PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins' worst stretch of the season has given way to a three-game winning streak and renewed hope.

A week ago, Pittsburgh was mired in 13th place in the Eastern Conference after losing six of seven games. Coming off a successful 2-0-1 road trip, the Penguins are invigorated and in ninth place in the division.

"It was a great road trip. You can't ask for more," coach Michel Therrien said after practice Tuesday. "I like the way that we played in all three of those games."

The Penguins lost in overtime to the first-place New York Rangers last Thursday. But they bounced back. Pittsburgh beat Southeast Division-leading Atlanta in overtime Saturday and overcame a 4-0 deficit in Washington on Monday, winning in a shootout on a goal by rookie Evgeni Malkin.

Therrien was frustrated with the effort of some players last week and put the Penguins through a long, intense practice before the team hit the road. He was so pleased with the way they've played since, he made Tuesday's practice optional.

There was almost full attendance and the players had to be called off the ice by the coaching staff after practicing too long — an indication of how the Penguins are feeling now.

"It was definitely a tough little stretch we were going through before this road trip," winger Colby Armstrong said. "The coaches sat down with guys, talked with us and kind of challenged us. And I think a lot of guys stepped up."

Maintaining their current play is also important. Therrien noted that the last time the Penguins returned from a successful road trip — going 2-1-1 in a swing that included all three California teams — they lost three straight at home.

The Penguins host division foes Philadelphia tonight and the New York Islanders Friday.

Sidney Crosby, the team's leading scorer with 13 goals and 10 assists, said the last three games could prove to be the turning point of the season.

"We pulled together when we needed to," Crosby said. "We had some tough ones before, and that was a tough road trip, and to come out of it the way we did is something to be proud of."

Notes: Therrien said goalie Marc-Andre Fleury would start for the fourth consecutive game tonight. ... Defensemen Rob Scuderi and F Nils Ekman, who had each missed two games because of illness, could play against the Flyers, Therrien said.