Overview
- New York enters on a five-game losing streak and is 2-11-2 over its past 15, with nine shutouts this season including seven at MSG and only six home wins, tied for the fewest in the NHL.
- Pittsburgh is 9-1-3 since Jan. 13 and sits second in the Metropolitan Division, pairing deep scoring with a power play at 26.0% (4th) and a penalty kill at 84.5% (2nd).
- Sidney Crosby is out about four weeks with a lower-body injury sustained at the Olympics, yet the Penguins continue to produce through a broad scoring cast.
- Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox returned from lengthy absences in New York's overtime loss to Philadelphia, and coach Mike Sullivan said they will need time to regain speed and timing.
- This is the fourth meeting of the season after Pittsburgh’s 6-5 win on Jan. 31, and the Rangers’ recent waiver claim Tye Kartye is not expected to debut on Saturday.