MATCH: Penguins vs. Panthers
TIME: 1 p.m. EST
PLACE: PPG Paints Arena
TV: ROOT Sports
RADIO: 105.9 FM, the X
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
The Pens are 6-1-1 in their past 8 games and 21-2-2 at home this season. Pittsburgh is on pace for 32 home wins, which would tie a franchise record … Sidney Crosby pulled back into a tie for the league-lead in goals with 37 (Brad Marchand). His 77 points are 2 behind Connor McDavid and Marchand for the NHL lead … Crosby recorded his 640th career assist against New Jersey, tying him with Jaromir Jagr for 2nd place in club history … Carter Rowney recorded his 1st career NHL goal and multi-point game (1G-1A) Friday against the Devils … Defenseman Brian Dumoulin has 3 assists in his past 4 games … Pittsburgh injuries: Trevor Daley (knee), Carl Hagelin (lower-body), Kris Letang (upper-body), Olli Maatta (hand), Evgeni Malkin (upper-body), Bryan Rust (upper-body) … Florida snapped a 4-game road losing streak with a 4-3 shootout win against the New York Rangers Friday. The Cats are 2-5-1 in their last 8 ... The Cats have the NHL's best penalty kill unit (86%) ... Florida ranks 3rd in the NHL in shots per game (32.6) … Pittsburgh-native Vincent Trocheck leads the Panthers in scoring with 49 points while ranking 2nd in goals at 22. He has 6 assists in his last 6 games … Jagr recorded 2 assists to pick up 269 points after turning 40, surpassing Gordie Howe for most in NHL history. Tonight he plays in his 1,700th career NHL game … Florida injuries: Aaron Ekblad (concussion), Roberto Luongo (lower-body), Denis Malgin (upper-body).
MORNING SKATE REPORT:
The Pens did not hold a morning skate. Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that Malkin is out and Marc-Andre Fleury will start in goal.