Here's a quick preview of tonight's game:

WHO: Penguins @ Hawks
WHEN: 8:30/7:30 Eastern/Central
WHERE: United Center, Chicago
TV: NHL Network (US), CSN (Chicago)
RADIO: WGN, Penguins Radio


LINEUPS

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Forwards
9 Pascal Dupuis
10 Mark Letestu
11 Jordan Staal
18 James Neal
24 Matt Cooke
26 Steve Sullivan
27 Craig Adams
33 Steve MacIntyre
45 Arron Asham
46 Joe Vitale
48 Tyler Kennedy
71 Evgeni Malkin

Defense
4 Zbynek Michalek
5 Deryk Engelland
7 Paul Martin
37 Brian Strait
58 Kris Letang
70 Joseph Morrow

Goaltenders
1 Brent Johnson
29 Marc-Andre Fleury

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Forwards
13 Daniel Carcillo
15 Andrew Brunette
16 Marcus Kruger
19 Jonathan Toews
22 Jamal Mayers
29 Bryan Bickell
37 Brandon Pirri
43 Brandon Saad
67 Michael Frolik
81 Marian Hossa
85 Rostislav Olesz
88 Patrick Kane

Defense
2 Duncan Keith
4 Niklas Hjalmarsson
5 Steve Montador
6 Sean O'Donnell
7 Brent Seabrook
8 Nick Leddy

Goaltenders
30 Ray Emery
53 Alexander Salak


WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

1) Patrick Kane at center for the second game.

Kane looked very strong against a mostly AHL Detroit roster the other night. Tonight, he gets a tougher test against what is likely very close to the Penguins' opening night lineup.

2) Freddy Kruger's Revenge

Marcus Kruger gets a chance to nail down a roster spot after having had a ho-hum camp thus far. Ben Smith's injury, as well as those to Viktor Stalberg and perhaps Patrick Sharp, opens the door for the 20 year old Swedish C/LW. Sharp will not play tonight but is now practicing with the team and could be back next week for opening night against Dallas.

3) Emery's Last Stand?

Ray Emery gets the start with the full Chicago defense in front of him. I think it's fair to say that a good performance by the veteran sends rookie Alexander Salak to Rockford. A bad performance might earn Emery walking papers. However, the Hawks must do a better job of protecting the puck in their end than they did early on against Detroit on Wednesday.


SMITH SUSPENSION:

ESPN's Pierre Lebrun is reporting Brendan Smith got suspended for the remaining three preseason games and 5 regular season games. Can't wait to see Brendan Shanahan tonight on this one. Your thoughts?



See you all tomorrow with a wrap-up on the game,


JJ

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