Pens Points: Will Home Ice Help the Scoring?

Good morning one and all,

The home opener is finally upon us and just what we need is the team led by the best goalie on Earth. Will the Pens regain their scoring ways against Carey Price and the very good Habs team? [PPG]

Here is the game preview through the lens of our opponents, who bring a balanced offense clicking early. [Montreal Gazette]

What is more problematic: Mike Johnston's system or his player usage? [Hockey Buzz]

This is a really good analysis and the recommended read of the day: Pens power play woes are not the end of the worlds, but there are things that need correcting. [Pens Initiative]

Perron has been moved up to the top six, and that is for now the right decision. [PPG]

Five things we learned last night. Hint: Jack Eichel is ridiculously awesome and Eichelmania is officially a thing. [SportsNet]

Steven Stamkos collected his 500th NHL point in the win against the Bruins. All is quiet on the contract extension front. [Tampa Tribune]

The Bruins have started 0-3-0 for the first time in a good long while. Zdeno Chara has returned to the lineup, but will they try to move him? [CBS Sports]

David Krejci is healthy and looking to lead this team back to the playoffs. This is going to be much easier said than done. [NHL]

Still no date for the return of Nicklas Backstrom, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery. [Washington Post]

Wild assistant Darryl Sydor pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree DWI and was sentenced to 365 days in jail, 60 of which were executed. The sentence was staggered, which means he could avoid spending time in jail. Wow. [TwinCities.com]

A really good article on the travesty that went on in LA that does nothing to prevent future "destructive spirals". Instead of having systems in place to help players, Lombardi & Co. have provided a blueprint for kicking them to the curb. [Globe & Mail]