Penguins @ Predators: Kobasew clears waivers, slated for now to be in lineup tonight; Fleury in goal

RINNE RETURNS VS PENS

The Penguins in the midst of a five game road trip, are in Nashville tonight looking to snap a three game losing streak. The Penguins coming off an embarrassing loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in front of a National Audience, will see Pekka Rinne in goal. The elite netminder has not played since October 22 due to an Ecoli infection in his hip. Rinne is 4-4-1 and has a 2.31 goals-against average and .917 save percentage in nine starts this season.

Marc Andre Fleury will get the start in goal for the Penguins tonight. Fleury is 4-2-1 with a 2.08 goals-against average and .920 save percentage in his career vs Nashville. Some interesting numbers with Fleury going into tonight’s game. His save percentage has dipped to .915 (was .916 last season), 19th in the NHL among goaltenders who have appeared in 25 or more games, and despite leading the league in wins with 31, Fleury is below .500 on the road with an 11-12 record.

Chuck Kobasew, as expected, has cleared waivers. The Penguins now have the option to send Kobasew to the minors. For now he’s still with the team and scheduled to be lineup tonight and play on the 4th line, though, anytime it’s the day before the trade deadline, lineups are truly game time.

The Penguins active roster is currently at 23. The team will place Kris Letang on injured reserve or LTIR any day now and they can demote Kobasew at any point if they need to clear a couple roster spots.