The Pittsburgh Penguins face the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 21 with the power play being a key factor. Sidney Crosby leads the charge for the Penguins. The Wild won 5 of their last 6 games coming in. This matchup features two teams tilting toward opposite ends of the spectrum.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Pittsburgh Penguins power play sits at 34.1%, ranking 1st in the NHL.
- Minnesota Wild are 10-7-4 on the season with 24 points.
- Pittsburgh Penguins hold 10-5-4 record, also with 24 points.
- Game starts at 7:00 PM ET at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
- Sidney Crosby has 24 points in his last 13 games against the Wild.
Why Pittsburgh Holds the Edge in Series History
The Penguins dominate the head-to-head matchup with 19 wins against the Wild’s 14 wins in all-time meetings. But here’s the thing—recent form tells a different story. The Wild have momentum on their side coming into this battle. They’ve gone unbeaten in their last 6 games, showing suffocating defense that hasn’t allowed a goal at full strength in 4 consecutive contests.
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Yet Pittsburgh can’t be overlooked. Crosby lives for these matchups. He’s recorded 13 multi-point efforts in 27 career games against Minnesota. The veteran captain practically owns this rivalry.
Power Play Dominance: Pittsburgh’s Secret Weapon
This is where the Penguins pull away from most teams. At 34.1% on the power play, Pittsburgh ranks dead-last teams in allowing chances. 15 power play goals this season puts them in elite territory. The Wild, meanwhile, haven’t shared their exact power play percentage in latest updates, but their defensive focus suggests they’ll need to stay disciplined tonight.
| Statistic | Pittsburgh | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 10-5-4 | 10-7-4 |
| Points | 24 | 24 |
| Power Play % | 34.1% | TBA |
| PP Goals | 15 | ~13 |
| Last 6 Games | 4-1-1 (Won 4) | 5-1 (Won 5) |
Pittsburgh’s power play unit can’t sit idle. When opportunities come, they’ll need to strike hard. The Wild play tight defense away from home, which could neutralize some of that advantage.
Minnesota’s Defensive Fortress vs. Crosby’s Hunting Ground
Here’s what makes Minnesota dangerous. They’ve shut down opponents at 5-on-5 in their last 4 consecutive games. That’s not luck—that’s discipline and structure. Kirill Kaprizov has fired 23 shots in his last 5 games, showing aggression from the forward group.
But Crosby doesn’t fear defensive battles. He thrives in tight contests. Against Minnesota, he’s the guy teams can’t shut down. History suggests he’ll find pockets of space when it matters most. The Wild know this. They’ll game-plan specifically to limit his touches.
What Could Change Everything Friday Night
- Injury concerns mount for both teams. Pittsburgh sits without several key players including Tristan Jarry, affecting goaltending depth.
- Minnesota lost Ryan Hartman and Vladimir Tarasenko recently, hurting forward depth on the wing positions.
- Special teams play—power play efficiency plus penalty kill—will determine which team escapes with two points.
- Anyone who can score 5-on-5 will win the matchup. Both teams play conservative, patient hockey.
Can the Wild Break Pittsburgh’s Home Hold?
Pittsburgh enters this one as favorites at -125 on the moneyline. Vegas sees the Penguins’ power play advantage and recent results. Yet Minnesota keeps coming, having won 5 of their last 6. That’s the kind of momentum that plays well away. This game could go either direction.
The over-under sits at 5.5 goals. Both teams play low-event hockey. Expect the under to cash if Minnesota’s defense continues its stranglehold. When scoring chances come, they’ll be precious. Crosby and the Penguins power play represent Pittsburgh’s best path. Kaprizov and the Wild’s 5-on-5 grip offer Minnesota’s. Who blinks first determines everything Friday night at PPG Paints Arena?
Sources
- NHL.com – Official game preview and playoff standings data
- ESPN – Player statistics and head-to-head records
- Covers.com – Betting odds and predictive analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.