happened in 2017.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm EST at PPG Paints Arena.