Pens Points: Florida Swing

Just two games back from a long layoff, the Penguins are enjoying another spell in the schedule before a pair of contests against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers beginning Thursday night in Tampa Bay. When the Penguins do return to the ice, they will be looking to build on their two game winning streak coming off victories over the rival Flyers and Capitals.

Get your Tuesday rolling with the latest news in Pens Points...

Two wins in two games coming out of the long break helped the Pens grab some crucial points, but both games featured some cause for concern. In a flashback to last season, third period struggles nearly doomed the team in both games. [Pensburgh]

After watching the Penguins flounder late in the game against both the Flyers and Capitals, it’s clear they need some help on the blue line. Hopefully that help is coming soon with Brian Dumoulin now past his initial eight week injury timeline. [Pensburgh]

One defenseman who was injured but has since returned to the lineup is Justin Schultz. His return has been a welcome reprieve to still battered Penguins lineup. How Schultz performs the rest of the season may very well determine his future in Pittsburgh. [Trib Live]

Sunday’s tilt with the Capitals was a bruising affair, with the home side recording 47 hits against the visiting Penguins. It’s not a style of play the Penguins are necessarily built for, but one they are more than welcome to go up against. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Tristan Jarry may not have the longest NHL resume among Penguins goalies, he does have something in common with his counterpart Matt Murray. While Murray has shined under pressure, so has Jarry as a superstar at the junior level. [The Hockey Writers]

Fans show dedication to their favorite teams in all sorts of ways, even going as far as naming their children after their favorite players. Since 2005, Sidney Crosby has been the inspiration behind the name of more than one newborn. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

This past weekend was the annual Mario Lemieux Foundation Fantasy Hockey Camp and it was once again a winner for all involved. From the former pros, to the amateur attendees, all the way to the host himself, it was a grand affair. [Penguins]

Just last week, former Penguins defenseman Ulf Samuelsson talked about his hopes of returning to the coaching ranks in the future. Well that future is now as Samuelsson was named head coach of Leksands IF of the Swedish Hockey League. [Trib Live]

News and notes from around the NHL...

A shortened All-Star week meant no ‘3 Stars of the Week’ last week, but the awards have returned this week with Leon Draisaitl leading the way. Trailing just behind the Oilers high scoring forward are Steven Stamkos and J.T. Miller. [NHL]

It appears to be the end of the line for defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, at least far as his time with the Winnipeg Jets goes. Both the Jets and Byfuglien are approaching an agreement for a mutual contract termination. [Sportsnet]

In the news update everyone has been anxiously waiting for, Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty has been cleared of accusations he assaulted a child back in November. Authorities called the accusations against Gritty “unfounded.” [NBC Sports]