Sharks at Penguins: Lines, gamethread, and where to watch

It’s another early start for the San Jose Sharks, who head into Pittsburgh this afternoon as they continue swimming through the East Coast. After a New Year’s Eve loss to the league-worst Detroit Red Wings, the Sharks have lost their bite with only half of the season left to turn things around.

On the other end of the ice is a Pittsburgh Penguins team holding on to their third place position in the Metropolitan Division, even without Sidney Crosby, who had hernia surgery on November 14. The Penguins have won three straight and seven of their last eight, including Monday’s 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators.

Potentially through a wrench in their plans tonight is the loss of another top-line player in Jake Guentzel, who was injured in the third period against the Senators. In his place will be former Arizona Coyote Alex Galchenyuk. That’s still a heck of a top line, but could affect the Penguins’ depth, especially on wing.

Lines

Sharks

Get your lines here! Dell starts for the #SJSharks this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/GMOg8ZhOpy

— Fear the Fin (@fearthefin) January 2, 2020

Expected Scratches: Tim Heed, Joachim Blichfeld, Antti Suomela

Injured Reserve: Dalton Prout (upper body)

Penguins (via NHL.com)

Alex Galchenyuk — Evgeni Malkin — Bryan Rust
Dominik Simon — Jared McCann — Patric Hornqvist
Zach Aston-Reese — Teddy Blueger — Brandon Tanev
Dominik Kahun — Joseph Blandisi — Sam Lafferty

Jack Johnson — Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson — John Marino
Juuso Riikola — Chad Ruhwedel

Tristan Jarry
Matt Murray

Expected Scratches: Kevin Czuczman

Injured Reserve: Sidney Crosby (core muscle surgery), Nick Bjugstad (core muscle surgery), Brian Dumoulin (ankle surgery), Justin Schultz (lower body), Jake Guentzel (shoulder surgery)

Where to Watch

Puck drop from PPG Paints Arena will be at 4 PT/7 ET. Tonight’s broadcast will be available on NBC Sports California in the Bay Area and on AT&T Sportsnet Pittsburgh for the visitors’ market. Streaming will be available on NHLtv. The radio call will be on 98.5 KFOX or available to stream through the Sharks + SAP Center app.