Following a strong six-game winning streak, the Pittsburgh Penguins have encountered difficulties on offense, suffering two consecutive losses. They will attempt to reverse this trend on December 12, 2023, when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are currently riding a ten-game winning streak.
The Penguins’ recent performance has been marked by solid defense and goaltending, which have been crucial since the holiday break. Prior to their winning streak, the team faced a disappointing eight-game skid from December 7 to December 20, where they failed to secure a victory, going 0-4-4. In the midst of this rough patch, the Penguins made a significant move by acquiring netminder Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers in a trade that sent goalie Tristan Jarry to Edmonton.
Skinner struggled initially, losing his first three games with Pittsburgh. However, he has rebounded impressively, posting a record of 3-1-0 in his last four games, with a remarkable 1.01 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage. His recent performance included an impressive outing against the Boston Bruins, where he made 18 saves out of 19 shots, despite the Penguins ultimately losing 1-0. Penguins coach Dan Muse acknowledged the challenges Skinner faced after joining a new team, highlighting his experience and work ethic, stating, “This is a guy who has been to two finals in a row… When you’re seeing it all the time, it isn’t a surprise.”
Currently, Skinner’s overall record with Pittsburgh stands at 3-4-0, with a 2.34 GAA and a .899 save percentage. Meanwhile, backup goalie Arturs Silovs has performed well, winning four of his last five starts and compiling a 2.96 GAA and an .881 save percentage. Either Skinner or Silovs will need to step up against a formidable Lightning squad.
The Lightning’s ten consecutive victories, which include a 7-2 win over the New York Rangers followed by a 5-1 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, position them as a formidable opponent. However, their latest win may have come at a cost. Top-line center Brayden Point sustained an injury after being hit by Philadelphia’s Cam York while scoring a power-play goal. Point, who had previously missed seven games due to an undisclosed injury, left the ice in visible pain, and Coach Jon Cooper provided no immediate update on his condition.
Teammate Brandon Hagel expressed concern for Point, emphasizing his importance to the team. “Pointer’s a big part of this team,” Hagel commented. “That guy puts his life and soul into every single day, every single hockey game.” Despite briefly leaving the game due to injury, Hagel continued to shine, scoring for the fourth consecutive game and adding an assist. Nikita Kucherov also contributed significantly, extending his point streak to ten games with a goal and an assist.
Cooper recently celebrated a milestone, becoming the 25th coach in NHL history to reach 600 career wins, reflecting his successful tenure since taking over in March 2013. The Lightning’s current 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 could see Tampa Bay match their franchise record of 11 consecutive wins set during the 2019-20 season.
As the Penguins prepare to face the Lightning, both teams are looking to make a statement. For Pittsburgh, the priority will be to ignite their offense and secure a crucial win at home. For Tampa Bay, maintaining momentum while navigating injuries will be key. The matchup promises to deliver excitement and intensity as both teams vie for an important victory.
