Will the Pittsburgh Penguins Outskate the Devils in Newark?
As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to face off against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent defeat. The last time these two teams met on March 19, 2024, it was a tough game for the Penguins who lost with a score of 2-5 despite putting up an impressive number of shots on goal. The Devils capitalized on their powerplay opportunities by scoring twice out of three chances, showcasing their efficiency when they had the man advantage.
The Penguins' performance in that game was not reflective of their capabilities. They dominated faceoffs with a win percentage of 51 and blocked an impressive number of shots (17), but it wasn't enough to secure victory. Their powerplay unit failed to convert any goals from two opportunities—a stark contrast to their previous game against Detroit Red Wings where they scored once in four powerplay chances and won with a convincing scoreline of 6-3.
Looking at past performances, it's clear that special teams could be decisive in this upcoming match. The Devils have shown they can be lethal on powerplays, while the Penguins need to improve their conversion rate and penalty kill if they want to come out on top.
Defensively, both teams were evenly matched last time around with each side blocking numerous shots and making significant hits. However, Pittsburgh will need more takeaways and fewer giveaways if they are going to control the game's tempo.
Offensively, there is potential for Pittsburgh’s shooting accuracy which stood at five percent during their loss against New Jersey—far below what they achieved against Detroit (16 percent). If players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin can find space and fire accurately as they did against Detroit Red Wings earlier this month (March 17), then fans could witness an entirely different outcome.
The key for Pittsburgh will be maintaining discipline while ramping up aggression in front of goal; converting those shot opportunities into points is crucial. Goaltending also remains vital; despite facing many shots previously, better save percentages are needed under pressure situations.
With all eyes set on April 2nd’s clash at Prudential Center scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT, Penguin fans should mark their calendars. This matchup promises excitement as both teams vie for dominance on ice—a true test for Pittsburgh’s resilience after recent setbacks. Fans can catch all the action live through broadcast networks ESPN+ online or MSGSN and SportsNet PT via television coverage.