Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…
The Pittsburgh Penguins closed the regular season on Tuesday night with a wild 7-5 loss to the St. Louis Blues. It was more or less an exhibition game for the Penguins, who iced a lineup of primarily depth players and had nothing to gain or lose in the result. However, it still provided an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills to the coaching staff as the grind of the Stanley Cup playoffs approaches. [Recap]
Penguins rookie defenseman Jake Livanavage, who was just signed to an entry-level
contract on April 10, made his NHL debut with the team on Tuesday night, creating a full-circle moment after growing up as a fan and once holding a sign hoping to meet captain Sidney Crosby. [Penguins]
The Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers are set to renew their longstanding cross-state feud in the first round of the playoffs, with players embracing the bad blood and intensity that comes with one of the league’s best rivalries. [Trib Live]
As the Penguins start to turn their attention to key players on the Flyers’ roster, you can, too. Take a closer look at Philly goaltender Dan Vladar and his journey from inconsistent backup to key starter, becoming one of the team’s most important offseason additions. [PensBurgh]
News and notes from around the NHL…
NHL save percentages have dropped to their lowest level in roughly 30 years, driven by smarter, more skilled shooters, leading to higher-quality scoring chances. The growing belief is that modern offenses are outpacing goaltending systems that have become more predictable and position-based. [Sportsnet]
Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz will be out for the first two games of his team’s playoff series against the Minnesota Wild with a lower-body injury. [Sportsnet]
Alex Ovechkin recorded an assist in what could have been his last NHL game, helping his Washington Capitals defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Tuesday. The Capitals say they will continue to support Ovechkin as he weighs his future heading into the summer. [NHL]
