Weekly Review/Preview

Current Standings

The Pens are currently 25-10-1 (51 points) and tied for first in the Atlantic Division and NHL with New Jersey. The Devils have only played 34 games

Pittsburgh is the hottest team in the league over the past 10 games, going 8-1-1.

Around the League

The Capitals are 22-8-6 (50 points) and are the only team within 5 points of the Pens and Devils in the East.

Chicago, Nashville, San Jose and Los Angeles are all tied atop the Western Conference with 47 points. The Blackhawks have played only 33 games, the fewest in the NHL.

The Predators are the hottest team in the West, going 7-1-2 in their last 10 games.

Week in Review

Dec. 19: 2-1 shootout victory in Buffalo; Fleury makes 31 saves

Dec. 17: 3-2 shootout win at Philadelphia; Fleury makes 31 saves, Kunitz has two assists

Dec. 15: 6-1 pummeling vs. Philadelphia; Crosby has two goals and an assist

Week Ahead

Monday: Host New Jersey (25-8-1) at 7:30; N.J. leads season series 2-0; Devils are 8-2 in their last 10 games

Wednesday: Host Ottawa (18-13-4) at 7:00; season series is even at 1-1; Senators are 5-5 in their last 10

Christmas break

Sunday: Host Toronto (13-16-7) at 7:00; Pens lead season series 1-0; Maple Leafs have been playing well and are 6-4 in their last 10

Miscellaneous

• Fleury is now 10-1-1 in his last 12 starts, and he ranks second in the league with 21 wins. #29 has allowed only one goal in the shootout this season (12 for 13).
• Crosby’s 43 points rank fourth in the league (just 5 behind leader Joe Thornton), and his 22 goals rank third. He leads the NHL with 5 shootout tallies.
• Orpik’s 110 hits is good for sixth in the league; Orpik, Adams (98) and Cooke (97) all rank in the top 20.
• McKee is tied for fifth in the league with 85 blocked shots.