The weekend that was and a Malkin update...

The Pens had a so-so weekend in the terms of the preseason. The went 1-2 by beating the Flyers, for the second time this week, 2-1 yesterday and losing to the Sabers and Caps in OT. In all good things can be said about the Power Play and Even strength however the PK is still a problem which needs to be worked on. The fact that this problem is showing up in the preseason is a good thing because it let them know that they need to work on it a LOT more. The goaltending was pretty good except for Fluery who has struggled in his last two games. Therrien did not mix words when he said that he expects more out of him and that while he is the go-to goalie that might not last long at this rate.

The Pens have also cut down the roster to 27 with the first question answered of where Christensen would start the season and it will be with the Baby Pens. He has a less then stellar preseason going basically unnoticed in most of the games that he was a part of. The only questions left are about Staal, Welch, Talbot, and possibly Letang on who if any will make the team. Welch and Letang have the hardest task ahead of them because of the Pens 6 Defenseman on 1-way contracts. Staal might have an easier time making team if it is for just 9 games until Malkin hopefully returns.

Also what seems to be the only real story about the Pens for the past 8 months is Malkin. The second opinion on his shoulder was good news since it was revealed that he does not need surgery that would have put him out for at least 4 months. While the Pens did not have any time table on his return, he still could be back within the first few weeks of the season.