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Game 26 Preview: Maple Leafs Vs. Penguins

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to end a two-game skid when they play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at CONSOL Energy Center.

The Penguins salvaged a point Monday night against the Bruins thanks to some last-second heroics by Sidney Crosby.

After deflecting a puck into his own net in the third period, Crosby atoned for the mistake by scoring the game-tying goal with 0.3 seconds remaining in regulation.

However, Torey Krug ripped a slap shot by Marc-Andre Fleury (13-7-1, 2.05 GAA, .919 save percentage) in overtime to win the game for Boston.

The bad news didn't stop there for the Penguins.

On Tuesday, the team announced Beau Bennett would miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing surgery on his wrist/hand.

In addition to Bennett being out, the team also placed Tanner Glass and Paul Martin on injured reserve.

Glass suffered a broken hand, likely while blocking a shot by P.K. Subban on a penalty kill Saturday night. He is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.

Martin suffered a lower-body injury and will not play against Toronto tonight. His condition is expected to be updated in the coming days.

The team also sent Brian Gibbons back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and placed Matt D'Agostini on waivers.

This morning, the Penguins recalled Simon Despres, Chris Conner and Jayson Megna from the Baby Pens.

Needless to say, it's been a hectic 24 hours for the Penguins.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are dealing with injury trouble of their own as well.

Forwards, Joffrey Lupul (groin) and Dave Bolland (ankle) will not play tonight.

Toronto will also be looking to rebound after getting crushed 6-0 by the Blue Jackets on Monday.

James Reimer allowed six goals on 21 shots, but you'd be hard-pressed to place all of the blame on him.

The Maple Leafs are currently tied for third in the Atlantic Division, two points behind Tampa Bay and five behind Boston.

In their last 10 games, the Maple Leafs are 4-5-1.

Phil Kessel leads the team with 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) in 24 games. His 12 goals also lead the tram.

In goal, Jonathan Bernier (8-6-1, 2.16 GAA, .934 save percentage) has gotten a slight majority of the work this season.

It would seem likely he would get the call tonight with Reimer starting the last game. Bernier has never played against the Penguins.

This will be the second meeting of the year between the two clubs. Toronto took the first meeting 4-1 back on Oct. 26.

Kris Letang scored the lone goal for the Penguins on the power play and Fleury made 26 saves.

Evgeni Malkin extended his point streak to five games with an assist on Monday. He now has four goals and 23 assists this season.

Against the Maple Leafs, Malkin has 10 goals and 31 assists in 23 career games.

The puck is set to drop at 7:30 p.m. and you can watch the game on Root Sports.

You can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sheavedice

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