A different look in Pittsburgh expected...

For weeks, fans and writers and players and coaches (well, Dan Bylsma) were pointing at tomorrow night's game at CONSOL as a key matchup in the race for the East. After all, the Penguins were rolling with Sidney Crosby back and the Rangers were faltering.

This is why they play the games rather than use a Ouija board or Tarot cards or predict things with any accuracy.

The Rangers have clinched the No. 1 seed in the East, and the Penguins, in part because of consecutive losses to the Islanders, are looking to secure the No. 4 seed and home ice advantage.

So don't be shocked if Martin Biron is in the net, allowing Henrik Lundqvist to rest his stiff/bruised right forearm. And John Scott could play for the first time in weeks because Mike Rupp could use a day off after taking some solid blows in his fight with Jody Shelley. Artem Anisimov is fine after taking seven stitches in his lip, and likely will play.

The Blueshirts, off the ice today, flew to Pittsburgh today from Philly; I'll be en route a little later.

Thinking of scheduling a live chat next Tuesday; stay tuned.