Bruins – Penguins Pre Game Buzz: Malkin won’t play, Vokoun in net; Despres scratched

(10:43 a.m.)

The Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins clash for the second time in five days this afternoon at the Consol Energy Center with a 12:30 p.m. start.

Both teams played yesterday afternoon with Boston defeating Washington, 4-1, and Pittsburgh posting a 3-0 shutout win over the New York Rangers.

The Penguins eight game winning streak is on the line as the Bruins look to avenge a third period collapse from Tuesday night. Pittsburgh is averaging 4.5 goals per game during their eight game winning streak and are giving up just 1 goal per game in their four wins.

Marc Andre Fleury is 7-2-0 with a 1.78 goals against average in his last nine game versus Boston and is coming off a shutout win, but Bylsma will be sticking with the plan to start Tomas Vokoun today. Vokoun is 1-2 with a 3.04 GAA and .884 save percentage in four home games.

Tuukka Rask is expected to start for the Bruins.

Evgeni Malkin skated again today but head coach Dan Bylsma minutes ago ruled out Malkin. His return, though, is getting closer.

I will post the Penguins official lineup after warmups.

(Updated 12:30 p.m.) – Simon Despres, Robert Bortuzzo and Evgeni Malkin are the Penguins scratches. Deryk Engelland returns to the lineup.