Penguins Face Blackhawks in Crucial Back-to-Back Matchup

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Pittsburgh Penguins (31-34-12) will face the Chicago Blackhawks (21-45-10) at 6:00 p.m. ET today at the United Center, marking the first of two back-to-back matchups in quick succession. The game is being broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and Chicago Sports Network, with streaming available on ESPN+.

After a long season without meeting the Blackhawks until now, the Penguins are looking to gain momentum with points in five of their last seven games against Chicago (4-2-1). A point in today’s game could lead to the Penguins achieving their first-ever four-game point streak in Chicago.

While the Penguins go into this matchup with recent success at the United Center, the Blackhawks are struggling, having recently ended a game with a 5-3 loss to the Washington Capitals, where Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time goal record. Over the past month, Chicago has managed just one victory (1-10-2), a reflection of their ongoing rebuilding phase.

Today’s match will also see Sidney Crosby aiming to extend his notable season, which includes a significant stretch of individual accomplishments. Crosby currently has 86 points this season, the sixth most by a player 37 years or older in NHL history, and he is riding a 12-game point streak, the longest active streak in the league.

Alongside Crosby, Bryan Rust is just one goal and one point away from setting new career highs. He has recorded six goals in his last seven games, putting him in a prime position to surpass his previous season milestones.

Meanwhile, on the Blackhawks’ side, the lineup continues to feature several young players. This includes Connor Bedard, who has shown flashes of brilliance despite the team’s challenges, accumulating 120 points in 144 career games so far. The roster is filled with youth, with four rookies aged 20 and under expected to play.

However, the young roster has also struggled outside of the spotlight. For instance, Lukas Reichel missed a recent game due to oversleeping after his phone battery died, highlighting the inconsistencies that come with a team in transition. As the Blackhawks look ahead, they aim to draw from their younger talent to rebuild for the future.

The goalposts for both teams may shift depending on today’s outcomes. For the Penguins, maintaining their playoff hopes is key, especially with the potential end of their season looming should other games go against them. For the Blackhawks, integrating young talent and laying the groundwork for next season remains in focus.

The teams will face off again in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, following today’s game.