With the New York Islanders losing last night in regulation to the Toronto Maple Leafs the Penguins have an opportunity tonight to tie the Islanders in the standings. Home-ice advantage is still well within grasp for the Penguins. Their schedule, which was difficult, will be easier the rest of the way with two games against Detroit and one versus the Rangers.

There are some wrinkles heading into tonight’s matchup against Detroit. Brian Dumoulin was not at the morning skate. He is “day to day” with a lower body injury. Hopefully it isn’t the same kind of day to day injury that plagues Letang and Malkin i.e. week to week. The defense rotated through and did not go through the normal pairings. If the team roles out Johnson-Schultz tonight instead of Maatta-Schultz it is a very good indicator that the “second pairing” is not going to be adjusted in the near future.

Nick Bjugstad is getting the call on the top power play. He will replace Patric Hornqvist. Bjugstad has a huge frame and good hands so I have no problem seeing what he can do with the first unit.

Matt Murray is getting another start. I hope they don’t burn him out before the season is over. He’s been terrific and will be a major reason why the Penguins can make noise in the playoffs again this year. It isn’t like Casey DeSmith has been a horrific backup over the course of the season.

Pittsburgh may be navigating through some injuries, but if you want home-ice advantage you have to beat a team that looks like this

Per Daily Faceoff




The Penguins will only have themselves to blame if they come away with less than two points.

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