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Hossa, Penguins visit streaking Bruins

Feb 28, 2008 - 1:39 PM Pittsburgh (36-21-7) at Boston (33-23-6) 7:00 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - The prized acquisition of the NHL trade deadline, Marian Hossa is set to make his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins when they visit the red-hot Boston Bruins on Thursday.

The All-Star right wing was traded from Atlanta for Colby Armstrong, center Erik Christensen and prospect Angelo Esposito. Pascal Dupuis was also acquired from Atlanta, while the Thrashers received a 2008 first-round pick in the deal.

The addition of Hossa give the Penguins a potentially explosive offensive attack, joining Evgeni Malkin - who leads the league with 82 points - and the reigning Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby, due to return soon from a right ankle injury.

Without Crosby, Pittsburgh has played well, going 10-4-4 in his absence, including 4-0-2 in its last six games.

The Penguins are coming off a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday, helped by a career-high 50 saves from goaltender Ty Conklin. Malkin had a goal and an assist, snapping a two-game pointless skid.

The Bruins did not take part in any of the 25 trades on Tuesday, but Boston has been one of the hottest teams in the league of late.

All-Star Zdeno Chara scored twice - including a long-distance empty-net goal - and goaltender Tim Thomas made 22 saves for his second shutout of the season as Boston blanked the Ottawa Senators, 4-0, on Tuesday.

It was the fourth straight win for the Bruins, who are 5-0-1 in their last six contests. The win also was the final nail in the coffin of Ottawa coach John Paddock, who was fired Wednesday.