Pens Points: Hurricane Carolina Approaching

Coming off a disappointing 1-2-0 California road trip, the Penguins will look to get back in the win column this evening against the Carolina Hurricanes in a game that could have playoff implications. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on AT&T Sports Network.

Get update on all the latest Penguins news with today’s Pens Points...

After leaving the team last week to be with his family following the death of his father, an emotional Matt Murray returned to practice on Monday morning at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Head coach Mike Sullivan plans to speak with Murray before determining when the goalie will return to game action. [Trib Live]

In a post-practice interview, an emotional Murray fought back tears and gave thanks to the Penguins organization and their fans for their unwavering support through this difficult time. [Sporting News]

Murray may not the only player returning to the lineup in short order. Forward Bryan Rust, who missed the team’s past 11 games, could return as early as tonight after recovering from injury. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

With every passing day we get closer and closer to the NHL’s trade deadline, set for Monday, February 26th. As the deadline draws near, rumors will only start to pick up and the latest one involving the Pens shows the team may have interest in Ottawa Senators forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau. [Pensburgh]

With the Minnesota Wild due do in town for Thursday night’s game, it will be a welcome home for Matt Cullen who spent the last two seasons with the Penguins, each capped off with a Stanley Cup. Back home in Minnesota to finish his career, Cullen still holds a special place for the city of Pittsburgh. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

News and notes from around the NHL...

Never able to return to the ice due to a series of concussions, Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard officially announced his retirement from the NHL seven years to the day after suffering a concussion on a hit from Matt Hunwick in 2011. [ESPN]

For the first time as the official broadcast network of the NHL, NBC will have to shuffle their lineup to accommodate both the Winter Olympics at their NHL broadcast. Network executives are excited at the prospect and hope to treat this as a unique opportunity to showcase the game on both stages. [USA Today]