Penguins Return Home Looking to Cool Off Red-Hot Canucks Tonight

The Pittsburgh Penguins are home tonight, taking on the Vancouver Canucks, who are on a sizzling tear at PPG Paints Arena.

The Penguins then are off on a road trip that features a Thursday night encounter with last season's defending champion Florida Panthers, who won't have injured stalwarts Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, then back home to play Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Monday against the St. Louis Blues.

Vancouver comes in tonight's contest unbeaten so far on its current four-game trip on the road.

The Canucks began with a 5-3 triumph in Dallas, as well as a 3-2 shootout win in Chicago, then a 4-3 victory in Washington, that one decided with a game-winning marker from former Penguin Teddy Blueger.

The Penguins and Canucks are set to meet again on January 25, as both clubs split last season's season series.

The Canucks' depth could be tested as second-line center Filip Chytil and right winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki both landed on injured reserve Monday after sustaining various injuries against Washington.

Brock Boeser was held back Sunday as a late scratch due to personal issues and is expected to be back in action, according to GM Patrik Allvin. Blueger is "doubtful" to play against his former team.

In Pittsburgh's lineup, hurt forward Rutger McGroarty is on track but is still being withheld since his injury report is "status quo," according to head coach Dan Muse.

Goaltender Arturs Silovs might play against his former club for the first time since he was dealt to Pittsburgh last July.

Tonight's encounter will determine whether Pittsburgh can cool down one of the hottest teams in the league en route to resuming a busy week.