PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Tristan Jarry starts in net and a chance defensemen Marcus Pettersson and Dmitry Kulikov return from injury as the Pens host Chicago as a win puts them past the Islanders for the final playoff spot.
Kulikov made a quick impression after being acquired from Anaheim, inserted immediately in the lineup. He's played only four games with the Pens, but has the ability to help clear the net. Pettersson, out since March 18, is likely the Pens most consistent defensemen this year. The 6'3" Pettersson spent a lot of time on the ice after an optional morning skate Tuesday which could signal him testing the injury to be able to return.
Forward Nick Bonino skated but still hasn't been cleared to play Tuesday night. Forward Drew O'Connor also went through the morning practice and is a game-time decision although the team recalled forward Alex Nylander. He would replace O'Connor in the lineup.
Keeping focus
Chicago has lost 11 of 12, all of those 11 losses are by multiple goals although last night they held a 2-1 lead over Minnesota in the third period before losing 4-2.
"I have so much respect for players, coaches, teams in the NHL," Sullivan said. "There is such a fine line between winning and losing. I don't care where any team sits in the standings, every team in this league is a good hockey team. We have so much respect for every opponent we face. I know our guys are excited to get after it tonight. The stakes are high. We got a lot on the line. We are looking forward for an opportunity to grab points and try to solidify a playoff spot, that's where our focus is."
"The stakes are high," said Pens defenseman Jeff Petry. "It's important for us to prepare ourselves and make sure we are ready. You have to have fun with it too. You don't want to be uptight. We all know what is at stake, but we want to have a good mood and feeling. Making sure we have fun with it and are ready to go."
Chicago glance
At times the Blackhawks have shown they are capable, in early March they beat Ottawa 5-0, an overtime loss at Florida, beat Boston 6-3 and won at Nashville. It's been since that win against the Preds, outscored 54-22 in their last dozen games. Jonathan Toews is back in the lineup. Defenseman Seth Jones has 35 points and center Andreas Athanasiou has played well recently with 36 points.
Petr Mrazek likely to start in net as Alex Stalock played Monday night. Mrazek has a 3.71 GAA and .892 save percentage this season. In nine career games against the Pens, Mrazek is 3-5-1 with an .895 save percentage and 3.64 goals-against average.
Maybe hyping up the opponent for competitive reasons, but Sullivan said about Chicago and the challenge they bring Tuesday.
"They are a young team that brings a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm," Sullivan said. "They have some good leadership in the locker room. They are a well-coached team."
"Regardless of the team we play, where they sit in the standings. It has no bearing of what our mindset is and how we are going to go about our business when the puck drops at 7 o'clock. We are going to make sure we do everything in our power to be ready to play and dictate the terms."
"I think their speed," said Pens captain Sidney Crosby about Chicago's strengths. "They have a lot of skill. They are scoring a lot of goals lately. Just making sure we are good defensively, giving ourselves a chance, that will be the most important thing. Their skill and speed stand out a lot."
"We've got to continue to focus on our game and control what we can and put ourselves in the best position," Sullivan added. "That's where our focus is and that was the discussion we had with the team. Just making sure we control the controllables here within our own group and we put a game on the ice that sets us up for success."
