Penguins Wrap: Hitting a Timely High Note; Taking the Measure of Malkin

It’s been a week since the Pittsburgh Penguins played a game, and they won’t have another until Winnipeg visits PPG Paints Arena Tuesday at 7:08 p.m.

Their extended time off is the result of their bye week and the NHL’s all-star break, and the Penguins were able to enjoy it because they entered it in style, after an exhilarating victory over Montreal.

Here’s a look at what has gone on while the Penguins — and most other NHL clubs — have been idle since last weekend:

Saturday

Low-scoring defenseman Marcus Pettersson is the unlikely hero by scoring the overtime game-winner in the Penguins’ 3-2 victory against Montreal.

Lars Eller believes the game against the Canadiens was the “most important game of the season” for the Penguins.

There’s at least one thing the Penguins can try to revive their moribund power play.

Evgeni Malkin’s last-minute goal against Florida 24 hours before the Penguins faced Montreal gave him a badly needed confidence boost.

Sunday

Don’t look for Kyle Dubas to embark on a major rebuild anytime soon.

The Penguins’ overtime victory against Montreal might just prove to be the salvation of their season.

With no games for more than a week, the Penguins send Ryan Shea, Valtteri Puustinen and John Ludvig to their farm team in Wilkes-Barre.

Monday

Sidney Crosby is having an extraordinary season. So why shouldn’t he be in Toronto for the NHL’s all-star events this weekend? (+)

Tuesday

A lot of Penguins alumni, including Jared McCann, have thrived since going to other teams in recent years.

Here’s a look at how the Penguins’ defensemen have fared so far in 2023-24.

Wednesday

There could be a number of intriguing candidates if the Penguins decide to pursue a scoring winger before the NHL trade deadline.

Some Penguins forwards have played very well to this point of the season. Others haven’t. (+)

Thursday

Assessing Evgeni Malkin’s value to the Penguins is complicated.

Where do the Pittsburgh Penguins fit in PHN’s Eastern Conference power rankings?

Friday

The NHL announces an agreement for its players to participate in the 2026 and 2030 Olympics.

In 2025, the NHL will stage a Four Nations tournament featuring the U.S, Canada, Sweden and Finland.

Longtime baseball executive Theo Epstein joins Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Watch Sidney Crosby’s media availability at the NHL All-Star Game.