Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning…
The Penguins’ top line of Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell has struggled to produce offense and has been a defensive liability early in the season. Crosby scored twice in Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to Chicago for his first goals of the season, but Rakell remains without a goal. What options does Dan Muse have to try and get this first line out of the dumps? [PensBurgh]
Penguins defenseman Sam Girard, meanwhile, is off to a stronger start this season after overcoming injuries and becoming more
comfortable in Pittsburgh’s system. The 28-year-old is producing offensively and playing with greater confidence after a difficult transition period following last season’s trade. [Trib Live]
News and notes from around the NHL…
Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch has acknowledged fans’ frustration with the team after they booed players and chanted “Sell the team!” during the first few games of the season. [Sportsnet]
Arizona State has hired former NHL head coach Dave Hakstol to lead its men’s hockey program as the university investigates a workout that left 21-year-old defenseman Matthew Mayich on life support. Former coach Greg Powers has agreed to leave the program after being placed on administrative leave. [Associated Press]
The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired forward Aatu Raty from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forwards Brandon Buhr and Jacob Quillan. [TSN]
The Los Angeles Kings are among the teams exploring a trade for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Kings general manager Ken Holland has reportedly gauged the asking price, but Los Angeles is weighing whether to part with a 2027 or 2028 first-round pick amid a slow start. [Sportsnet]
