Pittsburgh @ New Jersey preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 19, 2019 ) Pittsburgh 4, New Jersey 3

Evgeni Malkin knows that the spotlight likely will shift in his direction with fellow former Hart Trophy recipient Sidney Crosby sidelined for at least six weeks following core muscle surgery. Malkin carries a four-game point streak (one goal, five assists) into Friday's contest as the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the New Jersey Devils.

"Everyone is looking to me right now," Malkin said Thursday. "I will try to show leadership, I will try to play smart. It's not the first time I've been here without Sid. I know it's not easy, but I'm ready." Malkin notched an assist on defenseman Justin Schultz's goal early in the second and Jared McCann scored on the power-play later in the period of Pittsburgh's 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers. While the Penguins have overcome a multi-goal deficit in each of their last four contests to earn at least a point in six of their last seven games (4-1-2), the Devils let yet another lead go by the boards during Wednesday's 4-2 setback to Ottawa. "This far into the season, we can't be having the same breakdowns and same things happening," New Jersey captain Andy Greene said. "How many games is that? Five off the top of my head right there. That's not good enough. We have to be way smarter, way tougher and way harder to play against."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, MSG-Plus (New Jersey)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (10-6-2): Malkin is no stranger to playing without Crosby, as the former has collected 161 points (66 goals, 95 assists) in 121 career games without the latter in the lineup. To get comfortable for his latest stint, the 33-year-old Russian was paired with Crosby's traditional linemates -- Bryan Rust and Jake Guentzel -- in Thursday's practice. "This is kind of like the first time where you know you're without him for a while," the 25-year-old Guentzel said of Crosby. "Everyone's got to step up when you lose a player like that. We know we've got to be better. Everyone's got to be on their A game."

ABOUT THE DEVILS (5-8-4): Sami Vatanen missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury on Wednesday, but the defenseman was able to take the ice away from the team the following day. "Sami skated today, on his own, and we'll see how he responds," coach John Hynes said. "If he responds well, he'll probably be with the team (Friday). Not playing-wise, but getting him back in. We just have to see how he reacts after his skate today." Forward Kevin Rooney (upper body) could draw back in the lineup, Hynes said, pending an evaluation by team doctors.

OVERTIME

1. New Jersey G Mackenzie Blackwood has been confirmed to receive his first career start versus Pittsburgh.

2. McCann has two goals and four assists during his four-game point streak.

3. New Jersey has been outscored by a 24-9 margin in the third period.

PREDICTION: Devils 3, Penguins 2