"With the calendar flipped to 2026, we are three months and change away from the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs. And despite the naysaying of some prognosticators, both the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins are in the postseason mix. That's an understatement for the Red Wings, who have been battling for the No. 1 spot in the Atlantic Division. The Penguins have a bit more work to do -- they're just on the outside looking in as Saturday's games begin."
"The Penguins won their first three games after the NHL's three-day holiday break Dec. 24-26, winning 7-3 at the Chicago Blackhawks, 5-1 vs. the Carolina Hurricanes, then 4-3 in overtime over the Red Wings. Regarding the first two games, this was the first time since October 2022 that the club had consecutive four-goal wins. Pittsburgh is 3-9 in games decided past regulation this season. The Penguins' nine OT/SO losses are tied with the Los Angeles Kings for second most behind the Vegas Golden Knights (11)."
The calendar has turned to 2026, leaving just over three months before the Stanley Cup playoffs. Both the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins sit in postseason contention, with Detroit battling for the Atlantic Division's top spot and Pittsburgh just outside the playoff picture. Saturday's matchup at Little Caesars Arena is scheduled for noon ET on ABC with betting odds favoring Detroit (DET -148) and an over/under of 6.5. Pittsburgh's record stands at 18-12-9 (45 points) with Sidney Crosby leading in scoring. The Penguins won three post-holiday games but struggle in overtime/shootout situations, going 3-9 in games decided past regulation.
Read at ESPN.com
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