Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…<\/p>\n
The Pittsburgh Penguins traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday night for a Metropolitan Division battle against the Carolina Hurricanes. Pittsburgh took a 2-1 lead into the third period, then Carolina roared back to take a 4-2 lead. Pittsburgh scored two goals in a frantic, gutsy comeback to force overtime, but dropped the shootout yet again. [Recap<\/a>]<\/p>\n The Penguins should give defensemen Samuel Girard and Ilya Solovyov an extended look to see if their styles can mesh and stabilize the team\u2019s otherwise inconsistent blue line. [PensBurgh<\/a>]<\/p>\n The team received a few positive and negative injury reports from Tuesday morning\u2019s practice. Most notably, Sidney Crosby took the ice once again, although skating on a separate pairing with the currently suspended Evgeni Malkin, meaning he is close but not 100% ready to return to game action. [PensBurgh<\/a>]<\/p>\n How inconsistent is the NHL\u2019s Department of Player Safety after Evgeni Malkin received a five-game suspension for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, while Tampa Bay forward Brandon Hagel was only fined for also attacking the defenseman? Malkin undoubtedly deserved the suspension, but how does Hagel get off with a lesser punishment while Malkin sits for five games? [Trib Live<\/a>]<\/p>\n News and updates from around the NHL\u2026<\/p>\n Washington Capitals and NHL icon Alex Ovechkin said his decision on when to retire will depend largely on his health and how his body holds up as he continues playing at or past 40. He said he still loves the game, but wants to avoid long-term injuries that could affect life after hockey. [Sportsnet<\/a>]<\/p>\n