Pens Points: New Way to Watch

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

Well, hockey fans, it is officially official: after a 17-year wait, the NHL is returning to ESPN with a new, seven-year broadcasting deal. [PensBurgh]

One year ago, the sports world, along with the rest of the real world, was shut down due to the rapid uncertainty of the coronavirus. Take a look inside the whirlwind 24 hours the Pittsburgh Penguins spent in Columbus, Ohio before the NHL canceled its season and the world came to a standstill. [Post-Gazette]

With the hardest parts of their schedule out of the way, and the team still afloat in the East Division, it is time for the Penguins to put their foot on the gas, go for the jugular, and feast on the bottom-feeders. [Post-Gazette]

Tristan Jarry has rebounded quite nicely after his rocky start to the season. He is now proving his “number one goalie” worth. [Trib Live]

News and notes from around the NHL...

The voice that is most often associated with the NHL on ESPN is longtime play-by-play announcer, Gary Thorne. Thorne says he would love the chance to talk to the network about a return. [The Athletic $$$]

And fear not, the legendary theme music that accompanied the NHL on ESPN will be making its triumphant return as well. [ESPN Front Row]

Artemi Panarin has returned to practice following a two-week leave of absence. [Blueshirt Banter]