Pens Points: Back in the ‘Burgh

Coming off a split in Washington, the Penguins now return home for Games 3 & 4 against the Capitals with control of home ice advantage in the series. Game 3 is set for tonight at PPG Paints Arena where the Penguins will hope their winning ways on home ice re-emerge for these two critical games.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM and will be broadcast on NBCSN.

Get ready for Game 3 with today’s Pens Points...

If the Pens want to reclaim the series lead with a victory tonight they know a better start to the game will be key. Through two games, the Capitals have scored the opening goal less than two minutes into each game. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Sunday’s loss guaranteed a Game 5 on Saturday in Washington and following the conclusion of Game 2, the NHL announced Game 5 will take place at 7:00 PM following NBC’s coverage of The Kentucky Derby. [Penguins]

A scary hit to the head during Game 2 put defenseman Brian Dumoulin status in doubt going forward but the team did get some good news on Monday when Dumoulin suited up for practice alongside his teammates. Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin, both injured in Round 1, participated as well. [Trib Live]

If Dumoulin can’t go for Game 3 and beyond, veteran defenseman Matt Hunwick will be ready to fill in if called upon. [Trib Live]

Evgeni Malkin looks close to returning and Brian Dumoulin skating is promising. What else is promising is that after Monday’s practice, Carl Hagelin revealed there is a very good chance he plays in this series against the Caps. When that might be is still up in the air. [Trib Live]

Secondary scoring was plentiful for the Penguins in the first round but through two games against the Capitals the well has run dry. If they Pens are going to advance over the Capitals once again, they’ll need their lower line guys to find some offense. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Missing players like Malkin and Letang puts extra pressure on the lower lines as guys are shuffled around to make up for the injuries. Getting players such as Malkin and Hagelin back should help those lower lines be more effective. [The Hockey Writers]

Not that this was ever up for debate but the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame recently ranked Sidney Crosby as the top athlete to ever came out of the Canadian Province. Crosby topped the list of 15 athletes that also included NHL Hall of Fame defenseman Al MacInnis. [Toronto Star]

News and notes from around the NHL...

Lou Lamoriello announced on Monday that he will not return as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, likely wrapping up a lifelong career in the NHL. Team President Brendan Shanahan say the search for a new GM will begin immediately. [CBC]

A few weeks after being stripped us his general manager duties, Ron Francis had his contract terminated by the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. [Sporting News]

Stanley Cup Playoffs Scores

Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Boston Bruins 2 (Series Tied 1-1)

Vegas Golden Knights 4, San Jose Sharks 3 (Vegas leads 2-1)