Pens Points: How is Crosby-Ovechkin Rivalry Holding Up?

PENS NEWS

Today the Pens play their fifth preseason game in Quebec City against the Canadiens. All the Quebec guys are in, but no Crosby, Kessel or Malkin. Here is your full game preview with storylines to watch. [Habs EOTP]

The Pens players interviewed said they would love to see the NHL make its return to Quebec City. The earliest that would happen would be in 2017-18. [Trib]

The Pens dropped a testy game to the Blue Jackets on Saturday. There were both good and bad things on display. [Trib]

How is the whole chemistry thing going between Crosby and Kessel? Just don't give them any open ice. [Chipped Ice]

The Pens are giving enthusiastic thumbs up to the new 3-on-3 OT format. Kessel said despite getting just one shift during OT he looks forward to it. [PPG]

Entering the hectic stretch of camp when most teams are making sizable cuts, the Pens are keeping the big roster around. It makes sense to do that when you're playing 3 games in 3 days on Sep 28-30. [PPG]

Oscar Sundqvist turned heads last year with his performance in training camp. Since then he's had an injury setback, so how's he feeling and what does he think about his chance to compete for a roster spo against the likes of Sheary and Rust? (video) [Penguins]

Mike Johnston had some tough words for Derrick Pouliot, who only played his first preseason game on Saturday in a 4-2 regulation loss. Can something be read between the lines, considering he's coached Pouliot longer than any other player in this organization? [Hockey Buzz]

He had, however, nothing but praise for 2015 2nd-round pick Daniel Sprong, who admittedly has looked very poised. What are the chances he earns a 9-game look as the season opens? [PPG]

If Pouliot starts the season in the AHL, who might be the dark horses on defense to hop in this - once presumed filled - spot? [Chipped Ice]

Johnston had no problems with the feisty Sestito, who cost the team a bunch of goals at 4-on-4 and an extended PK vs the Jackets. [Trib]

The start of the regular season is right around the corner. Several sports media outlets have offered their previews of the Penguins:

NHL.com Season Preview Part I | Part II

USA Today

Sports Quotient

This used to be a thing once upon a time. Where does the famous rivalry between 87 and 8 stand 10 years on? [Spector's Hockey]

*The above story is a summary, but this article is the starred read of the day, as Arik takes an in-depth look at Ovechkin's elite PP abilities. [AP Hockey]

NHL NEWS

The Chicago Blackhawks extended defenseman Brent Seabrook for 8 years to the tune of $55M, which averages out to $6.875 annually. [ESPN]

Is this a great move or a financially detrimental one? It's a move that looks good now, keeping one of the league's top pairings together. Down the line, something will have to give. [Second City Hockey]

The Leafs released Curtis Glencross and Devin Setoguchi from their PTOs, but Brad Boyes received a 1-year contract. [NHL]

The Dallas Stars may just be the NHL's most attractive team next year, but how many points will that translate into? [CBS Sports]

I'd watch my back if I were Dustin Tokarski, as Mike Condon is making a strong case to be Carey Price's backup when the Habs open the season. [Leader Post]

More news tidbits, as Fedotenko gets waived, PK and Price get into a (lighthearted) sparring match, and Paul Maurice is honored to share the building in an 8-1 blowout loss to Minnesota. [NBC Sports]

In a discussion with Swedish news outlet LT, Leafs prospect Viktor Loov speaks about substance abuse in the NHL and NHL, declaring there's a lot of cocaine done in the NHL. [PPP]

OTHER

Last chance to participate in the annual 6.6K run and family walk - registration ends today at midnight, all proceeds are benefiting Pens charities. [Crowdrise]

The Pens posted a little blast from the past, more precisely 2008 when they opened the season in Stockholm. Funny things here viking hats are standard attire, Talbot learns geography and Flower chases local wildlife. [Penguins]