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Dan Muse outlines what the Penguins must do to take down the Lightning
Photo credit: Edit from Raw Charge
Penguins head coach Dan Muse spoke to reporters and revealed that the Penguins need to do certain things if they want to take down the red-hot Lightning.
The Penguins' break allowed them to get a smoother route home to Pittsburgh after Monday's stop in Philadelphia, a chance to spend time with family on Tuesday, and a practice session on Wednesday before hopping on a plane to Florida for tonight's game.
Just about any road trip offers intriguing detours along the way, and this one's no exception.
Practice brought a few notes. Anthony Mantha took a maintenance day, which might shed some light on his current dip, just two goals and two assists over his last 13 games. Joona Koppanen stayed out sick.
Injury timelines affecting several players revealed
Justin Brazeau and Noel Acciari did skate in full, but Dan Muse said neither will play tonight. Kyle Dubas said both are seven to ten days from returning, while Rickard Rakell is out for another three to four weeks.
Tampa Bay's been hot, 10-3 since early November. Muse really put an emphasis on the fact that the energy the Pens showed in Philly needs to carry into tonight's matchup against one of the league's hottest teams. He labeled it an easy game to get fired up for and noted plenty of buzz.
"We got to carry the work that we had in the last game (in Philadelphia) and bring it in here against one of the hottest teams in the league... this should be a very easy one to get up for, and that excitement is there."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
Why this game could be a rough battle five-on-five for the Penguins
Statistically speaking, this could be a very rough five-on-five battle for Pittsburgh. The Penguins give up a good amount of chances, surviving because their goaltending is so stellar.
Tampa produces shots, chances, and five-on-five offense at a high level, though its power play has yet to match the skill on hand. So, Tristan Jarry has a big test in keeping this attack in check.
The Lightning should be sharp after coughing up the lead early in their loss to the Islanders, and according to Muse, there's more to come from Tampa as they try to reassert themselves tonight.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 48 ANSWERS Dan Muse outlines what the Penguins must do to take down the Lightning Will the Penguins manage to take down the red-hot Lightning? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 89.6 % |
| No | 5 | 10.4 % |
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