Amid key games vs. Rangers, Penguins face skidding Habs

The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting what could be seen as a respite on Tuesday when the Montreal Canadiens visit.

Pittsburgh is 7-1-1 in its past nine games and is pushing to hold onto at least a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and perhaps move up.

Montreal is in freefall, having gone0-for-March, and not only is far out of the playoff picture but also could be pushing for one of the bottom spots in the league.