Pens cancel practice after back-to-back losses

The Penguins are heading back home today as they face the New Jersey Devils in the second of two back-to-back games. In yesterday's matchup, the Penguins lost 4-3 in overtime to the Islanders. It was the second over time defeat for the Penguins against the Isles this week as they had been dealt the loss by a score of 5-4 on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh will try to get back on its feet with a win against the struggling Devils. In order to achieve this, coach Sullivan has made a few changes to his lineup.

Perhaps most notably, backup netminder Tristan Jarry will get the start in front for the Pens' net as Matt Murray gets a rest after playing yesterday in Brooklyn. Jarry will earn his 6th start of the season tonight and will try to get an even split between wins and losses with a 3rd victory.

On offense, Joe Blandisi is set to be a scratch this evening. Same Lafferty will jump back into the lineup and complete the 4th offensive line. Dominik Simon will pivot the third offensive line alongside Dominik Kahun and Patric Hornqvist. Alex Galchenyuk will get a spot on the second line now composed he, Jared McCann and Brandon Tanev.

On defense, Jack Johnson and Marcus Pettersson will trade spots. Johnson will play to the left of Chad Ruhwedel on the 2nd pair, while Pettersson will be paired up with Zach Trotman who steps in for Juuso Riikola.

Here is how the Penguins lineup should look tonight in Pittsburgh as they host the New Jersey Devils according to NHL.com correspondent Wes Crosby:

Forwards:

Jake Guentzel - Evgeni Malkin - Bryan Rust

Alex Galchenyuk - Jared McCann - Brandon Tanev

Dominik Kahun - Dominik Simon - Patric Hornqvist

Zach Aston-Reese - Teddy Blueger - Sam Lafferty

Defensemen:

Brian Dumoulin - John Marino

Jack Johnson - Chad Ruhwedel

Marcus Pettersson - Zach Trotman

Goaltenders:

Tristan Jarry

Matt Murray

Joe Blandisi and Juuso Riikola are set to be healthy scratches this evening. Meanwhile, the Penguins injury woes persist. Kris Letang, Justin Schultz, Nick Bjugstad and Sidney Crosby are all out with injuries.

Devils head coach John Hynes says his team has a lot of respect for Pittsburgh. That being said, expect the Devils to come out with their head in the game as they try to go 4-4-0 in an eight game period tonight with a win.

It should be a great Hockey game!