Game 50 Preview: Canadiens Vs. Penguins
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to get back in the win column when they play host to the Montreal Canadiens tonight at CONSOL Energy Center.
The Penguins lost 5-1 to the Florida Panthers Monday night, which ended their franchise record 13-game home winning streak.
In general, there weren't a lot of positives to be taken from their performance in the loss. However, Jayson Megna, Chuck Kobasew and Paul Martin returned to the lineup after missing time due to various injuries.
Matt Niskanen scored the lone goal for the Penguins on a one-timer from the point in the third period.
As for tonight's opponent, the Montreal Canadiens are currently tied for third place in the Atlantic Division. They are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games. Interestingly enough, they are on a streak of win one, lose one since the calendar flipped to 2014.
However, they lost 5-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday in their most recent game.
Defenseman P.K. Subban leads the team with 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists) this season. Max Pacioretty leads the club with 21 goals.
In goal, Carey Price is showing why he was selected as one of three goaltenders to represent Team Canada in the Olympics.
Price has started 39 games this season and has posted a 22-13-4 record to go along with a 2.30 GAA and a .924 save percentage.
Against the Penguins, Price is 9-8-2 with a 2.86 GAA and a .911 save percentage.
For Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby was held off the score sheet against the Panthers, but still holds a six-point lead over John Tavares in the NHL scoring race.
Despite missing time due to injury this season, Evgeni Malkin (12 goals, 36 assists) is only one point behind Chris Kunitz (24 goals, 25 assists) for second place on the Penguins. In 23 games against the Canadiens, Malkin has 11 goals and 18 assists.
With the Penguins heading on the road to take on the Islanders tomorrow, it remains to be seen who will be in net tonight.
Should Marc-Andre Fleury (27-11-1, 2.33 GAA, .915 save percentage) get the nod, he'll be looking to bounce back after allowing five goals on 28 shots against the Panthers.
Against the Canadiens, Fleury is 15-9-2 with a 3.19 GAA and a.893 save percentage.
Season Series (Home Team In Bold)
Nov. 23, 2013 – Penguins 2, Canadiens 3
The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. and you can watch the game on Root Sports.
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