Penguins at Bruins
The Atlantic Division champion Pittsburgh Penguins look to lock up the top seed in the Eastern Conference when they visit the Boston Bruins on Friday. Pittsburgh, which enters with a five-game winning streak, also is in the running for the Presidents' Trophy as it trails Chicago by four points but has played one more contest than the Blackhawks. Evgeni Malkin made the trip to Boston but is expected to miss his third straight game with a shoulder injury.
The Bruins are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres in an emotionally charged game at TD Garden on Wednesday, two days after the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon. Despite the setback, the Bruins clinched a playoff spot by earning one point. They trail the Montreal Canadiens for first place in the Northeast Division by two points even though they are winless in their last three contests (0-2-1).
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NHL Network, ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh), NESN (Boston)
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (33-10-0): A new address has done wonders for Brenden Morrow. Since being acquired from Dallas, the veteran left wing has recorded five goals and nine points in 10 games with Pittsburgh after registering six tallies and 11 points in 29 contests with the Stars. Jarome Iginla also has contributed since arriving from the Calgary Flames, collecting two goals and four assists in eight games. Jussi Jokinen has notched three tallies and five points in five contests since being obtained from the Carolina Hurricanes.
ABOUT THE BRUINS (26-11-5): Milan Lucic may be a healthy scratch Friday as the left wing continues to struggle offensively. Lucic has recorded just one goal and one assist in his last seven games and has tallied only twice in 27 contests. "I haven't decided that yet," coach Claude Julien said regarding Lucic's status. "We can support him and give him opportunities, but at the end of the day, you have to be able to step up there. And he knows he's not. That's not a secret."
OVERTIME
1. Pittsburgh has won five straight games in the all-time series, three of which were one-goal decisions, and seven of eight.
2. The Penguins are the only team in the league without a shootout or overtime loss. They are 2-0 in overtime and 3-0 in the shootout.
3. Boston has dropped five straight home meetings with Pittsburgh.
PREDICTION: Penguins 5, Bruins 3