GAME 35 | Dec. 28
PIT: 19-10-5 (43 points) | DET: 14-11-7 (35 points)
7:30 PM | PPG PAINTS ARENA
DOORS OPEN 6:00 PM
WATCH: ATTSN (LOCAL), ESPN+ (NATIONAL) | LISTEN: 105.9 The X, Penguins Radio Network
GAME PREVIEW
The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Detroit Red Wings for the first time this season at PPG Paints Arena. Last season the Penguins went 2-0-1 versus Detroit, outscoring them 20-6 in those three contests. The Penguins scored a power-play goal in each game and went 50% (5/10) in the three-game series. Pittsburgh enters tonight’s game with points in seven-straight contests against Detroit (6-0-1). Here at home, the Penguins have points in six-straight games (5-0-1), and eight of their last nine (7-1-1) versus the Red Wings.
QUICK HITS
Evgeni Malkin has points in 10 of his last 11 games (9G-12A) versus Detroit. In 24 career games against them, he has recorded 38 points (16G-22A). His 1.58 points-per-game average against them is tied with Mathew Barzel (12GP, 19 PTS – 1.58) for first in the NHL among active players.
Home games against Detroit have historically been high-scoring affairs for Pittsburgh. In their last 12 home contests versus the Red Wings dating back to April 9, 2014, the Penguins have scored four or more goals nine times, including five of the last six games.
Danton Heinen sits one assist shy of 100 in his career. Heinen, who was drafted in the fourth round (116th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft, is looking to become the 21st member of his draft class to register 100 assists. Of the 20 players with 100 assists, only six (Christian Dvorak and Brandon Montour, 2nd Round; Brayden Point, 3rd Round; Viktor Arvidsson and Devon Toews, 4th Round; Kevin Lebanc, 6th Round) were selected outside of the first round.
Jeff Carter enters tonight’s game one assist from 400 in his career. He’s set to become the sixth player from the 2003 draft class to collect 400 goals and 400 assists along with Eric Staal, Patrice Bergeron, Joe Pavelski, Corey Perry and Zach Parise. He would become the 100th player in NHL history to accomplish this feat.
In two career games against Detroit, Casey DeSmith is 1-0-1 with a 1.92 goals against average and a .930 save percentage.
PLAYER INTERVIEW
Video: Carter speaks with the media
GAME TRIGGER PROMOTIONS
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