Penguins Look to Trim Hurricanes' Division Lead in Upcoming Matchups

The two Metropolitan Division rivals are set to face off three times in 13 days, with the Hurricanes holding an eight-point lead over the Penguins.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Penguins will have several opportunities in the coming weeks to cut into the Carolina Hurricanes' lead atop the NHL's Metropolitan Division. The teams are scheduled to meet three times in a 13-day stretch, with the Hurricanes currently holding an eight-point advantage. The Penguins have struggled at times in March but are coming off an overtime win against the Boston Bruins. The Hurricanes are back home after a West Coast road trip and will look to continue their strong play at PNC Arena, where they hold an 11-game point streak.

Why it matters

These matchups between the Penguins and Hurricanes could have major implications for the division race, as Pittsburgh looks to make up ground on the conference-leading Hurricanes. The Penguins will need to take advantage of these head-to-head opportunities if they hope to catch Carolina and secure a more favorable playoff position.

The details

The Penguins have gone 1-2-1 in their last four games, but are coming off a 5-4 overtime win against the Bruins. Pittsburgh has struggled at times in March but will look to turn things around on a five-game road trip that starts and ends in Raleigh. The Hurricanes are the first Eastern Conference team to reach 40 wins this season, though they went 2-2-0 on their recent West Coast swing. Carolina will be playing at home for the first time in March and holds an 11-game point streak at PNC Arena.

  • The Penguins and Hurricanes are scheduled to meet three times in a 13-day stretch.
  • The Penguins' five-game road trip starts and ends in Raleigh.

The players

Dan Muse

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rod Brind'Amour

The head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Elmer Soderblom

A forward acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Detroit Red Wings.

Nic Deslauriers

A forward acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Shayne Gostisbehere

A defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes who is currently out with a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.