Mason McTavish and Frank Vatrano scored first-period goals, but the Ducks could not keep up with the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers tonight in a 5-2 loss at Honda Center. NHL GAMECENT

Spencer Knight made 34 saves for his second shutout of the season and the Florida Panthers beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-0 on Saturday night to open a home-and-home set.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and perhaps Rickard Rakell got some good news since Sunday. Rakell left the team sometime after the loss on Saturday to the Washington Capitals to return to Pittsburgh and tend to a family matter.

After getting a well-earned two-day break in Southern California, the Pittsburgh Penguins resume a seven-day road trip on Thursday night with a game against the slumping Anaheim Ducks.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (20-21-8) again have a chance to get back to hockey .500, but more importantly, stack wins on a pivotal seven-game road trip. Thus far, the Penguins are 2-1-0 in the first three games and inching back into the continually mediocre middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

There are five teams with a real shot to make the post-season in the Pacific Division. As it stands, the Vegas Golden Knights maintain their hold of the Pacific Division thanks to a 29-14-4 record with 62 points but the Edmonton Oilers aren’t far behind with their 29-15-3 record with 61 points.

The Toronto Blue Jays are copying from a popular playbook by deferring the majority of Anthony Santander's salary until after the final year of his contract.

The Penguins vs. Ducks matchup drops the puck at 10:00 p.m. ET on Thursday night. With the Penguins listed as moneyline favorites and the total sitting at 6 goals, what’s the best bet tonight in Anaheim?

The Ducks look to snap a four-game losing streak tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Ducks are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The Penguins are coming off a 5-1 victory over the Kings on Jan.

Anaheim Ducks (18-23-6, 42 points, 7th place Pacific Division) When: 10:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: Broadcasting on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and KCOP-13 and in the local markets, streaming nationally on ESPN+ Pens’ Path Ahead: The Pens start a rhythm today of playing every other day through the end of their road trip.

When the Pittsburgh Penguins meet the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Thursday (starting at 10:00 PM ET), Rickard Rakell and Ryan Strome will be two of the top players to watch. Buy tickets for this matchup at StubHub!