Hurricanes at Penguins
THE STORY: The Pittsburgh Penguins may have found a recipe
for success. The club tries for its third straight win when it hosts the
Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. Pittsburgh halted a six-game losing
streak Friday at Florida and followed up with a triumph at Tampa Bay two
days later. The Penguins need to discover a formula for winning at
home, however, as they have dropped four straight in their own building.
Carolina failed in its attempt for a third consecutive win Sunday at
Washington as it suffered its fifth loss in eight games. The Hurricanes
have struggled mightily on the road, dropping seven of eight and 17 of
22.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Carolina, Root Sports (Pittsburgh)
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (16-24-7):
Carolina welcomed Jeff Skinner back to the lineup Sunday after the
19-year old missed 16 games with a concussion. The reigning Calder
Trophy winner played nearly 17 1/2 minutes and registered one shot on
goal and a minus-1 rating in the loss at Washington. Jussi Jokinen
scored the lone goal against the Capitals. The tally ended a 25-game
drought for the Finn, who last scored on Oct. 29 at Philadelphia.
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (23-17-4):
Captain Sidney Crosby is expected to visit a chiropractor this week in
an attempt to recover from his recurrence of post-concussion symptoms.
The superstar, who still is battling motion and balance issues, skated
with the team twice over the weekend after being cleared by doctors and
did not experience any setbacks. Defenseman Kris Letang, also out with a
concussion, was cleared to practice and will participate in the club's
game-day skate Tuesday but will not play against Carolina. Evgeni Malkin
is coming off his second five-point performance of the season. Malkin
recorded a natural hat trick in the third period at Tampa Bay on Sunday
to lead Pittsburgh to a 6-3 victory.
OVERTIME:
1. Pittsburgh's James Neal is tied for second in
the league with 24 goals after scoring only once in 20 games with the
Penguins last season.
2. The Hurricanes have lost nine of their last 12 trips to the Steel City and five of seven overall against the Penguins.