Penguins and Sharks Prepare for Saturday Night Matchup: Projected Lineups and Team Updates

The Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0) are set to face the San Jose Sharks (0-2-2) tonight at the SAP Center at 10 p.m. ET, concluding their three-game California road trip. The Penguins are looking to build on their recent 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, while the Sharks are still searching for their first win of the season.

Pittsburgh Penguins Projected Lineup

Here's a look at the projected lineup for the Penguins:

• Forwards:
  • Rickard Rakell - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
  • Anthony Mantha - Evgeni Malkin - Justin Brazeau
  • Filip Hallander - Tommy Novak - Ben Kindel
  • Connor Dewar - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari
• Defense:
  • Parker Wotherspoon - Erik Karlsson
  • Ryan Shea - Kris Letang
  • Caleb Jones - Harrison Brunicke
• Goaltenders:
  • Tristan Jarry
  • Arturs Silovs

Penguins Roster and Injury Updates

The Penguins have a few players currently sidelined with injuries. Kevin Hayes is out with an upper-body injury, and Rutger McGroarty is also dealing with an upper-body injury. Mathew Dumba, Connor Clifton, and Philip Tomasino are expected to be scratched. Ben Kindel is set to return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in the previous game against the Kings. Kris Letang is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Several players have been placed on injured reserve: Jack St. Ivany (lower body), Joel Blomqvist (lower body), Kevin Hayes (upper body), Rutger McGroarty (upper body), and Tanner Howe (knee).

Forward Justin Brazeau has been off to a hot start this season, with four goals in five games. Sidney Crosby recently passed Steve Yzerman for ninth-most assists in NHL history. After trade speculation, Bryan Rust may remain with the Penguins, providing veteran leadership to younger players like Ben Kindel and Rutger McGroarty.

San Jose Sharks Projected Lineup

Here's the projected lineup for the Sharks:

• Forwards:
  • Jeff Skinner - Macklin Celebrini - Philipp Kurashev
  • William Eklund - Alexander Wennberg - Tyler Toffoli
  • Collin Graf - Ty Dellandrea - Will Smith
  • Barclay Goodrow - Adam Gaudette - Ryan Reaves
• Defense:
  • Nick Leddy - Dmitry Orlov
  • Mario Ferraro - Vincent Iorio
  • Sam Dickinson - Vincent Desharnais
• Goaltenders:
  • Alex Nedeljkovic
  • Yaroslav Askarov

Sharks Roster and Injury Updates

The Sharks are dealing with several injuries on their defense. Timothy Liljegren is out with an upper-body injury, John Klingberg is sidelined with a lower-body injury, and Shakir Mukhamadullin is also injured. Michael Misa is expected to be scratched. Alex Nedeljkovic is likely to start in goal.

The Sharks' defense has struggled to find chemistry, partly due to injuries. Veteran Nick Leddy acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to new defensive partners but emphasized the importance of communication.

The Sharks are aiming to secure their first win of the season against the Penguins. The team's rebuild involves giving young players meaningful roles.

Additional Information

Evgeni Malkin is off to a strong start for the Penguins, recording seven points in his first five games. Sidney Crosby's leadership and experience will be vital in this matchup. The Sharks will need strong goaltending and a solid defensive structure to contain the Penguins' offensive attack.