Penguins at Flyers
As the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to resume their bitter rivalry with their second meeting this season, the primary concern is their respective place in the standings. The Flyers are buried at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, one point behind visiting Pittsburgh entering Tuesday's clash at Wells Fargo Arena.
Philadelphia did manage to end the 2017 calendar year on a high note, halting a three-game losing streak by knocking off league-best Tampa Bay. “That’s the way we want and need to play games. We need it to carry over,” said goalie Brian Elliott, who will be in net when the Flyers kick off a four-game homestand. The two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Penguins are reeling with seven losses in their last 10 games - and two of the wins have come via shootouts. "We all have to look in the mirror," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan told reporters. "We all have to make sure we stay together and we try to find ways to help each other to get out of this."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (19-18-3): Pittsburgh was limited to one goal in each of its past two games, marking the seventh time in nine games it has produced two goals or fewer. “I think we're trying. I don't think anyone's out there not trying,” captain Sidney Crosby told reporters. “Sometimes you just gotta simplify things and make sure you don't hurt yourself with mistakes.” Evgeni Malkin has been the lone exception, scoring five times in his last seven games.
ABOUT THE FLYERS (16-14-8): Sean Couturier had three points at Tampa Bay, giving him 18 goals and 18 assists - three points shy of his career high set in 2013-14 and 2015-16. He forms a potent top line along with Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, who are tied for fifth in the league in scoring with 46 points apiece. Elliott will make his 14th consecutive start after posting an 8-4-1 mark and 2.15 goals-against average in December.
OVERTIME
1. Crosby, who scored the OT game-winner versus Philadelphia on Nov. 27, has 37 goals and 87 points in 60 games versus the Flyers.
2. Giroux collected two assists in the November meeting, giving him 43 points in 41 games versus Pittsburgh.
3. Penguins G Matt Murray, injured in the first matchup, is 2-2-0 with a 3.08 GAA against the Flyers.