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Penguins look to rebound from first regulation loss in 17 games

Feb 22, 2007 - 3:54 PM Pittsburgh (32-18-9) at Florida (23-26-12) 7:30 pm EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- With one of the best stretches in franchise history over, the Pittsburgh Penguins need to regroup.

The Penguins attempt to bounce back from their first regulation defeat in 17 games Thursday when they continue a three-game road trip against the Florida Panthers.

Pittsburgh went 14-0-2 since January 10 before Monday's 6-5 loss to the New York Islanders. The defeat left the team two victories shy of the franchise record for longest points streak (18) set in 1992-1993.

Ryan Malone recorded a hat trick and Sidney Crosby collected four assists for the Penguins, who trail the New Jersey Devils by seven points in the Atlantic Division race.

With 95 points this season, the 19-year-old Crosby has a fairly comfortable 14-point lead over Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier in the race for the Art Ross Trophy.

After dropping three in a row earlier this month, Florida won three of its next four contests before Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Lightning.

Nathan Horton scored twice and Martin Gelinas collected his 20th assist for the Panthers, who are 16-10-3 at home this season.