The Carolina Hurricanes, (12-19-6) bring a two game winning streak to the Steel City and will face the Pittsburgh Penguins, (20-11-4) tonight at CONSOL Energy Center. The Canes have now earned points in five of their last six games.
The Pens have a three game winning streak on the line.
Patrick Dwyer was injured last night and is expected to sit this one out. Zac Dalpe has been recalled and should fill in for him. It's not known for sure where Dalpe will fit, but if he takes Dwyer's spot, look for the following lines:
- Bowman, Staal, LaRose
- Ruutu, Jokinen, Ponikarovsky
- Dalpe, Sutter, Tlusty
- Stewart, Brent, Nodl
- Gleason, McBain
- Harrison, Faulk
- Allen, Spacek
Coach Kirk Muller would not commit to a starting goalie yet, so stay tuned for that info just before game time.
The Penguins are still without the services of Sidney Crosby, who is on the sidelines again with suspected concussion issues.
Evgeni Malkin has been back on track though and leads the Pens with 40 points. Next closest is James Neal with 34. Goalie Marc-Andre Fluery has also been vital to the team's success.
For more info on the Penguins, check out the Post Gazette, and Pensburgh.com.
Tuomo Ruutu remains red hot for the Canes and has points in five straight games, (4G 2A). Andreas Nodl has points in three straight.
The teams have split their two games so far this year.
The game will be televised locally by FS Carolinas starting at 6:30 with a pregame show. We will have our open thread also starting at 6:30.
Here is the stat comparison chart from NHL.com:
 |
Stats |
 |
| 37 | GP | 35 |
| 12 | W | 20 |
| 19 | L | 11 |
| 6 | OT | 4 |
| 30 | P | 44 |
| 0.405 | P% | 0.629 |
| 2.57 | G/G | 3.17 |
| 3.27 | GA/G | 2.54 |
| 12.6 | PP% | 19.7 |
| 78.8 | PK% | 88.0 |
| 30.3 | S/G | 33.5 |
| 30.9 | SA/G | 27.5 |
| 49.6 | FO% | 49.6 |