GAME 59: PENGUINS (28-19-10) AT BLUE JACKETS (29-24-5)
Location:Nationwide Arena, 6 P.M., Sunday
TV:Fox Sports Ohio/Fox Sports Go; NBCSP, TVA Sports
Radio:97.1 FM & BlueJackets.com
On the one hand, there couldn't be a worse time for the two-time defending Pittsburgh Penguins to come rolling into Columbus for the first time since that first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.
The Penguins, who won that series in five games on their way to hoisting the Cup for a second straight season, are looking for their fifth straight win after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 on Saturday at PPG Paints Arena. They've also gotten points in six straight games, have an 8-1-1 record in their past 10 and can take over the top spot in the Metropolitan Division with a win.
The Blue Jackets are in "backs against the wall" mode, with 63 points and sitting just outside the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
"Results are the most important thing when you're in our situation and with the games dwindling," Columbus coach John Tortorella said Saturday, a day after the Blue Jackets lost, 2-1, in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers. "I do think we'll be ready to play. I do trust our team in the way they assess themselves, as far as what happened [Friday] night. So, we'll get ready to play. I want to get them out of the building here as quickly as possible [Saturday], because I want their energy in that game [Sunday]."
Preview: Jackets hoping victory against Penguins provides a spark
Two-time defending champions provide great test, challenge for Columbus