The Latest Breaking News from Ryan Poehling

PITTSBURGH — Dominik Hasek wasn’t in net for the Senators Monday evening, but he may as well have been.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Penguins would be forgiven if they were emotionally drained after the last few days, with trade winds swirling and a flurry of roster moves.

PITTSBURGH — Kris Letang incredibly returned to the Penguins lineup Saturday, just 12 days after he suffered a mild stroke that forced him to ponder his future in the sport.

PITTSBURGH — One dominant period was all the Penguins needed to take care of business against the Columbus Blue Jackets, winning, 4-1, Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena.

PITTSBURGH — Kris Letang skated on an individual basis Thursday morning, three days after he suffered another stroke. But coach Mike Sullivan downplayed that development, saying Letang has not been cleared for any rigorous hockey activities.

PHILADELPHIA – Death, taxes and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby making the Stanley-Cup starved fans in this miserable city sob in their cheesesteaks.

CHICAGO — Evgeni Malkin skated in his 1,000th game Sunday, and the Penguins commemorated it by doing something they had not done since his 223rd.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Penguins picked up another two points on the road. Perhaps more important was the identity of the player who earned them.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — It seemed like the Penguins may have finally kicked their habit of periodic fits of futility when they had a responsible start Wednesday, an opening 30 minutes or so when they played a smart style, regularly closing gaps on Sabres skaters and denying passing lanes.