Pens Points: To The Garden

Pens head to the “Big Apple” for division showdown with the Rangers. Guentzel and Hainsey scheduled to return. Dumoulin still in search of first goal. Newest Penguin named finalist for major award.

Coming off their fourth straight loss to the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night the Penguins will head to New York City for a showdown with the Rangers later tonight. The Pens currently sit six points ahead of the Rangers for third place in the division with a game in hand. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on ROOT Sports.

Another day with more good news on the injury front. Forward Jake Guentzel and defenseman Ron Hainsey are both expected to play tomorrow night against the Rangers. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Whatever is ailing injured defenseman Kris Letang remains a mystery but Mike Sullivan disclosed that he expects #58 to be back in the lineup for the playoffs. [Pensburgh]

Yes, the Pens are currently mired in a four game losing streak but these struggles should not be throwing fans into a panic just yet. [KDKA]

Never the goal scorer, defenseman Brian Dumoulin has yet to tickle the twine this season and has gone over two years since his last regular season goal. Owner of just one career tally, should Dumo find the back of the net before the season ends he’ll enjoy some extra company on the ice to celebrate. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Recently signed college free agent Zach Aston-Reese has been named one of the three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award given annually to college hockey’s best player. [Penguins]

Losing so many players to a constant string of injuries has forced the Penguins to change their style of play and use a more simplified approach. [Trib Live]

Ever since Sidney Crosby mauled the finger of Senators’ Marc Methot many are speaking up about the need for the NHL to greater enforce penalties for slashing especially in the hand area. [TSN]

News and notes from around the NHL...

With the announcement that the league will play preseason games in China next season, it is becoming clear that the NHL views the country with a long term vision for growth. [Washington Post]

Even with Gary Bettman’s pessimistic comments last week, there appears to be a strong push for NHL participation in the 2018 Olympics. [USA Today]