The Penguins were beaten by Buffalo, 5-2 yesterday and fell out of a first-place tie with Washington. They’ll get a chance to pull even with the Capitals this afternoon in Washington. Faceoff is scheduled for 12:30 (11:30 airtime on WQMU), with Matt Murray expected to start in goal for the Pens.
Buffalo jumped to a 3-0 lead over the listless Penguins and skated away with the game in the first period. Evgeni Malkin scored for the Pens in the second period, but Buffalo answered with a goal by Jeff Skinner. Malkin had both of Pittsburgh’s goals in the game.
The Pens played without winger Dominik Kahun, who suffered a leg injury when he was hit by a slapshot Thursday in Toronto. He’ll be a game-time decision today. Injured defensemen Brian Dumoulin and John Marino are skating and with the team at the outset of its four-game road swing, as is injured forward Nick Bjugstad. All three are recovering from surgeries. Dumoulin has been out since December after breaking his ankle. Marino had facial surgery after getting hit with a shot two weeks ago. Bjugstad has been out since November after core surgery.
