By this time in the NFL season, fans of certain teams become temporary fans of other teams. This can cause Steelers fans (like myself) to do the unthinkable: root for the Browns.
The position the Penguins are currently in - 16-15-5 with 37 points, good for 4th in the Metro division - means that the Penguins will need some help to make the playoffs. It's never too early to start having rooting interests in the NHL. Also understand that all of these temporary fandoms hinge on the Penguins keeping pace and winning games of their own.
Christmas being on a Wednesday this year means that we get even more chances to plop down on the couch and watch sports over a holiday weekend. For this edition, let's get a look at the NHL slate for this weekend as the league comes back from Christmas break.
Overall Rationale
Any time a Metro team is playing, the most ideal outcome for the Penguins is for them to lose. If two Metro teams play each other, the matchup will be determined subjectively.
For the Atlantic division, it's slightly more in-depth. If it's an Atlantic team like the Panthers or Maple Leafs - teams that are atop the division without much chance of falling off - the rooting guide will be determined by the teams playing.
When it comes to the Western Conference, we are their biggest fans unless it's between two West teams. By then, we don't really care unless you like one of those teams. Personally, one of my best friends is from Chicago, so I'm always rooting for the Blackhawks for the sake of his sanity. That rarely goes well.
Alright, now that the parameters are set, let's get into the games for this weekend.
Friday, December 27
The Sabres find themselves back in the basement of the NHL thanks to their losing streak. I know I said I'd make a rooting guide, but you can root for whoever the heck you want to in this one. If you're that much of a Penguins fan, root Blackhawks...for Logan's sake. (It's going to be okay, buddy.)
The Red Wings are underachieving this year, but that doesn't excuse Penguins fans from rooting Maples Leafs in this matchup. If we learned anything from 2023-24, the Red Wings aren't out of the playoff race until they truly are. Just like the Wings were in the Wild Card hunt with the Penguins last year, there's no reason to wish them into another race this year.
This one is not ideal. As a rule of thumb, when two Metro teams face off, the main rooting suggestion is for a regulation win. We don't want these games to go to overtime. Extra points going around in the Metro is not helpful for the Penguins. Both of these teams are pretty comfortably atop the division, but if you want to be technical, root Devils because of the outside shot the Penguins could have to catch the Hurricanes and snag the 3rd spot in the Metro.
As much as it pains me to say this, root Bruins in this one. This is another matchup that we don't want going to overtime. It's impossible to root against the Blue Jackets, especially given the hardships they've endured. If the Penguins can't make the playoffs, Columbus should. But again, the Penguins come first, and the Blue Jackets are just three points behind Pittsburgh. Don't worry, there will be plenty more opportunities to root for the Jackets.
Saturday, December 28
The Habs aren't in much position to make a playoff run, but they're closer in points to the Penguins in the Wild Card race than the Panthers are ahead of the Penguins. Plus the Panthers have a large buffer in teams separating them from Pittsburgh. Let's root Panthers to start the Saturday slate.
You don't even have to look at the other team when you see the Flyers logo. The Ducks might drop another touchdown on Philly with how much Pittsburgh will have their backs.
Ok, ok. I know I promised rooting for the Blue Jackets eventually. I was not aware we would have the exact same matchup the very next day. Honestly, if they split this home and home, it would not be the worst thing in the world. I'm going to amend my previous guide and say root for the Bruins in this one and root for the Blue Jackets at home on Friday. That place is fun when they're winning, and of all the seasons that Jackets fans need something to be excited about, it's this one.
The Capitals need to be cooled off on the road. I know it's a back-to-back for Toronto, but the Maple Leafs are the team to root for here. A reminder that the Capitals are the more refined version of the Flyers. Any time Washington plays, they must lose.
This is another delicate one. Metro teams, especially the Rangers, are must-lose. However, the Lightning are one of the teams the Penguins could possibly jump to get into the playoffs. After some deliberation and a change of heart, the Rangers need to win this one. The teams below the Penguins don't matter as much as the teams ahead of them, especially teams in the playoff picture with games in hand like Tampa.
These guys again? What's with all these home and homes (said completely aware that the Penguins are playing in a home and home this weekend). Well, we rooted Devils on Friday, and we're going to again. This is a real opportunity for the Hurricanes to drop four possible points in two days. Let's ride with the Devils this weekend (and then never root for them again).
This one is very straightfoward. Senators are hot. They're one point ahead of Pittsburgh. The Jets are in the Western Conference. The True North needs to clutch up on Hockey Night in Canada. Root Jets.
Sunday, December 29
Ya know what, just root for Buffalo. Why not?
...ah who am I kidding? Go, Blues.
This is a massive conflict of interests. On one hand, the Red Wings are still mildly in the picture for the Wild Card race (once again, they're not out until the playoff field is set). However, Washington is well into the Eastern Conference playoff race. Let's root for the Red Wings in this one and hope that Washington cools off.
Originally I went with the Lightning in the previous game, but after thinking about it, Tampa Bay has too many games in hand. That would prove hurtful for the Penguins down the stretch if things are close. This is a much easier game to root for the Habs, though. Let's hope the Canadiens pull one out to bring the Lightning back down to earth.
Another simple Senators game against a Western Conference team. Root for the Wild.
Really simple to finish things off. Flyers mentioned? Go, other team! In this case that's the Kings.
The Penguins will start a home and home with the New York Islanders starting Saturday, December 28th at 7:30pm. All times mentioned are EST.