Pens Points: Moving on up

Following a let down on Tuesday night against the Flames, the Penguins responded with a dominating 4-1 victory over the lowly Colorado Avalanche. An early goal by Phil Kessel put the Pens in front and they never looked back. Patric Hornqvist recorded two goals of his own to remove any doubt. Matt Murray was once again in the crease, stopping 27 of 28 shots he faced. Chris Kunitz potted an empty net goal to score his second in as many games. [Pensburgh]

Next up, the Pens will stay out west and head to the desert to take on the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday evening. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM and will be broadcast locally on ROOT Sports.

When you play in Denver there are more than just the challenges of facing the opposing team, you also have to face the challenge of the city’s thin air being a mile above sea level. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

The Pens may get a huge boost to the lineup on Saturday night in Arizona. All-star forward Evgeni Malkin has returned to practice and if he responds well on Friday he may return to the lineup against the Coyotes. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

In 52 games played this season the Pens have only had their top-6 defenseman in the lineup at the same time for 28 of those games. When they’re all healthy, it’s difficult to find a better blue line roster in the NHL. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Whatever trades Penguins’ general manager Jim Rutherford may look into as the trade deadline approaches, a lot of what he decides to do will be determined by the continued growth of Jake Guentzel. [The Hockey Writers]

After the Pens take on the Philadelphia Flyers at Heinz Field on February 25, the Robert Morris Colonials will wrap up their regular season against the Niagara Purple Eagles with an outdoor game of their own the following afternoon. [NCAA]

News and notes from around the NHL...

It appears NBC, the United States broadcaster of the Olympic Games (and NHL), is in the dark about what the NHL plans are regarding the 2018 Winter Olympics. [Newsday]

Already involved in a concussion lawsuit with former players, the NHL is now taking Boston University to court regarding the school’s research. [SBNation]

A day after reports surfaced linking the Coyotes with a move to the Pacific Northwest, the franchise has fired back and denied the reports they are seeking a potential relocation. [Sportsnet]