Pens-Isles pregame Buzz: Johnson ready to backup Fleury

Pittsburgh Penguins (25-11-2-(52pts) @ New York Islanders (9-19-6-(24pts)

Coming off last night’s 6-3 win, the Pittsburgh Penguins put their NHL best record and road record on the line tonight against the New York Islanders in a back-to-back situation.

A few personnel notes

Goaltender Brent Johnson skated this morning during the Penguins optional skate and will dress tonight for the first time in three games after battling a groin injury and illness.

The Penguins this afternoon re-assigned John Curry back to Wilkes Barre/Scranton who served as Marc Andre Fleury’s backup for three games.

Barring a change in plans, Marc Andre Fleury is expected to get the start in goal tonight. Johnson is not believed to be quite ready. Johnson said yesterday he needs a couple more days to be ready for a start.

Rick Dipietro will get the start for the Islanders. He has missed the past 5 games due to a knee injury.

The 29 year old goaltender is 4-6-4 with 3.68 GAA and .880 save percentage in 14 starts this season. He has yet to re-emerge as a franchise goaltender due to injuries.

Sidney Crosby will be looking to extend his league leading points streak to 26 games. Crosby is inching closer to Mario Lemieux’s 28 game points streak (2nd longest in team history) from 1985-1986, where Lemieux collected 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points.

Crosby has scored 26 goals – 24 assists for 50 points during his 25 game streak.

Jordan Staal did travel with the team and skated this morning but will not be in the lineup tonight.