PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Last week in the game at Carolina, the Pens had an emotional win the night before in Tampa Bay. It seems like they tired in the final period. This time it's Carolina having to play the second of a back-to-back Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh following a 3-1 win in Philadelphia.
Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan said he wants to 'dictate terms' Sunday afternoon at home against the team eight points ahead in the Metropolitan Division.
"We have to elevate our intensity, elevate our mindset from the drop of the puck," Sullivan said. "I think if we do that we are as competitive a team as there is in the league. I don't think there is a team in the league that we can't compete with. We have to make sure we control what we can to bring our best game."
The game earlier this month was an overtime loss where the Hurricanes took over in the second period to get the two points. Carolina also won the previous game at PPG Paints Arena 4-3 in an odd game where the Canes got a goal nine seconds into the second and third periods.
"They are a real good team," Sullivan said. "They've got a lot of balance. They are a hungry group. They are mobile at the forward position and very mobile at the defense position. They play an in-your-face game, as hard a man-on-man team as there is in the league. They are going to make us work for every inch. We have to make it just as hard on them as they do on us."
"(the) game is important, not just for the points in the standings," said Pens defenseman Kris Letang. "We want to battle that team because they are the top team. They are a good measuring stick for us. They've been good for the last few years."
"They are a dangerous team and their work ethic is the best. You want to go into the game and have a good impression of yourself. It's getting the focus on playing that team because they are the best."
"They are a hungry team that is going to chase the puck," said Pens forward Zach Aston-Reese. "That's how they make their living, they rim pucks. They have a lot of speed and they try to create turnovers and they are heavy on the forecheck. It comes down to compete and will and all of those words you can use."
"It's like college where you get to redeem yourself against the same opponent. We could be a potential playoff matchup."
"We have to elevate our intensity, elevate our mindset from the drop of the puck," Sullivan said. "I think if we do that we are as competitive a team as there is in the league. I don't think there is a team in the league that we can't compete with. We have to make sure we control what we can to bring our best game."
McGinn injury impact
Sullivan said after announcing forward Brock McGinn is week-to-week with an upper-body injury following the game on Friday he would be hard to replace because of all of the things he does.
"It sucks anytime one of your teammates goes down, especially a guy like McGinn," said forward Zach Aston-Reese. This last stretch he has been generating a lot of offense. He's been playing great defense with some big blocks. He's been playing through bumps and bruises."
"He will be missed, but there will be guys to step up."
Pens got a practice Saturday and used the following line combinations.
Jake Guentzel-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
Danton Heinen-Evgeni Malkin- Evan Rodrigues
Kasperi Kapanen-Jeff Carter-Valtteri Puustinen
Kapanen appears to get the first opportunity in a simple one-for-one sub for McGinn and playing on the left side with Carter and the rookie Puustinen. Dominik Simon remaining a healthy scratch.
"We are trying to put combinations together that are complementary," Sullivan said. "We have some options and we've already talked about Plan B if it's not going as envisioned. What combinations help us win and we talk about a number of different things including the opponent we are playing. Nothing is ever off the table, we discuss all kind of options."
