The Penguins, who have been outscored 16-6 in four straight losses after going 8-2-1 in their previous 11 games, are four points behind the Washington Capitals for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Ducks, 1-3-1 in their past five games after going 4-1-2 in their previous seven, can win consecutive games for the first time since Feb. 1-4.
Players to watch
Penguins center Evgeni Malkin has five points (three goals, two assists) in a three-game point streak. Ducks forward Sonny Milano scored two goals in his Anaheim debut, including the overtime winner in a 4-3 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
They said it
"Obviously, you don't want to drop four in a row, but that's the reality we face, and I feel like we probably deserved a little better the last two games, but you don't get points for that."-- Penguins center Sidney Crosby "I think there's some excitement because we got a little bit faster and we got a little bit more skilled. As much as we're going to continue to try to play a certain way, we needed that in our lineup to help us get us on the other side of some close games." -- Ducks coach Dallas Eakins on the addition of forwards Danton Heinen and Sonny Milano prior to the NHL Trade Deadline
McCann will be a game-time decision after missing a 2-1 loss at the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday because of an upper-body injury. ... Dumoulin and Marino practiced the past two days, and Bjugstad skated with Pittsburgh the team on Thursday for the first time since Nov. 15. There is no timetable for their return. … Guhle was recalled from San Diego of the American Hockey League on Thursday.
Stat pack
Pittsburgh has not lost five straight in regulation since a six-game losing streak from Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 11, 2012. … Crosby needs two assists for 800 in his NHL career. … Getzlaf has 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 19 games against the Penguins.
