Penguins Wrap: Crosby’s Moments; Team Predictions; Prospect Insights

The NHL went on a break, but that doesn’t mean all was quiet with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Far from it. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby led the way as a handful of those with ties to the franchise made an impact in the opening days of the 4 Nations Face-off international event that was the cause of the NHL pause — and he wasn’t even assured of playing for Team Canada after dealing with an injury.

Crosby also got an interesting honor that harkened to his junior days.

The Penguins top affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, was not on pause, and PHN gave you some insights that no other Pittsburgh outlet had.

There is not an NHL movement freeze during the break, and the Penguins claimed a player off waivers and made a minor trade before, as most expect, more impactful moves to come before the trade deadline.

Catch up on the past week. Click the links.

Sunday: The Penguins did some housekeeping with the break coming up. They sent three players, including goalie Joel Blomqvist, to WBS, where they could get playing time and, in what seemed like a paper move, recalled goaltender Tristan Jarry.

The latest look at some of the Penguins trade bait might surprise you, as one player might have made himself to valuable to move for anything less than an absolute premium. Also, some thoughts on P.O Joseph and Jesse Puljujarvi. It’s in the Penguins blog.

At the same time that Puljujarvi cleared waivers and had his contract terminated, the Penguins claimed a defenseman off waivers. A look at what Vladislav Kolyachonok offers.

Monday: He missed the Penguins’ last two games before the break with what seemed to be a left arm/elbow injury, but it would have been difficult to keep this guy out of the 4 Nationals Face-off. The latest on Sidney Crosby.

It’s a big task, but PHN was up to it. The NHL break for the ongoing international tournament was an opportunity to look ahead. What sort of chances do the Penguins have of making the playoffs? What sort of trades should we expect? And what about the prospects? Take a read about some interesting forecasts.

In something of a surprise after he and the Penguins terminated his contract, Puljujarvi did not head to Europe to continue his career. See where he signed a PTO.

Tuesday: Crosby had two outstanding junior seasons with Rimouski before he was drafted first overall by the Penguins. He learned French, which helped further endear him to the province of Quebec, and he dominated. In advance of the 4 Nations tournament, Crosby was honored with a lasting legacy.

Wednesday: With the 4 Nations tournament about to open, PHN reached out to a longtime former Penguins stalwart, who offered some great insight on Crosby. Check out the thoughts from Brooks Orpik.

It wasn’t about the money. It was simply the quest to further his hockey career. In an interview in his native language, the thought process shown through from Jesse Puljujarvi.

PHN keeps making itself your go-to destination for insight on Penguins prospects. A look at Ville Koivunen and others in this scouting report.

Thursday: A look back at an incredible night as the tournament opened in in Montreal. There was Mario Lemieux. And, boy, was there Sidney Crosby.

The break from NHL games also allowed for a look at the Metropolitan Division. PHN called on its network of coverage to break down what might happen in the Metro in a roundtable.

The Penguins and St. Louis Blues hooked up for a minor trade, bringing in a 24-year-old to add to the WBS roster.

Friday: Now this was some meaningful research and hindsight. TSN put out its top 50 prospects list. The thing about it? There are several names on the list that the Penguins passed up.

Saturday: It was rather eye-opening when a former Team Sweden coach criticized Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, who sniped back. Well, now that Karlsson is playing for Sweden in the tournament, the two mended fences.

PHN was at it again, traveling to watch WBS and this time dishing on a player who is firmly on the radar of Penguins fans. But the narrative has changed some. You need to read about Rutger McGroarty.

Meanwhile, in Montreal, there was a showdown between Crosby and Canada, and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan and Team USA in the tournament. It was an epic moment. Especially, as it turns out, for the prevailing Americans.