Here are the 3 biggest takeaways from the Pens' Tuesday practice at Chicago's United Center…

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Casey DeSmith made 25 saves, including three in overtime, to help the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 2-1 shootout win against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on Monday.

Thoughts, musings and observations from the Pens' 2-1 shootout victory against the NY Islanders on Long Island...

Thoughts, musings and observations from the Pens' morning skate in Long Island...

Game Date

Monday, December 10, 2018

Opponent

New York Islanders

Game Time

7 PM

Place

NYCB Live

TV

AT&T SportsNet

Radio 

105.9 FM, the X

KANATA, Ontario - The Pens suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night at Canadian Tire Centre. But the team deserved a better fate. 

The Pens were the better team throughout much of the 61:20 minutes of play. They forced most of the play in the offensive zone, racked up a 36-29 edge in shots - including 16-7 in the first period - and generated the higher number of quality scoring chances. 

Thoughts, musings and observations from the Pens' morning skate in Ottawa...

Game Date

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Opponent

Ottawa Senators

Game Time

7 PM

Place

Canadian Tire Centre

TV

AT&T SportsNet

Radio 

105.9 FM, the X

For defenseman Kris Letang, less equals more.

As in, less velocity equals more shots on goal.

Letang leads the Penguins in shots on goal with 87. That's rarefied air on a team that includes offensive juggernauts like Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin.

Letang credits assistant coach Sergei Gonchar for showing him how to get more rubber on net. Few did that better than Gonchar, a former defenseman and a Stanley Cup winner with the Penguins in 2009.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Jean-Sebastien Dea from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.

Forward Dominik Simon has been placed on injured reserve.