The Pittsburgh Penguins have taken their winning streak into high gear through the first three games of the 2024-25 season and will be looking to make it a fourth straight finish tonight when the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers come to town. Extending the winning streak will be a tall order against the Panthers, who lead the Atlantic Division and show little to no signs of Stanley Cup disaster.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.

Pens points…

Last week was easily the best week of the season for the Penguins, despite what seemed like a daunting schedule. That resolve will be tested again this week with three more meetings against teams currently in a playoff spot. (Pensburgh)

Down on the farm, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins continue to roll, with many top prospects making their impact. In the junior ranks, Harrison Brunicke and Tanner Howe are first-team selections for Team Canada at the WJC. (Pensburgh)

After an unforgettable season, Rickard Rakell has returned to the top of his game for the Penguins this season. Rakell currently leads the team with 10 goals, is healthy and is playing with a new purpose so far this season. (Trib Live)

It’s a small sample, but Phil Tomasino has provided some much-needed spark to this Penguins squad. With two goals in his first three games with the team, Tomasino has showcased one of his best traits: his willingness to shoot the puck. (Trib Live)

More and more trade rumors are popping up around the Penguins, a pattern that has been going on for several weeks now that general manager Kyle Dubas has signaled his willingness to make a change. (Sports Illustrated)

NHL news and notes…

Tuesday night will be full of emotions in Calgary as the franchise plans to honor the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before the game. On Monday, the team invited her father to attend practice before the ceremony. (Sportsnet)

While there appears to be no change to the original four-to-six week timeline for Alex Ovechkin’s return from a broken fibula, the Washington Capitals captain was back on the ice Monday, doing a few slow laps before practice. (Sportsnet)