Let Pens Points kickoff what is going to be another late night with the team out west.
While we suffer through sub-freezing temperatures here in Western PA, the Pittsburgh Penguins remain in sunny California where they continue their season long road trip tonight against the Anaheim Ducks. Much like they did with the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night, the Penguins will look to complete a season sweep of the Ducks after first defeating them on home ice back in October.
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
Pens Points…
Despite hanging around the playoff bubble and improved play from the start of the season, the Penguins still remain near the bottom of the league in goal difference and their struggles at 5v5 are a major reason why. [Pensburgh]
Rumors began swirling this week about Kyle Dubas and his plans for the trade deadline. From the sounds of it, there aren’t many players Dubas considers off-limits, and looking at the roster, that’s exactly how he should be feeling. [Pensburgh]
One area that has held the Penguins back in recent seasons has been their inability to build a supportive bottom six. That course has reversed this year, especially with the fourth line that was gained the trust of the coaching staff. [Trib Live]
Monday night was the first NHL game in Los Angeles since deadly wildfires ripped through the city earlier in the month. Prior to puck drop, the Kings honored the local first responders, a moment Kevin Hayes was surely proud to be a part of. [The Athletic $$]
We often talk about the Penguins AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre, but rarely touch on their ECHL side in Wheeling. Well, the Nailers came into the year with the youngest team in the league and have put together the best start in franchise history. [The Hockey News]
Coming off what was a lackluster homestand for the Penguins many were wondering how the team was going to respond with a long road trip awaiting them. Through three games, the response has been promising. [Penguins]
NHL News and Notes…
Against seemingly all odds, the Columbus Blue Jackets are right in the thick of the NHL playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference. Regardless of how it plays out from here, the Blue Jackets will be the story of the season. [Sportsnet]
What looked like a standard one-timer goal from Corey Perry on Tuesday night was anything but when you took a closer look. Before Perry wound up to receive a pass he blew by the goalie, he had to dodge a plate of nachos that was tossed onto the ice. [New York Post]
After a battle with long COVID forced him to step away from the game and focus on his recovery, former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is exploring an NHL comeback and one of the top teams in the West may have interest. [TSN]