OTTAWA -- The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators will be out to challenge for first place in their divisions on Thursday when they meet at the Canadian Tire Centre.
The Penguins clinched a playoff berth for the 11th straight season with a 3-1 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday and moved to within a point of the Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals. The Penguins are one point ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets for second place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Senators ended a four-game losing streak (0-2-2) with a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday and are three points behind the Montreal Canadiens for first place in the Atlantic Division with a game in hand.