Dancing in the Reign: As Vulnerable As They’ll Get

Kick ‘em while they’re down. Talk about seizing opportunity, tonight’s contest sees the Kings in Pittsburgh to face the injury-riddled Penguins. The franchise record 10 game road-swing hits the fourth installment, the Kings have snagged five out of the six possible points so far on the trip with a 2-0-1 record. The Penguins enter the night sitting at 4th place in the Eastern Conference with 72 points. A roster that is ordinarily problematic for opponents enters the night considerably shorthanded without four of their top forwards. As the Kings continue to fight their way back into the Western Conference‘s top eight, they must take advantage of a bruised Pittsburgh Penguins roster. The key losses to their offense has shown, Pittsburgh is riding two consecutive losses with just one goal combined in both contests.

Winter Classic Curse? All was right in the world for the Penguins heading into the Winter Classic on New Year’s day. That is, until Sidney Crosby suffered a concussion by way of a blind-side hit from Washington’s David Steckel. A tough loss, Crosby was on track for a career season, he’s been out of the lineup since. Just days later, Evgeni Malkin‘s season ended as he went down with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, surgery has him out indefinitely. Chris Kunitz became the next victim, suffering a lower-body injury during warm-ups prior to Pittsburgh’s contest Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kunitz, who is in the midst of one of the best years of his career, is expected to be out for about a week. Then, we have the absence of Matt Cooke. Good riddance, a four game suspension doesn’t justify the crap this guy continues to pull. His hit on Columbus’ Fedor Tyutin was the latest installment to add to his dirty reputation, nice knowing he won’t be on the ice tonight. Combined, the losses to this roster account for a total of 162 points this season, 75 goals and 87 assists. The Penguins promoted four players from their AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins to fill open spots.

Kevin Westgarth will dress tonight after being a healthy scratch for the previous six games. The Penguins will undoubtedly take a physical approach tonight, looking to create scoring opportunities in any fashion possible with critical production out of the lineup. Does this justify Westgarth making a return to the lineup? I’m torn. I’ve been frustrated with his play throughout the season. If Pittsburgh’s injuries revolved around their defense, scratching Westgarth is a no-brainer. I’d like to see the Kings pounce on Pittsburgh offensively, which has me leaning toward Brad Richardson dressing. Won’t dispute Terry Murray‘s decision tonight, Kevin Westgarth may be a safe bet for Pittsburgh’s scheme.