Penguins vs. Blues: Lineup Changes, Goalie Picks, and Viewing Guide

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face the St. Louis Blues in an important matchup on Monday at PPG Paints Arena. With a record of 6-2-1, the Penguins will be without two key players due to injuries impacting their roster.

Penguins’ Injury Updates and Lineup Changes

Defenseman Caleb Jones suffered a lower-body injury during a recent game against Florida. He is expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks. Additionally, top winger Rickard Rakell underwent successful surgery on his left hand and will miss approximately six to eight weeks as well.

To address these absences, Penguins coach Dan Muse has made significant adjustments to the team’s lineup. Rookie Filip Hallander has been promoted to play alongside Sidney Crosby, while Ville Koivunen is likely to fill Hallander’s previous role on the third line.

Current Team Records and Performance

The Penguins have experienced mixed results lately, managing a victory over Florida (5-3) but suffering a shootout loss against Columbus (5-3). In contrast, the Blues are struggling, having dropped their last three games to teams including LA, Utah, and Detroit. The current records stand at:

• Pittsburgh Penguins: 6-2-1
• St. Louis Blues: 3-4-1

Goaltending and Predictions

Tristan Jarry is expected to start in goal for the Penguins. This matchup marks the first of back-to-back games for Pittsburgh and precedes a four-game road trip. The Penguins are currently slight underdogs at -104 on Fanduel Sportsbook, while the Blues hold a -135 line.

Viewing Information and Special Teams

Fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh, with radio coverage on 105.9 The X. The Penguins lead the league with a power play rate of 33.3%, while their penalty kill ranks 17th at 77.8%. The Blues, meanwhile, have a power play percentage of 25% (10th) and a penalty kill of 72% (25th).

Key Player Statistics

• Evgeni Malkin leads the Penguins with 14 points (2 goals, 12 assists) in nine games.
• Malkin is currently on a six-game point streak (2-7-9).
• Sidney Crosby is just two points away from reaching 1,700 career points.
• Kris Letang needs one assist to tie Rob Blake for 22nd all-time among NHL defensemen.

Recent Head-to-Head History

The Penguins have had strong performances against the Blues, winning seven of the last nine encounters. They have also won five straight home games against St. Louis, dating back to December 4, 2019.

This thrilling matchup promises to showcase the Penguins’ resilience amidst challenging circumstances and the Blues’ quest to break their losing streak. Stay tuned for what should be an exciting game!