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Penguins coach Dan Muse announces starting goalie for tonight's game vs Senators
Penguins head coach Dan Muse is opting not to go with Stuart Skinner tonight, as the team will instead turn to Arturs Silovs in goal vs. the Senators.
Artūrs Silovs will start in goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins in Ottawa on Thursday, head coach Dan Muse confirmed after the morning skate. Despite a rough few games, Muse is showing faith in the Latvia-born goalie to get the team back on track.
Arturs Silovs' recent struggles highlighted
Silovs has struggled lately, going 0-2-2 and allowing 17 goals on 79 shots (.769 save percentage). He's 4-4-6 overall this season with a 3.20 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage.
Ottawa's offense, which averages just over three goals per game, will be a tough challenge. The Penguins are hoping for a fresh start after a difficult five-game homestand that ended 0-2-3, with multiple leads slipping away in the third period.
They hit the road Wednesday for games in Ottawa and Montreal, looking to reset and regain the momentum they had earlier in the season.
Why the Penguins players may be extra motivated tonight
There's a personal angle to this trip, too, as several players and staff members will have their fathers traveling with them. That extra support could give the team a boost and some extra motivation not to let their families see another meltdown.
Before the homestand, Pittsburgh had collected five of six points on a three-game trip and was 4-1-1 overall, showing they're capable of playing at a high level. Even some of the youngest players are confident that better days are ahead.
The goal now is simple: move past the recent setbacks, trust their own game, and hit the reset button on the road.
Thursday's matchup is a chance to get back on track and rebuild the consistency that had them performing among the NHL's best earlier this season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 103 ANSWERS Penguins coach Dan Muse announces starting goalie for tonight's game vs Senators Will Arturs Silovs lead the Penguins to a victory tonight? | ||
| Yes | 22 | 21.4 % |
| No | 81 | 78.6 % |
| List of polls | ||