Penguins vs. Kraken: Game 48 Lineup, Highlights, and Viewing Guide
In an intense matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face the Seattle Kraken in Game 48 of the NHL season. This game will take place at Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday, with puck drop scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local time). Both teams enter the clash with their share of challenges and recent mixed performances.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Current Standing and Performance
The Penguins hold a record of 22 wins, 14 losses, and 11 overtime losses. They currently sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division, just two points behind the New York Islanders. Last night, they battled the Columbus Blue Jackets and managed to secure a point by forcing overtime, thanks to a goal from Sidney Crosby.
Despite a mixed performance from the team and goalie Arturs Silovs, they unfortunately ended up losing their seventh shootout out of eight attempts. Silovs has a challenging record of 1-6 in shootouts this season. Notably, Connor Clifton scored his first goal of the season in the recent game, adding some excitement to the roster.
Lineup Changes and Strategies
Coach Dan Muse is contemplating minor adjustments to the defense for this game. Ryan Graves is expected to replace Ryan Shea on the third defensive pairing alongside Connor Clifton. The Penguins have shown impressive special teams’ performance, currently boasting the second-best power play in the league at 28.7%.
Seattle Kraken: Recent Struggles
Conversely, the Seattle Kraken are facing difficulties with only one win in their last six games, holding a record of 1-3-2 over that span. Their latest loss was a 6-3 defeat against the Utah Mammoth, where key players like Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle managed to score. However, Seattle’s home record remains subpar at 10-7-5.
Coach Lane Lambert has been mixing up his forward lines in search of more offensive firepower, as the Kraken rank 27th in the NHL for goals scored with just 130. Moreover, their penalty kill remains the weakest in the league at 71.2%, making them vulnerable during crucial moments.
Projected Lineups
| Team | Forwards | Defense | Goalie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins |
|
|
Stuart Skinner (expected) |
| Seattle Kraken |
|
|
Philipp Grubauer (expected) |
How to Watch
Viewers can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh, with radio coverage available on 105.9 The X. As the Penguins take the ice for this crucial matchup, they aim to break their losing streak against the Kraken and improve their standings in the Metro Division.
