Penguins (29-14-4, 62pts) @ Devils (13-29-3, 29pts)
Some lineup news tonight for the Pens:
Defenseman Ben Lovejoy will return to the lineup for the first time since January 8th I’m told.
Lovejoy will replace Deryk Engelland in the lineup.
Although the Penguins.com is reporting that Dustin Jeffrey skated on the 1st line with Kunitz and Dupuis in the morning skate, a contact on the scene tells me that’s not true and Jeffrey skated with Asham and Adams in the morning skate.
Mark Letestu is expected to play on the first line in place of Malkin but look for Jeffrey to get some looks here and there.
*The Penguins remain mum on the extent of Evgeni Malkin’s knee injury. An injury that has been bothering Malkin off and on for a few months now.
*As I reported about 20 minutes ago, It will be Martin Brodeur vs Brent Johnson tonight. Johnson is seeking his 9th win of the season and will be making his first start since Jan 6th.
Pittsburgh enters tonight with the third most points in the NHL with 62. New Jersey is last in the NHL with 29 pts but have been playing bettr of late.
With three games remaining before the All-Star break, Pittsburgh is 5th in the NHL, averaging 3.13 goals per game and 2nd in the NHL in goals against at 2.30.