What we learned in the NHL over the last week

PENGUINS ARE CLOSER TO CHAMPIONSHIP FORM

Pittsburgh, the defending Stanley Cup champion, has rebounded from a terrible start. The Penguins have won four consecutive games and five of their last six, lifting them into the first East wild-card spot. They beat the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers in back-to-back weekend games despite the absence of goaltender Matt Murray, who was given permission to return home for what the club called "a personal family matter." He rejoined the team and is scheduled to travel with them to Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose this week. Phil Kessel has led the Penguins' resurgence with four goals and 10 points in his last six games, reaching 20 goals for the 10th consecutive season. Sidney Crosby has three goals and 11 points in his last four games (all multi-point performances) and has 17 goals and 47 points in 46 games.