Pens Points: How Hot Is Mike Johnston's Seat?

Good morning one and all,

The Pens lost to the Ducks last night, 2-1, in a game in which they again played one solid period (second). This isn't going to get it done. [PPG]

The Pens now sit at 14-10-2 and out of a playoff spot. It's one thing for fans to complain about the coach. The GM complaining to the media is quite another. [HockeyBuzz]

Things are more and more interesting by the day. And by interesting I do not mean good. Is Mike Johnston on the hot seat? And how hot is it? [ESPN]

Sidney Crosby's production has picked up somewhat and he now has 18 points in 26 games. I was roaming on Sportsnet yesterday and wanted to highlight these two pieces. The first is a combination article/video segment analyzing Crosby's current passing game, and the other is more of an opinion piece of what made him great and is that hurting him now.

The NHL has put together a little World Cup of Hockey site to collect all the relevant news and roster notes, so I thought I'd highlight it here so you can bookmark and check it out periodically: World Cup of Hockey 2016

The NHL Board of Governors is set to meet and review expansion bids but not take a formal vote. Here is a preview of what to expect at the meetings. [Canadian Press]

Viktor Tikhonov was waived by the Blackhawks and claimed by Arizona, which initially held his NHL rights. Also, Jon Cooper signs extension with the Lightning, and we should all be rooting for the Dallas Stars for the love of the game. [ESPN]

Patrick Kane sets the Blackhawks point streak record in a win over the Winnipeg Jets. [Chicago Tribune]

Brandon Prust was fined some pocket change for spearing Brad Marchand in the groin and is making a mockery of the NHL disciplinary system. [WIIM]