MATCH:Penguins vs. Sharks
TIME:7 p.m. EST
PLACE:PPG Paints Arena
TV:AT&T SportsNet
RADIO:105.9 FM, the X
5 THINGS
1.The Pens entered the All-Star break on a 7-2 run that has them tied with Columbus for 2nd place in the Metro Division. San Jose entered the All-Star break on a 5-2-1 run and sit in 2nd place in the Pacific Division. The Sharks recorded a 2-1 win against Pittsburgh 10 days ago in California.
2.Pens captain Sidney Crosby scored a goal and 2 points in his lone game of All-Star weekend. Since Jan. 1, Crosby leads the entire NHL in scoring with 20 points (3G-17A). His linemate, rookie Dominik Simon, has 3 goals in his last 2 games.
3.Goalie Matt Murray will return to the net after missing the past 7 games while dealing with the tragic passing of his father.
4.The Sharks are dealing with an injury bug. Joe Thornton underwent surgery for a right MCL issue after being hurt Jan. 23 against Winnipeg. Goalie Martin Jones missed the past 4 games with a lower-body injury, but is available tonight.
5.Speaking of NHL leaders since Jan 1, San Jose's Brent Burns ranks 4th (tied with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel) with 16 points (1G-15A) and 2nd with 15 assists.
INJURIES
PIT - Matt Hunwick (upper-body), Chad Ruhwedel (upper-body), Carter Rowney (upper-body).
SJS - Martin Jones (lower-body), Joe Thornton (right MCL).
MORNING SKATE
* The Pens held an optional skate. Missing were Justin Schultz, Brian Dumoulin, Riley Sheahan, Kris Letang, Karl Hagelin, Phil Kessel and Sidney Crosby.
