It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh!
Before you check out this article, check out the Penguins 2021 season preview. The NHL season is back in 2021 after a season that was shortened but featured in expanded playoffs due to coronavirus in 2020. Not only the Penguins but the entire NHL are feeling the effects still in 2021 as the NHL decided to reform the divisions to limit travel distance, including an entire Canadian division. For the Penguins though, a familiar foe sits in front of them despite the divisions changing, the Philadelphia Flyers. The in-state rivals kick off the season against one another for the eighth time and the first time since 2013 when the Penguins started the season strong with a 3-1 victory. As for 2021, these teams have changed since last season, seeing the Penguins and Flyers both make some strong additions in very different ways, but here are some notes on the game tonight. How will the Penguins start without Kaspari Kapanen Available? The Penguins acquired Kapenan from the Toronto Maple Leafs to be a strong first-line winger alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, but he is out for at least the first three contests for the Penguins due to COVID-19 protocol. Evan Rodrigues will get the nod as the first line winger in place of Kapanen more than likely, posing a huge opportunity for him to prove his worth after a solid offseason from word of the coaching staff. Kapanen's absence also poses opportunities for other players as well as Brandon Tenev will move up to the third line and Sam Lafferty will get a chance to play as well. Can Tristan Jarry kick off his campaign on a good note? After Matt Murray was traded to the Ottawa Senators in the 2020 offseason, it was clear Jarry would be the top goaltender for the Penguins moving forward. Jarry was 1-1 against the Flyers last season, allowing five goals in the two contests with 54 saves. Jarry earned himself an All-Star nod last season, but with his role now much more elevated, getting off to a hot start against a bitter rival could be huge for the young goaltender in 2021. Can the Penguins New-Look Defense Contain Sean Courtier and Co.? The Penguins defense saw some changes in the offseason and with it being their first game together, it could take a hot minute for the defense to gel together and that spells trouble against Sean Courtier. The Frank Selke award winner enjoyed a strong 2020 campaign, hitting 59 points in 69 games played last season. He enjoyed some success with fellow first-line man Travis Konecny, who bested him with 61 points last season but created a stellar first line for the Flyers that also includes Oskar Lindbolm, who posted 18 points in 30 games last season. The Penguins will see additions Cody Cece and Mike Matheson make debuts tonight, so it will be interesting to see how the defense fairs against what was a solid offensive team in the Flyers in 2020. The Penguins and Flyers kick off the 2021 season at 5:30pm ET on NBCSN.
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