The Pittsburgh Penguins look to stop a three-game losing streak with a victory against the Utah Hockey Club when they face off on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

UTAH: #28 IAN COLE - Cole spent parts of four seasons with the Penguins and won two Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 alongside current Utah teammate Olli Määttä. The defenseman has 13 points (1G, 12A) and ranks second in the NHL with 135 blocked shots.

Pittsburgh has just five games remaining before the upcoming 4 Nations Face-off halts play for a week and a half in February. If the Penguins are going to gain any ground in the playoff race, they know they have to start tonight - and keep their foot on the gas.

And then there were three. But how did we get here? The naming of Utah’s hockey franchise — currently known as Utah Hockey Club — has become a dramatic, lengthy process because of copyright issues in seemingly every direction.

Analyzing Wednesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Utah Hockey Club odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Second Period_2, Pittsburgh, Pettersson 3 (Crosby, Grzelcyk), 6:40. 3, Utah, Carcone 4 (Bjugstad, Marino), 8:36. Penalties_Hayton, UTA (High Sticking), 4:13.

Sidney Crosby introduced himself to the Salt Lake City crowd for the first time. The Pittsburgh Penguin — and future hall-of-famer — drove the puck down the left wing and right to the net before back-handing it in for the overtime winner Wednesday night at Delta Center.

Not only did Crosby play in Utah — He also scored two points, including the overtime winner. His totals are now up to two goals and three points in two games against the NHL’s newest franchise. Crosby didn’t get the chance to see much of the city, but he liked the arena.

Utah plans to announce the winning name and logo at a time to be determined following the end of this season and before the start of next season. Hockey Club was the name selected for Utah’s inaugural NHL season after co-owners Ryan and Ashley Smith purchased the contracts of Arizona Coyotes executives, coaches and players.

Cole was involved in the Derick Brassard trade in 2018, which effectively was the day the music died on the Penguins mini-dynasty. He has since played for Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Vancouver. This summer, he made his way to Salt Lake City.

Brothers Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes each collected a goal and an assist as the New Jersey Devils scored four times in the second period and rolled to a 5-0 rout of the visiting Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night in Newark,