Pen points: Delicious oil – PensBurgh

After another lost lead on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins will look to right the ship and win their first game of 2025 when they welcome Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to PPG Paints Arena tonight. This has been a lopsided matchup of late, with the Oilers winning the last seven meetings between the two sides. The last Penguins win came way back in December 2019.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.

Pen point…

Two Penguins prospects were featured at the recently concluded World Junior Championship and each had something to take away from the experience. Down in the AHL, top prospect Rutger McGroarty also continues to produce. (Pensburgh)

It appears that no matter what position the Penguins are in at the trade deadline, they will be in a hurry to make moves. In fact, it may not even be before the deadline for trades to start happening in what they are supposedly trading. (Pensburgh)

Sidney Crosby has been the best at many things throughout his NHL career, and now you can add face-offs to the list. Crosby passed Patrice Bergeron for most faceoff wins of all time on Tuesday, a testament to the craft he has worked to perfect. (Tribe Live)

Evgeni Malkin returned to practice Wednesday after missing his first game since 2022 on Tuesday night. Reports from Cranberry say Malkin practiced in a limited role, so his status for tonight remains up in the air. (Tribe Live)

Erik Karlsson came to Pittsburgh with his eyes on winning one Stanley Cupthe one missing piece to his Hall of Fame career. Even through personal and team struggles, his eyes remain on the greatest prize of all. (NHL)

NHL news and notes…

It appears from Vancouver Canucks is increasingly headed for a major shakeup that could see one or more major pieces moved. One name that is safe for now is JT Miller after the Canucks reportedly rejected a deal with the New York Rangers. (Sports net)

You and I may not be professional hockey players, but we have something in common with them. Like us regulars, hockey players are taxed, and how much they pay all depends on where they live and work. (The hockey news)

Outdoor hockey is coming to Florida with the announcement of the 2026 Winter Classic to be played in Miami and a 2026 Stadium Series game to be played in Tampa Bay. (ESPN)