Pens Points: Say Hello to the New Kid

Wednesday was a travel day for the Penguins as they head to Philadelphia for the final leg of a five game road trip that took them through Western Canada and will wrap up tonight when they take on the Flyers. Tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:30 PM and will be broadcast nationally on NBCSN as a part of the network’s “Rivalry Night” programming.

You may have seen the name Zach Aston-Reese floating around the site the last few days when news broke the Pens were one of the teams interested in signing the college free agent. Yesterday afternoon it was announced the Pens came out on top and signed Aston-Reese to an entry level contract. [Penguins]

Top prospect Daniel Sprong is fully recovered from major offseason surgery and has completely taken over the QMJHL. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Since coming over from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, defenseman Frank Corrado is adjusting to life in a new city and playing a new system in the AHL with the Baby Pens. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Considered by many a key component of in game strategy, it turns out winning faceoffs may not have as big an impact on the outcome of games as originally believed. [Trib Live]

Prior to Saturday night’s game against the Canucks, Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby paid a visit to a very special young boy who is fighting the battle of his life. [KDKA]

News and notes from around the NHL...

As of now, the NHL does not intend of releasing the lists of protected players prior to the expansion draft in June. From a fan experience perspective that seems to be a huge mistake by the league. [ESPN]

If you didn’t hear, a major snow storm pounded the Northeastern United States on Tuesday, dumping over a foot of snow in some areas. As a result, the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets had to postpone their contest scheduled to take place in Newark. [Puck Daddy]