Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning…
Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic didn’t have the best 2024-25 season for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Then again, his goaltending partner, Tristan Jarry, didn’t either. Many Penguins struggled. Compiling an unremarkable 14-15-5 record, a 3.12 goals-against average, and a .894 save percentage, Nedeljkovic knows he is on unstable ground as the team’s backup netminder. [Trib Live]
Whether or not now-former head coach Mike Sullivan made alleged demands, there is a reason or reasons why he is no longer a member of the Penguins organization. [Trib Live]
News and notes from around the NHL…
Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard are two of the bigger omissions from the first iteration of Team Canada’s 2025 IIHF World Championship roster. See the first roster here. [Sportsnet]
Defensive defensemen are often poo-pooed in the modern NHL, which focuses on speed, skill, and scoring. Yet, there are still a select few stay-at-home defenders who are among the best at what they do. [The Hockey News via Yahoo! Sports]
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov were named as 2024-25 finalists for the Hart Trophy. [TSN]
TSN insider Pierre LeBrun claims the Anaheim Ducks have at the very least contacted Mike Sullivan regarding their vacancy as the team ramps up its search for a new coach. Former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville is also set for a second interview. [TSN]
The ongoing trial for five former NHL players accused of sexual assault did not sit on Thursday because of a jury member’s illness. The trial is expected to continue on Friday, health permitting. [Sportsnet]