The Pittsburgh Penguins have been cruising along without star center Sidney Crosby, thanks in part to the play of Evgeni Malkin. On Wednesday night, the Penguins will host the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first game of a two game series. The Penguins have won seven games in a row and will look to make it eight as Malkin, the NHL's leading scoring, hopes to pick up right where he left off before the All-Star break.
The Maple Leafs are also trying to pick themselves up as they come back from the All-Star break, trying to pick up another win as they try to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2003-2004 NHL season. They're currently tied with Florida and New Jersey for the final two playoff spots, so a victory over the Penguins could go a long way.
For more on the Pittsburgh Penguins, be sure to visit SB Nation's Penguins blog PensBurgh. For more on the Toronto Maple Leafs, be sure to visit SB Nation's Maple Leafs blog Pension Plan Puppets.