Good morning one and all,
The Pens are set to play their final game before the All Star break tonight against the Devils. We all remember the listless, uninspired 4-0 loss last time we played them, plus they occupy the last WC spot at the moment.
Devils never change, and that has always posed problems for the Pens. If they can't give 150% in this game, they really can all just go golfing, however. [PPG]
It was John Hynes who mentored Connor Sheary from undrafted small winger to a guy with a roster spot on the big club. [Trib]
Oh Beau. Don't raise arms celebrating goals, don't fall down, and most definitely don't try to hit people you dummy. His aggravated injury will keep him out another week. [Penguins]
Experts see increased number of youth hockey concussions. My kids asked to play hockey a few times. I've never openly said no, but always gently stirred them to other sports and that's for the best. [PPG]
John Tortorella is missing the Habs series with broken ribs but even so the Jackets managed a win in the first game thanks to a Cam Atkinson hat trick. [TSN]
Florida Panthers have given top line center Sasha Barkov a 6-year extension, which at $5.9 AAV is a nice, team-friendly deal. Meanwhile, Jonathan Drouin is on his couch eating Doritos. [Miami Herald Sports]
News have leaked out of Tampa that the Lightning have low-balled Steven Stamkos with a contract offer of $8.5M per year, which everyone in Toronto angrily and indignantly rejected on his behalf. [Tampa Tribune]
However, when you look at the tax implications, $8.5M in Tampa nets more than $10M in Toronto. [Tampabay.com]
Canada’s falling dollar could be raising hopes for a Seattle NHL expansion team. [Seattle Times]
NHL's current rankings of top Stanley Cup favorites and the race to the bottomAuston Matthews. [Down Goes Brown]
Sign up to go bowling with the Pens and help out the kids with the Make-A-Wish foundation! [Pens & Pins]