Pittsburgh Penguins Weekly Roundup: 5 Points on the Pens

Dec 19, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Pascal Dupuis (9) reacts after being named a star of the game against the Minnesota Wild at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Pittsburgh dodged a bullet with Pascal Dupuis

It is a miracle Pascal Dupuis was able to take the ice one day after taking a slapshot to the back of the neck while down on the ice. It is unbelievable that he played in the next game.

There are few injuries in sports that are scarier than those involving the head and those involving the spine. Dupuis was extremely close to having to deal with at least one of these scenarios, but luckily came out without a scratch.

Despite strong performances for the last several years in Pittsburgh, Dupuis remains one of the most underrated players on the Penguins’ roster – not only for his on-ice skill, but also for his emotional leadership.

He is one of the most driven athletes on Pittsburgh’s roster, and his absence was felt both last season and during the Penguins’ game against Dallas, after he was stretchered off the ice.

Pittsburgh should count itself quite lucky that they won’t have to be without Duper for any longer.