Pens Points: Flameout

Despite being down 2-0 heading into the final period of play, the Penguins kept battling and were able to salvage a point in a shootout loss to the Calgary Flames. Goals by Chris Kunitz and Jake Guentzel brought the Pens even in the third period but the Flames ultimately prevailed in the shootout as Chad Johnson closed the door on all three Pens attempts. Sidney Crosby recorded and assist on the Kunitz goal to bring him within two points of 1,000 for his career. [Pensburgh]

A travel day today will see the Pens hop on a plane and head west to take on the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow night in Denver. Due to the two hour time difference between Pittsburgh and Denver, face-off is set for 9:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on ROOT Sports.

Tuesday night’s game marked the first time the franchise has hosted a “You Can Play” night to support the LGBTQ community. From the front office to the players on the ice, many people recognize the importance for inclusion in the game of hockey. [Penguins]

Despite being on the verge of career point 1,000, Pens captain Sidney Crosby remembers the obstacles he had to climb and how close he came to having it all taken away from him. [TSN]

When you have almost 1,000 career points to your name it’s pretty safe to say opposing teams will not be caught off guard by what you bring to the table. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Crosby has never been one to hang out in the spotlight even though it is constantly on him. There is no better example of this than what Crosby did for a special family on Monday away from all the cameras and media. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Mario Lemieux will always be considered one of the best players in NHL history. However, due to injuries and an early retirement, there will always be a “what if” tied to his legacy. [CBC]

After taking on the role of backup to Matt Murray for eight straight games, Marc-Andre Fleury took a simple approach on his return to crease against the Blues. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

The Penguins will be on the road this weekend but if you’re looking for something to fulfill your hockey related needs consider checking out the NWHL All-Star festivities which are being held at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. [Penguins]

News and notes from around the NHL...

While one Boston team was reveling in triumph, the Boston Bruins were making waves of their own and not for the best of reasons. After 10 seasons behind the Bruins’ bench, Claude Julien was fired on Tuesday morning. [CBC]

Unlike expansion teams in the past, the Vegas Golden Knights will have a deep coaching pool to choose from when deciding who will lead the first year squad when they begin play next season. [SBNation]

Though the NHL is still up in the air about participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics, the IIHF remains optimistic but admits they are working on a Plan B should the NHL decide to opt out. [Puck Daddy]