It was a massive homecoming for Parker Wotherspoon (Surrey) and Benjamin Kindel (Coquitlam) as they returned home to British Columbia. The team finished up a perfect 4-0 road trip, securing massive ground in the standings and created a small separation from other Metropolitan teams with a close 3-2 win over a struggling Vancouver Canucks team.
The previous meeting between both teams dates back to October 21, where the Penguins dominated the Canucks at home, 5-1.
As of after the win, the Penguins remain in second place in the Metropolitan division with 63 points and continue to chase the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the division, with the New York Islanders on the Penguins tail.
The Penguins had a 3-0 lead in this game heading into the third period, but were given some push-back in the third period and held on with some key defending and saves at the last minute.
Benjamin Kindel stars in homecoming
The Coquitlam boy finally broke his double digit game scoring slump as he double dipped in the goal category in-front of 190, friends, family and coaches. Kindel even caused Rogers Arena and the NHL some camera damage as he broke the net camera because his one timer was so powerful it sent pieces of the camera flying out of the back of the net. The rookie has now reached the 10 goal plateau in his rookie season and will be looking for more.
Stuart Skinner earns fourth straight win and saves a almost third period collapse
Skinner was nothing short of solid in between the pipes as he saved 30 of 32 SOG and earned his seventh win with the Penguins since coming over from the Oilers. Skinner took a page out of 2009 Marc-André Fleury and made a very familiar diving save on Brock Boeser to deny him of a game tying goal. Skinner has looked more comfortable with his team as each game progresses. Skinner also improves to 7-1-0 in his last eight starts.
Geno continues his hot streak and re-aggravates shoulder injury at end of game
Something to keep an eye on but shown at the end of the game was Evgeni Malkin falling down and in some agony as his shoulder injury that kept him out for 15 games this season appeared to give out on him. Malkin also broke the ice of a beautiful combination play with his line-mates Tommy Novak and Egor Chinakhov.
Something to watch - Geno Malkin got his shoulder bumped on the bench and collapsed in pain. A shoulder injury kept 71 out 15 games earlier this season pic.twitter.com/4SfNHagzVy
— Allie 🐧 (@Allie874) January 26, 2026
The Penguins head home as they kick off a three game home-stand against the Chicago Blackhawks on January 29, at 7:00 p.m.