Penguins Notes: Letang's Touching Moment, Perfect PK Wins Nothing

Alex Letang, 10, is practicing tape jobs in his father Kris's locker stall. Marcus Pettersson and Jake Guentzel stopped to cheer him up. Kris Letenga and his son were talking and practicing the wraps.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' penalty killing unit has risen from near the bottom of the league more than a month ago to tied for third with the Dallas Stars. The team is killing at 83.5% and has a better speed than last season. Ryan Poehling feels more chemistry, easier communication and confidence with his teammates. Brock McGinn acknowledged the extra aggressiveness of his team. He thinks it's because they give the opponents more time. It's also because it makes them play quicker.

Pittsburgh Penguins lost 3-2 to Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday night. The Penguins have three Metro Division games this week. They play the New York Rangers at home before the holiday and then the Carolina. McGinn is looking forward to the game. The last time the Penguins were in Metro, they lost to Washington Capitals on March 1, 2016.