If there was ever a matchup that features star power, it surely is this Penguins vs Lightning game analysis contest on Thursday evening in Tampa Bay. Anytime the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions play, it is a big game. Combine that with the star power that the Penguins possess, and you have a heavyweight battle. Puck drop for this contest is scheduled for 7:00 pm Eastern Time at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The Pittsburgh Penguins currently find themselves with 74 points in the NHL standings. This is good for second place in the Metropolitan Division, five points behind the Carolina Hurricanes. A team at the beginning of the season people thought were over the hill is simply exceeding expectations and once again going for it all.
The NHL playoffs are quickly approaching, and the Pens surely will be making moves at the deadline to bolster up their already star-studded roster. Pittsburgh has been playing very well as of late as they are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. This is due to their lockdown defense and goaltending that the Penguins possess.
They allow an average of 2.60 goals against per game which is good for 4th in the NHL. This team is built to win now, and they are doing it with their stout defense and tremendous goaltending.
Goalie Tristan Jarry has been elite all season long. He currently possesses a 26-11-6 record with a 2.33 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. Jarry is playing lights out, making the Penguins very dangerous these NHL playoffs.
This truly is a matchup of heavyweights of NHL teams. The Lightning have 76 points, one point more than the Florida Panthers and more than the Toronto Maple Leafs atop the Atlantic Division. Tampa is winning with their offensive attack with their 3.43 goals per game. This offensive attack is led by the stellar play from the captain, Steven Stamkos.
Stamkos has 59 points on the year from his 25 goals and 34 helpers. Not only does this team have the scoring touch, but they play sound defensively as well. They are averaging 2.75 goals against per game which is good for 7th in the NHL.
The Vezina Trophy caliber play from starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been a huge boost. He currently has a 28-8-4 record with a 2.28 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. Once again, he is the last line of defense that any team would want on their roster.
The issue for the Lightning is simply if they don’t have the depth as of years past to compete with the top NHL teams this season. Both teams are 1-1 when they compete head to head against one another.
All in all, this Penguins vs Lightning game analysis matchup looks to be as even as it could ever be. These two teams have aspirations to lift the Stanley Cup at the conclusion of the NHL playoffs. They are top teams in the NHL standings and are looking to continue to climb up the ladder. This game will have a playoff feel as it could be a potential playoff matchup.Â
The Penguins have the roster to compete with Tampa and beat them on their home ice. While a win for Pittsburgh isn’t guaranteed and may not come to fruition, this team will surely be in good hands in the NHL standings either way.
