The Coyotes are looking to bounce back from the performance they had against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Can they beat the struggling Penguins and get back in the win column?

View From Pittsburgh

For more information on the Penguins and their preview go to Pensburgh

The Penguins have hit their Stanley Cup hangover finally it seems. They have lost three straight games and are 5-5-0 in last ten games.

Matt Murray is finally back after an injury, in which young goaltender Tristian Jarry took over as starter.

The Penguins are, at the moment, fighting for a playoff spot in the monster division that is the Metropolitan, currently in 6th (in their division) with 35 points.

View From Arizona

The Coyotes are looking to bounce back after their rough game against the the Tampa Bay Lightning.

At practice on Friday the team was focusing on breakout drills and battling in front of the net, something that has their weak point in the past few games.

The Coyotes called up right wing Nick Merkley yesterday afternoon, we may see him play his first game as an Arizona Coyote tonight or some time soon.

The team needs to find a win and end their five game losing streak, hopefully they will be able to do that tonight.

Three Questions

Can Oliver Ekman-Larsson neutralize Sidney Crosby?

OEL has always been a thorn in Crosby’s side, can he shut him down like he has in years before?

Who gets the start?

Antti Raanta looked more focused at practice yesterday morning and Scott Wedgewood spent most of his time in the non-starter crease. There is no morning skate this morning so my money is on Raanta.

Will we see Nick Merkley?

It’s possible we may see him, but his debut may be pushed back to Tuesday against the Panthers.

Players to Watch

Arizona- Oliver Ekman-Larsson: OEL usually rises to the occasion when the Coyotes play the Penguins at home. Can he keep Crosby off the score sheet?

Pittsburgh- Sidney Crosby: Do I need to say why? Crosby is the best player in the world, hands down. We only get to see him once a year live in the Valley and he is a treat to watch each time.

Injury Report

Arizona:

Zac Rinaldo is a game-time decision after missing Thursday’s game with an illness.

Niklas Hjalmarsson is still out with an upper-body injury and is on IR.

Pittsburgh

Tom Kuhnhackl is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Justin Schultz is on IR with a lower-body injury.

Puck Drop

Puck drops at 6 pm on Fox Sports Arizona Plus and Fox Sports Go. You can also catch Heeter and Biz on the radio on ESPN 620.