The Penguins have a tough task tonight against high-flying Edmonton at PPG Paints Arena.
The Oilers are second in the Pacific Division with 53 points while the Penguins are fifth in the Metro Division with 42. The Pens will likely be without Evgeni Malkin, although the veteran center skated before practice and stayed on the ice to skate during practice, without taking part in team play. Malkin turned up injured before Tuesday’s game against Columbus and was termed “day to day” by the Penguins. Also, injured forward Philip Thomasino skated before practice yesterday along with Malkin.
Coach Mike Sullivan knows the Pens’ defense will be pressured tonight by the Oiler’s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaidl. Draisaidl leads the Oilers with 29 goals and 59 points while McDavid has 16 goals and 55 points.
Sullivan says Erik Karlsson and his fellow blue-liners will need to step up, and Karlsson is playing some of his best hockey since joining the Penguins last season.
Sullivan likes the way his third line is playing together, with Blake Lizotte centering Matt Nieto and Noel Acciari.
Pens’ captain Sidney Crosby says the key to stopping the Oilers is keeping them out of the offensive zone.
Crosby recalls meeting McDavid as a teenager. He’s looking forward to being McDavid’s teammate next month in the Four Nations Tournament.
Faceoff tonight is shortly after 7 o’clock. The pregame airs on 92.5 FM U92 at 6.
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