Pens Points: Buried Alive

Another night, another disappointing loss from the Penguins, this time at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche by a score of 4-2. The Pens never led in the game and trailed by two goals entering the final period of play before Evgeni Malkin cut the lead in half but that is as close as the Pens would get before the final horn sounded. [Pensburgh]

Now, on to your Tuesday edition of Pens Points...

Unless the two sides were to meet in a Stanley Cup Final, the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins will only meet twice a year. The lack of scheduled games between the teams make their matchups extra special for hometown friends Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Over the course of the last two seasons, the Penguins have been a juggernaut on home ice both in the regular season and in the playoffs. That raucous atmosphere has helped them win consecutive championships but none of it would be possible without the people behind the scenes. On Monday afternoon, the Penguins organization thanked them for their efforts. [Penguins]

Marc-Andre Fleury will forever be a part of Pittsburgh sports history and his play during the 2017 playoffs will never be forgotten. His legacy as a Penguin earned Fleury the “Person of the Year” award from the team over at The Athletic’s Pittsburgh site. [The Athletic]

It’s becoming clear the Pens could be in a real fight for a playoff spot. If they hope to once again defend their Stanley Cup crown, they need to shake this funk they’re mired in and start winning games. [Fan Rag Sports]

There is still two weeks until the new year arrives which means there is still plenty of hockey left to be played. That being said, how much longer can the Penguins remain patient before making a change to ensure a bid for another Stanley Cup? [Pensburgh]

When the Pens took the ice for their morning skate prior to Monday’s game, forward Patric Hornqvist was noticeably absent. Some media members even noted there was no designated locker for Hornqvist in the locker room. It was later revealed Hornqvist had returned to Pittsburgh with an upper body injury. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

News and notes from around the NHL...

As the season rolls along, the teams with hopes of lifting the Stanley Cup begin to rise to the top. Along the way there are always a few surprises but they usually fade down the stretch. This season’s biggest surprise has been the expansion Vegas Golden Knights and they appear to be a serious threat come playoff time. [Toronto Star]

Over the weekend, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk made some controversial comments about his franchise and its future in the city. Though the comments put a cloud over the team, captain Erik Karlsson is not going to worry about what his owner is saying. [CBC]