With a half dozen games under their belt in the new season, it’s time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to head out on their first extended road trip of the 2026-27 season. Beginning tonight in Chicago, the Penguins will head west to Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City for a daunting stretch that sees them take on three playoff teams from last season along with a Chicago side that has given them plenty of issues over the years despite more recent struggles. [Pensburgh]
Puck drop tonight is set for 8:00
PM Eastern and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh. Tonight is also the NHL’s annual ‘Frozen Frenzy’ which will see all 32 teams in action.
Pens Points…
A slow start for Sidney Crosby isn’t completely out of the ordinary, but given the early season results, you may expect Dan Muse to shake up the lines to give Crosby a different look. If practice is any indication, that does not appear to be the case as of yet. [Pensburgh]
Some trade news broke late Monday afternoon as the Penguins announced a deal with the Buffalo Sabres. Coming over from Buffalo is defenseman Ryan Johnson in exchange for defensemen Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch. Johnson is a former first round draft pick (2019). [Penguins]
All signs are pointing to Connor Bedard making his season debut for the Blackhawks later this evening against the Penguins. He was a full participant in practice on Monday and look to be ready to play his first game since being named captain of the team over the summer. [NHL]
Kaeden Korczak is still getting acclimated to Pittsburgh and a new style of play, but he’s been proving his worth thus far. After being acquired in the offseason, the Penguins plan for Korczak isn’t just be a body on the blue line, but a major factor in the long term plans. [PPG]
Still listed as a non-roster player, it appears Andrei Kuzmenko is nearing a full return to the Penguins lineup, possibly as soon as tonight. Kuzmenko was a full participant in practice on Monday but no final decision was given by Dan Muse. [Trib Live]
Some non-hockey Penguins adjacent news: Austin Lemieux, son of franchise legend Mario Lemeiux, qualified for his first PGA golf event. Lemieux qualified for the upcoming Bermuda Championship by scoring a fitting 66 at his qualifying event in Florida. [Sportsnet]
NHL News and Notes…
Auston Matthews posted nine points in three games last week and was named the First Star of the Week by the NHL on Monday. Jake Oettinger was nearly unbeatable in goal and was named Second Star with Alex Lafreniere taking home Third Star honors. [NHL]
Amidst turmoil after placing their current head coach on leave, the Arizona Sun Devils are expected to hire former Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken bench boss Dave Hakstol as the next head coach of the program. [ESPN]
It’s time for the NHL’s ‘Frozen Frenzy’ with all 32 teams in action. Coverage begins on ESPN2 at 5:00 PM with the first game beginning at 6:00 PM with remaining contests being on staggered start times throughout the evening all the way up until 11:00 PM. [ESPN]
