Pens Points: Team-First Concept Wins

Good morning one and all, and happy Monday!

The Pens had a scheduled day off on Sunday after the emotional roller coaster SO win against the NY Rangers. Several players came out to Heinz Field to support teammate and this year's co-chair of the AHA Pittsburgh Heart Walk, Kris Letang. [Penguins.com]

The new episode of In The Room premiered Saturday after Pens post-game, and oh boy Geno was mic'ed up against Nashville. At one point he tells Duper "Let's go score right now." Mic up Geno whenever possible. [Penguins.com]

Geno is a social medial legend, and for good reason. He got on his tiger yesterday to congratulate old friend Sergei Gonchar on NHL point #800. [twitter.com]

DK's latest column has excellent soundbites from Malkin, who has, hopefully, in the last two games dispelled any questions about being a team-first guy and buy-in doubts. [DK on Pittsburgh Sports]

The weird finish on Saturday has again brought voices to the forefront demanding an overtime reform, long-championed by Wings' GM Ken Holland. [The Hockey Writers]

Has Pens-Rangers become the new best Metro rivalry? [The Hockey Writers]

Pens early-season success is putting them on pace for several records on the books. [PPG]

Marcel Goc is solidly executing on the fourth line. We could do a lot worse there. [PPG]

Here is the recommended read of the day. Despite different personas, goalies Fleury, Barrasso share similar successes. Great article. [Trib - Mackey]

What do the Penguins think about the possibility of selling ad space on jerseys? Don't count them as fans of the concept. [PPG]

Jayson Megna gave WBS Pens a 2-0 lead with his 7th & team-leading 8th goals of the year, but lead slips away in a 3-2 loss. Jeff Zatkoff made 32 saves in return. [Highland Park Hockey]

Speaking of Gonchar, we will see the new Hab tomorrow night when the Pens visit a high-achieving Montreal team. [Trib - Yohe]

Brandon Prust is the new big brother as the Habs play a game within a game. They are definitely a tougher team these days. [Montreal Gazette]

Habs, Pens, Blues and Ducks currently lead their divisions, but which team is favored to win the Stanley Cup? [IBT]

Two athletes, one battle, one doctor. Olli Maatta and other young athletes in the Pittsburgh area are in good hands. [DK on Pittsburgh Sports]

Lastly, it looks as if Gordie Howe's health has taken another turn for the worse. [Detroit Free Press]