Pens Points: Wonderful Christmastime

Sidney Claus delivers four points as the Penguins dominate the Flyers heading into Christmas.

Sidney Crosby continued his career-long dominance of the Philadelphia Flyers with four points in a 7-3 beat down of the Pittsburgh Penguins cross-state rivals in the final game before the Christmas break. This was Crosby’s second four point showing in the last three games and his three assists last night move him into a tie with Mario Lemieux for most in franchise history. [Pensburgh]

Pens Points...

As the Penguins prepare to wrap up 2024 and head into the new year, they still have some important work to do before the calendar flips. With games against the Islanders and Red Wings remaining in 2024, the Penguins have a big opportunity in front of them. [Pensburgh]

After a promising start to his NHL career, defenseman Owen Pickering is headed to injured reserve for the first time with a concussion. Pickering left Saturday’s game in New Jersey with an undisclosed injury and did not return. [Trib Live]

Phil Kessel endeared himself to Penguins fans in a way that few athletes ever have. He already had a big fan base when he arrived in Pittsburgh, but two Stanley Cups later, Phil cemented himself as a fan favorite for eternity. [The Hockey News]

NHL News and Notes...

Cale Makar, William Nylander, and Patrik Laine lead the NHL’s Three Stars of the Week awards for their play over the past week. Makar took home top honors with eight points across four games played last week. [NHL]

Auston Matthews will remained out of the lineup for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday night when they took on the Winnipeg Jets. Matthews was the victim of a late crosscheck from behind on Friday and now has missed the last two games. [Sportsnet]