--- title: "Dancing in the Reign: As Vulnerable As They’ll Get" url: https://kingscast.net/dancing-in-the-reign-as-vulnerable-as-theyll-get/ description: "Associated Press Kick ‘em while they’re down. Talk about seizing opportunity, tonight’s contest sees the Kings in Pittsburgh to face the injury-riddled Penguins. The." published: 2026-08-19 updated: 2026-08-19 --- # Dancing in the Reign: As Vulnerable As They’ll Get Published 2026-08-19 ## NEWS 10 February 2011 · by Alex Associated Press Kick ‘em while they’re down. Talk about seizing opportunity, tonight’s contest sees the Kings in Pittsburgh to face the injury-riddled Penguins. The franchise record 10 game road-swing hits the fourth installment, the Kings have snagged five out of the six possible points so far on the trip with a 2-0-1 record. The Penguins enter the night sitting at 4th place in the **Eastern Conference** with 72 points. A roster that is ordinarily problematic for opponents enters the night considerably shorthanded without four of their top forwards. As the Kings continue to fight their way back into the **Western Conference**‘s top eight, they must take advantage of a bruised **Pittsburgh Penguins** roster. The key losses to their offense has shown, Pittsburgh is riding two consecutive losses with just one goal combined in both contests. Getty Images **Winter Classic Curse?** All was right in the world for the Penguins heading into the **Winter Classic** on New Year’s day. That is, until **Sidney Crosby** suffered a concussion by way of a blind-side hit from Washington’s **David Steckel**. A tough loss, Crosby was on track for a career season, he’s been out of the lineup since. Just days later, **Evgeni Malkin**‘s season ended as he went down with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, surgery has him out indefinitely. **Chris Kunitz** became the next victim, suffering a lower-body injury during warm-ups prior to Pittsburgh’s contest Tuesday night against the **Columbus Blue Jackets**. Kunitz, who is in the midst of one of the best years of his career, is expected to be out for about a week. Then, we have the absence of **Matt Cooke**. Good riddance, a four game suspension doesn’t justify the crap this guy continues to pull. His hit on Columbus’ **Fedor Tyutin** was the latest installment to add to his dirty reputation, nice knowing he won’t be on the ice tonight. Combined, the losses to this roster account for a total of 162 points this season, 75 goals and 87 assists. The Penguins promoted four players from their **AHL** affiliate **Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins** to fill open spots. Getty Images Kevin Westgarth will dress tonight after being a healthy scratch for the previous six games. The Penguins will undoubtedly take a physical approach tonight, looking to create scoring opportunities in any fashion possible with critical production out of the lineup. Does this justify Westgarth making a return to the lineup? I’m torn. I’ve been frustrated with his play throughout the season. If Pittsburgh’s injuries revolved around their defense, scratching Westgarth is a no-brainer. I’d like to see the Kings pounce on Pittsburgh offensively, which has me leaning toward Brad Richardson dressing. Won’t dispute Terry Murray ‘s decision tonight, Kevin Westgarth may be a safe bet for Pittsburgh’s scheme. [Back to News](https://kingscast.net/category/news/) · [Full story index](https://kingscast.net/sitemap/)