Pens Points: A Fresh Start

It won’t feel like hockey season today in Pittsburgh, but don’t fret, you can breathe easy knowing the Penguins will be dropping the puck on the 2019-20 season later this evening against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. It was a longer than normal summer that led to a myriad of changes which means there are plenty of new faces to become familiar with. That familiarity process begins to tonight and not a moment too soon for those of us who have been patiently waiting for the return of Penguins hockey.

Prepare for the opener with the latest news in Pens Points...

After sustaining an injury in the final preseason game over a week ago, there was still some questions surrounding Sidney Crosby’s status for tonight’s opener. Those questions are now answered as it was announced that No. 87 will play against the Sabres. [Sportsnet]

Everyone else is giving there predictions for the new season so we might as well join the party. A deep Metro division will once again challenge the Penguins, but expect a similar finish comparable to past seasons. [Pensburgh]

In his second full NHL season, Jake Guentzel hit the 40 goal plateau for the first time in his career, and cemented himself as Sidney Crosby’s top winger. After last season’s success, expectations are sky high for Guentzel coming into 2019-20. [Pensburgh]

As the Penguins prepare to begin a new season, there is plenty to be excited about, and some questions that still need answered. With so much uncertainty surrounding the squad, predicting how the season will play out is anyone’s guess. [Pensburgh]

It turns out defenseman John Marino will make the opening night after all. With Bryan Rust being placed on LTIR, the rookie Marino has been recalled from the AHL less than 24 hours after being sent down on Tuesday. [Trib Live]

It remains to be seen exactly where Brandon Tanev will fit into the Penguins lineup, but it seems the team has high hopes for what his high energy style of play could provide for them on the ice. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Alex Galchenyuk has officially been listed as a ‘game time decision’ by head coach Mike Sullivan, but from the looks of it, one of the newest faces on the Penguins roster is ready to go after practicing with the team on Wednesday. [Trib Live]

Sometimes you need a little pump up music to get the juices flowing before a big game and the Penguins are here to help. With the roster announced, the team collected a special playlist based on music the players listen to pregame. [Penguins]

We’ve seen previews of some potential line combinations in training camp, but nothing will be set in stone until Mike Sullivan releases them before puck drop. We know where certain guys will be playing, but for others, it’s wait and see. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

With the Steelers off to a 1-3 start, and the Pirates doing what the Pirates do, Pittsburgh fans are putting their hopes for a championship on the shoulders of the Penguins as the new season begins. [Trib Live]

News and notes from around the NHL...

After 50+ years of waiting, the St. Louis Blues finally raised a Stanley Cup banner to the rafters. Prior to their season opener against the Capitals, the Blues skated around the ice with the Cup. [St. Louis Game Time]

Predicting how a season in any sport will play out is often just throwing something at the wall and seeing what sticks. Hockey is no exception, which is why sometimes even the boldest predictions work out. [Mile High Hockey]

With any new season comes endless prospect talk and discussion about next year’s NHL Draft even if it is still nine months away. There are many names to keep an eye on that you could be hearing in Montreal next summer. [Sportsnet]

Prior to tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs announces that John Tavares has been named the 25th captain in franchise history. Tavares becomes the first Leafs captain since Dion Phaneuf was traded in 2016. [Pension Plan Puppets]