Pittsburgh Penguins: 6 Things to Watch For Against the Buffalo Sabres

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Thursday night the Pittsburgh Penguins dropped a tough one to the Washington Capitals. It was a very entertaining game to watch, especially with the Pens throwing 41 shots at Tomas Vokoun.

Despite the loss, things are looking up for the Penguins. Evgeni Malkin returned to the lineup, Sidney Crosby has been cleared for contact and the team still has not lost in regulation.

The early schedule has been a hectic one for Pittsburgh. They jump right back in to action at home against the Buffalo Sabres.

Check the slides out to see the top things to watch for in that game.

Evgeni Malkin out of the Lineup

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Evgeni Malkin returned to the lineup and looked good again combined with James Neal. He will miss the game against the Sabres due to soreness in his surgically-repaired knee.

Will the team's offense shrink without Geno? Can James Neal continue his effectiveness without a player to get him the room he needs to thrive?

Is New Defense Pairing in the Works?

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Shelly Anderson tweeted that Kris Letang was paired with Ben Lovejoy at the morning skate. Does this mean that Deryk Engelland and Matt Niskanen will be paired together?

Jhonas Enroth in Goal for Buffalo

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Jhonas Enroth will get the nod in goal for the Sabres. Historically, Ryan Miller has had some tough games against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

This is a good move for Miller, but will Enroth rise to the occasion?

The Asham Aftermath

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Not that anyone is clamouring for my opinion on the matter, but as one of the people entrusted with the Penguins Featured Columnist spot, I do feel the need to put it out there somewhere. Arron Asham did something stupid after the fight and he regretted that part of it.

There should not be any more discussion of it past that, though it will certainly be brought up over and over. Fighting is, should be, and hopefully always will be a part of the sport.

The people who try to make fighting in to some type of "headshot" sicken me. In the vast majority of hockey fights, the two players are willing combatants, just like what happened in this instance.

It will be interesting to see how the team responds to the aftermath of this hit. I believe the team will be a closer group because of it.

Power Play

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The power play did a good job winning the battle in a crucial situation. James Neal put one in to tie the score with under five minutes left in the game.

This was an improvement on the failure of the unit in the Edmonton game in a similar situation. Very encouraging.

Chris Kunitz

Marissa Baecker/Getty Images

Fresh off a contract extension, Chris Kunitz looks to get his first goal of the season. Will tonight be the night?

Against the Panthers, I mentioned Pascal Dupuis and him as the guys who are playing well but do not have a goal. The spotlight is all yours, Chris. Do us proud.

 

If you are new to B/R, keep coming back as I will look to preview each game this season and I also Tweet during the game @shootinthepuck.