Penguins/NHL
Panthers (29-36-10, 68 pts) @ Penguins (44-23-8, 96 pts)
When: 1:13 p.m. | Where: Consol Energy Center
TV: Fox Sports Pittsburgh | Radio: 105.9 the X
Game Buzz
The Penguins come into today’s game four points behind the Philadelphia Flyers and the Penguins will be looking to avoid a trap game today with Tuesday’s showdown at home looming against Philadelphia.
Despite losing Sidney Crosby and having over 310 man-games lost, the Penguins have remained in contention for the division title, without much scoring production since Crosby’s injury and a lackluster power play.
Since January 6, Pittsburgh ranks 26th in the NHL in goals per game and their meager power play is 3 for their last 52.
Yet, the Penguins have continued to do just enough to earn points as the team is 8-2-2 in their last 12 games.
Florida comes into today’s game on a four game losing streak and were eliminated from playoff contention on Friday night.
Goaltender Tomas Vokoun is 0-3-3 with a 3.18 GAA in his last 6 starts for Pittsburgh.
The Penguins have won four straight home games against Florida.
Penguins Lineup Buzz
— Defenseman Brooks Orpik makes his return to the lineup today. Orpik has missed the past 13 games due to a broken finger. He has looked very sharp in practice and will be paired with Kris Letang.
— Deryk Engelland will be a healthy scratch.
— Mike Comrie will appear in his second straight game. Eric Tangradi and Eric Godard will be healthy scratches for Pittsburgh.
— Marc Andre Fleury (33-18-5) gets the start in goal for Pittsburgh. Fleury is 5-2-0 with a 1.81 GAA in his last 7 starts.
Fleury though has not had success in his career against Florida. Fleury is 5-6 with a 3.34 GAA all time vs the Panthers.
— Brent Johnson will not dress for the third consecutive game. Johnson has been hot of late against Florida, posting a 5-1 record in his last 6 starts vs FLA.
Brad Thiessen will backup Fleury.
— Mark Letestu will sit out once again but is very close to returning. He’s a possibility for Tuesday night.
— The Penguins will announce their team awards at 1:00 p.m.
Forwards
Neal – Talbot – Kovalev
Kunitz – Staal – Kennedy
Conner – Adams – Dupuis
Comrie – Rupp – Asham
Defensemen
Orpik – Letang
Martin – Michalek
Niskanen – Lovejoy
Marc Andre Fleury in goal
