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Streaking Penguins host Canadiens

Mar 16, 2007 - 3:50 PM Montreal (35-30-6) at Pittsburgh (39-21-10) 7:30 pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins will likely make the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. The only question is where they will be seeded.

Pittsburgh aims to extend its points streak to seven games when it hosts the Montreal Canadiens on Friday.

The Penguins trail the Atlantic Division-leading New Jersey (43-20-8) by six points and are fifth in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Ottawa (41-23-7).

Pittsburgh defeated the Devils, 3-0, on Wednesday for its third straight triumph. Jarkko Ruutu had a goal and an assist while Jocelyn Thibault made 34 saves to record his 37th career shutout. Sidney Crosby had an assist and leads the NHL with 75 assists and 104 points.

The Canadiens are tied for 10th in the East, two points out of the final playoff spot. They defeated the New York Islanders, 5-3, on Tuesday for their second straight win after a four-game skid.

Rookie Guillaume Latendresse had two goals while Tomas Plekanec and Michael Ryder each had a goal and an assist for Montreal.

Alexei Kovalev missed the win over the Islanders with vertigo but returned to practice on Wednesday and should be available for the Canadiens, who have won two of three matchups with the Penguins this season.