Two teams battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference face off when the Red Wings (29-19-9, 67 points) visit the Penguins (28-19-8, 64 points) at CONSOL Energy Center.

Detroit currently sits in third place in the Atlantic Division, where teams Nos. 2-4 are separated by just four points. Pittsburgh is clinging to the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but also is in the thick of the Metropolitan Division race, where teams Nos. 2-7 are separated by just 10 points.

This marks the second of three meetings between the Red Wings and Penguins in 2015-16; Pittsburgh scored five unanswered goals to defeat Detroit, 5-2, in their first matchup on Dec. 31 at Joe Louis Arena.

MILESTONES & MUSINGS

• Wild forward Zach Parise (0-2—2) recorded his 600th NHL point (292-309—601). Parise, the 17th overall selection by the Devils in the 2003 NHL Draft, became the fifth member of his draft class to reach the milestone. The others: Eric Staal (321-451—772), Ryan Getzlaf (214-508—722), Corey Perry (319-324—643) and Thomas Vanek (313-328—641).
• Jarome Iginla recorded his 605th and 606th career goals to move within two of tying Dino Ciccarelli (608) for 17th place in NHL history. Iginla also notched his 108th career multi-goal game (and third of the season), second among active players behind Florida’s Jaromir Jagr (125).
• Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the 20-game suspension that was assessed to Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman for conduct violative of Rule 40 (Physical Abuse of Officials).

 

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
COLORADO 3, Montreal 2
Chicago 5, NY RANGERS 3
Minnesota 5, CALGARY 3

SNEAK PEEK AT THURSDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Washington @ NY Islanders, 7:00 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings @ Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.
NY Rangers @ Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
Carolina @ Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.
Winnipeg @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
San Jose @ Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Los Angeles @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m.
Boston @ Nashville, 8:00 p.m.
Minnesota @ Edmonton, 9:00 p.m.
Dallas @ Arizona, 9:00 p.m.
Anaheim @ Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.