Devils Face Penguins in Crucial NHL Matchup Amid Injury Challenges

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The New Jersey Devils, holding a 29-19-6 record, are set to clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who stand at 22-24-8, in a pivotal NHL game at PPG Paints Arena. This matchup marks the conclusion of a brief two-game road trip for the Devils, who are looking to rebound from a recent loss.

Devils’ head coach Sheldon Keefe announced that center Erik Haula, sidelined since Jan. 4 due to an ankle injury, is a game-time decision. “He looks good but it’ll be a game-time type of thing,” Keefe stated, expressing optimism about Haula’s potential return to the ice. Meanwhile, goalie Nico Daws is slated to make his first NHL start of the season, stepping in for Jake Allen who is being rested.

The Penguins, despite their struggles this season, boast a lineup featuring stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, though Malkin will miss the game due to a lower-body injury. Crosby, a future Hall of Famer, recently surpassed Mario Lemieux for the most assists in franchise history, highlighting his enduring impact on the team.

Both teams are navigating through injuries, with the Devils missing key players like goaltender Jacob Markstrom and captain Nico Hischier. The Penguins, on the other hand, are adjusting to recent roster changes aimed at building for the future, including the acquisition of new players in a trade with Vancouver.

As the Devils aim to solidify their playoff positioning, the Penguins are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive. The game promises to be a strategic battle, with both teams eager to secure a win in this high-stakes encounter.