Game 38: Thrashers Vs. Penguins Preview
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking for their third win against the Atlanta Thrashers this season, when they meet at the CONSOL Energy Center Tuesday night.
Pittsburgh has won the previous two meetings by 4-2 and 3-2 scores respectively. The second game was played in Pittsburgh and Sidney Crosby had all three goals for the Penguins.
In their first meeting, Evgeni Malkin had a hat trick of his own to power the Pens to the win.
The Penguins saw their three-game winning streak snapped in Ottawa on Sunday night. A sluggish start to the game saw the Pens fall into an insurmountable 3-0 hole.
Sidney Crosby extended his point streak to 24 games by notching his 30th goal of the year with 3:22 left in the game.
Pittsburgh has been dominant on home ice against the Thrashers, having won the last eight contests.
According to the Penguins' official website, the last time Atlanta was victorious in Pittsburgh was Dec. 21, 2006. Atlanta won 4-3 in overtime.
Hybrid defenseman Dustin Byfuglien leads the Thrashers in goals (13), assists (24) and points (37). While primarily playing defense, he has seen time up on the wing. During Chicago's Stanley Cup championship run, Byfuglien made a name for himself by driving to the net and scoring big goals.
Anthony Stewart is on a hot streak of his own. He's tallied eight points (two goals, six assists) in his last six games.
In goal, Ondrej Pavelec (12-7-4, 1.96 GAA, .939 save percentage, two shutouts) is emerging as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.
However, he has struggled in his career against the Penguins. In six starts, he has posted an 0-6 record with a 4.42 GAA and .859 save percentage.
For Pittsburgh, Malkin has done well against the Thrashers in his career. In 18 games, he has 10 goals and 18 assists.
Crosby has also terrorized the Thrashers. In 20 games, he has 11 goals and 20 assists.
Keeping with the trend of Penguins who enjoy playing the Thrashers, is Marc-Andre Fleury (16-8-1, 2.31 GAA, .917 save percentage, one shutout).
Fleury has appeared in 15 games against the Thrashers and holds an 11-4 record with a 2.21 GAA, .919 save percentage and one shutout.
The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. and can be seen on FSN Pittsburgh.
