Game Time March 04, 2022 at 07:00 pm ET
After facing off just two weeks ago, these two Metropolitan division rivals are back at it as the stretch run of the NHL season hits full stride. The second place Penguins visit the first place Hurricanes, in a game where both backup goalies are expected to be in net. Casey DeSmith has been surprising this year recording two shutouts in his six victories behind Tristan Jarry. Meanwhile Anti Raanta has been a solid backup to Frederik Andersen, with seven wins and a sparkling 2.55 goals against average. Translation: these aren’t your typical backup goalies. The Hurricanes come in with one of the best offenses in the league, ranking sixth in goals scored and fifth in power play efficiency.
They also have the best defense in the league, ranking first in goals against and have the league’s best penalty kill. Special teams efficiency and faceoff percentage are two stats I look at to determine where the mismatches are in a game. Pittsburgh can hold its own though with the third best penalty kill and the fourth best goals against in the league this year. One glaring difference is Pittsburgh’s discipline as a veteran team. They rank first in the league with the fewest penalty minutes against per game this year, so Carolina may not even see much of an edge when it comes to special teams. My handicap in this game? It’s going to be a close one. I’m betting the Under on the total in what should be a defensive matchup.
Joey G.
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