Pens Points has all the latest for you to catch up on before the Penguins take on the Kings.
Coming off a week where they claimed three out of a possible six points, the Pittsburgh Penguins return home tonight to begin another three game week against the Los Angeles Kings at PPG Paints Arena. With just four games remaining before the Christmas shutdown and seven before the new year, the Penguins are in prime position to continue climbing up the standings.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
Pens Points…
It’s another three game week for the Penguins with the same exact game schedule as last week. They will open with the Tuesday game at home followed by another two game road trip that takes them to Nashville then Newark. [Pensburgh]
Marcus Pettersson did not practice on Monday and his looming absence leaves a gaping hole in the Penguins defense. While they have to bodies to fill in the gaps, none of those players can fully replace what he brings to the lineup. [Pensburgh]
In the most vague manner possible, head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters Pettersson is listed week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. That suggests Pettersson will be out longer term, but exactly how long is anyone’s guess. [Trib Live]
Matt Grzelcyk was not brought to Pittsburgh to be a shutdown defenseman, and his play in his own zone leaves much to be desired, but as long as he keeps producing on offense it tends to even out in the end. [The Hockey News]
Blake Lizotte had plans on spending many more years with the Los Angeles Kings, but after not being qualified this summer and joining the Penguins as a free agent, he’s ready to show his old team what they are missing out on. [Trib Live]
NHL News and Notes…
It’s a bad time to be a hockey fan in the state of New York. The Islanders are what they have been for a few seasons now, but the true misery lies with the Rangers and Sabres who are both about to plummet off a cliff if things don’t change. [Sportsnet]
Leon Draisaitl put together one of the best week long stretches of any player this season, posting nine points in just three games played. He takes home First Star of the Week honors with Nathan MacKinnon and Linus Ullmark joining him. [NHL]