GAME DAY

New Jersey (42-27-6, 90 pts) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (46-22-6, 98 pts)
When: 7:08 p.m. | Where: Consol Energy Center
PRE-GAME BUZZ
The Penguins look to bounce back tonight from Saturday’s defensive debacle on home ice against the New Jersey Devils. With a game in hand on the Rangers who lead the Penguins by three points, Pittsburgh looks earn it’s 10th consecutive home victory tonight.
The Penguins 13-1-1 over their last 15 games, put on one of their most dominating performances of the season just eight days ago on the road against the Devils in a 5-2 win.
The Penguins 26-8-2 at home this season, have won 15 of 16 at Consol Energy Center since Jan. 17th.
New Jersey, 2-3-1 in their last 6 games, are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs Friday night.
The Devils who are averaging just 2.57 goals per game, will get a big boost to the lineup tonight as Travis Zajac will play for the first time since January 2nd. Zajac appearing in just 8 games this season, has been out since January due to an achilles injury.
LINEUP BUZZ: Sullivan OUT
— Steve Sullivan is out of the lineup tonight due to a lower body injury. “Expecting him to be short term at this time, ” Bylsma said of Sullivan. Sullivan had just 8:13 of ice time in last night’s game and Eric Tagradi moved up to Sullivan’s spot on the left side for the most part in the third period.
Richard Park is expected to move into the lineup.
Matt Niskanen and Joe Vitale are progressing and could return to the lineup this coming week.
TIDBITS
— Tonight’s goaltending matchup will feature Martin Brodeur (26 20-4, 2.46 GAA, .905 sv%) vs Marc Andre Fleury (40-14-4, 2.24 GAA, 917 sv%). Fleury tied for the NHL lead with 40 wins, is 11-0-1 with a 1.72 GAA in his last 12 starts. Fleury is 22-7-1 at home this season.
— Sidney Crosby scored his first goal in 13 games Saturday night and also added an assist in the loss to Ottawa, giving him 11 points in six games since returning to the lineup on March 15th.
— Jordan Staal has 0 goals in 8 games and 1 goal in his last 13 games.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailPre-Game Buzz: Tangradi’s stay with team appears to be short-term Default ThumbnailPost-Morning Skate Buzz: Orpik out for tonight’s game; Long-term or short-term stay for Thiessen? Default ThumbnailShort-term fit? Dan Boyle feels “Pittsburgh would be a great option”, an NHL source says Default ThumbnailPenguins – Devils Pre Game Buzz: Jagr’s puck skills still at an “elite level”