The Penguins began the third month of the season looking to keep up their hot streak they started at the end of November. They began the month on the right foot by defeating the up start Avs in the first game of the month. That was followed up by maybe the most entertaining game of the month against the Blackhawks. Even minus Sidney Crosby the Pens played a terrific game. Antti Niemi was almost unbeatable that night but with less than a minute left in the game Jordan Staal ties the score and sent the game into OT. Even though the Pens would go on to lose the game it was still one of the most exciting games all season. The lowest point of the month was giving up the record setting shutout to Martin Brodeur in yet another loss to the Devils. All in all another solid month by the Pens.

December Record: 7-5-1 

December Highlights: The Chicago game, what a Finals that would be if they ever meet up…Beating the Flyers in back to back games of home and home series…Demolishing the Senators heading into Christmas…Getting numerous players back from injury…Evegni Malkin’s hat trick against the Senators.

December Lowlights: Losing to the lowly Hurricanes…Giving up the record breaking shutout to Martin Brodeur…Being swept at home by the Devils…Losing to the Maple Leafs in the first game after Christmas…Closing out the month on a three game losing streak.

WTF Moment of the Month: Losing on home ice to both the Carolina Hurricanes and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The two worst ranked teams in the Eastern Conference.

December Grade: A-/B+: There were some really big wins during this month. Notably against the Flyers. Some big names returned to the lineup. However, with those big wins came some embarrassing losses. Home losses to the Hurricanes and Maple Leafs are unacceptable. Being swept by New Jersey on your home ice is also unacceptable for the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Overall though, another solid month.