Game 14 Preview: Senators Vs Penguins Preview
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to get back on track when they host the Ottawa Senators tonight at Consol Energy Center.
This will be the second meeting of the shortened season between the Penguins and Senators. Pittsburgh won the previous matchup 2-1 in a shootout on Jan. 27 in Ottawa.
That contest is the only game the Penguins have not settled in regulation time this season.
James Neal scored the lone goal in regulation and also buried one in the shootout to help lead the Penguins to victory.
The Senators have been hit relatively hard by the loss of Jason Spezza, who underwent surgery for a herniated disc last month. At the time of the surgery, it was estimated he would miss six-to-eight weeks.
As a team, the Senators (7-4-2, 16 points) have only scored 33 goals in 13 games. However, they have only allowed 23, which has helped them stay afloat in the Northeast Division battle.
Entering tonight's game, the Senators are tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs (8-5-0, 16 points) for second in the division.
Kyle Turris (four goals, seven assists) is leading the team with 11 points, while Erik Karlsson leads the team with six goals.
In goal, Craig Anderson (7-2-2, 1.36 GAA, .956 save percentage) has played phenomenally well this season, having only allowed 15 goals in 11 games.
Against the Penguins, Anderson is 4-2-1 (also has one tie) with a 2.20 GAA and .930 save percentage.
The Penguins come into tonight's game after getting swept in a home-and-home series with the New Jersey Devils over the weekend.
Sidney Crosby was held off the score sheet in both contests against New Jersey, but still leads the team with 17 points (five goals, 12 assists).
James Neal scored his team-leading eighth goal of the season in their 3-1 loss to the Devils on Sunday.
On the injury front, Matt Niskanen and Kris Letang both practiced with the team and could be close to returning to the lineup.
In goal, Marc-Andre Fleury (5-3-0, 2.46 GAA, .906 save percentage) would be the likely candidate to start tonight.
Against the Senators, Fleury is 8-8-1 with a 3.41 GAA and .896 save percentage.
The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. and you can watch the game on Root Sports.
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