Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New Jersey Devils: Game Preview and Player Highlights
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center with puck drop scheduled for 12:30 PM. Fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen in on 105.9 The X and the Penguins app. The Penguins hold a record of 9-4-2, while the Devils stand at 6-5-1. Pittsburgh has had success against New Jersey in recent matchups, earning points in 14 of their last 22 games dating back to March 20, 2021. They have also performed well on the road against the Devils, securing points in eight of their last 11 away games.
Bryan Rust has been a standout player for the Penguins in games against the Devils, amassing 33 points in 40 career games. He leads the team in points against New Jersey and has been a consistent contributor on the road. The Penguins boast the top power-play percentage in the NHL at 35.9%, with Sidney Crosby leading the league in power-play goals. Crosby also leads the NHL in goals scored and is currently on a three-game point streak.
The Penguins' penalty kill has been strong, allowing just one power-play goal in their last seven games. Forward Anthony Mantha has been a key player for Pittsburgh, recording nine points in his last 10 games and performing well against the Devils throughout his career. Defenseman Erik Karlsson is nearing his 1,100th career game and ranks among the top defensemen in NHL history for points scored. Rookie goaltender Sergei Murashov is looking to make his NHL debut after a strong performance in the AHL.
Sidney Crosby is on the verge of reaching a milestone with 499 multi-point games in his career, while Erik Karlsson aims to climb the ranks among Swedish-born players in NHL history. Evgeni Malkin leads the Penguins in points and assists this season and has been a consistent performer on the ice. Rookie forward Ben Kindel has impressed with his goal-scoring abilities and has earned a spot on the top line alongside Crosby and Rust. The Penguins will look to continue their success against the Devils and maintain their strong performance this season.