Penguins Wrap: California Dreamin’; Salute to Jaromir Jagr is Coming

The Pittsburgh Penguins revived their current season during a three-game trip through California, then announced that they’d be honoring one of the franchise’s all-time great performers.

The day they returned to Pittsburgh after ringing up victories in San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles, the Penguins made it known that Jaromir Jagr’s No. 68 will be retired during a pregame ceremony later this season.

They then put an exclamation point on their most productive week of the season to date by shutting out Buffalo, 4-0, Saturday night.

Here’s a look at how the first full week in November played out for the Pittsburgh Penguins:

Sunday

Predictably enough, most of the Penguins graded out very well in the wake of their 10-2 victory in San Jose. (+)

Is it possible that the Penguins have too much talent for their own good?

The Penguins earned the right to enjoy beating up on the Sharks, but can’t afford to dwell on that game.

Monday

Jeff Carter, who did not have a goal in the first 10 games, discusses losing his place in the Penguins’ lineup.

You asked, he answered. A Penguins Q&A,

Two injured players, goalie Alex Nedeljkovic and defenseman John Ludvig, have resumed skating.

Tuesday

Tristan Jarry is injured late in the second period, but Magnus Hellberg is flawless in relief as the Penguins earn a 2-0 victory at Anaheim.

The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t the only team that got off to a disappointing start in 2023-24. (+)

Wednesday

Although the Penguins played well during their victory over the Ducks, Mike Sullivan believes they could have been better.

The Penguins will have a few options if Tristan Jarry’s injury forces him to miss some games.

The Penguins’ No. 2 power play doesn’t have the star power of the top unit, but it has been doing some quality work.

Magnus Hellberg is ready to step into the breach if Tristan Jarry is unable to play.

Forward Andreas Johnsson is placed on unconditional waivers, with the intent of terminating his contract after he clears.

Thursday

The Penguins complete a sweep of their three-game trip through California with a 4-3 victory in Los Angeles, as Bryan Rust scores the overtime winner. Twice.

The bottom line on Tristan Jarry’s injury is encouraging, but facial swelling will force him to sit out at least the Kings game.

Circumstances thrust Jeff Carter, a healthy scratch for the previous two games, back into the Penguins’ lineup.

Because of Tristan Jarry’s injury, the Penguins recall goalie Joel Blomqvist from Wilkes-Barre while sending forward Vinnie Hinostroza there to clear the salary-cap space needed to handle Blomqvist’s contract.

Here’s a video recap of the Penguins’ victory over the Kings.

Minnesota trades former Penguins defense prospect Calen Addison to San Jose.

Friday

Although the Penguins got a good win in Los Angeles, not all of the player grades that came out of it were.

The Penguins announce that Jaromir Jagr’s No. 68 will be retired later this season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have generated a lot of numbers this season. Some of the ones that are less well-known are pretty interesting. (+)

Saturday

The Penguins ran their winning streak to four games with a 4-0 shutout against Buffalo.

It’s not just that the Penguins beat the Sabres. It’s that they did it by playing the right way.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ trip through California produced an obvious lesson, but have they really absorbed it?

Tristan Jarry gets medical clearance to return to the lineup.