MATCH: Penguins vs. Capitals
SERIES: Second Round, 3-3
TIME: 7:30 p.m. EST
PLACE: Verizon Center
TV:NBCSN
RADIO: 105.9 FM, The X
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
The Pens and Caps meet in a Game 7 for the first time since 2009 and the 4th time overall. Pittsburgh is 3-0 against the Caps in Game 7s, including 2-0 in Washington … The last time these 2 teams met in a Game 7 was 2009 in Washington in the second round. Pittsburgh triumphed in a 6-2 win, helped largely by goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury's early-game save on an Alex Ovechkin breakaway … The Caps have won the past 2 contests to force the Game 7 after trailing 3-1 in the series … The Pens have just 40 shots total in the past 2 games … Evgeni Malkin continues to lead the NHL in playoff scoring with 18 points (5G-13A), while rookie Jake Guentzel paces the league with 9 postseason goals … Pittsburgh injuries: Trevor Daley (lower-body), Kris Letang (herniated disc), Matt Murray (lower-body) … The Caps best players have risen to the task in Games 5 and 6 as the team faced elimination. In the past 2 games they've posted the following: Nicklas Backstrom (2G-1A), Andre Burakovsky (3G-1A), T.J. Oshie (1G-1A), Evgeny Kuznetsov (1G-2A) … Justin Williams has an NHL-best 14 points in 7 career Game 7s played, garnering the nickname "Mr. Game 7" … The Caps power play, largely a non-factor, contributed 2 goals in Game 6 … Washington injuries: None.
MORNING SKATE REPORT:
\The Pens held an optional morning skate. Those missing were Brian Dumoulin, Carl Hagelin, Ron Hainsey, Phil Kessel and Sidney Crosby.
\Goaltender Matt Murray (lower-body) was back on the ice for the team and took part in the morning skater. Tristan Jarry, who has been acting as the team's backup, did not attend.
Sullivan on Murray: "He is (healthy enough to backup). He's just taking the next step. He's been practicing now for a number of days. He's ready to take the next step and join the team. He's just continuing that process."
*The Pens used the following lines at yesterday's practice…
Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
Kunitz-Malkin-Kessel
Sheary-Bonino-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Cullen-Rowney
