Penguins Face Surging Stars in Crucial Late-Season Matchup

Pittsburgh looks to strengthen playoff positioning against Dallas, who are battling for the Presidents' Trophy

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:49pm

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The Pittsburgh Penguins (36-20-16) will host the Dallas Stars (43-18-11) in a crucial late-season matchup at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday. The Penguins are coming off a shootout win over the Ottawa Senators, led by strong performances from their Swedish stars Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell. However, the team suffered a blow when captain Sidney Crosby left the game with a lower-body injury. The Stars have lost four straight and five of their last six games, but still lead the race for the Presidents' Trophy. Penguins coach Dan Muse will provide an update on Crosby's status and the availability of Evgeni Malkin, who has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury.

Why it matters

This late-season matchup between the Penguins and Stars has major playoff implications. The Penguins are fighting to solidify their position in the postseason, while the Stars are trying to hold onto the top spot in the league. The health of key players like Crosby and Malkin will be crucial for the Penguins' chances in this game and down the stretch.

The details

The Penguins are coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the Ottawa Senators, in which Egor Chinakhov and Ben Kindel scored in the shootout. Karlsson and Rakell each had three-point games to lead the Penguins. However, Crosby left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury. The Stars have lost four straight and five of six, but are still led by winger Jason Robertson, who has 39 goals and 85 points this season. Arturs Silovs is expected to start in net for the Penguins, while the Stars will likely turn to Jake Oettinger.

  • The puck drops at 5:00 PM ET on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Penguins coach Dan Muse will provide an update on Crosby's status and Malkin's availability at 3:00 PM ET on game day.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' captain, who left the previous game with a lower-body injury.

Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins' star center, who has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury.

Jason Robertson

The Stars' leading scorer, with 39 goals and 85 points this season.

Arturs Silovs

The Penguins' expected starting goaltender for this game.

Jake Oettinger

The Stars' expected starting goaltender for this game.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to battle and find ways to win, especially against tough opponents like the Stars. The health of our key players will be crucial down the stretch.”

— Dan Muse, Penguins Head Coach

What’s next

Coach Muse will provide an update on Crosby's and Malkin's status prior to the game, which will be crucial in determining the Penguins' lineup and strategy against the Stars.

The takeaway

This late-season matchup between the Penguins and Stars has major playoff implications, with both teams fighting for positioning. The health of key players like Crosby and Malkin will be crucial for the Penguins, as they look to solidify their spot in the postseason against a tough Dallas squad.