The Pittsburgh Penguins, boasting an impressive roster featuring future Hall of Famers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, have surprisingly underperformed in shootouts this season. As they prepare to face the Seattle Kraken, who are themselves grappling with a series of late-game collapses, both teams are eager to rewrite their recent narratives and secure a much-needed victory. This highly anticipated matchup marks the final encounter between these two competitive hockey teams this season, with each side determined to emerge triumphant and gain crucial standings points.
Despite the presence of star players like Crosby and Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins have found themselves in a challenging position when games extend beyond regulation. Their record of 1-7 in shootouts highlights a significant area for improvement. A recent example saw them fall to Columbus with a 4-3 shootout loss, even after Crosby's heroic tying goal in the final minute of regular play. Coach Dan Muse acknowledged the team's struggles, emphasizing the need to convert opportunities and prevent opponents from capitalizing. Arturs Silovs, the Penguins' goalie, echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to secure wins after strong overtime performances, while recognizing the unpredictable nature of the game.
The Seattle Kraken, on the other hand, return to their home ice following a challenging five-game road trip where they managed only one win. Their recent 6-3 defeat in Utah, characterized by conceding three goals in the last five and a half minutes, underscores their own difficulties in closing out games. Coach Lane Lambert voiced frustration over his team's tendency to lose momentum in the third period, especially when tied or holding a lead. Berkly Catton, a Kraken forward, noted the team's ability to compete effectively in tight games but admitted to failing to deliver in their recent outing. Despite their current struggles, the Kraken have shown resilience throughout the season, experiencing both significant losing streaks and impressive winning runs. They currently find themselves tied for third in the Pacific Division, underscoring the importance of this upcoming game.
This Monday's game represents a pivotal moment for both the Penguins and the Kraken. The Penguins embark on a four-game western road trip, with stops in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver following their Seattle visit, making a strong start crucial. The Kraken, having previously defeated the Penguins 3-2 in overtime back in November, will be looking to replicate that success on home ice. Both teams are focused on rectifying their late-game deficiencies and aiming to secure a decisive win in this final head-to-head battle of the season.