Pens Points: Fire Drill

Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning...

Patric Hornqvist is in the midst of one ugly offensive slump. [Pensburgh]

NHL Network broadcaster and former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes joined Ep. 12 of the podcast and offered his takes on Matt Murray’s fitness commitment, Casey DeSmith’s new contract, his 2019 All-Star game experience, and more. [Pensburgh]

Zach Aston-Reese, hot off the heels from returning after rehabbing a hand injury, is ready to show that he belongs in the lineup moving forward. [Trib Live]

The Penguins defense, collectively, has been, uh, not good. Pucks are often finding their way past the pairings, but Murray has been there to save the day. [Trib Live]

Evgeni Malkin had some pretty choice words when speaking to the media about the scuffle with Michael Raffl. [Trib Live]

Before Justin Schultz can make his triumphant return to the blue line, putting faith in his leg is the last step of the recovery process. [Trib Live]

Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann, two players who were with the Florida Panthers during the time, are reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the Parkland shooting. [Post-Gazette]

Teddy Blueger has done nothing but impress since getting the call to the big league. [Post-Gazette]

How long will it be before a female is given a coaching position in the NHL? [Post-Gazette]

Sidney Crosby is proving why he still maintains the edge over Connor McDavid for the title of the league’s best player. [NHL]

News and notes from around the league...

Niklas Kronwall is undecided on his future with the Detroit Red Wings. [NHL]

As of last night, former Penguin Chris Kunitz has joined the 1,000-game club. [Yahoo Sports]

A cursory glance at the Western Conference playoff picture doesn’t necessarily provide any clarity on where anyone stands. All it really shows is one big jumbled mess of teams squished together. [ESPN]