Pittsburgh Penguins Face Tough Tests with Crosby's Return

0:00It's March 23rd. Welcome in. This is NHL News Today, where team coverage meets AI. The Pittsburgh Penguins are battling hard in the playoff race as March winds down. They had a strong week last time out, bouncing back with Sydney Crosby's return on March 18th against Carolina, where he scored a goal and added, and assist. Now sitting with 28 goals in 62 points this season, Crosby is leading the charge as the team eyes a postseason spot. This week brings tough tests, starting with the Colorado Avalanche at home, on March 24th at 7pm Eastern. Then it's a road trip to Ottawa on March 26th at 7pm, followed by the Dallas Stars visiting PPG Pains Arena on March 28th at 5pm. These Western Conference powerhouses will push the penguins to keep pace with rivals. Injuries are hitting the depth players hard though. Defencemen, Ryan Shay and forward Kevin Hayes are day-to-day with upper body issues, while Phillip Hallender deals with a leg problem and Blake Wazat sits with an upper body injury.

1:03The top lines will need to carry the load against the stiff competition. On a brighter note, the front office is building for tomorrow. They sign goal-tending prospect Gabriel Diagol to an entry-level deal and first-round pick Billson and Inc. Tizz on March 22nd. Taylor Gauthier is also shining in the ECHL, leading with a 0.929 save percentage. With Crosby healthy and prospects stepping up, the penguins stay focused on that final push, hoping depth holds as the schedule heats up.