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Hockey has returned...sort of.
Last night marked the beginning of the Penguins’ preseason tour with a battle in Buffalo against the Sabres. Remember to look at these preseason contests with asterisks next to them. The Penguins did come back from a 3-0 hole, only to have time run out on them as they took the 3-2 loss last night.
Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning...
After a broken jaw halted his playoff run in May, Zach Aston-Reese is excited to show off his skillset and is ready to get back to the grind of the game. [Post-Gazette]
Young Penguins, many of whom are looking to make a mark and impress the coaches, were excited to get a test against the Sabres last night. [Post-Gazette]
Derek Grant was an intriguing signing that GMJR made over the summer. With so much center depth, where would he be slotted? Center? Wing? Either way, Grant brings with him experience and versatility, traits that any NHL team would love. [Trib Live]
A name you may want to familiarize yourself with over the next several preseason games? Juuso Riikola. The 24-year-old d-man turned in another impressive performance last night. [Trib Live]
News and notes from around the league...
Looking to grow the game in the world’s most populous country, the NHL hauled out the big guns, bringing Wayne Gretzky to China ahead of an NHL preseason game between the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames. [New York Times]
To the surprise of no one, the Vegas Golden Knights are the NHL’s premier team in terms of ticket sales. [ESPN]
The title of team captain in today’s NHL is a role that is undergoing quite the transformation. [Yahoo Sports]
“Jagr Bomb” may have a new meaning after the NHL announced a partnership with Jagermeister, making the liquor “the official shot of the NHL.” [Yahoo Sports]
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Looking to get even more Penguins hockey? You won’t have to wait too long for it. The Penguins are back in action later this evening when they travel to Detroit for a duel with the Red Wings. The game can be seen on NHL Network tonight at 7:30 p.m.