MATCH:Penguins vs. Sabres
TIME:7 p.m. EST
PLACE:PPG Paints Arena
TV:AT&T SportsNet
RADIO:105.9 FM, the X
5 THINGS
1.The Penguins defeated the Sabres 4-0 on Friday at KeyBank Center. It was Buffalo's 10th loss in their last 11 games and third consecutive shutout setback. Afterward, when speaking with reporters, head coach Phil Housley called his team's effort "embarrassing." The Pens will certainly need to be ready for a response game from the Sabres tonight.
2.Tristan Jarry made 34 saves to earn that shutout, which was the first of his NHL career. We'll see if he starts in back-to-back games or if Casey DeSmith gets the call tonight. If DeSmith does receive the nod, it will mark the first start of his NHL career, as the only previous game action he saw was a relief appearance on Oct. 29 at Winnipeg. He had started every game for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last month, going 6-2-1.
3.Down at the other end Jarry's teammates got it done, as a few players are coming in hot tonight. Sidney Crosby recorded a goal and an assist to extend his point streak to 5 games (5G-6A-11P), Patric Hornqvist tallied to extend his point steak to 4 games (2G-2A) while Jake Guentzel also scored to give him 7 goals in his last 7 games.
4.The Pens have won seven-straight home games against the Sabres entering tonight, though they had to overcome multi-goal deficits in their last three. Overall, the Pens are on a 14-game point streak against Buffalo (13-0-1).
5.The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is holding its annual holiday toy drive in conjuction with 96.1 KISS and the Marines' "Toys for Tots" initiative tonight. Fans who bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation that night will be entered to win exciting Penguins prizes.
INJURIES:
PIT - Matt Murray (lower-body)
BUF - Taylor Fedun (lower-body), Jacob Josefson (ankle).
MORNING SKATE:
* The Pens did not hold a morning skate with this being the second of back-to-backs. Head coach Mike Sullivan will speak to the media at 5 p.m. with lineup updates.
