Crosby will play for Canada and Pens Points has all the news on that and everything else 4 Nations.
With less than 48 hours until the puck drops on the inaugural 4 Nations Faceoff tournament, all eyes were on Team Canada practice where everyone waits to hear on the status of Penguins captain and Canada captain Sidney Crosby. After missing the Penguins final two games before the break, Crosby was on the ice for practice Monday, anchoring a line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mark Stone. [Pensburgh]
Pens Points…
Following practice with his Canadian teammates, Crosby spoke to the media and gave himself the green light to play in the upcoming tournament. [Penguins]
There will be no NHL hockey for the next two weeks as the league goes on pause for the 4 Nations tournament that begins Wednesday, making this the perfect time to check out the standings and see where things stand at the break. [Pensburgh]
When the league comes out of the 4 Nations break, attention will turn to the trade deadline which is set for Friday, March 7th. Kyle Dubas already took care of some business with the Pettersson deal, but there is another Swede who could be moved as well. [Pensburgh]
If you’re a betting person, the best money on Rakell at the moment is on him staying a Penguin past the trade deadline. The Penguins want to keep him, but never say never if the right deal comes along. [The Athletic $$]
When Kevin Hayes joined the Penguins this summer, there was at least one familiar face there to welcome him, former youth hockey teammate Noel Acciari. [Penguins]
NHL News and Notes…
The 4 Nations faceoff will begin on Wednesday evening as Canada opens with Sweden at Bell Centre in Montreal. USA and Finland begin their schedule on Thursday. The series then shifts to Boston next week for Game 3 of the round robin and the final. [NHL]
In a big blow to the United States, defenseman Quinn Hughes will miss out on the 4 Nations tournament with an undisclosed injury. Hughes missed the Canucks last four games before the break and will be replaced by Jake Sanderson. [NHL]