MATCH: Penguins vs. Blue Jackets
TIME: 7 p.m. EST
PLACE: PPG Paints Arena
TV: ROOT Sports
RADIO: 105.9 FM, the X
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
The Pens host the Blue Jackets in a divisional clash of 2 rivals … Pittsburgh is looking for retribution following 7-1 shellacking to the Jackets on Dec. 22 … Despite that setback, the Pens are 5-2 in their last 7 against the Jackets … Pittsburgh is 14-1-1 in its past 16 home games … Goalie Matt Murray surrendered 6 of the 7 goals against Columbus, but is 14-2-2 in his last 18 home games … Forward Matt Cullen is expected to return to the lineup after missing the previous 6 games with a broken foot. He practiced on wing with Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist on Thursday … The Pens' power play has scored at least 1 goal in 16 of the last 22 games (23 for 78, 29.5%) … Phil Kessel will be playing in his 800th career NHL game … Pittsburgh injuries: Evgeni Malkin (lower-body); Conor Sheary (upper-body) … The Jackets conclude a 5-game road trip in Pittsburgh … Columbus ranks in the NHL top-4 in both goals for (3.35, 3rd) and goals against (2.39, 4th) … Pittsburgh-native Brandon Saad recorded his 100th career NHL goal on Jan. 31 at NY Rangers … Alexander Wennberg ranks 3rd (tied) in the NHL with 34 assists … Nick Foligno has 18 points (8G-10A) in his past 21 games … Columbus injuries: David Clarkson (back); Markus Nutivaara (undisclosed); David Savard (undisclosed) … The Pens are holding their final alumni salute during the game. In attendance are Jean Pronovost, Darius Kasparaitis, "Battleship" Kelly and many more.
MORNING SKATE REPORT:
\The Pens held an optional morning skate. The only players not taking part were Crosby, Kessel and Kris Letang.
\Evgeni Malkin skated again prior to the team's morning skate.
