The Los Angeles Kings will look to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday night as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Staples Center. The Pens are still without Sidney Crosby, arguably the best player in the sport, but they remain a force to be reckoned with.
Crosby last played on January 5, missing 10 months and counting with would could have been a career-threatening concussion. He is expected back soon for Pittsburgh, maybe within a week or two, but just not Saturday night in Los Angeles. But the Penguins still have rolled along.
At 8-3-3, they are tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks for the most points in the National Hockey League with 19. Left wing James Neal leads the team with nine goals in 14 games, and centers Evgeni Malkin (10 points) and Jordan Staal (nine points) have been productive as always. With a +10 goal differential (42 goals for, 32 goals against), the Penguins are one of just three teams, with the Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers, with a double-digit positive goal differential.
The Kings have allowed just 25 goals in 12 games this season, the fewest in the NHL. They will need Jonathan Quick to have a big game if they are to snap their three-game skid. Of course, a couple early goals from the offense would be nice, too.
Saturday night's 7:30 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more Kings news and notes, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown. For your Penguins information, be sure to read Pensburgh.