The Pittsburgh Penguins will attempt to reverse their offensive slump when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 15, 2024. After a successful six-game winning streak, the Penguins have suffered two consecutive losses, raising concerns about their scoring capabilities. Despite this, their defense and goaltending have performed well enough to secure victories in many games since the holiday break, showing promise even during tough times.
Pittsburgh experienced a challenging period earlier this season, marked by an eight-game winless streak from December 7 to December 20, during which they recorded four losses and four ties. In response to their struggles, the Penguins made a significant move by acquiring goaltender Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers on December 12. This trade involved sending goalie Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. Initially, Skinner faced difficulties with his new team, losing his first three games. However, he has since rebounded, posting a record of 3-1-0 with an impressive 1.01 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage in his last four matches.
Skinner’s recent performance includes a narrow defeat against the Boston Bruins, where he stopped 18 of 19 shots, showcasing his potential as a reliable goaltender. Penguins coach Dan Muse acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new team, especially for a goalie. “This is a guy who has been to two finals in a row,” Muse noted, highlighting Skinner’s experience and dedication. With a current record of 3-4-0 with Pittsburgh, Skinner holds a 2.34 GAA and a .899 save percentage. Backup goaltender Arturs Silovs has also contributed, winning four of his last five starts with a 2.96 GAA.
The Penguins will need strong performances from their goaltenders as they face the Lightning, who have been on a remarkable winning streak. Tampa Bay secured their tenth consecutive victory with a commanding 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on March 14. This follows a 7-2 triumph the previous game, solidifying their position as one of the league’s top teams.
However, the latest victory may have come with a cost. Lightning center Brayden Point, who recently returned from injury, suffered a knee injury during the game. Following a hard hit from Philadelphia’s Cam York, Point fell to the ice in visible pain after scoring a power-play goal. Coach Jon Cooper did not provide an immediate update on Point’s condition postgame. His teammate, Brandon Hagel, expressed concern for Point, stating, “You never want to see something like that, obviously. Pointer’s a big part of this team.”
In the same game, Hagel scored for the fourth consecutive match and contributed an assist. Lightning star Nikita Kucherov further extended his point streak to ten games, registering ten goals and fifteen assists during this period. With this victory, Coach Jon Cooper achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the 25th coach in NHL history to reach 600 career wins, improving his record to 600-319-86 since taking over the team in March 2013.
The Lightning’s ten-game winning streak ties them with the Colorado Avalanche and the Buffalo Sabres for the longest in the league this season. A victory against the Penguins would match the franchise record of eleven set during the 2019-20 season, adding further motivation for the visiting team.
As the Penguins prepare to face the Lightning, the outcome of this matchup could significantly impact their playoff aspirations. With a resilient defense and goaltending, they hope to overcome their recent struggles and reclaim their winning form.
