Pens Points: Detroit Game Day

The Penguins have another tough stretch of schedule ahead, beginning with tonight's game against the hot Red Wings. Here is the game preview from our friends in Detroit. [Winging It In Motown]

Mike Babcock says he's not buying the "Penguins are in a slump" hypothesis. He says a team with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang is always to be feared. [Detroit Free Press]

Jimmy Howard was activated from the IR and will dress for tonight's game, backing up Petr Mrazek. Mrazek's good play notwithstanding, Jimmy Howard is the Wings' go-to goalie. [Detroit News]

"Are we a great team? We're going to find out." Five questions with Red Wings coach Mike Babcock. [NHL.com]

So, should the Pens consider hiring Mike Babcock this off-season, even if it means firing Mike Johnston? (audio) Fire everybody! Give us Babcock! [93.7 The Fan]

Mike Babcock is tough on his young forwards, Tomas Tatar most of all. With all the tough love, Tatar has emerged as a star in his second NHL season. [NHL.com]

Okay, enough about the Wings. Let's talk Penguins. Marc Arcobello didn't last very long in Pittsburgh, and was waived yesterday. [PPG]

Which hopefully means that Blake Comeau is ready to return to the lineup. [PPG]

With a reasonably healthy roster, the Penguins can start to evaluate what they have. [Hockey Buzz]

Christian Ehrhoff is continuing to suffer concussion-related symptoms. How does it complicate Rutherford's strategy as trade deadline approaches? [PPG]

Jim Rutherford has made it a point to acquire versatile forwards like Nick Spaling who can play multiple positions. Hey Jim, I got a guy for you. His name is Jussi Jokinen. He's like Nick Spaling x 50. [PPG]

So, Evander Kane - Winnipeg Jets relationship is about to meet its end. But where does it rank on the list of all-time worst breakups in NHL history? [Grantland]

Another concussion lawsuit filed by former players hits the NHL. If the league won't eliminate dangerous hits because it's right thing to, then hit them where it hurts - the pocketbook. [ESPN]

In the latest edition of "Dumb jocks say dumb things", Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin sound off on Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Not too surprised about Seguin, but Jamie Benn is supposed to be team captain, not a class-free dumpster idiot. [TSN Radio Vancouver]

Last, but not least. Jaromir Jagr hopes to be traded to an Eastern Conference contender. Given that whatever team he is with ends up eliminating us from the playoffs, we need to get him if only to prevent that from happening. [The Score]

That's it for today. Detroit game day falls on Max Talbot's birthday. I like that. Happy birthday, Mad Max!