Pens Points: Crosby, Again

Less than 24 hours after a heartbreaking loss to the New York Islanders, the Penguins returned home and did what they have done all season after a let down. They responded in a big way with a 6-2 drubbing of the Dallas Stars. The Pens never trailed on the evening but the game was by no means an easy one. After seeing two leads evaporate quickly it was captain Sidney Crosby once again who put the team on his back. With less than 30 seconds left in the second period, Crosby bounced his 16th goal of the season off the back of Antti Niemi to give the Pens a 3-2 lead. The Pens clung to that one goal lead for most of the third period before finally putting the game on ice with three goals in 1:33 of game action. The win continued the Pens season long streak of not losing back to back games. [Pensburgh]

Our friends at Defending Big D have Stars’ take on all the happenings from Thursday night’s contest. [Defending Big D]

The Pens will be back in action on Saturday night when the Detroit Red Wings make their way into town. Members of the 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup teams will be in attendance and honored during the game. Puck drop is at 7:00 and will be broadcast on ROOT Sports.

Head over to Winging it in Motown to check in on our friends from the Motor City.

Wampum, PA native Stephen Johns was in the lineup for the Stars on Thursday night playing against the team he rooted for growing up. Johns recorded an assist on the Stars first goal in his hometown debut. [Trib Live]

Tickets for the Stadium Series game between the Pens and Flyers will go on sale to the general public beginning December 6th. The game is scheduled to be played on Saturday, February 25 at Heinz Field. [Penguins]

While the Pens struggle to make the two goalie system work, they could maybe take some tips from their most recent opponent on how to manage it. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Even though the Pens are sitting comfortable in the standings, there is some concern about the consistency of their play this season. [The Hockey Writers]

Some believe the struggles with only be temporary and Mike Sullivan will get his team in gear as the new year approaches. Sound familiar? [CBS Pittsburgh]

There is no question fighting is on the decline in the NHL and Penguins’ CEO David Morehouse and General Manager Jim Rutherford are glad to see it slowly being eliminated from the game. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

News and notes from around the league...

Jack Eichel is back for the Buffalo Sabres after missing the first two months with a high ankle sprain. Can the Sabres salvage something from this season? [Sportsnet]

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews missed the team’s Thursday night game with a back injury. They expect him back on Saturday. [Chicago Sun Times]

Can the NHL learn something from the MLB labor negotiations? [Sportsnet]