Pittsburgh, third in the division, lost 5-2 to the Washington Capitals on Saturday and is five points behind Washington and the Philadelphia Flyers after losing seven of its past nine games in regulation. The Hurricanes are two points behind the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets for the two wild cards into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. They ended an 0-3-1 skid with a 3-2 overtime win against the Islanders on Saturday.
Players to watch
Hurricanes forward Justin Williams has scored in each of his past three games following a 13-game goal drought. Penguins center Sidney Crosby has one goal in each of his past three games. He has six points (three goals, three assists) during that span.
They said it
"Can we do things a lot better? Yes. Could we play a little bit better with a lead? Yes." -- Hurricanes forward Justin Williams "We understand we need to play better. … We need to step up. It doesn't matter who's in the lineup." -- Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin
Nedeljkovic could make his sixth NHL appearance (fourth start) after Forsberg made 24 saves Saturday. He is 0-2-1 with a 3.45 goals-against average and .866 save percentage this season. … Jarry will start for the Penguins after Murray made 23 saves against the Capitals on Saturday. Murray has started the past three games.
Stat pack
The Hurricanes will play the first of four games against the Penguins this season. They are 4-8-0 in the previous 12 meetings. … Malkin has seven points (one goal, six assists) in his past three games. … Marleau needs one goal to pass Mike Modano (561) for 25th in NHL history.
