Pens return from All-Star break, face Ottawa

The Pittsburgh Penguins will return from the All-Star break to begin a tough second part of the season. The schedule will begin with a home game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. The Penguins had two representatives at the  All-Star game with Malkin and Letang and both will be looking to lead them to a good run to ensure the Penguins finish in a play-off spot.

Erik Karlsson has been the biggest player for the Senators this season with 52 points through the Senators first 50 games. He is the leading Norris candidate at this stage in the season and is on course to have his best season to date. Letang could be a candidate for that award without his injuries.

The Senators have played the Penguins once before this season in their schedule three game series this season. The third game is on April 5th in Ottawa. Pittsburgh won the first match-up way back in October, 2-0. This was at a time when Pittsburgh were looking to avoid one of their worst ever starts to the season. That game saw Sprong score his first NHL and Malkin with the Game winning goal, his first this season.

The Penguins currently occupy the last Wild Card spot ahead of the New Jersey Devils. Pittsburgh have played two fewer games, with 48 to Jersey's 50. The Penguins did have a postponed game in Washington however. The Penguins next three games are a mix with a trip to the Sunshine state against two playoff teams in the Lightning and Panthers. A good run would indicate whether the Penguins make the playoffs and/or the moves they would make at the deadline.