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After big trade, streaking Penguins visit Panthers

Mar 5, 2009 - 11:15 AM Pittsburgh (33-26-6) at Florida (33-23-8), 7:30 p.m. EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins made another big acquisition at the NHL's trading deadline and they appear to be finding their rhythm at the top of the stretch run of the season.

After acquiring Bill Guerin, Pittsburgh goes for its fifth straight win when it visits the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

The Penguins traded for Marian Hossa at last season's deadline, a move that helped the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Guerin, who has 16 goals and 20 assists this season, should help a Penguins club that has won four straight contests for the first time since a season-high six-game run from November 1-15.

Chris Kunitz scored two goals and Matt Cooke also tallied as Pittsburgh defeated Tampa Bay, 3-1, on Tuesday.

Sidney Crosby has missed the last four contests with a groin injury and his status is still uncertain.

Expected to make a big deal at the deadline, Florida decided to keep sought-after defenseman Jay Bouwmeester in hopes of making a push for the playoffs. The Panthers are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Michael Frolik tallied twice and Cory Stillman and Richard Zednik also scored goals as the Panthers won their second straight game with a 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday.

The win gave the Panthers a 3-2-0 record on their five-game road trip.