The Penguins are on a heater. From middling in the playoff fight to solidly in a good spot, the team’s 12-2-2 run since the holiday break has firmly established its chances.

New York Rangers (22-27-6, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (27-14-11, in the Metropolitan Division) Pittsburgh; Saturday, 3:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Rangers after Connor Dewar’s two-goal Chicago Blackhawks in the Penguins’ 6-2 win.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby raised his eyes to the videoboard, and all the memories came flooding back, accompanied by tears that the Pittsburgh Penguins captain made no effort to wipe away. Spend your life doing something,

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang will miss at least four weeks with a fractured foot. The club announced the extent of the injury on Saturday before the surging Penguins faced the New York Rangers. Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse said Letang, who is in his 20th season, injured his foot during a 6-2 victory over Chicago on Thursday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are going to have to skate without veteran defenseman Kris Letang for at least four weeks.

If you like hockey games that feel like roller-coasters designed by someone who hates your blood pressure, the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins served up just that Saturday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena.

Pittsburgh’s recent run is built on balance, not luck. Anthony Mantha’s performance and perspective reveal how shared ice time and depth scoring have unlocked the Penguins offense. With pressure coming from every line,

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and forward Evgeni Malkin were not present for a practice session Friday in Cranberry. Coach Dan Muse indicated both players were dealing with unspecified ailments but did not elaborate further.