Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off against the Dallas Stars as part of their ongoing three-game road trip. The game is scheduled for a 3 PM ET start at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Fans have the option to watch the game on ABC or ESPN+ and listen through 105.9 the X or the Penguins app.

Entering the matchup, the Penguins hold a record of 30-34-12 while the Stars are at 50-21-4. Historically, Pittsburgh has managed to secure points in eight of their last 13 games against Dallas dating back to 2018. However, the team is looking to break a four-game losing streak against the Stars.

Attention is on Evgeni Malkin, who has been cleared for contact and is a game-time decision. Malkin has been out for the last four games due to an upper-body injury. Mike Sullivan, the Penguins' coach, shared the team's practice line combinations, highlighting players like McGroarty, Crosby, Rust, Rakell, and Malkin.

Bryan Rust is in the spotlight as he is poised to reach personal milestones this season. He is one goal away from matching his career-high and is nearing the 200-goal mark of his Penguins career. Meanwhile, rookie Rutger McGroarty recently recorded his first NHL goal and assist in a game against St. Louis.

Sidney Crosby is having a standout season, with an active point streak stretching to 11 games. His current performance is noted as one of the best for players aged 37 or older in NHL history. Rickard Rakell also continues to impress, with 33 goals this season, closing in on a personal best.

Erik Karlsson is making waves among team defensemen with 52 points this season, on the brink of surpassing Markus Naslund in Swedish-born player achievements. He is also nearing a personal milestone, with one goal needed to join a select group of defensemen achieving 200 career goals.

Noteworthy is the Penguins' power-play success rate against the Stars, historically operating at 34.2%, marking it as one of their best against any NHL club.