Trailing 3-1 in the second period and looking as if the wheels were coming loose, the Pittsburgh Penguins found their game at the perfect moment and stormed back with seven unanswered goals to secure a crucial two points over the New York Islanders on Monday night with a 8-3 victory on Long Island. [Pensburgh]
Now the focus must shift immediately to the Detroit Red Wings who are in town for a showdown with the Penguins later this evening as PPG Paints Arena. Right now, Detroit sits in a perilous spot,
two points out of a playoff spot with two teams ahead of them in the standings. They will be desperate, and the Penguins will have to match that desperation if they hope to sweep this back-t0-back set.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
Pens Points…
Last night was undoubtedly a big game for the Penguins, by far the biggest this season, but it was just the start of what is another massive week for the Penguins and their playoff hopes. There is another game tonight, then a trip to Tampa, then a weekend back-to-back with the Florida Panthers still on tap. [Pensburgh]
Officiating has not been in the Penguins favor seemingly at all this season and the team’s frustration with the situation is now spilling into the public view. Dan Muse has not won a goaltender interference challenge all season, but that’s just a small part of what has been angering the Penguins. [The Athletic $$]
Down on the farm, the Wiles-Barre/Scranton Penguins agreed to an American Hockey League deal with former Ohio State defenseman Broten Sabo. This past season, Sabo led all Ohio State defenseman with 19 assists and 21 points. The contract will begin with the 2026-27 season. [WBS]
NHL News and Notes…
Jakub Dobes put the Montreal Canadiens on his back last week and helped backstop them ever closer to another playoff berth. For that, Dobes was named the First Star of the Week by the NHL. Joining Dobes as honorees for last week are Pavel Zacha of Boston and John Carlson of Anaheim. [NHL]
In a shocking turn of events, the Vegas Golden Knights fired head coach Bruce Cassidy on Sunday, replacing him with John Tortorella. Despite being in a playoff position, recent struggles pushed the Golden Knights to make the stunning move in hopes of reinvigorating the team for the playoff run. [NHL]
