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Sharks vs Penguins: The Pittsburgh Penguins remain at home Saturday as they continue a three-game stand.
Pittsburgh is coming off consecutive losses at PPG Paints Arena against the Anaheim Ducks and the Montreal Canadiens.
The Penguins will look to reset against a youthful and energetic San Jose Sharks lineup.
Earlier this season, Pittsburgh shut out San Jose 3-0 on Oct. 18 during its annual California road swing.
San Jose’s season began with a sluggish 0-3-2 start. The Sharks have since found their rhythm and climbed to a 15-14-3 record. That surge has moved them into the final playoff position in the Western Conference.
Much of the momentum has been fueled by rookie standout Macklin Celebrini. He has delivered 15 goals and 44 points through 32 games.
Celebrini’s production has placed him firmly in the conversation for a spot on Canada’s Olympic roster. Will Smith has also played a central role in the team’s rise.
Smith has totaled 12 goals and 29 points in 32 games.
The two young forwards share the top line and consistently pressure opposing defenses.
Their chemistry has quickly established them as one of the league’s most promising young pairings. Opponents, including Pittsburgh, must remain sharp whenever the duo steps onto the ice.
Yaroslav Askarov is set to get the start in the net against Pittsburgh. The goaltender has consistently delivered strong results during the season.
He carries a .903 save percentage along with a 3.14 goals-against average. Pittsburgh will be short-handed in goal for the matchup.
Stuart Skinner will not be available due to unresolved immigration matters. Defenseman Brett Kulak is also unable to play for the same reason.
Both players were acquired by the Penguins on Friday as part of the trade that sent Tristan Jarry out of the organization.
Pittsburgh made an emergency adjustment to its roster ahead of Saturday’s contest. Goaltender Sergei Murashov was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the game.
The move was made to provide immediate depth in net.
Arturs Silovs and Murashov will share goaltending duties for the matchup. Silovs is expected to start.
The Penguins will also welcome back forward Rickard Rakell.
Rakell is slated to return to action for the first time since Oct. 25.
His presence adds a proven scoring option to the lineup.
The game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET puck drop.
Coverage will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also follow the action on the radio via 105.9 The X.
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