Pens Points: Is Bennett On His Line Wasting Malkin?

Good morning one and all,

We spent the past two days discussing Beau Bennett's top 6 skill and whether it's worth letting it shine where it belongs or using it to accentuate depth in the bottom 6. However, there are views that using Beau as his winger is tantamount to wasting the 2014-15 new and improved Evgeni Malkin. [Trib]

Penguins rookie Bryan Rust sees many good points and one bad one to playing alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin or both. [PPG]

The Penguins are back to the three-center model. The next step is getting consistent combinations on the wings. [Penguins.com]

Rick Tocchet has unflinching faith that the power play will improve. He's probably right, because our PP has only one way to go. [Trib]

Kris Letang and Marcel Goc got a day off from practice to rest up and get better. [PPG]

Another day, another practice in which Craig Adams goes overboard. Never go full Craig Adams. [Hockey Buzz]

The Zach Boychuk tracker: How many times can one player be waived? Welp. [Sporting News]

Minnesota Wild lost for the 9th time in 11 games (2-5-4). Crawford had 42 saves, Backstrom 16. They have now allowed a league-low 26.8 shots per game with a 29th-ranked .893 save percentage. Oh and Kuemper has gone on the IR. [Star-Tribune]

Last night saw another goal deflected off a stick held above the crossbar. Nicklas Backstrom's goal was also upheld upon review. The Flyers managed to tie the game and win it in OT, so it didn't cost them a point. [NHL.com]

Yesterday we heard sad news that former North Star JP Parise, member of Canada's Summit Series team, passed away from lung cancer. He is remembered for contributions to Hockey Canada, the NHL and Shattuck-St. Mary's, as well as being a great man. [Yahoo Sports Canada]

Connor McDavid is back with the Erie Otters torching the OHL competition. His sublime performance at the World Juniors has now clearly separated him from the rest of the 2015 draft-eligible players. [Canadian Press]

Another sign that PK Subban is emerging as a transcendent NHL star is that he is booed by opposing fans every time he touches the puck. We'll get to admire his skills tomorrow again. [AP]

Roberto Luongo returned to Vancouver and was honored with a classy video tribute and a lengthy standing ovation. He was visibly moved, and it was very special. Bobby Lu is a true good guy. [The Score]

The Anaheim Ducks will retire franchise legend Teemu Selanne's number in a ceremony on Sunday. Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen will honor his former teammate that night with a special mask. I'll be a weeping mess on the floor. [SI.com]

On Monday, February 9, the Pens will hold their annual charity bowling tournament to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you're able to, go bowl with the Pens for a good cause or sponsor a wish child. [Make-A-Wish Foundation]