RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 10: The Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins battle during the second period of the game at Lenovo Center on March 10, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here are your Pen Points for this Wednesday morning…
The Pittsburgh Penguins traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina on Tuesday night for a Metropolitan Division matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. Pittsburgh took a 2-1 lead into the third period, then Carolina came roaring back to take a 4-2 lead. Pittsburgh scored twice in a frantic and courageous comeback to force overtime, but once again gave up the shootout. (To summarize)
The Penguins should take a closer look at defensemen Samuel Girard and Ilya Solovyov to see if their styles can fit in and stabilize the team’s otherwise inconsistent blue line. (PensBurgh)
The team received a few positive and negative injury reports during Tuesday morning’s practice. Most notably, Sidney Crosby has returned to the ice, although he is skating in a separate pairing with the currently suspended Evgeni Malkin, meaning he is close but not 100% ready to return to action. (PensBurgh)
How inconsistent has the NHL’s department of player safety been after Evgeni Malkin received a five-game suspension for hitting Buffalo Sabers defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, while Tampa Bay forward Brandon Hagel was only fined for also attacking the defenseman? Malkin undoubtedly deserved the suspension, but how does Hagel get away with less punishment when Malkin sits for five games? (Tribulation Live)
News and updates from around the NHL…
Washington Capitals and NHL icon Alex Ovechkin said his decision on when to retire will largely depend on his health and how his body holds up as he continues to play at age 40 or beyond. He said he still loves the game, but wants to avoid long-term injuries that could affect his life after hockey. (Sports Network)
Former Penguins goaltender and current Seattle Kraken Matt Murray, 31, has been activated from injured reserve. He had been out of action since November 15. (TSN)
