With the NHL prepared to hit pause on the 2025-26 season, two of the most unlikely playoff contenders will meet before the Olympic break begins and players scatter either to Italy for The Games or to some far away dentation for some earned R ‘n R.
On the shores of Lake Erie, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres will meet later this evening in a crucial showdown of two teams with playoff aspirations looking to build momentum heading into their extended time off.
Advertisement
Puck drop between the Penguins and Sabres is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.
Pens Points…
At 3:00 PM on Wednesday, the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze went into effect, putting a temporary stop to most player movement until later this month. When the freeze lifts, it will be a sprint to the NHL trade deadline which will be less than two weeks away. [Pensburgh]
Two wins in two tried made for a perfect weekend for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins with victories over Syracuse and Lehigh Valley. To top it off, defenseman Matt Dumba was named AHL Player of the Week after recording six points across the two games. [Pensburgh]
Advertisement
There were serious injury concerns surrounding Anthony Mantha when the Penguins signed him over the summer, but the thought was if he could stay healthy and produce, he could be flipped at the deadline. Well he’s stayed healthy and has been productive, but don’t hold your breath for a trade to come. [The Hockey News]
It’s barely February and already several Penguins have posted career seasons or are well on course to do so. Connor Dewar is one of those players, having setting new career marks in goals and points while playing a pivotal role of the Penguins lethal fourth line. [Trib Live]
In hopes of getting his develop back on track, the Penguins recalled prospect Melvin Fernstrom back to North America from his pro team in Sweden and have assigned him to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins where he will spend the rest of the season. [Trib Live]
Defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended 20 games for violating the NHL performance enhancing substance policy. The suspension is without pay and Jones will receive a mandatory referral to Player Assistance Program for evaluation and possible treatment. [NHL Relations]
Advertisement
NHL News and Notes…
For years, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare tried and failed to help his native France qualify for hockey at the Olympic Games. Now 40, Bellemare will captain his home country in its first Olympics since 2002, and the tournament will serve as his swan song as a player. [AP]
A pair of NHL superstars will have the honor of carrying their nation’s flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics this Friday in Milan. Leon Draisaitl will escort the German flag around the San Siro while David Pastrnak will do the same for his native Czechia. [NHL]
Just before the Olympic freeze went into place, the long rumored trade of Artemi Panarin was completed, with the New York Rangers sending the winger to the Los Angeles Kings for a prospect and a pick. Panarin signed a two-year extension with the Kings as well. [Sporting News]
Read the full article here
