MATCH: Penguins vs. Oilers
TIME: 9 p.m. EST
PLACE: Rogers Place
TV: ROOT Sports
RADIO: 105.9 FM, the X
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
The Pens meet the Oilers for the 2nd and final time this season, and the only time in Edmonton … The Pens won the previous matchup in Pittsburgh, 4-3. Conor Sheary scored 2 goals for Pittsburgh, while Connor McDavid posted 3 assists … Tonight's game features a lot of firepower. The NHL's top 3 leading scorers will faceoff between McDavid (1st, 74), Sidney Crosby (t-2nd, 70) and Evgeni Malkin (t-2nd, 70). The trio also lead the league in points per game: Malkin (1st, 1.21), Crosby (2nd, 1.19), McDavid (3rd, 1.12) … The Pens haven't lost in regulation in Edmonton since Dec. 6, 2003 … Pittsburgh is 32 for 36 (88.95) on the PK in the past 11 games … Justin Schultz returns to Edmonton for the 1st time since being traded by the Oilers in February of last season. He was a minus-78 in 248 games in Edmonton, but is a plus-35 in 80 contests with Pittsburgh … 3-game scoring streaks for Pens: Nick Bonino (3G-2A), Phil Kessel (4A), Justin Schultz (3G-3A), Malkin (5G-3A) … Marc-Andre Fleury will start in goal … The Pens recalled Oskar Sundqvist from WBS … Pittsburgh injuries: Trevor Daley (knee), Patric Hornqvist (concussion), Kris Letang (upper-body), Olli Maatta (hand), Bryan Rust (upper-body) … Leon Draisaitl has set career highs in goals (23), assists (t-32) and points (55) … Cam Talbot is expected to start for the Oilers. He leads the NHL in appearances (59), minutes played (3,497) and saves (1,583) …. Edmonton injures: Benoit Pouliot, Tyler Pitlick, Andrew Ference (LTIR).
MORNING SKATE REPORT:
\The Pens held an optional morning skate. The only healthy players not participating were Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Mark Streit and Ron Hainsey.
\Matt Cullen, Scott Wilson and Carl Hagelin took part in the morning skate. All 3 had missed Thursday's practice with maintenance days.
*Marc-Andre Fleury was the 1st goalie off the ice and will start tonight.
