"This is a lifetime experience for our guys," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said following a 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena on Friday. "I think we need to see that for what it is and embrace that moment and enjoy that moment. We also need to understand that there's business at hand and there's two points on the line.
"When that puck drops, we need to be ready to play. So, I think this is an unbelievable opportunity. It's a great privilege for all of us to be part of something like this. I think we should embrace it and I think we should enjoy this moment."
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The Penguins are 0-2-2 during the skid and 1-3-2 in their past six games. Prior to Friday, they lost 5-1 at the New York Islanders on Tuesday and 5-4 in overtime to the Detroit Red Wings a day later, when they blew a 4-0 lead.
Pittsburgh (19-11-6) is fourth in the Metropolitan Division, one point behind the third-place Washington Capitals. It has played one fewer game but has the same amount of points (44) as the Islanders and New York Rangers.
The Capitals are 8-1-1 in their past 10 games. The Islanders are 5-3-2 but have won three in a row, and the Rangers are 7-2-1.
That leaves the Penguins without the luxury of simply enjoying their surroundings Monday, forward Bryan Rust said.
"We've got to get back in the win column," Rust said. "It's a little bit of a special game just because of the circumstances and being in the Winter Classic and all that, but I think we've got to try to come out and be worried about winning that game."
On Wednesday, Sullivan said the play at even strength has started to wane following a 14-2-2 stretch from Nov. 9 to Dec. 15. It was the power play that got the brunt of the criticism Friday, when it went 0-for-9 against the Devils.
Pittsburgh isn't playing as a collective, five-man unit, Sullivan said following the loss to Detroit on Wednesday. Forward Rickard Rakell believes that's where the Winter Classic could help.
"I think maybe it's a good thing for us," Rakell said. "Just some new excitement playing on a big stage like that. Everyone has their family and friends there. A lot of fun hockey to look forward to. If anything, we should be really excited about that and see it as a chance to turn things around."
Tristan Jarry, the Penguins' likely starting goalie Monday, has allowed eight goals on 69 shots in consecutive regulation losses. Prior to those two starts, he hadn't lost in regulation since Nov. 5. Jarry was 11-0-3 in his previous 14 starts, surrendering more than three goals three times.
Monday provides an opportunity to bounce back.
"It's two points," Jarry said. "It's another game where we could trend in the right direction. It's another step we could take. It's just a game we have to focus on trying to get two points."
