Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…
Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Erik Christensen said he is at peace being remembered as a shootout specialist, a reputation he developed during his NHL career, with the Albertan converting 52.7% of his career shootout attempts, including 14 of 23 with Pittsburgh. Speaking with Seth Rorabaugh of the Tribune-Review, Christensen reflected on his time with the Penguins and the unique role that helped make him one of the league’s most successful shootout performers. [Trib Live]
As rookie goalie Sergei
Murashov finds his footing in the NHL, Murashov has publicly thanked Calgary Flames goalie Devin Cooley for sharing his perspective on the mental side of playing the position, saying Cooley’s comments have genuinely helped him. [PensBurgh]
News and notes from around the NHL…
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin said he is willing to keep star defenseman Quinn Hughes beyond the March 1 NHL trade deadline even if the team has not reached a contract extension with him. [TSN]
The NHL will explore new replay-assist technology to help officials make more accurate calls, including a system that could quickly relay information from the league’s situation room without requiring lengthy video reviews. [Sportsnet]
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has scored just one goal through 15 games in his 22nd and final NHL season, marking the slowest start of his career. His reduced production comes as Washington has added more offensive talent and scaled back his playing time and power-play role, though coach Spencer Carbery said Ovechkin understands the changes and is focused on helping the team win. [Sportsnet]
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck said concerns about his family’s safety and uncertainty surrounding his career contributed to his decision to request a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. The 33-year-old said incidents involving his family, which went beyond online death threats, ultimately made him feel a change was necessary. [NHL]
Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league has not decided whether Russia will be allowed to compete in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, describing the situation as a “wait-and-see” process. [NHL]
