Pens Points: Big Apple Bound

After a month of seemingly endless hockey, the Pittsburgh Penguins are enjoying yet another extended two day break before returning to action on Tuesday evening in the Big Apple against the New York Rangers. The Rangers make up just half of this week’s schedule with the Penguins visiting the New Jersey Devils for a pair later in the week.

Also of note, the Penguins are on the road all week for a special reason. Beginning on Thursday, PPG Paints Arena will play host to the 2021 NCAA Frozen Four for the second time. Minnesota State, St. Cloud State, Minnesota-Duluth, and Massachusetts will be playing for the title of National Champion that will be crowned on Saturday.

Drop the puck on your Monday morning with Pens Points...

Start of a new week means it’s time for another standings check and it’s more good news for the Penguins. With a split in Boston, the Penguins remain solidly third in the division, just two points behind the New York Islanders and four behind the Washington Capitals. [Pensburgh]

It appears more reinforcements may be on the way for the Penguins if their Sunday roster moves are any indication. Forwards Anthony Angello and Frederick Gaudreau have both been returned to the taxi squad for the time being. [Penguins]

While Angello and Gaudreau have been reassigned, they could be called upon at any moment even as players return. Both guys could factor in to an important decision the Penguins will have to make when crafting a fourth line for the stretch run. [Trib Live]

When the Penguins signed Cody Ceci in the offseason, many fans were vocally opposed to the move given his track record with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Those detractors have fallen silent as Ceci has rejuvenated his career with the Penguins this season. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

News and notes from around the NHL...

Last week, the Vancouver Canucks were placed on pause due to positive COVID-19 tests within the team. Since they were shutdown, the situation has only become worse, with more than half the team testing positive. [Yahoo! Sports]

In an attempt to encourage getting vaccinated against COVID-19, the MLB and NBA are offering incentives to players who get the jab . Since NHL players appear to be more open to getting the shot, the NHL does not intend to take the same path. [New York Post]

With the NHL trade deadline just around the corner, many players on the block could be in for a major lifestyle change in the coming weeks. Going from one team to another can put a player through a severe culture shock that can take some adjusting. [Sportsnet]