Penguins Wrap: Slap Shots, Snap Shots & a Potshot

It was a short week for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as the rest of the National Hockey League, as the league is in its annual three-day holiday break, which runs through Monday.

The Penguins crammed a lot into just a few days, however, including an invigorating victory and a deflating loss, both inside the Metropolitan Division.

Here’s a look back at the six-day period that ended Saturday:

Monday

The Penguins get one injured forward back but have another held out during practice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Kris Letang and his 10-year-old son, Alex, share a few moments after the workout.

Tuesday

Defenseman Jeff Petry, who is on the Long-Term Injured list, is back on the ice during the Penguins’ optional game-day skate.

The Penguins get a sputtering start against the New York Rangers, but that isn’t enough to prevent them from having a most satisfying finish.

Predictably, the Penguins’ locker room is a pretty happy place after they defeat the Rangers. And Jason Zucker offers an amusing take on Bryan Rust’s pugilistic inclinations.

Wednesday

Who’s that guy in the red practice jersey, and why is he wearing it?

Zucker doesn’t just play a good game. He can talk one, too.

The Penguins have been winning a lot of games lately, and really can’t afford to do otherwise because other clubs in the Metropolitan Division are doing the same.

The Penguins’ power play was exasperatingly ineffective for much of this season. That has changed lately and in a big way. Here’s why.

Thursday

The Pittsburgh Penguins play another close game against Carolina. And come away with another one-goal defeat. This is becoming a trend.

Evgeni Malkin isn’t shy about acknowledging how his poor decision made the Hurricanes’ game-winning goal possible.

Friday

The Pittsburgh Penguins were pretty sour after their 4-3 loss to Carolina Wednesday, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it shows they expect a lot of themselves.

The Penguins might be in first place in the Metro if they were a good team in overtime, which they most certainly have not been so far this season. Here’s a look at some of the reasons.

Saturday

Letang has added some positive elements to his game since returning from a stroke, and Drew O’Connors lapse of judgment during the Carolina game Thursday is the kind of mistake he can’t afford to make.

Have an opinion on who has been the Penguins’ biggest surprise, most disappointing players, etc.? Of course, you do. And here’s where you can vote your beliefs.