After a disappointing weekend that saw them gain only one of a possible four points on home ice, the Penguins travel to Raleigh, North Carolina tonight for an important Metro Division game against the Hurricanes. Pittsburgh is third in the Metropolitan with 88 points. Carolina has 85 points and holds the first Wild Card, but the Hurricanes have the same number of wins as the Penguins while having played two fewer games.
The Pens may be without Evgeni Malkin for several weeks, and maybe through the end of the regular season, after suffering an upper body injury Saturday against the Blues. They got help with the return of Bryan Rust from injury Sunday night against the Flyers. Kris Letang may return as early as tonight. Olli Maatta remains out, as do forward Zach Aston-Reese and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel.
