:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63002634/2018_02_23_112.0.jpg)
The Carolina Hurricanes currently sit three points behind the Blue Jackets for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as they head to Pittsburgh to begin a five-game road trip.
The Canes will seek to better their recent work against the Penguins, as they are 2-10 in their last 12 against the Metro Division rival. Nino Niederreiter has gotten off to a terrific start in a Canes sweater as he has netted five goals in just six contests. He will continue to operate alongside All-Star Sebastian Aho and Justin Williams. With a four game week commencing, bagging two points at the outset would set the Canes out on the correct foot for what may well be the biggest road trip of the season.
Below are the projected lines for coach Rod Brind’Amour. Curtis McElhinney has been confirmed as the starting goaltender.
Nino Niederreiter – Sebastian Aho – Justin Williams
Micheal Ferland – Lucas Wallmark – Teuvo Teravainen
Andrei Svechnikov – Jordan Martinook – Brock McGinn
Warren Foegele – Greg McKegg – Saku Maenalanen
Jaccob Slavin – Dougie Hamilton
Brett Pesce – Justin Faulk
Calvin de Haan – Trevor van Riemsdyk
Curtis McElhinney
Petr Mrazek
Injuries and Scratches: Haydn Fleury (healthy), Jordan Staal (IR, upper body)
The Penguins welcome the Hurricanes on 80’s Night at PPG Paints Arena. Coming off a Saturday night defeat at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Pens will be seeking to improve on their tenuous hold on a Metro Division playoff spot that currently sees them sitting in a tie for second place.
Tonight's game is going to be totally righteous.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 5, 2019
Details on '80s night: https://t.co/mm5tv4TrYD pic.twitter.com/vVuEDpMJKA
While there has been no official word on Evgeni Malkin’s status for tonight’s game, he is unexpected to suit up against the Canes. Coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that defenseman Justin Schultz continues his efforts to return, but will not be active tonight. Matt Murray is confirmed in net.
Coach Sullivan on Schultz's status: "He responded very well to yesterday's practice. He had another full day today. His status right now is the same. He will not play tonight." pic.twitter.com/TdsATg5r6Q
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 5, 2019
Below are the projected lines for the Pens for Tuesday:
Jake Guentzel - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Tanner Pearson - Nick Bjugstad - Phil Kessel
Dominik Simon - Jared McCann - Patric Hornqvist
Teddy Blueger - Matt Cullen - Garrett Wilson
Brian Dumoulin - Kris Letang
Olli Maatta - Juuso Riikola
Marcus Pettersson - Jack Johnson
Matt Murray
Casey DeSmith
Injuries and Scratches: Zach Aston-Reese (IR, broken hand), Evgeni Malkin (upper body), Chad Ruhwedel (healthy), Justin Schultz (LTIR, broken leg)