To be sure, the Penguins have somewhat of a challenge tonight when they return home on a 3 game losing streak for the first game after their coast-to-coast road trip to face the New Jersey Devils (7:30 PM EST) -- a team who has won 6 straight games, and has yet to lose on the road this season (8-0).
On top of that trend-setting, the Penguins are expected to be minus another regular, defenseman Brooks Orpik, tonight.
Orpik, injured in the game Tuesday night at Boston, was evaluated yesterday in Pittsburgh, but there still isn't a great deal of clarity about the nature of his problem. For now, he's listed as day-to-day.
Pittsburgh will almost surely call up a defenseman from the Baby Penguins to take Orpik's place in the lineup tonight. My bets are on Ben Lovejoy.
So, with that, tonight's defense corps should have a whole ONE player who suited up for the Penguins in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last season --- Mark Eaton.
That says something about the current state of affairs, doesn't it?
About the only thing HCDB and his team may have going for it tonight is that the Devils played last night, in New Jersey, while the Penguins were resting at home.
Hey -- I'll take it. Pittsburgh needs all the edge it can get right now.
Evgeni Malkin has been cleared for contact, but probably won't return tonight. Saturday against Boston is more likely for him.
Tyler Kennedy probably won't play tonight either.
Recap tomorrow.
Let's Go PENS!
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