Time: Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 7:00 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America

Last 10 matches: Pittsburgh 6-3-1; Buffalo 6-2-2
Rupp’s goal was his 10th in 39 games this season, four more than his previous career high. His 20.8 shooting percentage is tops on the Penguins. … Connolly has three goals and two assists during a three-game points streak for the Sabres. Grier has two goals and three assists in his own three-game points streak. Pittsburgh figures to face a bigger challenge in securing two points this time around, as Ryan Miller should get the start in goal for Buffalo. The Penguins faced backup Patrick Lalime in their last visit, and while he matched Fleury save-for-save through 65 minutes, few goalies in the League can compare to Miller the way he has played this season.

“He is a great, technical goalie,” said Penguins defenseman Jay McKee, a former teammate of Miller’s. “He can go through a handful of games where he doesn’t have to make any spectacular saves because he is always in position.

“He is thinking ahead of the curve. He reads plays and angles well. He battles hard in practices and in games. He doesn’t really have any weaknesses.”
Second of four meetings. The Penguins pulled out a 2-1 shootout victory at HSBC Arena on Dec. 19, with Kris Letang netting the decisive goal. Jason Pominville of the Sabres opened the scoring before Chris Kunitz answered in the final minute of the first period. Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside 31 shots and all three shootout attempts he faced.
Pittsburgh defenseman Mark Eaton has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury. … Buffalo forward Patrick Kaleta is day-to-day after suffering a lower-body injury crashing into the net in St. Louis. Forward Derek Roy could be ready to return from an upper-body injury by Friday. Forward Nathan Gerbe is skating as he aims to return soon from a groin injury. Goal’s highlights, results and more will be on site, as soon as posible.. stay with us.