Penguins, Rangers Battle to Stay in the Eastern Conference Playoff Race

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The race for playoff positioning intensifies as the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers face off in a crucial Eastern Conference showdown. Both teams are looking to climb the standings, but with injuries mounting and time running out, every game becomes a must-win.

Penguins Fighting to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Penguins’ push for the postseason has been anything but smooth. Currently tied for the second-fewest points (53) in the East, Pittsburgh is at risk of missing the playoffs for a third straight season—something that hasn’t happened since the early 2000s.

To make matters worse, injuries are piling up. Evgeni Malkin (lower-body injury) remains on injured reserve after missing four games, and now Sidney Crosby’s status is uncertain due to an upper-body injury sustained in Tuesday’s 3-2 shootout loss to New Jersey.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” said head coach Mike Sullivan regarding Crosby’s availability.

Despite the adversity, Pittsburgh has shown resilience, going 2-0-1 in their last three games after a rough stretch of seven losses in nine. Kevin Hayes helped force overtime against the Devils with a clutch third-period goal, but the Penguins ultimately fell in a seven-round shootout.

One area of concern? Their struggles against the Rangers. Pittsburgh has been outscored 10-2 in their two losses to New York this season, making Friday’s matchup even more pivotal.

Rangers Heating Up with J.T. Miller Addition

The Rangers enter this matchup with momentum, having won two straight, including a gritty 3-2 comeback win over Boston on Wednesday. Vincent Trocheck and Chris Kreider scored third-period goals to erase a 2-1 deficit, further proving the team’s ability to battle back in tough situations.

A key factor in New York’s recent success has been the addition of J.T. Miller, who has already made an impact with two goals and two assists in his first two games since rejoining the team. His presence has sparked linemate Mika Zibanejad, who has a goal and five assists in the last three games.

“From the turn of the calendar, there’s been a lot more winning,” noted head coach Peter Laviolette, whose team is now 9-3-3 since January 5.

New York’s Artemi Panarin continues to be a force, tallying seven goals and 11 assists in his last 15 games, including two goals and three assists against Pittsburgh this season.

Goaltending Matchup: Shesterkin vs. Nedeljkovic

Between the pipes, Igor Shesterkin looks to build off a bounce-back performance, stopping 15 of 17 shots against Boston after surrendering 14 goals in his previous three starts. Backup Jonathan Quick also stepped up in Sunday’s 4-2 win over Vegas, making 34 saves after struggling in his previous outings.

For Pittsburgh, Alex Nedeljkovic has been a bright spot, posting a 1.84 GAA and .936 save percentage in his last seven starts. Meanwhile, forward Rickard Rakell has quietly been producing, with two goals and six assists in his last eight games.

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