Pens Points: What a Mess
Pens Points has more than just a game recap incase you don’t wish to re-live last night.
Three first period goals by the New York Rangers were more than enough to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins on opening night, winning 6-0 behind a shutout from Igor Shesterkin. Sam Carrick scored the eventual game winner just 2:24 into the contest and the Rangers never looked back, thoroughly drubbing the Penguins on opening night. [Pensburgh]
Pens Points...
Evgeni Malkin is on the verge of three career milestones as the new season begins, but all he cares about is helping the Penguins back to the playoffs. [The Athletic $$]
Rutger McGroarty made the team out of camp, now he has to prove he belongs to keep that roster spot when healthy bodies start becoming available. [Trib Live]
One of the criticisms fans have of Mike Sullivan is his reluctance to utilize young talent. McGroarty offers Sullivan a chance to change that perspective. [Trib Live]
FSG chairman Tom Werner made some rare comments to the media, including some thoughts on Sidney Crosby, endorsing Mike Sullivan and Kyle Dubas and talking a lot about ownership’s desire to win through providing the resources needed. [Post-Gazette]
Jesse Puljujarvi was the Penguins best player in the preseason and earned his roster spot. Now he’s ready to find the form that made him a top draft pick. [The Hockey News]
American players make up over 40% of the Penguins opening night roster while just a single player from Russia made the cut. Canada came in second before a trio of Scandinavian countries. [The Hockey News]
Losing Jake Guentzel was a big blow to not only the Penguins, but also Milkshake Factory and its beloved “Jake Shakes.” Luckily, a replacement has been found in Bryan Rust. [NHL]
NHL News and Notes...
Linus Ullmark will be with the Ottawa Senators for the long haul after agreeing to a four year contract extension that carries a cap hit of $8.25 million per season. [NHL]
Ullmark wasn’t the only goalie getting a pay day on Wednesday. Seattle Kraken netminder Joey Daccord signed a 5-year, $25 million extension to remain in the Emerald City. [Sportsnet]