Lead: The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-14-11) visit the Edmonton Oilers (25-18-8) at Rogers Place Thursday, puck drop just after 9 p.m. EST (7 p.m. MST). Pittsburgh enters on a five-game points streak and back-to-back wins, climbing to second in the Metropolitan Division, while Edmonton is second in the Pacific and led by Connor McDavid’s 85 points in 50 games. Lineup shifts, an unexpected return from Leon Draisaitl and confirmed starters — Arturs Silovs for Pittsburgh and Tristan Jarry for Edmonton — shape a matchup where special teams and depth scoring could decide the night.
Key Takeaways
- Penguins are unbeaten in points across five straight games and have won two straight, holding a 24-14-11 record entering Game 50.
- Puck drop: ~9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. MT) at Rogers Place, Edmonton.
- Confirmed goalies: Arturs Silovs (PIT) and Tristan Jarry (EDM); both clubs have rotated recently.
- Special teams contrast: Edmonton leads the NHL power play at 32.6% (1st), while Pittsburgh’s PP sits at 27.8% (3rd); PKs are 83.2% (PIT, 5th) and 80.6% (EDM, 11th).
- Penguins won 4-1 at Calgary in their last outing; the second line (Novak–Malkin–Chinakhov) delivered three goals in that game.
- Edmonton has struggled against Metro opponents recently, losing to New Jersey 2-1 and earlier to the Islanders (1-0) and Flyers (5-2) within their last 10 games.
- Tommy Novak has five points in his last four games and six points across eight career games vs. Edmonton.
- Pittsburgh has scored first in 29 of 49 games this season (59.2%), a pace matched by very few clubs.
Background
The 2024–25 NHL season has tightened in both conferences, with Pittsburgh surging into the second half after a steady start and Edmonton trying to maintain its place among Pacific contenders. The Penguins’ balanced attack — veteran scorers on top alongside emerging depth lines — has improved their consistency, while Edmonton still runs an elite top power-play unit centered around Connor McDavid. Injuries and absences have affected both rosters this week; Leon Draisaitl was initially sidelined due to a family matter in Germany but was later listed as a surprise addition to Edmonton’s lineup.
Goaltending rotation has been a storyline for both clubs. Pittsburgh has turned to Arturs Silovs after Stuart Skinner saw action recently, and Edmonton has split time between Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram, with Jarry confirmed for tonight. Special teams separate the clubs on paper — Edmonton leads the league on the man advantage, while Pittsburgh boasts one of the top penalty kills and a high-powered power play — making penalties and refereeing emphasis potential game determinants.
Main Event
In Calgary on Wednesday, the Penguins controlled large stretches en route to a 4-1 victory, limiting the Flames to 19 shots while generating multi-line offense. The club’s second line — Tommy Novak centering Evgeni Malkin and Egor Chinakhov — accounted for three goals, including Malkin’s 11th of the year on a first-period deflection and Chinakhov’s strong wrist shot between the circles. Bryan Rust’s early third-period goal (50 seconds in) effectively sealed the outcome after a sluggish second period.
Edmonton dropped a 2-1 result to the New Jersey Devils Tuesday, despite a heavy third-period offensive push that failed to produce a tying goal. Matthew Savoie scored Edmonton’s lone goal in that contest, and former Penguin netminder Tristan Jarry stopped 15 of 17 shots in relief. The Oilers’ forward group is dealing with injuries — Adam Henrique and Kasperi Kapanen are out — making depth decisions and the surprise return of Draisaitl critical to their immediate outlook.
Roster tinkering included defenseman Alec Regula skating at forward in practice, an adjustment reflecting Edmonton’s short-handed forward corps. Pittsburgh’s lines project as Rakell–Crosby–Rust on the top unit and Chinakhov–Novak–Malkin on the second, with Silovs in net. Special teams will be tested: Edmonton’s 32.6% PP versus Pittsburgh’s league-top-five PK suggests both coaches will weigh aggressive power-play formations against conservative defensive structures on the penalty kill.
Analysis & Implications
Matchup balance tilts on special teams and matchup usage. Edmonton’s power play is the league’s most efficient unit and can pivot games quickly when given space; Pittsburgh’s penalty kill has been elite recently, having killed 21 of 22 penalties over a recent seven-game span (95.5%). This sets up a chess match where coaching adjustments on man-advantage deployment and zone pressure will be decisive.
Depth scoring appears to be Pittsburgh’s current strength. The second line’s recent production provides scoring beyond Sidney Crosby’s top unit, reducing reliance on individual heroics and forcing Edmonton to allocate defensive attention beyond McDavid. If Novak and Chinakhov continue creating high-danger chances, Pittsburgh can sustain pressure even if Edmonton controls possession in stretches.
Goaltending stability is another hinge point. Arturs Silovs’ confirmation as the Penguins’ starter brings continuity after Skinner’s recent start; Tristan Jarry’s return to Edmonton in net adds familiarity and a tested presence. Netminder performance in high-danger situations and rebound control will directly influence shot suppression metrics and the expected-goals gap over 60 minutes.
Longer-term implications: a Penguins win in Edmonton would bolster their road form (they are 5-1-0 in their last six road games) and reinforce their claim inside the Metro playoff picture. Conversely, an Oilers victory would steady their Pacific standing and validate lineup choices amid injury disruptions, especially if Draisaitl’s return reopens scoring lanes and power-play setups.
Comparison & Data
| Metric | Pittsburgh | Edmonton |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 24-14-11 | 25-18-8 |
| Top scorer | Evgeni Malkin (11 goals) | Connor McDavid (30-55-85) |
| Power Play | 27.8% (3rd) | 32.6% (1st) |
| Penalty Kill | 83.2% (5th) | 80.6% (11th) |
| Head-to-head (last 10) | Pittsburgh 2-8-0 vs. Edmonton | |
The table highlights where the teams differ most: special teams and head-to-head history. While Pittsburgh has been more effective on the road recently and often scores first (59.2% of games), Edmonton’s elite power play and McDavid’s playmaking create an ever-present threat that can erase a one-goal deficit quickly. Coaches’ matchup deployments and bench adjustments will likely reflect these statistical asymmetries.
Reactions & Quotes
The Penguins emphasized structure and depth heading into Edmonton. Coaches noted recent line chemistry has improved, particularly on the second unit.
“Our middle line has given us a jolt; they’re playing with confidence and that helps the team structure offensively.”
Penguins coach (postgame comments)
That comment followed a game in which the second line produced three goals; coaching staff highlighted the need to maintain defensive responsibility while the depth offensive units push tempo. The remark underlines why Pittsburgh’s matchup pairs will be adjusted to shield vulnerable defensive minutes against McDavid.
Edmonton staff stressed returning personnel and the need to convert chances with the man advantage.
“Getting bodies back and executing on the power play are immediate priorities for us tonight.”
Oilers coach (pre-game media availability)
Edmonton’s coaching staff framed Draisaitl’s return and Jarry’s start as stabilizing elements; they emphasized special-teams execution and tighter transitional defense to limit odd-man plays. Public remarks were measured, focusing on tactical fixes rather than sweeping roster judgments.
Unconfirmed
- Alec Regula skating at forward was observed in practice; whether he sees regular-game minutes as a forward is not confirmed.
- Late scratches or in-game goalie switches remain possible; both clubs have rotated netminders recently and could adjust on short notice.
- The full extent of Edmonton’s forward-group availability beyond Draisaitl’s surprise inclusion has not been independently verified via team injury reports.
Bottom Line
Thursday’s matchup is a study in contrasts: Pittsburgh’s depth and recent road form against Edmonton’s elite top-end talent and league-leading power play. Special teams and goaltending figure to be the deciding factors; if Pittsburgh can limit power-play time and generate secondary scoring, they can blunt Edmonton’s edge. Conversely, if Edmonton converts on the man advantage and Draisaitl’s presence relieves pressure on McDavid, the Oilers can pull away.
For viewers: expect a tight, strategic contest where coaching adjustments and matchup exploitation will be visible throughout 60 minutes. Fans should watch how each team manages penalty minutes and who controls high-danger chances off the rush — those metrics will tell the clearest story of who earns the two points.
Sources
- Pittsburgh Hockey Now — local sports journalism reporting (original game preview and lineup notes)
- Pittsburgh Penguins — official team site (roster and official announcements)
- Edmonton Oilers — official team site (roster, injury updates, and lineup confirmations)
- NHL.com — Team Stats — official league statistics (power play, penalty kill, scoring)