Penguins Gameday Preview: Oct.21, NHL's Top 10 Russians, and a Milestone for Crosby
Welcome to the THW Pittsburgh Penguins Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Penguins writers.
Today we look at tonight’s (Oct. 21) game, as the Penguins visit the St. Louis Blues, the Top 10 Russians in the NHL today, and we look back on Sidney Crosby’s 500th assist.
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Penguins Gameday Preview: St. Louis Blues 10/21/23
October 21, 2023 by George Majchrzak
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ 6-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, Oct. 18 might have taken the wind out of the team’s sails. Things had looked as though they were gelling for the team a week prior, when they shut out the Washington Capitals 4-0 and then beat the Calgary Flames 5-2. They now find themselves 2-2-0 and fifth in their division early in this season and hope to get back on track tonight.
The Penguins visit the St. Louis Blues, who have struggled out the gate so far and own a 1-1-1 record. The Blues currently find themselves in seventh place in the Central Division, ahead of only the Winnipeg Jets. They will try to get things going against the Penguins following a 6-2 drubbing at the hands of the Arizona Coyotes at home Thursday night (Oct. 19).
The Blues were expected to have a long season, but so far their offense has been slow coming, even by their expectations. As for the Penguins, they need to find scoring from anywhere other than their stars and to find more focus and cohesion defensively.
Top 10 Russians in the NHL Today
October 19, 2023 by Matthew Zator
Russians comprise some of the most talented, most dominant players in the NHL today. In the past decade alone, they have won Vezina Trophies, “Rocket” Richards, Hart Memorials, Art Ross Trophies, and Conn Smythes, and of course, the Stanley Cup. If Russia has not put forth the largest amount of superstars in the current NHL, then they have certainly contributed the most dynamic.
At least one Russian has had his name inscribed upon Lord Stanley’s Cup in each NHL season since 2015-16. For the decade of the 2010s, the only instances where a Russian-born player was not on a Cup-winning team were the 2010-11 Boston Bruins, and the 2012-13 and 2014-15 Chicago Blackhawks. Otherwise, a Russian has been a factor in bringing home a championship to their city’s faithful.
THW took a close look at our friends born (in most instances) behind the “Iron Curtain”. We have determined who the Top-10 Russians are in the NHL today, and have explained why. See if your favorite Russian made our list.
Today in Hockey History: Oct. 18
October 18, 2023 by Matthew Zator
Oct. 18 has seen some memorable victories in NHL history, including the first for two expansion teams. Many personal milestones were reached, including first goals and shutouts and even a significant first professional contract. So, let’s begin our daily journey back in time to enjoy all the best moments this date has given us over the years.
The Penguins defeated the New York Islanders 3-1 on Oct. 18, 2014. Captain Sidney Crosby had helpers on two of the three goals to bring his career total to 500 assists. The milestone came on Patric Hornqvist’s late empty-net goal after earning an assist on Evgeni Malkin’s power-play tally in the middle frame.
Crosby became the fifth-fastest player to earn 500 assists in league history, as it took just 554 games to reach this plateau. The only players who needed fewer games were Wayne Gretzky, Lemieux, Peter Stastny, Bobby Orr, and Peter Forsberg.