Florida Panthers (15-16-0-30pts) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (22-10-2-46pts)
On the heels of a dominating 6-1 win Monday night, the Penguins look to avoid a trap game tonight against the Florida Panthers at home in the wake of tomorrow’s showdown on the road against the Washington Capitals.
The Panthers come into tonight’s game with a 15-16-0 record and are currently 8 points out of a playoff spot. The Panthers are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games and have posted an 8-10-0 record on the road this year.
Pittsburgh enters tonight’s action with the second best record in the NHL at 22-10-2-(46pts).
The Penguins are 6th in the NHL, averaging 3.18 goals per game and 3rd in the NHL in goals against per game at 2.32.
On the power play, the Penguins have moved up to 13th in the NHL at 18.3%. Pittsburgh is clicking at a 17.6% rate at home on the man-advantage this season.
After going 8-for-8 on the penalty kill against Phoenix, Pittsburgh is No. 1 in the NHL on the PK at 88.2%.
LINES AND D-PAIRS
Kunitz – Crosby – Dupuis
Cooke – Malkin – Talbot
Conner – Letestu – Kennedy
Rupp – Adams – Asham/Godard (alternated at 4th line RW)
Defensemen
Orpik – Letang
Martin – Michalek
Goligoski – Engelland/Lovejoy (alternated)
POWER PLAY UNITS
1st Unit: Kunitz – Crosby – Malkin
Letang – Martin
2nd Unit: Kennedy – Letestu – Conner
Goligoski – Michalek