Pens Points: Coming Home

After an unexpected (but welcome) result in games 1 and 2 at the Verizon Center, the Penguins will return home for Game 3 tonight with a 2-0 series lead over the Washington Capitals in their second round series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM and will be broadcast on NBCSN.

Through two games in the series, the Capitals have controlled the play for a large chunks of time in both contests. To generate chances going the other way, head coach Mike Sullivan is hoping his team can produce more on the counterattack when the play is not in their favor. [Trib Live]

Just because you don’t have a ticket for games 3 & 4 doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the experience. If you’re in the downtown area and want to get the playoff experience head over to the big screen to watch the games and enjoy the atmosphere. [Penguins]

While the Penguins faced extended onslaughts from the Capitals through the first two games, Marc-Andre Fleury rose to the occasion and kept the team above water long enough to find their skating legs and respond. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

For the second time in three years the title of “Hockeyville, USA” will heading to Western PA. Following Johnstown’s victory in 2015, Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon was crowned as the 2017 champion on Saturday. [WPXI]

After he was pulled in Game 2, Barry Trotz announced on Sunday that Braden Holtby will be back in net for the Capitals when the puck drops on Game 3. [Fox Sports]

Everyone meet Jake Sweitzer, the Pens fan who made headlines after Game 1 when television cameras caught him taunting Matt Niskanen with an over sized “Terrible Towel” while Niskanen was in the penalty box. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

As the Pens worked their way to the Stanley Cup last season Phil Kessel elevated his play and was in consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Good news for the Pens is that Kessel is replicating that play from last season as they fight to defend their championship. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

When a player is awarded the “C” for his team it comes with a lot of expectations. Sidney Crosby takes on his role of captain as serious as anyone in the league and his play on the ice is living proof of that. [Penguins]

If the Pens want to up 3-0 later tonight they may have to do it without resident goalie pest Patric Hornqvist who left Game 2 with an undisclosed injury. [NHL]

News and notes from around the NHL...

On Saturday night the NHL hosted the annual draft lottery and things came out a little crazy. The New Jersey Devils were the big winner, claiming the top overall selection in this year’s draft. [TSN]

During pregame warmups on Friday night, Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban had the audacity to let loose and dance a little. Studio analyst Mike Milbury criticized Subban’s antics and put on full display the disconnect between the league and its fans. [Puck Daddy]