Here are your Pens Points for this Monday morning…
The 2026 Winter Olympics are in the rearview mirror, and Team USA stood victorious, earning the gold medal in men’s ice hockey for the first time since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” contest. Hooks has put together a collection of thoughts on the game, highlighting key contributions from players like Connor Hellebuyck and Jack Hughes, as well as strategic decisions by Bill Guerin and Mike Sullivan that broke the 46-year Olympic gold drought. [PensBurgh]
As most know now, Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby
did not play in the gold medal game on Sunday, telling reporters that he didn’t want to compromise his team’s chances and that sitting out was the decision that was “best for the group.” Teammates were not surprised by his absence. [Trib Live]
Jaromir Jagr’s career may officially be coming to an end. Currently in his 38th professional season with his hometown Kladno Knights in the Czech league, the Pittsburgh Penguins icon strongly suggested in a recent interview that fans might not see him on the ice anymore. [Associated Press]
Penguins prospect Tanner Howe has come back strong from knee surgery, showing promise in his early games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins as he works his way back into form. [Trib Live]
News and updates from around the NHL…
Emotions undoubtedly run high after an Olympic contest of that magnitude, and Canada’s coach Jon Cooper was not immune to letting his feelings be known on the 3-on-3 overtime format that ultimately decided the gold medal game. [Sportsnet]
Penn State forward Gavin McKenna recorded eight points, including one goal and seven assists, during Friday’s 11-4 demolition of Ohio State to take sole possession of the school’s single-game point record. [TSN]
