Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. New York Rangers: GameDay In The Big Apple

Tonight the puck drops in the Big Apple as the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-6-2, 38 points) take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Christian Ehrhoff collected the game winning goal late in the third period on Saturday, as the Black and Gold defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2. The Pens are still even with the New York Islanders for first place in the Metropolitan Division as both teams have 38 points apiece. The Isles lost at home on Saturday 6-4 to the St. Louis Blues.

With Saturday’s 3-2 loss against the Red Wings in Detroit, Alain Vigneault‘s crew (11-10-4, 26 points) have lost two in a row and are in fourth place in the Metro Division. The Blue Shirts are 12 points behind the Penguins and Islanders. They are 8-5-3 at home this season.

It will be the third of four matchups this season when these two teams drop the puck this evening. The Rangers won the first contest 5-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in New York while the Pens took the second round at home 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday, Nov. 15.

When: Monday, Dec. 8

Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m.

Site: Madison Square Garden

Television: ROOT Sports Network

Announcers: Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey

Radio Coverage: 105.9 FM – The X and the Penguins Radio Network

Announcers: Mike Lange and Phil Bourque

Live Video Steam: NHL GameCenter LIVE

Audio Stream: Penguins Radio 24/7

Sirius XM Satellite Radio: XM Internet 942

Odds: Penguins +1.5 According to Bovada Online Sportsbook with the Over/Under at 5.5.

In four of the last seven games between the Penguins and Rangers, the matchup has gone to a shootout, with the Pens winning three of those four contests.

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New York with be without Chris Kreider tonight due to a neck injury while Anthony Duclair and Matt Hunwick are the scratches for this evening.

After the morning skate today, coach Mike Johnston let the media know that Olli Maatta did not make the trip and is back in Pittsburgh getting an injury re-evaluated. It was not related to his tumor, but something from the Pens’ last game. Forward Patric Hornqvist is still going through some tests. While Kris Letang did participate in the morning skate, he is not a go, yet. Beau Bennett, who was injured Nov. 24 in Boston, is on a two-week timetable for recovery from his lower-body injury.

Up Next: The Black and Gold are back at Consol Energy Center on Friday, Dec. 12 to take on the Calgary Flames (17-9-2, 36 points). The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ROOT Sports Pittsburgh.

From The Clipboard: Pittsburgh is 11-1 this season when Evgeni Malkin scores a goal…In 19 games this season, the Penguins have put up the first goal of the game which is the most in the NHL…Christian Ehrhoff’s last three goals have been game-winners.