The Pittsburgh Penguins face the Columbus Blue Jackets in game one of their NHL playoff series at PPG Paints Arena on Wednesday, April 12.
The Pittsburgh Penguins begin the defense of their Stanley Cup championship on Wednesday night when they face the Columbus Blue Jackets in game one of their first-round series.
A season ago Sidney Crosby earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP. This year, the Nova Scotia native led the NHL in goals. The Penguins led the NHL with 282 goals in the regular season. The Penguins are expected to have Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup. The Russian center has not played since March 15, because of a shoulder injury.
However, Pittsburgh will be challenged to score against the Blue Jackets’ stingy defense. Columbus allowed the second-fewest goals in the NHL. Sergei Bobrovsky is the favorite to earn the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie. The Russian goalie posted a 93.3 save percentage and seven shutouts. If Bobrovsky gets hot, he could eliminate the Penguins in the first round.
Winning the first game would be huge for either team, as this series will likely go seven games. The Penguins and Blue Jackets both finished with top four records in the NHL this season. Thanks to the NHL’s format the two teams face off in the first round.
Next: FanSided NHL playoff previews
The NHL playoff game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets will be broadcast on USA Network and Sportsnet 360 in Canada. Live streaming is available on NBC Sports, and Sportsnet which you can access with your cable or satellite, either online or through their app.
Date: Wednesday, April 12
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Pittsburgh, Pa
Stadium: PPG Paints Arena
TV Info: USA Network, Sportsnet 360 (Canada)
Live Stream: USA Network, Sportsnet Now
On April 4, Pittsburgh defeated Columbus 4-1. The Penguins are one of the best home teams in the NHL, going 31-6-4 during the regular season.