Pens Points: Wrapping up 2024 in Motown

The final Pens Points of 2024 will tell you everything you need to know as the Penguins head to Detroit.

There’s no denying the fact that 2024 was another rough year for the Pittsburgh Penguins, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season and digging themselves a big hole which could cause 2025 to be another early spring. Even still, the Penguins have a chance to end the year on a high note that will hopefully lead to better fortunes next year as they travel to Motown to take on the Detroit Red Wings.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.

Pens Points...

December offered the Penguins a lighter schedule in terms of opponents and they were able to rack up points and get back in contention. That all changes come January where the competition stiffens and will provide the Pens with a difficult test. [Pensburgh]

Playing just once since Thanksgiving, forward Jesse Puljujarvi has been on the outside looking in for most of the season and now his time with the Penguins could very well be coming to a close after he was placed on waivers. [Pensburgh]

Michael Bunting will forever have the honor of being the one who scored the goal that helped give Sidney Crosby his record breaking assist. After the game, Bunting gifted Crosby the stick with which he scored the goal and added a cheeky message. [Sports Illustrated]

When he was first named captain by the Penguins, Crosby was the youngest player in NHL history to ever receive the honor. Now, almost 18 years later, Crosby has bestowed his leadership on countless grateful teammates. [The Hockey News]

Nate Clurman is not a name many were familiar as late as two weeks ago, but after the journeyman defenseman made his NHL debut on Sunday night, he realized a long awaited dream of playing at the highest level of hockey. [Trib Live]

NHL News and Notes...

It was clear from the very beginning that hockey was going to be a hit in Utah and the early returns from the team and fans are showing the hype is real. Though there is still room to grow on the ice, the future is incredibly bright in Salt Lake City. [Sportsnet]

With six points in two games played, including four goals in that span, Mark Scheifele was named the First Star of the Week by the NHL. Rasmus Dahlin and Zach Werenski rounded out the awards for last week. [NHL]