Pens Points: Look at that, more injuries

Non-contact jerseys are typically saved for guys coming back from injuries who are ready to skate with the team but not get too physical. Given how things are going for the Penguins this season on the injury front, it may be time for Mike Sullivan to consider handing them out like candy before every practice safeguard as many guys as possible.

Seriously, this is getting ridiculous.

Catch up on the off day headlines with Pens Points...

Injury issues have plagued the Penguins since the beginning of the season, to the point that it’s almost remarkable how guys are falling like flies. Speaking of falling, Patric Hornqvist was evaluated for an injury after falling down at practice. [Pensburgh]

Even as the injuries continued to mount, the Penguins battled through 14 games in November and closed the month with a 6-4-4 record. They’ll have to keep fighting as they enter December more banged up than ever. [Pensburgh]

Until players can heal and return to the lineup, the Penguins will need anyone healthy enough to step up in their absence. This means players from the top line to in the crease will need to be on top of their game going forward. [Pensburgh]

One area the Penguins absolutely need stellar play from is at the goaltending position and it has yet to come from starter Matt Murray. While he has shown flashes of brilliance at times, Murray has not been at his best more often than not. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

To help aid in the neverending battle against injuries, the Penguins agreed to terms on a one-year deal with forward Stefan Noesen. Formerly of the Devils, Noesen signed an AHL deal this offseason but will now report to the NHL. [Trib Live]

If there is a silver lining to all these injuries for the Penguins, it’s that will be learn a lot about guys on the roster who do not get a ton of playing time when everyone is healthy. One of those guys is Juuso Riikola who will now be pressed into the biggest role of his career. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Riikola won’t be the only one with a chance to shine, even lineup regulars like Marcus Pettersson, John Marino, and Jack Johnson will be called upon to play in a greater role on the Penguins duct tape and glue blue line. [Penguins]

For all the injuries the Penguins have endured, neither Matt Murray or Tristan Jarry have yet to miss any time this season. That means Casey DeSmith has been getting action in the AHL, where he was just named goaltender of the month. [Penguins]

Just because not everything has to be completely awful, goaltender Matt Murray announced that he will be auctioning off equipment he wore during last season’s outdoor game against the Flyers to raise money for the LGBTQ community in Pittsburgh. [WTAE]

News and notes from around the NHL...

Monday means a new set of “3 Stars of the Week” and it’s Nathan MacKinnon leading the way with goaltenders David Rittich and Martin Jones following close behind for their respective performances over the past week. [NHL]

Bill Peters might be out in Calgary after allegations of racial and physical abuse came to light, but it’s becoming clear that Peters will only be the tip of the iceburgh. Hockey has a long overdue reckoning heading its way. [Sportsnet]