Penguins report cards: Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell top of class

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Pittsburgh Penguins played their 41st game of the season on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes, which means it’s time to grade some midterms. Crosby is still putting up better than a point per game and, starting with the third period against the Los Angeles Kings last month, he’s looked like Crosby again following his shaky start. Matt Grzelcyk — C He’s had some brutal moments but, like Karlsson, has played much better recently. He has his limitations defensively but, as a third-pairing defenseman, he’s perfectly OK. Ryan Graves — C He’s actually been much better over the past month, all things considered.