Oilers, Penguins Aim to Overcome Slumps in Key NHL Matchups

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2025 – The Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins are both searching for victory as they face difficult opponents in a busy NHL schedule today. The Oilers will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are riding a five-game winning streak, while the Penguins look to break a three-game losing streak against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Oilers (34-19-4) enter tonight’s matchup against the Lightning (32-20-4) after suffering a series of recent losses, including a 7-3 defeat to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl is having a standout season, leading the team with 41 goals, and he boasts 12 points in his last eight games.

“We need to tighten up defensively and play better as a team,” Draisaitl said. “We have the talent to compete, but we need the effort to match it if we want to get back in the winning column.”

Meanwhile, the Lightning are looking to continue their momentum on home ice. Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has been instrumental in the team’s recent success, notching 10 points in his last five games.

“We’re feeling good right now,” Kucherov noted. “Each game is important, and we want to build on our recent performances as we head into the playoffs.”

Over in Philadelphia, the Penguins (23-27-9) also seek to regain their footing. Coming off a tough 8-3 loss against the Capitals, they will face the Flyers (25-26-7) in a critical matchup that could alter their playoff hopes. Pittsburgh forward Sidney Crosby is on a tear, extending his scoring streak to seven games, with 14 points accumulated during that span.

“Consistency is key for us,” Crosby said. “It’s about playing our game and not letting the losses derail us. We need to focus on the details and get back to winning.”

The Flyers, however, are eager to build off their recent success after handing the Oilers a defeat just two days ago. Philly is aiming for its third consecutive win, driven by a strong performance from its rookie players, who scored a combined five points in their last game.

The other matchups tonight include the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Boston Bruins, where both teams are looking to gain crucial points as the playoff race heats up. The Bruins have fallen into a three-game losing streak, while the Maple Leafs aim to extend their own winning streak to three games.

The evening of NHL action includes various other games, including the New Jersey Devils against the Nashville Predators and the New York Rangers facing off against the Buffalo Sabres.