Iginla Out, Murray In: Jets at Pens Gamethread

Only Ray Shero could turn 13 consecutive wins into an afterthought.

The Pens will go for 14 straight as they lay out the welcome mat for new defenseman/human bulldozer Douglas Murray against the Winnipeg Jets Thursday.

Pittsburgh (26-8-0, 52 points) are pulling away from the pack in the East, but that hasn't stopped them from pillaging the trade market. Shero has used this curious season's ample cap space to acquire Murray, Brenden Morrow and Jarome Iginla, and is set to have his first look at the team's newest defenseman tonight.

Winnipeg (18-14-2, 38 points) suddenly finds themselves at the top of the Southeast Division, with a six-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes within hockey's slumpingist division. The Jets, for their part, have points in seven of their last ten and are making a genuine push for a playoff spot.

The Penguins are expected to get Evgeni Malkin back for Thursday's game. Malkin is officially a game-time decision but took line rushes between Brenden Morrow and James Neal at the morning skate.

With Kris Letang back on IR, Simon Despres has also been recalled. He, Mark Eaton and Deryk Engelland will comprise some version of tonight's third defense pairing, as Murray skated with Matt Niskanen this morning.

A win Thursday would be the longest such streak in the NHL since 2010, when the Washington Capitals also ran off 14 consecutive victories.

The Penguins and Jets have split their season series so far, one game apiece.