For the first time in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ most valuable player is not Sidney Crosby.

No, the team deservedly named defenseman Erik Karlsson as the MVP, and dished out five other awards, including one good-guy award voted on by Pittsburgh Hockey Now.

Karlsson’s elite play this season has earned him a place in the Norris Trophy conversation as well as lifting the Penguins’ blue line. In 73 games, Karlsson has 14 goals and 50 assists. He’s also led the Penguins’ power play to a top-five ranking for most of the season.

Unsurprisingly, the team voted to give Crosby its “Player’s Player” award. Sunday, Crosby furthered his NHL record by achieving 21st consecutive season with more than a point-per-game. The Penguins captain has 72 points (29-43-72) in 66 games.

Fourth line grinder Noel Acciari earned the “Unsung Hero” award. This season, Acciari has a career-high 11 assists. His 12 goals and 23 points are the second-highest totals of his career. He is second on the team in shorthanded time-on-ice per game (2:37) and is second among forwards in blocked shots (59).

Ben Kindel, 18, beat goalie Arturs Silovs for the Rookie of the Year award. He is the youngest forward in the NHL this season and has posted 17 goals with 43 points. His offensive output ranks seventh among all NHL rookies.

Defenseman Ryan Shea and center Blake Lizotte split the “Defensive Player of the Year.”

And the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, which includes writers from this outlet, voted Bryan Rust the Baz Bastien Media Good. The award hasn’t been given since the 2013-14 season, but the local chapter wanted to recognize several players for their media cooperation this season.

This writer voted for Rust because of his unwavering availability after good games and bad, and his willingness to speak openly after losses; not a quality shared by many.

Rust received seven of eight first place votes. Karlsson received the other first place vote. Karlsson, Crosby, Shea and Stuart Skinner received second place votes.

Penguins Goaltending

After a small group practice at PPG Paints Arena that followed team picture day, the locker room was largely empty. Only one regular and both goalies surrounded by the depth players.

Early Tuesday, the Penguins recalled goalie Sergei Murashov. However, Skinner was a full participant in practice and reported no discomfort.

A flukey accident on the bench Saturday forced Skinner to miss his scheduled start Sunday. A puck deflected off the glass and hit Skinner in the face. Even though there were some humorous fake photos on the internet (which were intentionally exaggerated, but not everyone got the joke), Skinner’s left eye was bruised but not largely swollen.

Through the night, swelling and bruising affected him and he had a little bit of trouble seeing to his left Sunday, so all parties felt it best he not play.

“I mean, when I went to bed, I was good, no problem. I kept ice on it,” Skinner said. “To be honest, I just thought the betterment of the team would be if I didn’t play. I don’t think I need to be too proud and try to play without being able to see a little bit to my left. You want to give the team the best chance to win. Sunday just wasn’t the right spot for me.”

After playing Saturday, Arturs Silovs started again Sunday, stopping 29 of 31.

By Tuesday, all swelling was gone.

Sunday, Skinner and rookie Sergei Murashov sat together in the press box after Murashov arrived.

“Oh, it was great. Actually, we had a great conversation. I shared experiences from my career. It was nice to hear some stories about his journey. And yeah, he’s a great guy,” Murashov said. “He’s awesome to be around, awesome to look at how he’s working and to pick up a few things. I (haven’t learned) much yet, but I hope he wouldn’t be mad when I take something from him.”

Because Skinner was a full go at practice and expects to be fine by Thursday, coach Dan Muse essentially shutdown any chance that Murashov could play. Muse termed the recall as only precautionary.

“The way it all kind of (happened) the other day. The timing of it, he would not get here (in time). So he’s here now,” Muse said.

But that’s about all for Murashov’s current call-up.

The team also signed 2025 third-round pick, goalie Gabriel D’Aigle, to play for the Wheeling Nailers for the rest of the season. The Penguins signed D’Aigle to his entry level contract in March. Because he has played four years in the QMJHL, he is eligible to play professional hockey next season.

D’Aigle, 19, is a big goalie (6-foot-4, 213 pounds), and a raw talent. He was one of the best players on the Victoriaville Tigres, who finished next to last in the Western Conference. Last season, the team finished last.

However, D’Aigle posted a .908 save percentage this season.

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