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Penguins hope to continue surprising run vs. Panthers

Jan 30, 2007 - 4:12 PM Florida (19-22-10) at Pittsburgh (23-17-8) 7:30 pm EST

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Sidney Crosby and Pittsburgh Penguins finally are looking like they are playoff worthy.

Winners of five of their last six games, the Penguins hope to continue their stellar play when they take on the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

Finishing at the bottom of the Atlantic Division in the last four seasons, Pittsburgh is heading in the right direction this campaign - tied with the New York Rangers for second in the division with 54 points.

Looking to notch their first playoff appearance since 2000-01, the Penguins demolished Toronto, Dallas and Phoenix in their current three-game winning streak - outscoring those clubs, 19-7.

Pittsburgh's stellar play has a lot to do with their young star. The league leader in assists (53) and points (78), the 19-year-old Crosby faced coach Wayne Gretzky's team for the first time in his career on Saturday. It was also the first matchup between the squads since February 25, 2004.

Pittsburgh defeated the Coyotes, 7-2, in that game. Crosby and Mark Recchi had one goal and three assists apiece in the win.

In winning consecutive games for the first time since December 27-29, Panthers recorded a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Rostislav Olesz scored twice and Jozef Stumpel had a tally and two assists.

Florida has just six wins in its last 20 road games.