Pens Points: Kapanen Shines Bright

It was refreshing to have Pittsburgh Penguins hockey back on Monday even if it was just a preseason game that means very little. It’s too bad fans now have to wait until Friday to see the team in action again, but this three day break will be the longest stretch without hockey for months so it’s a small price to pay.

You’ve made it to Wednesday. Celebrate with Pens Points...

One preseason game is in the books and we learned a bit about the players who took part. Perhaps the most impressive players were Kasperi Kapanen and Cam Lee while Sam Lafferty couldn’t stop taking trips to the penalty box. [Pensburgh]

With Monday’s lineup missing more than a few big names, it gave Kapanen a chance to shine on his own and he did just that. Kapanen was the best player on the ice for long stretches and it didn’t go unnoticed by Mike Sullivan. [TSN]

Another player given the chance to standout against the Blue Jackets was top prospect Pierre-Olivier Joseph. After getting his feet wet in the NHL last season, the Penguins are counting on Joseph to take that next step this season. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Both hailing from the Boston area gave defensemen Brian Dumoulin and John Marino a chance to work out together this offseason. Being on the ice together helped both blue liners push each other to get better and learn from one another. [Penguins]

Goaltending is the name of the game in the NHL, especially when the playoffs roll around. In case last season wasn’t enough pain for Penguins fans, they could be in for more frustrating goalie play this season. [ESPN+ $$]

Two more players were cut from the Penguins training camp roster on Tuesday, trimming the training camp roster to 48 players. Justin Almeida and Jan Drozg were both cut and sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. [Penguins]

After a brief time away from the Penguins last season, Dominik Simon is back in Pittsburgh and he couldn’t be more excited. His return to the Penguins surprised many, including Simon himself, but he’s ready to prove he belongs once again. [Trib Live]

Preparing to enter his second season with the Penguins, defenseman Mike Matheson is preparing for the new campaign with renewed confidence. After becoming a dad in the offseason, Matheson feels he’s in for a big year on the ice. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Penguins Vice President of Communications Jennifer Bullano Ridgley hauled in a pair of awards for her work with the franchise. The Pittsburgh Business Times recognized Bullano Ridgley for her impact in the sports business field. [Penguins]

News and notes from around the NHL...

Recently cleared from a gambling probe but still under investigation for inappropriate behavior towards his wife, Evander Kane is now under a new investigation by the NHL for alleged COVID protocol violations. [theScore]

If Penguins fans are looking for a comparable timeline for Sidney Crosby’s return from wrist surgery, keep an eye on Auston Matthews. After undergoing surgery on August 13th, Matthews participated in practice with teammates on Tuesday. [NHL]