Game Preview: Pens-Wings
By
Pittsburgh Penguins
Place
PPG Paints Arena
TV
AT&T SportsNet
Radio
105.9 FM, the X
Notables
* After having four days off for the holiday break, the Pens host the Detroit Red Wings for the 1st time this season. The Red Wings have won the season series 2-1 each of the last two years. However, the Pens have won 5 of the last 7 games played against Detroit at PPG Paints Arena, and right now, they're 7-2-1 in their past 10 home games.
* The Pens will be looking to continue the momentum they built heading into the holiday break, as they played 6 games in 9 days from Dec. 14-22 and went 5-1 in those contests.
* Overall, the Pens are 8-2-1 in their last 11 games and 11-4-3 in their last 18, going from last place in the Eastern Conference to third place in the Metro Division.
* Matt Murray will start in net for the Pens. He is coming off a 39-save shutout in Pittsburgh's 3-0 victory over the Hurricanes in Carolina on Dec. 21. Overall, he is 3-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average and .964 save percentage since returning from a lower-body injury that caused him to miss a month of action.
* Bryan Rust has been the Pens' hottest player this month with 8 goals and 13 points in 12 games during December. He is currently riding a career-long 5-game point streak (5G-3A-8PTS).
* The Red Wings have just one win in their last 7 tries, going 1-4-2 over that stretch. They fell in overtime to Toronto, 5-4, in overtime in their final game before the holiday break on Dec. 23.
* Dylan Larkin scored in that contest to extend his point streak to 11 games. The center has 5 goals and 14 points over that stretch and leads the team with 15 goals and 36 points in 38 games.
Injuries
PIT - Jamie Oleksiak (concussion), Justin Schultz (lower leg fracture).
DET - Andreas Athanasiou (upper body), Danny DeKeyser (upper body), Mike Green (lower body), Darren Helm (upper body), Anthony Mantha (hand).
Parkway East Closure
PennDOT is reminding motorists that a full closure of the inbound Parkway East will occur between the Boulevard of the Allies/Liberty Bridge (Exit 72B) off-ramp and the Grant Street on-ramp from 6 am Wednesday, December 26 through 10 am Sunday, December 30, weather permitting. All inbound Parkway East traffic must exit at the Boulevard of the Allies off-ramp. Fans traveling from the East are encouraged to consider alternative routes or allow for additional travel time Thursday. For more information including recommended PennDot detours, please
click here
.
Love Your Melon
Stop by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation table behind Section 104 Thursday to buy this season's gold "Love Your Melon" beanie or order online anytime at
www.pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org
! The Penguins Foundation will also be selling a limited edition "Love Your Melon" cuffed pom beanie on Thursday night! This must-have hat is only available for sale inside PPG Paints Arena during Pittsburgh Penguins' home games and quantities are limited! Your purchase will help support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown.
We've Gone Mobile!
New this season, in an effort to ensure a ticketing experience that is more convenient, safe and secure for all Penguins fans, 8½" x 11" PDF tickets (print-at-home delivery) will no longer be a valid form of entry for PPG Paints Arena events.
If you do not have a physical ticket for the game, you must present a mobile ticket on your smartphone at the gate.
Primary tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are available via the Ticketmaster app or
www.ticketmaster.com
.
Fans that received a transfer from a Penguins season ticket holder or purchased resell tickets through Ticketmaster or NHL Ticket Exchange must visit 'My Penguins Account' to manage and view mobile tickets. My Penguins Account is available in the Penguins app under 'Tickets' or online at
www.pittsburghpenguins.com/myaccount
.
Mobile tickets will appear as a square QR code (
see image for reference
).
For more information, please visit our
Mobile Ticketing Page
.
Pre-Game Broadcast at the Highmark Gate
On your way into the game, be sure to stop by the AT&T SportsNet pre-game show, which will air live from the new Highmark Studio! Located just inside the Highmark Gate, fans are invited to gather and watch starting at 6:30 PM! The Highmark Gate is located along Centre Avenue near the Mario Lemieux statue.
Pick Up Your "Penguins & Paws" Charity Pet Calendar at the Game
The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and Rachael Ray Nutrish are pleased to present the 2019 "Penguins & Paws" Charity Pet Calendar! You can pick up your copy at the Penguins Foundation table on the concourse behind Section 104 Thursday night. Proceeds benefit Humane Animal Rescue.
Important Security Reminders
For the safety of all guests, fans will be required to pass through walk-through metal detectors upon entering PPG Paints Arena. Only small personal bags (purses, baby or diaper bags, etc.) will be permitted inside the building and all items are subject to searches upon entrance. Large bags, coolers, backpacks and sealed packages of any kind are not permitted. In addition, PPG Paints Arena allows only small, personal still-cameras equipped with a 3 inch lens or smaller. Cameras with detachable lenses or flashes are not permitted. For a complete list of frequently asked questions, please visit PPG Paints Arena's
A to Z Guide
.
Remember the Game with a Warm-Up Puck Souvenir
Don't miss your chance to take home an incredible souvenir! The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation will be selling the pucks used by your favorite Penguins players in warm-ups outside of the KeyBank Club at the start of the 1st intermission on Thursday. Perfect for memories, gifts or collections, these official NHL warm-up pucks come with a display cube and a certificate of authenticity. All proceeds benefit the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
Bid to Win with the Penguins Foundation's Game Day Auction
Stop by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation's Game Day Auction located outside of the KeyBank Club near Section 104 to see what unique items are being featured at Thursday's game! Text PENS to 52182 to place your bid on these items and more! Proceeds benefit the Foundation's community and youth initiatives.
Upgrade Your Game Using the Penguins App
Pittsburgh Penguins fans in attendance can get the VIP treatment with Upgrade Your Game! Upgrade Your Game offers fans access to once-in-a-lifetime Penguins experiences like Lexus Club guest passes, premium seat upgrades and more! Simply download the Penguins app and register today under the "Upgrade Your Game" section within the "Tickets" menu!
Go Home a Winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation 50/50 Raffle
Pick up your tickets for the Penguins Foundation 50/50 raffle for a chance to win Thursday's jackpot. The more you play the more it pays. Proceeds from this season's raffles benefit the
Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
and the numerous charitable organizations it supports through grants. Over $1.1 million was raised during the 2017-18 season. Visit one of the concourse kiosks or watch for ticket sellers in green through the second intermission - the winning number will be announced in the third period.
Uber Drop-off & Pick-up Area Now Available
Uber will help you skate past the parking lot crowds with a special drop-off and pick-up area off of Fullerton Street on Wylie Avenue - across from PPG Paints Arena's Verizon Gate!
Click here
for details.
Plus, get $15 off your first ride with code PENGUINS18 until 06.01.19!
