Penguins looking to renew their commitment to sound defense

The Penguins were the worst defensive team 12th in the NHL before the Monday night games. It could have been worse.

After all, they allow an average of 34 shots per game - third most in the league - as they prepare to face Florida tonight at PPG Paints Arena.

This represents an increase of 29.7 during the 2015-16 regular season and 28 in their playoff run.

Although scoring chances are more important - and more subjective - as penalties, coach Mike Sullivan said Monday that "of course" there is a correlation between the two.

"We talked a bit [Monday]," said center Matt Cullen. "It is something we have to be extremely aware of, especially coming off of last season. We have to do our game tightened".

Sullivan characterized the defensive deficiencies this season as "a" we "thing," and Cullen said their problems reflect occasional lack of focus and commitment.

"Our attention to detail is not what it should be," he said. "We're not playing the right way with the puck. We play loose with the puck.

"And so far we're not consistent enough competition. We have been times when we participated hard and played well, but we have not strung that together in a 60 minute period where we are happy with the way we played. "

Sullivan said he is "confident in this group, we have what it takes to not only reduce the odds against there", and echoed many players who suggested the Penguins would benefit from spending more time in the offensive zone.

There are, of course, the remaining 76 games of the regular season, and the Penguins [3-2-1] are hardly in danger of having their season go wrong. Not yet anyway.

"We are not panicking," said defenseman Justin Schultz. "But we must understand."

About goalkeepers

Florida goaltender Roberto Luongo should have that night off - Panthers coach Gerard Gallant announced that James Reimer will start against the Penguins - and it's pretty clear that he earned a break.

Luongo, 37, has won 439 career wins, good for sixth place on the list of all time in the NHL. He is 3-1 with a 1.99 goals average and .922 percentage this season. He leads active guards in wins, games played [930] and [72 shutouts].

Marc-Andre Fleury of the Penguins is hardly a novice - he is 31 and ranks 18th on the list of victories of all time (360) - but acknowledged that Luongo is someone he looked up for a long period.

"I have a picture at home of a hockey school in the summer," said Fleury. "He was a teacher, demonstrating the exercises. He was in the junior, when he was already quite good. "

Murray nears return

Matt Murray, who has not played since breaking his hand in the Canada Cup tournament last month, suggested Monday that his return to active duty may not be far away.

"Getting closer more and more each day," said the goalkeeper. "Make a decision here, hopefully soon."

Murray resumed the practice with his teammates and said that through a demanding bike riding and skating when he was out, "my conditioning is upscale enough right now."

Tip-ins

The Penguins are 32-6-4 in their last 42 home games, including the playoffs. ... Penguins prospect Daniel Sprong, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, skated on his own Monday in Cranberry.

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