Pens Points: Pens Drop One in Brooklyn

Good morning one and all,

Tough loss last night but not a badly played game. I'm still mad about the Calgary game because those are the points you just can't drop. Speaking of which, our good friends in Columbus are next.

Making a hero out of Thomas Greiss is the latest thing Phil Kessel managed last night. I have always liked him, but at some point he has to step it up. [Trib]

Here are Mike Sulivan's comments in their entirety. I'd have a nice little chat with Kessel and see if I can get him to wake the hell up and be focused in his execution. [YouTube]

*Speaking of Mike Sullivan, he is applying some "lessons learned" from his past NHL coaching gig (in which he admittedly "overcoached" then-Bruins- captain Joe Thornton) to Sidney Crosby. [ESPN]

The announcements for 2016-17 outdoor games could come as early as today, and the Pens will host the Flyers next February at Heinz Field. [PPG]

The Pens have signed forward Carter Rowney to a two-year contract. He's 26 and obviously will be good for the baby Pens. [Penguins]

Oh look, Jim Rutherford stopped by the set of NHL Live to talk about the Penguins resurgence and push for the playoffs. Please don't waive the Mission Accomplished flag yet JR. [NHL]

Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts Column is a good one this week. Everybody likes Matt Murray. Right, just keep your grimey paws off of him. [Sportsnet]

Arizona Coyotes bluelined Jarred Tinordi was suspended 20 games for violating NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. [NBC Sports]

Dallas Stars are slowing down after a torrid start and haven't had too much luck with injuries lately. The latest could be bad, as Jason Demers looks to be done for the season. [Defending Big D]

*Let's talk about things in life that really matter, such as shot quality and save percentage. [Hockey Graphs]

I recently linked to Arik Parnass's article on the most effective zone entry types, and there is more here about the effectiveness of the stretch pass. [McKeen's Hockey]

*For the end, here's NHL legend Doug Gilmour's letter to his younger self. "You're going to meet your new coach at a, well, gentlemen's establishment." I don't get the Pat Burns sentimentality TBH. Mostly this is how I feel about him. [The Players' Tribune]

*, recommended reads