Penguins-Coyotes preview

A look ahead to the Penguins’ game against Arizona at Gila River Arena tonight at 10:08:

*** The Penguins, coming off a 3-0 loss in Dallas Thursday, will be trying to avoid opening a season with back-to-back losses for the first time since 2010-11.

*** Coach Mike Johnston apparently plans one lineup change, with Kevin Porter replacing Bobby Farnham on the fourth line and the penalty-killing unit. “Porter adds some experience on the penalty-kill and he can center or the wing,” Johnston said after the game-day skate. “He’s a versatile player and we felt that was the best fit for tonight’s game.”

*** Sidney Crosby played a part in five of the six goals the Penguins got against Arizona in 2014-15, scoring two and setting up three.

*** The Coyotes opened their season with a 4-1 victory at Los Angeles Friday. They did not have a game-day skate Saturday.

*** Arizona failed to score on three power plays against the Kings, but killed all four of Los Angeles’ tries with the man-advantage.

*** Coyotes are 12-5-1 in home openers since franchise relocated from Winnipeg in 1996.

*** The Penguins have fared well against both Arizona goalies, winning four of their past five decisions against Mike Smith and three of four career decisions against Anders Lindback.

*** Arizona is 13-6-3 since the start of last season when defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson scores a goal.

*** Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta will be appearing in his 100th career game/

*** Coyotes right winger Shane Doan needs two points for 900 in his NHL career.

*** Arizona’s roster includes three former Penguins: Center Joe Vitale, winger Steve Downie and defenseman Zbynek Michalek.