Game Preview: 03.24.21 vs. BUF

By Pittsburgh Penguins

March 24, 2021

GM 33 | MARCH 24 | 8:00 PM ET | PPG PAINTS ARENA
WATCH: NBCSN | LISTEN: 105.9 The X, Penguins Radio Network
PIT: 19 - 11 - 2 (40 pts)
BUF: 6 - 20 - 4 (16 pts)

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MATCHUP PREVIEW

The Penguins continue along their five-game homestand as they take on the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh has points in 21 of its last 23 games against Buffalo (18-2-3) dating back to October 5, 2013. During that span, the Penguins have outscored the Sabres by a 86-44 margin. Pittsburgh is 8-2-1 in its last 11 home games versus Buffalo. The Penguins have earned points in 13 of their last 18 games overall (12-5-1).
RELATED LINKS
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Get Involved: Penguins to Celebrate Gender Equality During the Month of March
Watch: Mike Sullivan Speaks to the Media
Bet on tonight's game with BetRivers Sportsbook

QUICK HITS

Tonight, the Penguins begin their fifth set of back-to-back games this season. Pittsburgh is scheduled to have nine sets of back-to-back games in 2020-21. Thus far, the Penguins are 5-2-1 in back-to-backs (4-0-0 the first night; 1-2-1 the second night).
Over the last two games, recently recalled forward Frederick Gaudreau ranks second among Pittsburgh forwards in shorthanded time-on-ice per game, averaging 2:29 minutes. The Penguins are six-for-six (100%) on the penalty kill in those games.
Jake Guentzel has points in seven of his last eight games (6G-3A). Going back further, he has points in 10 of his last 12 contests (6G-7A).
Kasperi Kapanen has points in six of his last eight home games (4G-5A). Pittsburgh is 7-2-0 at home this season when Kapanen records a point.
Jake Guentzel enters tonight's game with 11 power-play points (4G-7A). His next power-play point will match his career-high of 12 set during the 2017-18 season.

Per Coach Sullivan, Tristan Jarry will start in goal. Brandon Tanev (upper-body) will not play tonight. He skated this morning with Jason Zucker (lower-body) and skills coach Ty Hennes, and his status remains day-to-day.
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) March 24, 2021

JARRY CLIMBING THE RANKS

Goaltender Tristan Jarry has been lights out at PPG Paints Arena this season. The netminder has picked up points in 10 of 12 starts at home this season (9-2-1) and has a 2.32 goals-against average and .932 save percentage at PPG Paints Arena. Jarry enters tomorrow's game with 46 career wins. With a win tomorrow, he can claim sole possession of ninth place on the team's all-time wins list, surpassing Johan Hedberg and Roberto Romano. In four career starts against Buffalo, Jarry is 3-1-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.

BRING IT ON HOME

The Penguins are in the midst of their second five-game homestand during the month of March. So far, Pittsburgh is 0-0-1. After this stretch of five games, Pittsburgh is scheduled to have only eight more games at PPG Paints Arena, a place that has treated them kindly this season. The Penguins' 12 home wins are tied for the fourth most in the NHL this season, and the team has also earned points in five of their last six home games (4-1-1). Sidney Crosby has led the way for Pittsburgh on home ice, recording 20 points (7G-13A) in 15 games.