Game #27 - vs Atlanta Thrashers

Game 27

Thrashers (13-9-3, 29 points) at Penguins (16-8-2, 34 points)

Why does it matter?
The Thrashers are almost as hot as the Pens are. This will be a good litmus test, as the Pens have been beating up teams that are struggling.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - 10-1-1 in their past 12 games. All good things must end, but let's hope the Pens' streak doesn't end tonight.
• Thrashers - 6 straight wins, 5 goals against. That says it all.

Questions to be answered

• Which Pavelec will show up? The one that struggles against the Pens or the one that is red hot recently?
• Do the Pens have an answer for Byfuglien? He's big, physical and scores big goals.
• Can Geno step it up and have a big game?

Keys to the game

• Execute on special teams. The Thrashers don't take many penalties or draw many, but their PP is good for the chances they get.
• Play the match-up game. Get Sid and Geno out there against the likes of Antropov up front and Bogosian on the blue line.
• Keep the wings alert in the defensive zone. Byfuglien has more shots this season than Sid does (!!!). The forwards will need to make sure not to give him time and space to crank it up (and watch for him sneaking in the back door).