Pens Points: Turnpike Tussle

Before the Penguins can enjoy their upcoming break, there is a matter that they must attend to across the state in Philadelphia. For the first time this season, the Penguins head to the City of Brotherly Love for a showdown with the rival Flyers. Back in October, the Penguins defeated the Flyers 7-1 at PPG Paints Arena.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM and will be broadcast locally on AT&T Sports Netowrk and nationally on NBCSN.

Stay warm on this chilly morning with Pens Points...

After allowing two goals in the opening minutes of Sunday’s game against the Bruins, goaltender Matt Murray was met with a Bronx cheer following a save. Fans were surely frustrated with the start, but the players were unhappy with the boos. [Pensburgh]

Boston entered Sunday’s contest with one of the best power play units in the NHL but came away empty handed with the man advantage. In fact, it was the Penguins stellar penalty kill that turned the game on its head and back in their favor. [Pensburgh]

Tonight’s game will be the 11th game the Penguins have played so far this month, as well as their seventh in the past 12 days. This will also be the last time we see the Penguins on the ice for 11 days with the All-Star break and bye week upcoming. [Trib Live]

Some good and bad news on the injury front coming out of Penguins practice on Monday. Defenseman Justin Schultz was on the ice in a full contact jersey along with Dominik Simon who left Sunday’s game early. Missing from practice was Dominik Kahun. [KDKA]

Following the practice session, the Penguins issued on update on the absent Kahun. He was diagnosed with a concussion after leaving the game against the Bruins and is listed as out indefinitely. Kahun will miss Tuesday’s contest in Philadelphia. [NHL]

As for the two other injured skaters who practiced on Monday, Dominik Simon looks set to play against the Flyers while defenseman Justin Schultz will be a game time decision. The Penguins could wait until after the break to bring Schultz back. [Penguins]

Amongst all the injuries the Penguins have endured this season, they have relied on their depth to carry them to one of the best records in the NHL. One of those depth players is Teddy Blueger, who is carving out his own role in the lineup. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

News and notes from around the NHL...

Alex Ovechkin had quite the week, scoring eight goals in three games, including back-to-back hat tricks. As a result, Ovechkin took home NHL “First Star of the Week” honors, followed by Elvis Merzlikins and Jonathan Toews. [NHL]

Changing the NHL points system has long been a hot button topic discussed by fans and media alike. While there doesn’t seem to be any major changes coming on the immediate horizon, it looks as if any changes that did come could have little overall effect. [ESPN]