As it stands, the Penguins are in fourth-to-last place in the Eastern Conference and carry a goal differential of minus-36. It's a Penguins season that is on pace to be the worst since Sidney Crosby's rookie year in 2005-06.

Everyone is in place but Sidney Crosby. It’s a game night at PPG Paints Arena and all defensemen are in position, as are the wingers at the top and bottom of the neutral zone faceoff circle. As the referee and opposing center await his arrival for the opening faceoff,

Michael Bunting's absence against Tampa Bay was noticeable after a car accident near the arena Sunday. Sacco said Bunting was uninjured.

For just the third time since the NHL holiday un-freeze began on Dec. 28, a span of 11 games, the Pittsburgh Penguins won. They didn’t boot a third-period lead, they didn’t fumble away big power plays,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are continuing to battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but likely will be sellers at the deadline.

On the day goaltender Tristan Jarry was jettisoned on waivers, with the Pittsburgh Penguins sitting in 14th place in the Eastern Conference and on track for their lowest full-season point total since Sidney Crosby’s rookie year,

Understandably, Jarry’s talent seduced the Penguins for a long time. He’s a top 10 NHL goalie in terms of physical gifts. He’s big, athletic and handles the puck beautifully. There’s nothing he can’t do physically, which is why the Penguins have been so patient. Jarry hasn’t been some sensational bust. He made two NHL All-Star games.

Pittsburgh has now lost seven of their nine games since the holiday break and is losing precious points in the Eastern Conference Standings

Radio broadcaster Dave Mishkin recaps Sunday's victory in Pittsburgh The Lightning were far from their best in this game, but thanks to stellar goaltending from Jonas Johansson and some timely offense, they managed to prevail.

Personnel changes have occurred in recent years, but the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang remain. Letang will miss his third straight game with an injury. All three still put up big numbers but are off their prime.

Shane Pinto scored two special teams goals in the first period, Leevi Merilainen stopped 30 shots and the Ottawa Senators beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-0.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Noel Acciari (55) can’t get a wrap around shot past ... Puskar) Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby prepares to take a face-off during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Pittsburgh ...