An actual Florida Panther.

Tonight, it is most definitely a hockey night in Pittsburgh. The team has returned from a three game road trip across Canada and will open Consol Energy Center tonight against the Florida Panthers.

Though the Panthers haven’t made the playoffs since 2000, many think this could be their year. After careful management and shrewd roster movements this summer, the team, as least on paper, resembles a contender (and, oddly enough, the 2009-2010 Chicago Blackhawks).

Whatever. Matt Cooke is currently leading our team in goals. Let’s go Pens.

Game Notes:

• Evgeni Malkin remains day-to-day with his lower body injury. Some are speculating he took a few shots to the ankle in the Calgary game. Of course, that is just speculation so pretend we didn’t say anything. What isn’t speculation is this quote from Dan the Man:

“Evgeni Malkin has soreness and will not be available for tonight’s game. We do not think it’s long-term or anything other than just being sore at this point and time.”

• Brooks Orpik will not be ready for tonight’s game as he continues to recover from surgery.
• Sean Bergenheim is with the Panthers now. Remember him? Probably not because you spent all summer trying to forget about him. He was some jerk on Tampa Bay who played a large role in kicking our butts. Grrr…
• It feels good to have hockey back in the ‘Burgh, doesn’t it?

Where to Watch/Listen:

Pretty much every where.

Versus HD, TSN2 (Canada), RIS (Canada) ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh), Penguins Radio (Online).

The puck drops at 7:30 EST.

Be there or be one of the three people busy on a Tuesday night.