MATCH:Penguins vs. Sabres
TIME:7 p.m. EST
PLACE:KeyBank Center
TV:AT&T SportsNet
RADIO:105.9 FM, the X
5 THINGS
1.Evgeni Malkin has missed the past 4 games with an upper-body injury. He said he is ready to play, but the coaches have ruled him a game-time decision.
2.Defenseman Ian Cole has been a healthy scratch for the last 3 games. He appears to be re-entering the lineup tonight judging from Thursday's line combinations at practice.
3.Blueliner Justin Schultz, who worked with the top PP unit at Thursday's practice, has a 3-game scoring streak with 5 total assists.
4.Evander Kane has 12 goals on the season, with 3 coming shorthanded, and 15 points (5G-10A) in his last 15 games against Pittsburgh.
5.Kyle Okposo has more goals (14) and points (32) against the Pens than any other franchise.
INJURIES:
PIT - Evgeni Malkin (upper-body).
BUF - Zach Bogosian (lower-body), Taylor Fedun (lower-body), Jacob Josefson (ankle).
MORNING SKATE:
* The Pens held an optional morning skate. The only absent players were Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel. Forward Josh Archibald was re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
