Tampa Bay Lightning (27-27-6, 60 pts) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (34-21-5, 73 pts)
Where: Consol Energy Center | When: 1:08 p.m.
Buzz: The Tampa Bay Lightning come into today’s game just six points out of a playoff spot and Steven Stamkos is surging with a league high 43 goals and is tied with Evgeni Malkin for the NHL points lead with 73.
Malkin is averaging a league high 1.38 points per game, while Stamkos is averaging 1.22 points per game.
Pittsburgh has a prime opportunity to move up in the standings this weekend with contests against Tampa Bay today and Columbus tomorrow.
— Today’s goaltending matchup will feature Marc Andre Fleury vs Dwayne Roloson
— Brad Thiessen who is officially up on an emergency basis, will backup Marc Andre Fleury today and he is under consideration to start Sunday vs Columbus
— Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik are regarded as game time decisions. As of yesterday, Niskanen was considered likely to play and Orpik was regarded as being a bit iffy.
No changes are expected upfront.
NOTES: Sidney Crosby skated again during the 9:00 am hour…. Tyler Kennedy (high ankle sprain) skated for the third straight day and was in full gear. He is on the upswing in his recovery. He last played on January 5th….Former Penguin Tim Wallace who was claimed on waivers this week, will play for the Lightning today.