Egor Chinakhov keeps lighting the lamp for the Penguins, turning heads with his even-strength snipes after that midseason trade from Columbus unlocked his game. The 24-year-old Russian winger thrives on rushes with that wicked release, pairing perfectly with Malkin and Novak as Pittsburgh claws for playoff positioning. Front offices whisper about his untapped potential, but with games ticking down, bettors debate if this hot streak sustains or fizzles in the grind.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sizes up the Penguins at the break, spotlighting Evgeni Malkin's vintage bounceback and Egor Chinakhov's fresh top-six spark. GM Kyle Dubas flipped the script on a line that sputtered early, fueling a playoff push insiders whisper could surprise the East. Their chemistry brews trouble for Metro rivals eyeing the Cup.

Sharp bettors circle up as the pre-Olympic slate wraps with seven games loaded with value on player props. Insiders whisper about Yegor Chinakhov's shot volume exploding against Buffalo while Rasmus Dahlin chases another assist in a Sabres surge that has front offices buzzing.