Will the flight continue? As the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division rankings, we break down Sidney Crosby’s surge, the Sabres’ hot streak, and Nathan MacKinnon’s race to 40 goals.
The NHL schedule is absolutely loaded this Saturday with 14 games on the slate, but all eyes are turning toward the Steel City. As the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division standings, they face a familiar foe in a matchup that could redefine the playoff race in the East. With the Olympic break fast approaching, every point is starting to feel like a Game 7.
Saturday’s Must-Watch NHL Matchups
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Key Storyline |
| NY Rangers vs. Pittsburgh | 3:30 PM | Penguins chasing 6th straight win |
| Colorado vs. Detroit | 1:00 PM | MacKinnon chasing 40th goal |
| Montreal vs. Buffalo | 7:00 PM | Sabres’ historic 20-3-1 run |
| Minnesota vs. Edmonton | 10:00 PM | Battle for the Pacific/Central lead |
| Carolina vs. Washington | 5:00 PM | Hurricanes’ late-game magic |
The Flight of the Penguins: Chasing Six in a Row
The biggest story in the East right now is how the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division rankings. Pittsburgh has been a juggernaut lately, winning five straight games and outscoring their opponents by a staggering 25-10 margin during that span. They aren’t just winning; they are dominating.
A massive part of this success is the play of Stuart Skinner. Since late December, Skinner has been a brick wall, posting a 1.63 goals-against average. While captain Sidney Crosby has been uncharacteristically quiet over the last two games, his 57 points this season prove he is still the engine that makes this team go. If the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division spots successfully today against a struggling Rangers squad, they will solidify their status as the “team no one wants to play” in April.
Buffalo’s Historic Surge in the Atlantic
While the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division leaderboards, the Buffalo Sabres are doing something similar in the Atlantic. Buffalo is currently on a league-best 20-3-1 run since early December. For a franchise that hasn’t seen playoff hockey since 2011, this isn’t just a hot streak—it’s a revolution.
Tonight, they host a Montreal Canadiens team that is fresh off an upset win against Colorado. The Sabres are now within striking distance of the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning. If they keep this up, the “playoff drought” talk in Buffalo will finally be a thing of the past.
Nathan MacKinnon’s Race to 40 Goals
In the afternoon window, Penguins look to continue Nathan MacKinnon has a chance to make history. He currently sits at 38 goals and could become the first player to hit the 40-goal plateau this season. Although he’s had a couple of quiet nights, MacKinnon hasn’t gone three games without a point all year.
He faces a Detroit team that is still buzzing after Patrick Kane became the all-time leading U.S.-born scorer. It’s a “star-versus-star” matchup that serves as a perfect appetizer for the later games where the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division rankings.
A German Gathering in Edmonton
The late-night slot features a special “German gathering” as the Edmonton Oilers host the Minnesota Wild. With Leon Draisaitl and Nico Sturm set to represent Germany in the 2026 Olympics, this game has international flair. Penguins look to continue Edmonton is currently tied for first in the Pacific, while Minnesota is fighting for the top of the Central.
Draisaitl and Connor McDavid have been on a tear, combining for 19 points in their last three games. For the Wild, keeping that duo in check will be the ultimate test of their defensive discipline.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in the Season
Saturday nights in the NHL are always special, but today feels different. As the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division standings, the pressure is mounting across the league. Whether it’s Buffalo chasing a decade-long dream or MacKinnon chasing individual glory, the storylines are peak hockey. By the end of tonight, the Metropolitan Division might look very different than it did this morning. If the Penguins look to continue climb up Metropolitan Division ranks with another win, the rest of the East better watch their backs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I watch the Penguins vs. Rangers game?
The game is nationally televised on ABC in the United States and available on Sportsnet and TVAS in Canada, starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.
2. How many points does Sidney Crosby have this season?
Sidney Crosby currently leads the Penguins with 57 points (27 goals and 30 assists) in 52 games.
3. Is Nathan MacKinnon the NHL scoring leader?
He is currently second in the NHL with 88 points, trailing only Connor McDavid, who has 94 points.
4. When was the last time the Sabres made the playoffs?
The Buffalo Sabres last qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the 2010-11 season, making their current 20-3-1 run even more significant.
5. Who is the all-time leading U.S.-born scorer?
As of this week, Detroit’s Patrick Kane holds the record with 1,375 points, having recently surpassed the legendary Mike Modano.
