The Penguins will head south as the winter weather bears down on Pittsburgh to take on the defending champs in Florida and a familiar foe in Carolina. First, Patrick and Hunter get you ready for a rematch with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers who the Penguins have already beaten this year. Despite having a winning record against Florida this season, the Penguins will need a better effort this time around. Then, they'll take on a team that has beaten them by a combined score of 9-2 in just two games in Carolina. They have a chance to make a statement in these two games and Patrick and Hunter give their keys to victory. Finally, Head Coach Mike Sullivan made some odd comments about two players on the Penguins, they dive into what it could mean or if it's just some coachspeak, word salad.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

With the Pittsburgh Penguins still off, it's time to check out what's going on down on the farm! Hunter and Patrick give you an update on the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins and how their season is unfolding in the American Hockey League. A lot of the team's prospects are either performing very well or rounding into form. Then, keeping a theme on the future, they take a look at the performances of the Penguins' prospects at the 2025 World Junior Championships. Finally, Jesse Puljujarvi cleared waivers but he said he's itching to play which begs the question - should they play him, demote him, or trade him? All that, plus much more is on this episode of the Locked On Penguins podcast.

Link to Matt's story: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2025/01/01/jesse-puljujarvi-waivers-penguins-mike-sullivan-kyle-dubas/stories/202412230118

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Penguins were unable to close out 2024 on a winning note, getting tripped up by the Red Wings on New Year's Eve in Detroit. Patrick and Hunter break down the game, including why this team, despite its recent run of good play, continues to not start games on time. They also go on an impassioned discussion about officiating in the NHL, especially last night's matchup. Then, after only getting two of a possible six points in the last week, the Penguins now have less margin for error as the month of January presents a huge challenge with playoff and championship-caliber teams on the schedule. They get you ready for the upcoming month and what the Penguins have to do to stay in the hunt. Finally, to close out the show, they hand out their weekly MVP in a quick Warrior Helmet Wednesday and talk about some expectations for 2025.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)