Game Preview: 05.08.21 vs. BUF

GM 56 | MAY 8 | 3:00 PM ET | PPG PAINTS ARENA
WATCH: ATTSN, NBC | LISTEN: 105.9 The X, Penguins Radio Network
PIT: 36 - 16 - 3 (75 pts)
BUF: 15 - 33 - 7 (37 pts)

GAME PREVIEW

The Penguins conclude the 2020-21 regular season against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena for Fan Appreciation Night, presented by PPG. Pittsburgh has points in 25 of its last 28 games against Buffalo (22-3-3) dating back to October 5, 2013. During that span, the Penguins have outscored the Sabres by a 108-56 margin. Pittsburgh is 11-2-1 in its last 14 home games against Buffalo. The Penguins have earned points in 13 of their last 16 games (12-3-1). Going back further, they have points in 20 of their last 25 games overall (18-5-2).
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QUICK HITS

Frederick Gaudreau notched a career-high three points (3A) on Thursday night, giving him four points (4A) in his past two games. Gaudreau has nine points on the season (2G-7A), which is more points than his first three seasons in the NHL combined (8 PTS).
Evgeni Malkin has picked up assists in three-straight games (4A) since returning to the lineup. He has 16 points (4G-12A) over his last 12 games dating back to Mar. 2 versus Philadelphia.
Evgeni Malkin enters today's game with an active 15-game point streak (7G-15A) against Buffalo dating back to Oct. 29, 2015. It is his longest active point streak versus any one team.
Kasperi Kapanen recorded his seventh multi-point game (1G-1A) on Thursday to give him 30 points (11G-19A) on the season. Kapanen is currently riding a three-game point streak (1G-3A) and has points in five of his last six games (3G-4A).
Jason Zucker picked up two assists on Thursday, giving him points (2G-3A) in four of his past five games.

FIGHT TO THE FINISH

Pittsburgh enters its final game of the year in a fight for first place in the East Division. The Penguins are looking for their ninth division title in franchise history and first since the 2013-14 season. If the Penguins win today in any fashion, they will clinch home-ice advantage in Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and will finish no worse than second place in the East Division. Pittsburgh's .682 points percentage in 2020-21 is currently on pace to be the third-best points percentage in team history.

PLAYER INTERVIEW

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