The Pittsburgh Penguins are once again sitting on top of the NHL as they aim to break more franchise records on their way to what they hope is another trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Penguins are hoping to get their 15th win in the last 17 games while finishing out a four-game road trip against the New Jersey Devils.
Pittsburgh is rotating on all cylinders at this point in the year. The team scored three power-play goals against Columbus on Sunday which passed a franchise mark set back in 1992. Despite being hit hard with injuries, the team has managed to make solid progress on the year.
As of now, Pascal Dupuis is out with a torn ACL. Kris Letang and Malkin continue to sit out, although Malkin returned to practice after missing nine games and could be back sooner rather than later. Until then, Sidney Crosby continues to lead the way. The captain leads the NHL with 58 points and is not slowing down.
The New Jersey Devils aim to give Pittsburgh a few headaches like they have in the past. The team is 11-2-0 when facing Pittsburgh at home, but they have lost two of three games to the team this season. Crosby has been held to a goal and three assists in his last seven trips to the Prudential Center.
Martin Brodeur is set to start after making 27 saves in the last win against Pittsburgh. He has a strong career against the Penguins with a 9-2-0 career record and 1.45 goals-against average. He will be the x-factor in this New Year's Eve matchup.
