Story Highlights

*Crosby headed towards a big second half?
*All-Star Snub
*More Guentzel at Center coming out of Bye?
*A ‘favorite’ Center trade target of Pens Brass
*Right in the mix for the ‘Big 2’

— Despite the steps forward defensively the Penguins took against the Islanders last Friday, the Boston game before the bye showed the Penguins defensive issues against talented teams with three lines that can push play isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s been the Penguins’ Achilles heel all season and will continue to be.

Pittsburgh’s come-back win Sunday night was predicated by the opposition putting the Penguins on the power play that fueled the comeback and Pittsburgh’s high-end talent willing them to victory.

Sound familiar?

From what happened last Thursday night on home-ice against the Hurricanes, the narrative surrounding the Penguins has made a sudden change with the Islanders and Bruins wins in that Sidney Crosby looks back.

Things can change quickly with a bad performance this coming weekend and Pittsburgh will be back in the position of one step forward, two steps back that they’ve been stuck in much of this season, but there is a feeling around the team that Crosby could be headed towards a big second half and as he goes the Penguins will go.

— While Phil Kessel was a clear snub, it’s hard to take the NHL All-Star selections serious when Kris Letang made the team. Even the biggest Letang fan can’t admit he’s played anywhere near an All-Star level this season.

— The Penguins and Patric Hornqvist’s reps at [hide] Newport Sports had recent discussions on a new deal and there’s been no movement from the Hornqvist camp in budging on term of a 5-6 year deal they desire, sources say. The sense for months in the Penguins organization is that these talks will go to the summer and that’s where things continue to look headed.

— Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan likes Jake Guentzel much more on the wing and has downplayed Guentzel at center recently being a long-term thing this season but could things be heading into the direction where it sticks and is the Penguins’ best option the rest of the way?

As the Penguins’ brass becomes less and less optimistic that a deal is going to emerge to add a legitimate impact third line center by the deadline, the management group for one wants to see Guentzel To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

— On the trade front, Pittsburgh has given up any hope that To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

— Pittsburgh remains right in the middle of trade talks with the To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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