The Penguins open a two-game southern road trip tonight, visiting the Tampa Bay Lightning and then traveling to Dallas on Sunday. It’s another chance for Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust to play against their old linemate, Jake Guentzel, who has scored 14 goals for the Lightning this season.
Coach Dan Muse was happy to see that the team had a lot of hop in practice yesterday. He says this road trip is not necessarily a measuring stick for the Pens, but it’s a chance to play two of the better teams in the NHL.
Sidney Crosby is on a hot streak for the Pens, with five goals and four assists in the last five games. He’s scoring a lot this season from right in front of the net, but he says that’s not by design.
Forwards Justin Brazeau and Noel Acciari were full practice participants yesterday for the first time since both were placed on injured reserve exactly a month ago. Brazeau hasn’t played since October 30th, Acciari since November 3rd. Their injuries have not been disclosed. Muse said neither of them would play tonight, but he said they are both “close” to returning to the lineup.
Airtime for the Penguins and Lightning is at 6 o’clock tonight on 92.5 FM U92, with faceoff shortly after 7.
