Pittsburgh Penguins (10-11-2) vs Dallas Stars (13-8-4)
Mike Modano and the Dallas Stars head into Pittsburgh tomorrow night to take on Sidney Crosby and the rest of the Penguins squad. The Penguins, winner of two straight, haven't seen action since Saturday against the Thrashers and should be well rested for tomorrow's game. Defenseman Sergei Gonchar (groin) is questionable, but will more likely be a scratch on the night.
Prior to their recent loss against the Devils Wednesday night, the Dallas Stars posted a six game win-streak that has since put them as leaders in the Pacific Division and second in the Western Conference behind the Detroit Red Wings. Behind the duel goaltending efforts of both Marty Turco and Mike Smith, the Stars held their opposition to only seven total goals in those six games, one of which was a shutout.
Offensively the Stars can put up points. Brendan Morrow leads the team with 23 points, while defenseman Sergei Zubov and center Mike Ribeiro are tied at 22 a piece. Zubov is also second on the list of defenseman, behind none other than the Penguins' Gonchar.
The Penguins have seen some fluidity coming from two-way forward Ryan Malone. Malone's mustered up four points in two games, including three goals, and has really started to be the extension of Crosby's stick. In addition, Jordan Staal has snapped back into play by netting one and helping another in the past two games. The added depth is evidence to any team in the league that one line can not win a game.
Penguins vs Stars Friday night in Pittsburgh. Puck drops at 7:38pm.
