Big night in NYC.

Sidney Crosby's return to the lineup aside, Kris Letang is returning tonight as well after missing 5 games with concussion-like symptoms. However, put both of those returns aside, and tonight is a big game for the Pens. The Pens face the New York Rangers tonight at Madison Square Garden, the team above them in the standings by 6 points leading the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference with 95 points, while the Pens have 89 points.

The Pens have had a goal of reaching and even surpassing the Rangers in the standings for quite some time now. Winning 9 games in a row has certainly helped, but in order to accomplish their goal the Pens must beat the Rangers tonight and another win against the Rangers in the final regular season meeting between the 2 teams on April 5th would definitely help also.
Whether Crosby and/or Letang were returning tonight or not, it would still be a huge game. With Crosby and Letang back in the lineup for tonight's game, it's a tad bigger.

The Rangers recently lost a few games in a row, but seem to have returned to their form in a 4-2 win over Carolina the other night. The Rangers are an overall strong team and one the Pens must be prepared for and they should be. The Pens certainly know how big this game is tonight to reach their goal of taking over top spot in the standings.
Getting over a flu, Henrik Lundqvist, who sat out Tuesday's win, will not play tonight and Martin Biron will get the start in net for the Rangers.

With the return of Crosby and Letang, the Pens are on their way to getting back to a healthy lineup. What a great time of year for it to happen. Let's just hope it stays this way.
Tonight's game is a huge game and the excitement towards tonight's game is palpable.