The Week Ahead: Penguins start second half against Stanley Cup contender

Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty ImagesThe Pittsburgh Penguins start the second half of their 2023-24 schedule on Tuesday, and they have 36 games to gain — at minimum — 45 points to put themselves in a reasonable position for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Given how condensed the schedule is and the fact they are the oldest team in hockey, it is not going to be easy. That is especially true this week as they have two games against the Winnipeg Jets, one of the NHL’s best teams and a surprising Stanley Cup contender in the Western Conference.

The first of those meetings is on Tuesday night at home in Pittsburgh. The Jets not only have one of the league’s best records going into…