Pens, who are hungry for wins, announce who will start against the Leafs
Much like the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 2022-23 season for the Pittsburgh Penguins has been a mixed bag. The main difference between the two teams is that the Leafs started slow and have gradually gotten better, while the Pens started hot right out of the gate and have gradually gotten worse.
The Leafs have won 3 of their last 4 games and have collected points in all four, but are coming off of a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Pens have lost 3 of their last 4 and are coming off of a 4-1 win in Washington on Thursday. Prior to that win for the Pens, though, it was pretty rough treading. The Pens had lost 7 straight before their win over the Caps. Now back in the win column, I'm sure we can anticipate a Pens team who is hungry and desperate to keep the ship pointed in the right direction.
The Leafs, as we know, will be starting 3rd-string goaltender Erik Kallgren tonight against the Pens. The Pens, on the other hand, had the opportunity to start Tristan Jarry (4-3-1 in 8 GP), but have instead opted to go with Casey DeSmith (1-3-1 in 5GP). While the move might look like an advantageous one for Toronto based on their records, that's not necessarily the case.
Jarry has struggled mightily this season, owning a very pedestrian 3.38 GAA and a below-average .903 SV% across his 8 games. Meanwhile, DeSmith, despite playing 3 less games and owning a losing record, owns a slightly improved 2.80 GAA and a pretty solid .913 SV%.
The Pens always seem to come into Toronto and play the Leafs hard. By no means will this game be an easy one, despite the fact that the Leafs sit 5 points higher than the Pens in the standings. Hopefully the Buds can take advantage of a Pens team who really seems to be fighting it this year. With Leafs legend Borje Salming expected to be in the building to be honoured during the pre-game ceremonies and to cheer on his team tonight, the Buds have at least one reason to bring their A-game and take it to the Pens.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 11 | 87 ANSWERS Pens, who are hungry for wins, announce who will start against the Leafs Will the Penguins qualify for the playoffs this season? (currently 7th in the Metro) | ||
| Yes | 46 | 52.9 % |
| No - their run as a top team had to end eventually | 41 | 47.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
