The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their five-game road trip against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 9:30 PM ET on March 16. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh, ESPN, and Prime, while radio coverage is available on 105.9 The X and the Penguins app.
This matchup is significant as both teams are performing strongly this season. The Penguins hold a record of 33-18-15, while the Avalanche stand at 44-12-9. Pittsburgh has earned points in 13 of its last 21 games against Colorado and has been competitive in recent visits to Ball Arena.
Evgeni Malkin returns to the lineup after serving a five-game suspension for slashing Rasmus Dahlin earlier in March. “The year that Geno’s had has been spectacular for someone who’s 39 years old,” Penguins President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas said. Justin Brazeau also rejoins after injury, but Blake Lizotte remains out with an upper-body issue. Arturs Silovs will start in goal.
Several players are approaching personal milestones or streaks. Kris Letang is one point away from reaching 800 career points, which would make him the 21st defenseman in NHL history to achieve this mark and only the fourth active blueliner to do so. Sidney Crosby is three goals shy of his fourteenth career thirty-goal season, trailing only Alex Ovechkin among active players for most such seasons. Erik Karlsson recently surpassed Bobby Orr for twelfth place all-time in points by a defenseman and notched his fortieth assist of the season.
Other notable performances include Anthony Mantha tying his career high in goals and Ben Kindel ranking fourth among NHL rookies with sixteen goals this season. Egor Chinakhov has contributed significantly since joining Pittsburgh, recording twenty-one points in twenty-eight games.
The Penguins have a strong tradition within the National Hockey League, featuring Hall of Fame players, coaches, and executives who have shaped the organization according to the official website. The team has consistently competed at a high level with numerous playoff appearances and division titles according to the official website. As an important part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture, they maintain strong fan traditions and community ties according to the official website. Home games are hosted at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh according to the official website, under ownership by Fenway Sports Group according to the official website.
Looking ahead, tonight’s game offers several storylines as key players return from suspension or injury and others approach historic achievements.
