Pens Points: Penguins After Dark

Another late night affair out in California as the Penguins paid a visit to the Staples Center to face the Los Angeles Kings. Much like last night's game, due to the late start there was no recap right after the conclusion of the contest. Stay tuned to Pensburgh for continuing coverage as the sun rises.

If you're looking for a Kings perspective on the game head over to Jewels From the Crown for their thoughts on the matchup.

The Pens will wrap up their California swing tomorrow night when they head to SAP Center to face off against the San Jose Sharks. It will be their first trip back to San Jose and the SAP Center since winning the Stanley Cup on that very ice in June.

There are a lot of ways a team can bond over the course of a long season. For the Pens, it is fantasy football that brings the players closer together and gives them a break from the grind of the NHL season. [Penguins]

After showing great promise in his first NHL season, Pens' defenseman Olli Maatta has battled injuries, illness, and inconsistent play the last few seasons. Now that he's healthy he's finally gaining the confidence that could turn all that promise into the real thing. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

We all know Phil Kessel can score goals, but how about setting them up? Phil is on pace for a career high in assists and Mike Sullivan believe there is more where that came from. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Kris Letang's effect on the Pens makes him the most irreplaceable piece on the roster. [Trib Live]

News and notes from around the rest of the NHL...

With the Chicago Cubs finally breaking their championship drought, which NHL is best suited to follow it up with a drought busting skate with Stanley? [Puck Daddy]

After an incredible and emotional return to the Ottawa Senators, Craig Anderson has taken a leave of absence from the team to be with his wife Nicholle as she begins cancer treatment. All the best to the Anderson family. [CBC]

Calgary Flames' rookie Matthew Tkachuk made quite an impression on the brass and will remain with the team rather than being sent back down to juniors. [Calgary Herald]