Penguins/NHL
Rangers (25-9-4, 54 pts @ Penguins (21-13-4, 46pts
MORNING SKATE BUZZ
The Penguins in a pivotal division game could fall 10 pts behind the New York Rangers with a regulation loss. Losers of two straight, Pittsburgh currently trails New York by eight points with both teams at the 38 game mark. The Rangers who lead the Eastern Conference in points, are riding a three game winning streak after last nights 3-2 OT win over the Panthers
Tonights goaltending matchup is expected to feature Marc Andre Fleury up against Henrik Lundqvist
— Somen lineup news for this morning. Forward Colin McDonald has been recalled from Wilkes Barre/Scranton. McDonald named to the AHL all-star game, has 8 goals and 20 points on the season. He’s a player the Penguins targeted early in free agency and had a good showing in training camp, providing the ability to chip in but also doing the little things well. His biggest downfall is his skating but he’s worth a look over another one for Jason Williams who just isn’t a fit in Dan Bylsma’s system.
Pascal Dupuis, Richard Park, Steve Sullivan (illness) and Paul Martin are all expected to play. Missing from the skate though is defenseman Zbynek Michalek who recently returned from a concussion. Robert Bortuzzo is skating for the second straight day but it’s not clear whether he’s close to being cleared for game action
LINES
Kunitz – Malkin – Neal
Dupuis – Staal – Kennedy
Sullivan – Park – Cooke
McDonald – Vitale – Adams
