Pens Points: Crosby in Command

As it has been many times before, it was the Sidney Crosby show in Philadelphia on Monday night as the Penguins captain scored a pair of goals, including the eventual game winner, in a 5-1 rout of the Flyers to open the team’s three game road trip. Crosby potted the Penguins first two goals of the evening and was then backed up by tallies from Bryan Rust, Tommy Novak, and Kevin Hayes. As a bonus, three of the Penguins five markers came with the man advantage helping that unit break out of a small slump and remain one of the best in the league. [Pensburgh]

Pens Points…

This week sends the Penguins back to the road for three straight games against some stiff competition. After taking on the Flyers last night, the Penguins will now head south to Tampa Bay on Thursday then west to Dallas where they will wrap up this short road stint on Sunday. [Pensburgh]

At long last, Rutger McGroarty is back with the Penguins after recovering from a long term injury that sidelined him since the end of last season. McGroarty was recalled on Monday from the AHL along with fellow forward Boko Imama. Both made their season debuts last night in Philadelphia. [Trib Live]

For McGroarty, Monday night marked the resumption of what many Penguins fans are hoping is a major role in the next era of Penguins hockey. When he was acquired last summer, he made his intentions known right from the start, taking a major step in what has been a life long dream. [PPG]

Perhaps the deepest prospect pool the Penguins have is at the goaltender position. Arturs Silovs has been a mainstay at the NHL level this season, but Sergei Murashov has now made his NHL debut and fellow prospect Joel Blomqvist is up and running after a training camp injury. [The Hockey News]

For once, the Penguins goaltending hasn’t been the team’s Achilles heel, at least not thus far this season. While it hasn’t always been perfect and they will need to prove themselves long term, the tandem of Tristan Jarry + Silvos )and a dash or Murashov) ranks in the top half of the league right now. [The Athletic $$]

NHL News and Notes…

Wyatt Johnston started last week with a four point game and he ended last week with a four point, all culminating in First Star of the Week honors for the Dallas Stars forward. Johnston was joined by Brandon Hagel and Tom Wilson as Stars of the Week recipients. [NHL]

It’s December which means the World Junior Championships are just on the horizon. Team USA will be on home ice this time around as they look to make it three golds in a row. Penguins prospect Will Horcoff has made the USA training camp roster for the upcoming tournament. [NHL]