Game Preview: 02.16.21 vs. WSH

By Pittsburgh Penguins

February 16, 2021

GM 14 | FEB. 16 | 7:00 PM ET | PPG PAINTS ARENA
WATCH: ATTSN, NBCSN | LISTEN: 105.9 The X, Penguins Radio Network
PIT: 7-5-1 (15 points)
WSH: 6-4-3 (15 points)

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MATCHUP PREVIEW

The Penguins conclude their two-game series against the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena for Check Your Heart Night presented by UPMC Heart & Vascular Institute. Pittsburgh has been especially good versus Washington at home, where they've won nine of their last 11 games (9-2-0) dating back to Mar. 20, 2016. In those games, The Penguins are averaging 4.9 goals per game. Pittsburgh is 3-0-0 against Washington this season, with all three games being played here at PPG Paints Arena. Since the beginning of the 2015-16 campaign, no team has defeated Washington more than Pittsburgh (14 wins).
RELATED LINKS
3 Things: DeSmith Update, Goalie Talk and More
News: Bryan Rust Named NHL Third Star of the Week
News: Penguins lead NHL in local TV ratings
Learn More: Black Hockey History Month with the Pittsburgh Penguins
Story: "A Lot to Like" About Pens' Win Over Caps

QUICK HITS

Zach Aston-Reese has goals in back-to-back games for the second time in his career (Feb. 17-18, 2018; 2G).
Evgeni Malkin has 68 points (22G-46A) in 50 career games against the Capitals, which includes 16 points (6G-10A) over his last 12 games versus Washington.
The Penguins are 12-3-1 their last 16 home games dating back to last season (Jan. 14, 2020). During that span, Sidney Crosby has amassed 31 points (8G-23A) in those 16 games.
Kris Letang picked up two assists on Sunday against Washington, extending his point streak to three games (4A). The two-assist night also gives Letang back-to-back multi-assist games against the Capitals (4A).
The Penguins have allowed 11 third-period goals against through 13 games, which is tied for eighth-fewest in the NHL.

Coach Sullivan said Tristan Jarry will start tonight against Washington. When asked if Marcus Pettersson will be available to play, he said "players at all other positions will be game-time decisions."
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) February 16, 2021

Update: The Penguins activated Marcus Pettersson from the injured reserve at 5:00 PM. Read the press release
here
.

PITTSBURGH GOLD THIRD JERSEYS

Tonight, the Penguins will be wearing their Pittsburgh Gold third jerseys for the first time this season. Last year, the Penguins went 7-5-1 in their Pittsburgh Gold thirds, and are 17-7-1 all-time when wearing them.

TRAILBLAZERS

On Sunday afternoon, the Penguins found themselves down a goal a little more than five minutes into the game, then proceeded to score six of the next eight goals to earn the win. Pittsburgh is now the fourth team in NHL history to erase a deficit in each of their first seven or more wins of a season. This season, the Penguins are also tied for the NHL lead in wins when trailing after the first period (4) and trailing after the second period (3).