Penguins lineup tonight: Pittsburgh's projected lineup for game against Carolina Hurricanes | Nov 7, 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the road to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.

Pittsburgh (5-7-2) is coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Ahead of tonight's game, here is what the Penguins projected lineup is expected to look like.

Penguins projected lineup

Forward

• Evgeni Malkin - Sidney Crosby - Rickard Rakell
• Drew O'Connor - Lars Eller - Cody Glass
• Michael Bunting - Noel Acciari - Jesse Puljujarvi
• Kevin Hayes - Blake Lizotte - Anthony Beauviller

The Penguins offense has struggled this season, averaging just 2.92 goals per game. They were up by two goals in the third period against the Islanders but surrendered the lead and ultimately lost.

“We just need to play better,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said after the game, via NHL.com. “We should have played the way that we played in the first two periods. We would have been fine. We played a straight-ahead game. I think we weren't as diligent with the puck [in the third]. We didn't play as much north-south. Give the Islanders credit. They pushed back.”

Defensemen

• Matt Grzelcyk - Kris Letang
• Marcus Pettersson - Erik Karlsson
• Ryan Graves - Jack St. Ivey

The Penguins' blue line has been an issue as Erik Karlsson is struggling so far this season.

Goalies

• Joel Blomqvist
• Alex Nedeljkovic

The Penguins will likely start Blomqvist, who is 2-4 with a 3.46 GAA and a .909 SV%. In his career against Carolina, he's 0-1 with a 4.00 GAA and a .895 SV%.

Penguins vs Hurricanes: Preview

Pittsburgh is a +215 underdog while Carolina is a -265 favorite. The over/under is set at 6.5 goals.

The Penguins have a tough matchup on the road as the Hurricanes have started the season strong with a 9-2-0 record. Pittsburgh will have a hard time stopping Carolina's offense, especially with Blomqvist in the net who has struggled at times this season.

The Hurricanes should be able to get out to an early lead and cruise to victory.

Prediction: Hurricanes 4, Penguins 2.