It’s game day, the Buds have won 10 of their last 12 games (going four for five on the road), and they’re on a five-game winning streak. Even after giving up 57 shots to the CBJs on Wednesday, the Leafs managed to come out on top, and now they’re in Pittsburgh looking for six in row.

The Pens are on something of a tear themselves, with nice wins over their last 12 games, and they haven’t lost at home since January 4 (to Carolina). The Penguins have already lost at home to the Leafs once this season (Dec. 9), though, so why not go ahead and make it twice?

The new-look lines are as impressive as ever (the Marleau-Kadri-Marner combo somehow just keeps improving), and Frederik Andersen continues to amaze.

More good news: Jake Gardiner is back in the lineup after leaving Wednesday’s game with leg spasms. Unfortunately, it’s possible this also means Connor Carrick is out again in favour of Roman Polak, but there’s always hope.

The Pens continue to do that weird/crazy/impossible/kinda cool thing where they toss a rookie on a line with Sidney Crosby and it works. Currently, Zach Aston-Reese (6GP, 2G, 1A) is skating with Conor Sheary on Crosby’s line, and team points leaders Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel are spread even further down the lineup, giving the Penguins multiple scoring lines (kind of like the Leafs, hmm).

No starters have been officially confirmed… but it’s Freddie, right? And Matt Murray was first off the ice for the Pens at their optional morning skate, so we can expect to see him tonight. Murray has won six of his last seven starts since returning from injury. Frederik Andersen, as you probably know, has been totally awesome this season, and leads all NHL goalies with 49 starts (tonight will be #50).

Make the Pint your home for all things game day. We give away a free pound of wings during every game either home or away. 4.40$ mugs of Bud and Bud Lights.