Pens Points: Maatta's Injury Is Upper-Body, Unrelated to Previous Ones

The Pens got a win but Olli Maatta is still in the hospital with an "upper body injury unrelated to his previous injuries, meaning it's not his right shoulder. I hate this dumb terminology. Just tell us what's wrong. [Penguins]

*This is a well written article from the Wild blog about what the DoPS SHOULD BE doing contrasted with what they ARE doing. [Hockey Wilderness]

Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts column claims that DoPS is in fact taking repeat offenders aside and talking to them about their play. That's not enough because they need to change the mindset of ALL players. [Sportsnet]

Pittsburgh's superhero has been activated. Geno Machino is back and not a moment too soon. [Hockey Buzz]

I caught a look on Sid's face on the bench in the 2nd period last night, and it was a look of complete awe at what Geno was doing on the ice. The guys in this podcast are similarly impressed. [Hockey Podcast]

The Pens host the Avs tomorrow, meaning another Cole Harbour showdown is on. Nate MacKinnon currently sits at 4th place in the NHL with 20 points, while Sid Crosby is in 155th place. [Canadian Press]

*Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are the best team in the AHL at 12-1-0 and haven't lost in a very long time, despite very pedestrian possession numbers. Which means Matt Murray is doing his best Fleury impersonation. [Faceoff Circle]

"Their evolution from frustratingly (and purposely) incompetent to structured and competitive in such short time is unlike anything we have really seen before." Dan Bylsma is helping the Buffalo Sabres take a big step forward. [TSN]

Is Patrick Marleau the next Ray Bourque? The trade chatter surrounding the star forward won't subside. [ESPN]

A story about Michael Jordan carrying baby Max Domi around the locker room. I can't imagine what it was like to have Tie Domi as your dad (shudder), but perhaps some aspects of it were fun. His little kid with type I diabetes is the best thing about this hockey season. [Sportsnet]

LA Kings prospect Patrik Bartosak has been charged with attempted strangulation of his girlfriend. This is too obvious to even make up. [LA Times]

2016 NHL All-Star game has announced a new format, and it will be a 3-on-3 tournament. I'm certain I'm the only person on this planet not excited about 3-on-3 but then again I still use a fountain pen so what do I know. [CBS Sports]

An interesting development in concussion protection - a collar worn around the neck aimed at reducing blood flow out of the head, thus increasing the protection for brain tissue. [The Star]

And for the end, we all need more cuteness in our lives and there is literally nothing cuter than Phil Kessel with a goldendoodle. Go get your Penguins & Paws calendars benefiting the Animal Rescue League. [Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation]

*Recommended reading