The Pittsburgh Penguins avoided a season-high third straight loss with a big victory their last time out. They've had plenty of success against Toronto, although the Maple Leafs appear to have righted the ship just in time after an ugly three-game losing streak.

The Penguins go for their fifth straight win in the series when they host a Maple Leafs team that's seeking a third consecutive victory tonight.

They'll be facing a Toronto team that appears to have suddenly found its game at both ends of the ice - not long after a disastrous stretch in which the Leafs (11-8-2) appeared to be cracking from the pressure of playing in one of hockey's most intense markets.

Outscored 17-5 during their three-game skid - 9-2 by Nashville last Tuesday - Toronto defeated Tampa Bay 5-2 on Thursday and knocked off Detroit 4-1 on Saturday, both at home.

The wins made the Leafs' three-day break considerably more enjoyable after coach Randy Carlyle showed signs of strain during press conferences last week and the players were criticized for leaving the Air Canada Centre ice without saluting the crowd following the Tampa Bay win.

"I thought we did a really good job of focusing on the process and preparation. That was a big thing for us," captain Dion Phaneuf said.

Tyler Bozak scored twice in the third period against the Red Wings and Jonathan Bernier turned in a second straight strong effort with 27 saves.

"I think we got back on track, playing the way we need to play," said Carlyle, whose team had been outshot in four straight games before holding a 28-27 edge Saturday.

The Leafs will have free-agent signee David Booth in their lineup for the first time tonight. Booth missed the first 21 games of the season with a broken foot. The Maple Leafs will also have the services of Joffrey Lupul, who is returning from a broken bone in his hand.

Jonathan Bernier will start in net for the Maple Leafs.

Pittsburgh (14-4-2) came into Boston on Monday off a home-and-home sweep at the hands of the surprising New York Islanders, the Penguins' early rivals for the Metropolitan Division lead. Pittsburgh gave up nine goals in those games, but got back on track defensively with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Bruins.

Evgeni Malkin scored his second goal of the game 32 seconds in the extra period, Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists for his first multipoint effort in his past seven and Marc-Andre Fleury made 27 saves for his 300th victory. Pittsburgh outshot Boston 12-4 in a scoreless third period.

"(The Bruins are) a good team - a solid team. It's always a nice place to win, here in Boston," Fleury told the team's official website. "Those two (straight) losses were tough to take, but I think everybody stepped it up tonight, and we got a big two points."

Despite the rough home-and-home with the Islanders, the Penguins' 45 non-shootout goals allowed are among the fewest in the NHL.

Maple Leafs Projected Lines

Forwards

James van Riemsdyk - Tyler Bozak - Phil Kessel
Leo Komarov - Nazem Kadri - Mike Santorelli
Daniel Winnik - Peter Holland - David Clarkson
David Booth - Trevor Smith - Joffrey Lupul

Defence

Dion Phaneuf - Cody Franson
Jake Gardiner - Korbinian Holzer
Morgan Rielly - Stephane Robidas

Goaltender

Jonathan Bernier

Injured - Brandon Kozun (ankle), Roman Polak (knee)

Healthy Scratch - Richard Panik