Penguins Update.

After last night's win against the increasingly chippy Islanders, the Pens are 20-17-7, good for 47 points and third place in the Atlantic Division. They are 3 points behind the Rangers and 13 points behind the red-hot Devils.

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Crosby sparks 3-goal third period
What could have turned out to be of the Penguins' ugliest losses of the season turned into one of their most impressive victories on Tuesday night against the New York Islanders.

Sidney Crosby scored twice in the third period, and Erik Christensen added his second goal of the night, as the Penguins came back and blew the lid off a game that was deadlocked after two periods. The 5-2 win was their second victory in a row and their first back at Mellon Arena after a three-game road trip.

Off-ice control might be clincher
Gov. Ed Rendell would like to announce a deal this week that would keep the Penguins in town in a new arena.

"They're getting closer and closer to some conclusion," said state Sen. Wayne Fontana, a member of the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority, which would own the venue.

Negotiations focus on redevelopment rights in the Lower Hill District, the timeline for construction of a $290 million building, and parking and naming rights, Fontana said Tuesday.

SEA member Edie Shapira, who said she has not been briefed on the latest offer, believes officials are doing their best to keep the Penguins here.

"I was optimistic that (the team owners) were trying and that it might be in their real interest to work this out," Shapira said.

Rendell returns to Pittsburgh later this week and hopes to meet a second time with Penguins co-owners Mario Lemieux and billionaire Ron Burkle. Joining the governor would be Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

Crosby looks to spark first line

Pens' Malone warned of potential trade

Pens hope to boost defense with Welch, Eaton

Eaton sets sights on Jan. 24 return