Hi, friends! An update: As the Penguins open their home preseason tonight, for the first time since Sidney Crosby entered the NHL, I won't have the incredible privilege of witnessing it from the press box as I'm stepping away from writing hockey this year. (1)

It doesn’t get much better for Fleury than making a late save reminiscent of the one we will all remember him for to preserve the win. Give him that first-star lap.

- Anthony Beauvillier with about a quarter of the Penguins shots tonight (7 of 29, 11 attempts). - Really liked St. Ivany’s game. - Was very weird seeing David Quinn behind the Penguins’ bench, even though that hiring was not surprising. Wishing him luck with the PP.

Naturally that couldn’t have all posted in order. I tried 🤷‍♀️

…and I love hearing your takes on things, even when I don't agree. Maybe even especially then 😃 If you’re reading this, I appreciate you! (6/end)

The best part of every season has been the people, so l also hope to stay part of the hockey conversation right here with all of you, viewing the game from a slightly different lens. Penguins fans are certainly one of the most passionate fan bases in sports… (5)

It's also been a great honor to be one of the too-few women in the PHWA. Thanks to the Pittsburgh chapter for having me. This sport as a whole desperately needs to keep moving forward on inclusivity, and I hope to continue being part of that conversation. (4)

This game has been a part of me for so long that this is a tough decision, and I’m already thinking about ways I hope to be involved in the future. I've had some truly unforgettable, occasionally surreal, experiences covering the team over the years, and I'm deeply grateful. (3)

Long story short, after a life-changing accident earlier this year, I have been very fortunate, but am finding my metaphorical cup a little less full than it used to be, and need to prioritize it a little bit differently for now. (2)

That early Flyers goalie pull we were all anticipating currently feeling a lot like the end of the road for the Penguins.

Penguins taking care of their own business tonight, but all of the not-ideal outcomes happening once again for them on the out-of-town scoreboard.

Going to need another quick Reilly Smith response goal here as the Preds have once again closed within one.

The NHL's explanations on the Penguins' goals overturned by coach's challenges in the first period:

Plus: The Penguins have significantly ramped up their net-front presence tonight. Minus: Two goals off the board for goaltender interference. Fans not pleased. Still 2-0 Penguins, though, with a 19-5 shot lead.

One-timer from Karlsson to put the Penguins up 2-0 but I enjoyed DOC’s spinning celebration at the net the most. This early lead is so important in cutting down the chance of the Penguins chasing the game and taking risks that end up in their net.

I admittedly don’t understand goaltender interference (and am not sure anyone actually does), but really didn’t think that was it.

Chants of “Ref, you suck,” in response to Bunting’s no-goal are cut short by Crosby scoring a net-front diving goal that counts. Chant changes to, “Let’s go, Pens.” That was fun.

To send @jakeguentz and his Jake’s Shake off in style, let’s do one last Jake’s Shake day on Friday, March 8th. We will even be raising a Jake’s Shake Jersey up the rafters of our PNC store at 12:00 pm. The first 50 people in the door will get a free Jake's Shake t-shirt.

Thanks, Jake. Truly one of the most enjoyable players I’ve had the opportunity to watch and cover over the years. ⁦@MShakeFactory⁩

(Also, hello, friends! I've missed being around here for a few weeks. Dealing with a very challenging recovery from a major accident where my broken bones are proving much less problematic than my broken brain. Hope to be back more as I progress.)