Penguins Morning Skate Buzz: Vokoun to get the start; Vitale odd-man out?

MORNING SKATE BUZZ

Goaltender Tomas Vokoun (10-3-0, 2.33 GAA, .922 sv%) is the first goaltender off and will get the start in goal tonight. The Penguins riding a 15 game win streak, have their team-shutout streak at 206:24 and Vokoun now holds the Penguins individual shutout record at 162:42.

Vokoun has surrendered just four goals in his last 360 minutes of action, a span of seven games. The Penguins have posted three straight shutouts and giving up just nine goals in their last 11 games.

*James Neal was back on his natural left wing spot as Jarome Iginla shifted to right wing on the Penguins top-line.

*Tyler Kennedy remains at center with Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis. Kennedy in fact also saw top power play time during 5 on 3 situations.

*Mark Eaton will slide into Paul Martin’s spot, working as a top pairing tonight with Brooks Orpik.

*Center Joe Vitale is expected to be a healthy scratch

*Kris Letang (broken toes) skated this morning on his own.

*The Penguins top power play unit included Kunitz – Neal – Malkin down low with Iginla and Niskanen at the point. During 5 on 3’s, the Penguins used Kennedy – Kunitz – Neal down low with Iginla and Malkin at the points. Look for the Penguins to make Jarome Iginla a focal point with his shot from the left side.

James Neal – Evgeni Malkin – Jarome Iginla

Chris Kunitz – Tyler Kennedy – Pascal Dupuis

Brenden Morrow – Brandon Sutter – Matt Cooke

Tanner Glass – Dustin Jeffrey – Craig Adams

Brooks Orpik – Mark Eaton

Douglas Murray – Matt Niskanen

Simon Despres – Deryk Engelland