Game 66: Morning Skate Updates: Johnson to start in goal

The Penguins had an optional skate this morning as the team prepares for the surging New Jersey Devils.

According to a contact on the scene, goaltender Brent Johnson will get the start in goal for Pittsburgh. Johnson is 9-5-2 with a 2.26 GAA this season. He posted a 3-1 win in New Jersey on October 11, 2010, securing the Penguins first win of the season. Overall, Johnson is 1-1 against New Jersey this season.

Meanwhile, winger Chris Kunitz went through another full skate and is finally very close to playing. He’s expected to be in the lineup tomorrow night but will not play tonight.

Pittsburgh is 3-7-2 in their last 12 games but have points in three of their last four games.

The New Jersey Devils are 10 points out of the final playoff spot but continue their unthinkable run. They are 18-2-2 in their last 22 games.

The Penguins get their second look at a Devils team with Jacques LeMaire back behind the bench. Pittsburgh was 0-6 last season against New Jersey and are 0-1 this season against New Jersey with LeMaire back at the helm.

Pittsburgh is 2-1 overall this season against the Devils, getting their two wins with John MacLean behind the bench.

Neal – Letestu – Kovalev

Cooke – Staal – Kennedy

Talbot – Jeffrey – Dupuis

Conner – Adams – Rupp

Defensemen

Martin – Michalek

Engelland – Letang

Niskanen – Lovejoy