The Penguins got a major boost with the return of captain and all around best player in the world Sidney Crosby to the lineup for their tilt against the Florida Panthers.
Falling down 2-0, Crosby spearheaded a Pens comeback, scoring a goal in his first game of the season to get the Pens back in the game. Carl Hagelin notched his first of the season to tie the game at 2 a piece then midway through the third Eric Fehr buried a pass from Tom Kuhnhackl to put the Pens in front 3-2, where the score remained the rest of way giving the Pens a needed bounce back win. [Pensburgh]
Crosby wasn't the only one making his return to the lineup. Matt Murray was taken off IR and served as Marc-Andre Fleury's backup for the win over the Panthers. One would think it's only a matter of time before Murray gets a start. [CBS Sports]
As always, for a look at the game from an opposing view point head over to Litter Box Cats who have all the bases covered from a Panthers' perspective.
The Pens will try to make it back to back wins on Thursday night when the New York Islanders roll into town for a Metro division clash. Get the low down on the Islanders from our friends at Lighthouse Hockey.
It's been an up and down year for the Penguins' defenseman. Right now the focus is finding their game and solidifying their presence in front of goal. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Earlier in the afternoon, the Penguins honored Jaromir Jagr as a part of the season long 50th season celebration. Jagr was presented with a piece of the Mellon arena roof engraved with his famous No. 68 and the 50th season commemorative logo. Jagr played in Pittsburgh from 1990 to 2001 and is still considered one of the greatest players to ever wear the skating penguin. [Penguins]
It appears former Penguins' defenseman Christian Ehrhoff's time in the NHL has come to an end. Ehrhoff will continue his professional career in his home country of Germany, signing with Kolner Haie of the DEL. [IIHF]
In the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the Penguins selected Angelo Esposito with the 20th overall selection. Less than a year later, he was a key piece in the Marian Hossa/Pascal Dupuis trade. Once tabbed for stardom, Esposito could never break through and crack an NHL lineup. Last year he left the sport after a one game stint in the ECHL. Now, he's back in hockey and still striving for his dream. [ESPN]
News and notes from around the NHL...
Marc-Andre Fleury isn't the only netminder with his name being tossed around as a trade piece. Tampa Bay Lightning golatender Ben Bishop is being thrown around the rumor mill as a possible target for a team in need of protection between the pipes. [ESPN]
Sticking with Bishop, he lost multiple teeth after taking a slap shot to the mask against the Red Wings. [Deadspin]
Even with Las Vegas joining the league next season, don't expect expansion talk to cool down anytime soon. Chris Hansen pledged to privately fund an arena in Seattle to house an NBA and/or NHL franchise. [The Seattle Times]
NHL and NHLPA officials are headed to South Korea to inspect the facilities that will host the ice hockey competition during the 2018 Winter Olympics. A decision on NHL participation is expected sometime around the new year. [TSN]