The Pittsburgh Penguins will play the Carolina Hurricanes in a game with Metropolitan Division implications.
The Hurricanes currently lead the division, with the Penguins in second place.
Penguins Aim to Close the Gap
The Penguins are looking to close the gap with the Hurricanes, who have a seven-point advantage in the standings. Pittsburgh was not expected to be a playoff team in 2025-26, but they sit in second place in the Metro.
The Penguins’ preseason standings points over/under was 77.5, a number that they’ve already surpassed.
Crosby’s Return Boosts Pittsburgh
The Penguins will be bolstered by the return of Sidney Crosby, who is expected to play after sustaining a lower-body injury at the Olympics.
The game is a potential “four-point swing” for either team.
If Pittsburgh wants to win the division, this game and the return match on March 22 against the Hurricanes are basically must-wins given the deficit.
Remaining Schedules Compared
Aside from the two games against the Hurricanes, the Penguins’ remaining schedule includes just four games against current playoff teams. The Hurricanes’ final 13 non-Pittsburgh games include six against current playoff teams, and two against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are right on the bubble and as hot as anyone right now.
Division Title Odds
Stathletes projects the Hurricanes’ division title chances at 97.2%, with the Penguins’ at 1.5%. Every team has around 15 games remaining before the regular season concludes April 16.
The winner of the game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins will have a greater chance to avoid matching up against the other in the first round, with the loser looking at a potential 1st round matchup of:
- Carolina Hurricanes vs WC2 Detroit Red Wings
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs M3 New York Islanders
Wednesday’s schedule includes:
- New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers, 7 p.m. (TNT)
- Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.
- Ottawa Senators at Washington Capitals, 7:30 p.m.
The Dallas Stars will also play the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs are holding a three-point edge and a game in hand in the Central Division.