The Penguins have waited a long time for this home game, ever since the Rangers eliminated them in a bitter, seven-game first-round playoff series last season. This is the first time the team's are meeting since then.

The Rangers are playing for the third time in four days, off easy wins against easy opponents, Flyers and Blackhawks.

The Penguins are the more rested team in action for only the second time in five days. They have won their last five home games. Pittsburgh also has defeated the Rangers seven of the past nine times at home.

Pittsburgh's Tristan Jarry has been the hottest goalie in the league this month, not the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin. Jarry has a 94.7 save percentage this month. The Penguins also rank in the top-five in the metric expected goals. The Rangers are below average in that underrated category.