Game 52: Flames @ Penguins 02.07.17

By Kipper @pghsportsforum
Game Preview:
https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/ga...es/c-286494622
"The Penguins host the Calgary Flames for the first and only time this season. Tonight's game is presented by PPG.
MATCH: Penguins vs. Flames
TIME: 7 p.m. EST
PLACE: PPG Paints Arena
TV: ROOT Sports
RADIO: 105.9 FM, the X
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
The Pens hope to improve to 4-0 following the All-Star break … Tonight will be the 1st of only 2 meetings between the Pens and Flames … Sidney Crosby enters the contest with 997 career NHL points, 3 away from the magic number 1,000 … Crosby posted 3 points against St. Louis on Saturday, including 2 goals. Pittsburgh is 19-2-2 this season when Crosby scores a goal … Kris Letang has 4 points (2G-2A) in his last 4 games … Chris Kunitz has notched 4 points (1G-3A) in his last 4 contests … Pittsburgh injuries: Evgeni Malkin (lower-body); Carl Hagelin (concussion); Conor Sheary (upper-body) … The Flames are fighting for their playoff lives, currently sitting in the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference … The Flames have won 3 of their last 4 games, including 2 in overtime … Calgary is led by Mikael Backlund's 37 points and Sean Monahan's 19 goals. Monahan has goals in 3 of his last 4 games and 99 for his career … Calgary injuries: Ladislav Smid (neck); Garnet Hathaway (upper-body) … The Penguins are supporting hockey inclusion by hosting "You Can Play" Night for the game. The initiative ensures the safety and inclusion of all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans. Kunitz is the Pens' You Can Play ambassador.
MORNING SKATE REPORT:
*The Pens held an optional morning skate. The only healthy players that took the option were Crosby, Letang and Phil Kessel. Malkin did skate with his teammates.
*Matt Murray was the first goalie off of the ice at the morning skate and will start tonight. "
Digital preview: