If big matchups are what makes hockey great, the NHL provided what fans crave on Saturday. How about a collision between division leaders? Say, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens.
Saturday's game in Pittsburgh (faceoff: 7:05 p.m. ET) brings the Habs to town at 25-ll-2, good for 52 points. The Pens go them one better, at 24-9-5.
For those who haven't been keeping watch, the Canadiens are tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning atop the Atlantic Division. In what might be equally surprising, the Pens' point total is matched by the New York Islanders.
Saturday will mark the Penguins debut of sniper David Perron, acquired this week from the Edmonton Oilers. A Quebec native, Perron told the team's website: “It’s going to be pretty surreal to start as a Penguin against Montreal.”
But as a 25-year-old veteran player, Perron is no longer in awe of the Habs. "Once you’ve played a few years in the league, all you start to worry about is winning hockey games," he said, "and I’m just trying to come in and do my part and work hard and fit in with the team.”
Talk about a change: Perron left the NHL's worst team for one of the best. And he will play with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, if not Brandon Sutter. Look for Perron on a line with Crosby and tough protection agent Steve Downie.
The experiment begins in trying to find the right fit for Perron, but his new teammates know what to expect. Talent.
“He’s a good skill guy and good player,” Malkin said. “I saw his game — good hands, righty, good shot. I think he’s a very important player for us.”
Coach Mike Johnston likely will have Perron in the top-six forward, and his new hand is adept at either wing.
Describing Perron, Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun told KDKA TV: “He’s going to give you everything he has every night. What makes David Perron such a special player is that despite his struggles this year, he’s a competitor.”
Exhibit A starts against the Habs.
Contributing: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review