The most interesting matches of the NHL regular season are still ahead, so we are waiting for a battle of interesting teams, "Chicago" will go to visit "Pittsburgh". The start of the game of these teams is scheduled for October 17 at 02:00 Moscow time. Our portal has prepared its forecast for this confrontation for you.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh still dreams of the Stanley Cup with this "golden" squad, but now it looks more like an illusion than real plans for the team. Both Crosby and Malkin will miss the start of the season, which could hit the attacking potential of the team, but even without them, the Penguins confidently held the preseason and tore the reigning champion in the first game of the season on the road with a score of 2:6. However, in the second meeting, the Penguins lost to Florida in overtime.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chiefs expressed a desire to compete for the title again and noticeably strengthened the squad, added depth, and also strengthened the goal line at the expense of Fleury, who can still give out several confident seasons. While the team lacks stability, they alternate wins and losses, and in the opening games of the championship they lost on the road to Colorado and New Jersey, showing a weak defensive game.
Injuries and disqualifications:
- Injuries:
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Pittsburgh - Malkin (knee injury), Crosby (wrist injury), Gunzel (illness).
Chicago - Kalinyuk (ankle injury), Jones (wrist injury).
Statistics and figures
- The last match between these teams ended with a 3-2 victory for Pittsburgh.
- In its last five games, Pittsburgh has lost just twice.
- Chicago has a bad streak of three consecutive defeats on the road.
Forecast
The clear favorite in this confrontation seems to me to be Pittsburgh, which has scored a good move, and continues to fight for leadership in the division. "Chicago" after updating in the offseason can't find its game yet and gives out a series of defeats. Even without their leaders, the Penguins must win this game.