Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. Washington Capitals GameDay, TV/Radio, And Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins (22-6-4, 48 points) seek to get back on the winning track tonight as they host Metropolitan Division rival, the Washington Capitals at Consol Energy Center.

The Black and Gold remain three points ahead of the New York Islanders (23-11-0, 46 points) for first-place in the Metro Division. New York is on the road tonight as they take on the Sabres at First Niagara Center in Buffalo.

Barry Trotz’s squad with a record of 17-11-6 and 40 points are in fourth place in the Metro Divison and nine points behind the Penguins. The Capitals are 10-6-2 on the road, and are on a roll as they are 7-1-2 in their last 10 contests. The Penguins appreciate sleeping in their own beds as they are 13-4-1 at home this season, and are 5-2-3 over their last 10 games.

Tonight is the first of four matchups this season when the teams meet at center ice. Pittsburgh swept last season’s four-game series with Washington. The Pens outscored the Caps 13-5 and outshot them 131 to 111.

When: Saturday, Dec. 27

Puck Drop: 7:35 p.m.

Site: CONSOL Energy Center

National Television: NBC Sports Network

Local 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 Channel 211, XM Internet 942

Odds: According to Bovada Online Sportsbook, oddsmakers currently have the moneyline on the two teams listed as Pittsburgh -170 / Washington +140 with the Over/Under at 5.5.

Washington right wing Alex Ovechkin has seven power play goals this season while center Nicklas Backstrom leads the team with 36 points and has averaged a goal over his past six games.

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Among the wounded, there are a total of 10 Penguins on injured reserve, including Pascal Dupuis, Anton Zlobin, Beau Bennett, Olli Maatta, Zach Sill Robert Bortuzzo, Paul Martin, Christian Ehrhoff, Craig Adams, and Blake Comeau.

The team reported on Friday that Steve Downie and Thomas Greiss are out of action due to the mumps. Brandon Sutter’s test for the virus was negative and he has been allowed to return to the team.

Pittsburgh recalled goaltender Jeff Zatkoff and center Jayson Megna on Saturday morning from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League.

Up Next: The Black and Gold are back on the road on Monday, Dec. 29 when they take on the Devils (12-17-7, 31 points) at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ROOT Sports Pittsburgh.

From The Clipboard: Chris Kunitz recorded his 300th career point with the Penguins in Tuesday’s game in Tampa Bay. The 6-foot, 195-pound left wing has 136 goals and 164 assists in 370 career games with Pittsburgh…The Calgary Flames and the Pens are the two NHL teams that have five players with 10 or more goals this year…The Black and Gold has dressed 31 skaters this season which is second most in the National Hockey League behind the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have dressed 32.