Pens Points: Pens Host Stars

Good morning one and all,

Finally game day! The Pens take on the Stars tonight at the CEC on their new and improved ice sheet. Here is a game preview. We'll get to see new Stars Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky, and greet some old friends.

After a period of so-so play and even being a healthy scratch at one point last season, one-time Penguin Alex Goligoski has left that trade behind and become the Stars top d-man.

Stars captain Jamie Benn is a guy who likes to fly under the radar. As long as the Pens don't fall for that. Crosby is a fan of his, that's for sure.

Lindy Ruff has done some line shuffling as the Stars hit the road and Valeri Nichushkin didn't make the trip, having aggravated a previous joint injury.

Geno will stay on the wing for now, says Mike Johnston. 'For now' is limited to the next two games, beyond which he wouldn't commit.

The penalty kill is the key area for improvement. It's still early in the season and the coaching staff and many guys are new, so for now no reason to panic.

Zach Sill is trying to make the most of his opportunity, being the guy who's not very good at, you know, holding onto the puck.

Bortuzzo is not yet ready to come back, but eventually his return will make for some interesting decisions.

DK has a new column up on Brandon Sutter. I'm still reading it myself but I figured I'd link to it and you'll tell us what you think.

Seth Rorabaugh talks to Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet on modern power forwards and being behind a bench again.

Dean Lombardi is building his kingdom one brick at a time. The latest piece is defenseman Jake Muzzin, locked for 5 years and $20 million.

Red Wings are willing to wait for Daniel Alfredsson, but all signs point to retirement. While we're on the Red Wings, supposedly they have a significant interest in Sabres D Tyler Myers.

Toronto Maple Leafs are willing to pay an enormous price if Eric Staal were to be made available in a trade.

Anaheim Ducks are sending John Gibson down to the AHL for two starts, hoping that the talented youngster will regain his confidence.

Bob McKenzie is now working the NBCSN's Wednesday Night Rivalry pregame show. Last night he and Mike Milbury debated the role of fighting in modern-day NHL.

From Down Goes Brown, an interesting look on NHL captancies gone bad.

Tuesday night Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf attempted to fight and the linesman broke it up before it happened. Is there an edict from the NHL to break up fights before they happen?

Finally, a cool article about the end of the hockey enforcer era in one place where I didn't quite expect it - Rolling Stone.