Florida Panthers (29-14-4, second in the Atlantic Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (21-17-6, seventh in the Metropolitan Division)
Pittsburgh; Friday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers visit the Pittsburgh Penguins after Matthew Tkachuk scored two goals in the Panthers' 6-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes.
Pittsburgh has a 21-17-6 record overall and an 11-8-2 record in home games. The Penguins have given up 120 goals while scoring 131 for a +11 scoring differential.
Florida has a 15-7-2 record in road games and a 29-14-4 record overall. The Panthers have a +30 scoring differential, with 152 total goals scored and 122 allowed.
Friday's game is the second time these teams meet this season. The Panthers won the previous meeting 3-1. Tkachuk scored two goals in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sidney Crosby has 27 goals and 21 assists for the Penguins. Lars Eller has four goals and one assist over the past 10 games.
Sam Reinhart has 35 goals and 25 assists for the Panthers. Tkachuk has scored nine goals and added 10 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Penguins: 4-4-2, averaging 2.9 goals, 5.1 assists, three penalties and 6.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.
Panthers: 6-2-2, averaging 4.1 goals, 7.2 assists, 6.8 penalties and 15.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.
INJURIES: Penguins: Reilly Smith: out (upper body), John Ludvig: out (undisclosed), Matt Nieto: out (knee).
Panthers: Nick Cousins: out (concussion protocol).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
