Welcome to NHL Picks where CBSSports.com hockey writers Chris Peters and Adam Gretz make their predictions for all the days games. at , 7:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network Friday nights most intriguing matchup features a pair of teams that have seemingly overcome some pretty puzzling starts. Both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins were underachieving related to preseason expectations through a good portion of the first half of Jeff Carter Jersey the year, but both appear vastly improved of late. The Penguins, behind a resurgent , have won four straight and five of their last six games. The Lightning, meanwhile, are really rolling right now with 10 wins in their last 12 games and have climbed to second place in the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay has the right on their heels in their divisional race, while Pittsburgh has been in and out of wild card position as things have tightened up in the East. That said, a win Friday could vault Karel Plasek Jersey them into third place in the Metropolitan Division. So theres plenty of incentive for both teams to go all out in this one. The Penguins are going to head to Tampa a little depleted though. is expected to mi s the next two games with a lower-body injury, forcing Pittsburgh to play without their leading scorer. Malkin has 49 points in 49 games and has been the most consistent player all season. Eric Fehr, a valuable depth player, is also sidelined. The good news for the Penguins is that Crosby is absolutely on fire right now. Currently on an eight-game scoring streak, Crosby has 14 points including eight goals over that run. Since new head coach Mike Sullivan took over on Dec. 12, Crosby has put up 26 of his 45 points this season. There is a chance that Crosby puts the team on his back for this one, but the Lightning are going to be tough Markus Naslund Jersey to beat, especially at home. The club has won seven straight in Amalie Arena. One of those seven wins came in overtime against the Penguins back on Jan. 15. One of the hottest players for the Lightning has been 22-year-old Matt Grzelcyk Jersey , who has points in 19 of his last 22 games. The young sniper is leading the team with 43 points including 21 goals and seems to have a knack for coming through in the big moments. Another major key for the Lightning, even when they werent playing great, has been their goaltending. is leading the way with a .927 save percentage in 33 starts. was between the pipes for Tampas last win again the Penguins. Friday nights starter has not yet been named, however. Regardle s of the goaltender, the Lightning have a major depth advantage in this game. Though the Pens have been red-hot, losing Malkin is a pretty significant blow. Crosby could keep his points streak alive, but look for the Lightning to get the better of the Penguins and extend their lead on the Bruins in the Atlantic. Pick: Lightning 5, Penguins 3 The Penguins will be looking to avenge their recent lo s to the Lightning. (USATSI) The rest of Fridays picks: 3, 2 5, 3 Eddie Shack Jersey 4, 1