NHL insider reveals why the next two games may help the Penguins get back on track

The Pittsburgh Penguins begin a short two-game road swing Thursday night with a game against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre, marking the opening of the Dads' Trip.

Pittsburgh has managed to get points against the Senators in recent years. The Penguins have gotten points in 16 of the last 21 encounters dating back to March 23, 2017, and 28 of the last 35 encounters overall since January 27, 2013. The Penguins' last four encounters in Ottawa have all gone into overtime.

In fact, as Penguins insider Dave Molinari pointed out recently, the Pens have been playing much better hockey on the road this season, and this trend of theirs may become important over the coming days as they have games against Ottawa and the Canadiens on the road.

Special teams are again a positive. They go into this game with the third-best power play in the NHL at 31.1 percent.

Sidney Crosby is clearly part of the story. The Penguins' captain just needs one even-strength goal to pass Phil Esposito for ninth all-time, two points to tie Gordie Howe for ninth in points on the road, and one assist to equal Adam Oates for eighth in NHL history.

He has collected points in eight of the past 10 outings and is just one point away from the Penguins' record set by Mario Lemieux.

Brett Kulak has played in 296 consecutive games and is just one assist shy of his 100th, while Erik Karlsson returns to play his former team in Ottawa amid a five-game point streak.

Kris Letang, who has 27 points in his career against Ottawa, has the second-most among active blueline players. Puck drop is set for tonight at 7 PM ET.