As the city digs out from a major winter storm that dumped over a foot of snow on the region, the Pittsburgh Penguins were out west taking care of business to remain one of the hottest teams in hockey. Now they will return home and enjoy a few days off before starting a five-game stretch over the next week and half leading into the Olympic break. This stretch run into the break is highlighted by a three-game homestand and a special Stanley Cup reunion for the 2016 squad this weekend.
Pens Points…
Coming off a perfect 4-0 Western Conference road trip, the Penguins return home for a three-game homestand beginning on Thursday night. These will be their final three home games before the Olympic break and it’s another big opportunity to bank some points. [Pensburgh]
Not only did the Penguins sweep their western road trip, they did so in relatively dominating fashion. Besides a few late hiccups against the Canucks, the Penguins dominated play over the course of four games, showing us that this team might very well be for real. [PPG]
There is a chance the Penguins are without Bryan Rust when they return to game action on Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. For once this is not an injury related situation with Rust, but he could potentially be suspended following a hit against the Cancucks. [Pensburgh]
With January wrapping up, it’s a good time to check in on some young prospects to see how they are faring in their development. Prospects are spread across several different leagues right now both in North American and even over in Europe. [Pensburgh]
It’s been a difficult in this native Sweden for Penguins prospect Melvin Fernstrom and the team is stepping in to help with his development. On Monday, the Penguins recalled Fernstrom from his SHL side Orebro and he heading to North America to continue the season. [Trib Live]
With the Penguins preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their 2016 Stanley Cup triumph this weekend, the team website is doing a round-by-round lookback of that playoff run. On Monday, it was a flashback to a thrilling six game victory over the Washington Capitals. [Penguins]
Goalie masks have turned into their own art form over the years with many artists specializing in making masks for the NHL’s best. For Penguins goalies, they turn to a local artist for all their goalie mask needs, including the newest Penguins netminder, Stuart Skinner. [Trib Live]
Expectations were low when the Penguins acquired Stuart Skinner back in December, many viewing him as a placeholder for the rest of the season. With a strong run of play since Christmas, Skinner has suddenly shifted the conversation to perhaps a longer stay in Pittsburgh. [Daily Faceoff]
NHL News and Notes…
Nine points in three games set the pace for all players this week and it was done by Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov who was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week on Monday. Joining Kaprizov as weekly award winners were Nikita Kucherov and Lukas Dostal. [NHL]