All Star Voting

Make sure you vote for your Pittsburgh Penguins during the open balloting period. Got to NHL.com to vote.

On a side note: Puck Daddy Blog at Yahoo Sports (click here)is reporting that the NHL has invalidted thousands upon thousands of All Star votes made by Montreal fans due to the votes being improperly registered using electronic means. Hmmmmm, so that's how Obama did it...

Anyway it seems as if Canadiens fans are spamming NHL.com to get their guys in the game. Doesn't quite seem fair until the fact comes up that Pittsburgh fans can do the same thing. LET'S GO GET 'EM!!!!!

What's Wrong with the Penguins?

Analysis

I've had quite a few people walk up to me in the past two weeks and ask that question. My typical answer is an abrupt "Nothing!" and then I will walk away in frustration.

There seems to be an expectation that the team would pick up where they left off in June and go on a tear through the league naturally ending up with the Stanley Cup taking a tour of Pittsburgh next summer. Well I hate to crap on everyone's victory parade down Fifth Avenue but it is way too early to start celebrating. And, like the optimist that I am, it is also premature to count the flightless birds out at this point in time.

I have had that feeling of watching Evgeni Malkin on a breakaway only to stop and take a slapper from 10 feet out. In other words, it's just not natural. Pittsburgh is sitting at 4-2-1 with 9 points, in second place behind the Rangers who went on a tear to open the season. Nothing is wrong with that. They are in a much better position this early in the season then, ummm, maybe the FLYERS!

I think the bottom line of what's been going on is just the fact that half of the forwards on the roster had never skated together before the first game three weeks ago. Hockey is a game of intensity, skill, knowledge, sight and chemistry. The Pens have all of that, but the chemistry is still developing. Chemistry takes time. Chemistry takes effort. Most of all, chemistry comes only after experience. The lines have to stay together, play together and most of all lose together before they can win.

Milestones

Sid Crosby scored a milestone hat trick of sorts on Saturday against the Leafs. He marked his 200th assist and his 100th goal giving him 300 career NHL points. What a way to do that in style!

Evgeni Malkin racked up his 200th career point as well this past week. Way to go Geno!

Dare I say...both Sid and Geno will top 400 and 300 points respectively by the end of this regular season.

Injury Update

Gonchar and Whitney are both still out indefinitely. Speedy recovery to both!

News of Note

After starting out the season 1 for 18 on the power play after the first two games in Sweden, the Penguins power play has found new life. Since coming back from Europe, Pittsburgh has converted on 11 of 46 opportunities. That's a 20% rate. Much improved!

The Igloo continues to be sold out for all home games. They have recently topped seventy consecutive sellouts with no end in sight. While this is terrific for the team and it's fans, there are many fans that no longer have the opportunity to pick up tickets at reasonable prices. Small price to pay, I guess, for having a successfully team to watch.

Godard vs. Cote

This is one of the absolute best hockey fights I have ever seen.

Peace, Alexei Cherepanov

New York Rangers first round draft pick, Alexei Cherepanov, collapsed and died Monday during a Continental Hockey League game in Moscow, Russia.

See Yahoo Sports story here.

Pens Drop Last Two...Looking for Power Play

The headline says it all. Two for Eighteen on the power play so far through three games. That's 11.1%. Truly pathetic for a team that looked to lead the league before play started last week. And where is the offense in general. Two goals per game average through the New Jersey game on Saturday.

Not looking a whole lot better on defense either. The Pens are tied for 27th in shots per game at 37. If not for the stellar play of Marc Andre Fleury they may not have any of the three points they have earned so far.

Don't get me wrong, I am not calling for the Michel Therrien's head on an over sized puck - he is famous for starting out slow. But for a team that was expected to compete, from the beginning, to get back to where they were last season, this effort has been lackluster, even downright discouraging.

Now, while all of these issues are glaring at this time, all is not lost. The trip to Europe had to have a bad effect, as well as nearly a week off after. Training camp was shortened due to aforementioned trip. And there is the fact that nearly one third of the roster was not on the ice for game 6 of last years Stanley Cup Final. So, while the Penguins have stated out in an unexpected situation all is not lost. More effort on D, a renewed concentration on converting power play opportunities into goals and an overall improvment in team chemistry can go a long way to righting this ship before it is too late and they are looking up from the bottom

The Sweden Bowl - Game 1

The Pens won game one of The Sweden Bowl, and the first game of the season, 4-3 in overtime. Pittsburgh will take on Ottawa again today at 2:30 pm EDT. Pens goals scored by Scuderi (that's right!), Malkin got a shorty and the #1 star of the game, Tyler Kennedy, got the opening goal and the OT winner.



The Pens showed no glaring team deficiencies. They did play a solid two-way game and looked like they picked up where they left off last season. Therrien's line combinations could use some time to gel but the promotion of Tyler Kennedy to a scorning line looks like a stroke of genius this morning.

What really astounded me is the level of aggressiveness that both teams played with. Ottawa was an entirely different team than the one the laid down for the Pens to tramp over on their was to the Finals last spring. My guess is that this still stings with the hold over Senators players. Ottawa's Chris Neil made a general pest of himself with several cheap hits on Penguins players.



All of this physical play raisies the overall enthusiasm ofr this afternoons second game. Tune in on Versus or FSN for game 2 at 2:30.

Training Camp is Open!

All you die hard hockey fans can finally be happy. The Penguins have opened their training camp yesterday as players reported in for their physicals. Practices have started this morning with several sessions throughout the day at the Igloo.

See camp schedule here.

And, in an unusual twist due the the Pens trip to Europe this fall, the first pre-season game will be this Saturday (9/20) at home against Tampa Bay.

After being two wins away from winning the Stanley Cup last season (and only about 100 days), expectations are high for this team. There are quite a few questions that will be answered in the next few weeks. Among them are:

- Will Satan be a suitable replacement for the departing Marian Hossa?
- Can Letang step up and fill some of the responsibilty vacated by Ryan Whitney?
- Since Sid turned 21 last month can we still call him "The Kid"? Or even, should we since he has been "The Man" the past few seasons?
- Will Jordan Staal "see the money"?
- Can Michel Therrien adjust to a team that is becoming more of a veteran team? His coaching style has always been geared toward getting younger players to produce at levels much higher than their experience.

News of Note: Single game tickets for the upcoming season will go on sale Saturday morning (9/20) at 10 am. There will be a limited number of seats avialable for all home games so get them fast! Tickets can be obtained at pittsburghpenguins.com, at the Mellon Arena box office or by calling Ticketmaster at 412-323-1919.

They're back!

Summer ESPN Power Rankings

Welcome back to all of my loyal readers. I've taken the last few weeks off for some well needed rest and relaxation!!

ESPN has released their Summer Power Rankings courtesy of Scott Burnside:

here

As expected the Penguins are in the top spot in the East. What really catches my eye though is not where the Pens are ranked, but is actually how many teams from the Atlantic Division are in the top 6. Yep - 4 out of 5. Obviously there is some carry over here from last years playoff rankings - I don't think that the Rangers or Devils should be ranked that high - but that speaks volumes for the level of competition in the division.

And then there's the Islanders. Not at the bottom spot, but at 14 only surpassed in futility by the Thrashers. Somewhere, this morning, Garth Snow is weeping in his Wheaties. That is a team that is in disarray. A new coach and a roster that could probably lose regularly to many AHL teams. Hmmmmm.

Tampa Bay being ranked an 8 is mostly believable. They were, however, dead last at the end of the previous season and with a new coach behind the bench - MELROSE! - could have a tough time out of the gates. I think they will hit their stride and probably make the playoffs but it may be a struggle with a long streak needed to wrap it up.

Burnsy didn't go out on much of a limb with any of these. But I'm going to. Here is my Eastern Power rankings:

1. Pittsburgh - I am a yinzer!
2. Montreal
3. Washington
4. Philadelphia
5. New York Rangers
6. Carolina
7. Tampa Bay
8. Buffalo
9. New Jersey
10. Boston
11. Toronto
12. Ottawa
13. Florida
14. New York Islanders
15. Atlanta

That's right. New Jersey out of the playoff picture. I don't believe that their defense first strategy has room in this NHL any longer. They will need to produce offense to win games and will be hard pressed to do so.

Free Agency Analysis

I won't bore all of you loyal readers with a recap of what has happened so far in free agency as all of you probably are well aware. I will, however, add some analysis and how I feel the changes to the team are going to play out.

First and foremost I do not think the Penguins are a less explosive, talented team than they were on the day the season ended. Losing Hossa was not the outcome that many Pens fans wanted to see but in the end it was not a shock. Think about it. When Hossa was acquired at the trade deadline, all speculation pointed to the fact that he was a rental player added to the roster for a playoff push. And that is exactly what he was. And he performed admirably in that role.

The signing of Fedotenko and Satan more than makes up the goals that were lost when Hossa and Malone signed elsewhere. Both are proven team players that can provide goals when most needed. Jordan Staal is more than capable of taking Malone's spot on the power play by providing traffic in front of the net.

The Pens have been able to wrap up their core players, with the exception of Jordan Staal, with long term deals at less than market value. Is this not what was most expected by the majority of fans before the team made their spectacular playoff run? It seems as if expectations were raised by their appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals.

And who is to say that the current roster is going to be the same roster that takes the ice in October? It probably won't be. And it can be guaranteed that it is not the same roster that will exist the day after the trade deadline in 2009 either. That is how the current NHL works. Teams change yearly and will be doing so as long as the current CBA is in place. Besides, isn't this what we all wanted anyway??

The Pens are still an elite team in the East. With or without Hossa that is a fact. They will still contend for the Conference Title and if they come together and play as a team on a mission as they did this past spring, no one really knows the potential.

Hossa Update

Here is the text of an email I recieved today. Not sure how much of this information is true or not so take with a grain of salt:

"* Apparently Ritch Winter spent yesterday trying to find anybody in Pittsburgh market that would go with the statement that he made yesterday. My sources were told that early in the day Winter was trying to convince Dan Potash and KDKA to run with the story. They wouln't do it and Molinari wouldn't touch this story as he stays away from rumors. According to a source "The market has been set at about $7 million for his client, and he's ticked."
* Looks like we could have an A-Rod/Scott Boras situation on our hands. My sources continue to tell me that Hossa really likes the offer but Winter is in the background pressuring Hossa to enter the free agent market. I could care less what the PG reported today. There is a 7yr - 52 million offer on the table.
* As I wrote yesterday, sources indicate Ray Shero has had lengthy discussions with LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi and Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martins. There is a lot of speculation going around about the Penguins/Kings pulling off a blockbuster. All I'm going to say is the two sides are talking but thats as far as I'm going to go on that issue until I actually receive some legitimate info from sources close to the Penguins organization
* The Penguins are prepared to make a 5yr - 16 million offer to defenseman Brooks Orpik later this week.

Rob Rossi of the Tribune-Review has contacted me this morning and has told me directly that everything Ritch Winter is saying is a lie. According to Rossi, behind the scenes Winter is telling people he never spoke with Rossi. A lie according to Rossi. He's telling people he never spoke with Ray Shero about a contract. A lie according to Rossi. He's telling people no parameters have been discussed. A lie according to Rossi. Rossi has been in contact with Ritch Winter on numerous occasions and even said "this guy sent emails between he and I to very high-ranking officials."

Rumors and Speculation

It's that time of the year when the media has nothing to talk about except what they think is going to happen in the draft and upcoming free agent period. Much speculation has occurred in the past few days surrounding Penguins Ryan Malone, Marian Hossa and Evgeni Malkin.

Malone: Penguins try to trade negotiating rights to Columbus so the Blue Jackets can sign Ryan before he becomes a free agent on July 1st. Media is reporting that the Penguins offered Malone an embarrassing 3.0 million contract for an undisclosed number of years. Malone says he will not negotiate with Columbus, or any organization, until after the free agent period begins.

Too hard to tell what is really going on here. Ryan deserves his big payday after setting a career high for goals this past season as well as his outstanding performance in the post season. Would Shero offer him a paltry salary to get him at a home town discount? Possibly. My guess it that Ryan wants to see what he can get on the open market with hopes that he can negotiate a better deal with the Pens. Would he be willing to leave a Stanley Cup Finalist for a last place team. That remains to be seen...

Hossa: The Pens reported have offered a seven year $50 million contract to Hossa. Except Hossa's agent, Rich Winter, says those rumors are way off base and that both he and the Penguins have agreed not to talk about any contract offers to the media.

So what does this really confirm? That negotiations are taking place and the Pens have made a significant offer to Hossa. The cash is probably somewhere in the ballpark - just because that is what Hossa expects to make. And he will surely allow a smaller contract to play for a winner than a team like, say, the Thrashers.

Malkin: I've saved the juiciest for last. Bruce Garrioch of Sun Media is reporting that the Pens are in negotiations with the Kings to trade Malkin for their #2 pick in this weekends draft and Kings center Mike Cammalleri.

If Shero is as committed to signing Hossa as it appears, that definately leaves little cap room to sign Malkin to a long term deal. The Kings are in need of a star of their own and Malkin would surely fit that bill. Malkins performance in the Finals was below expectations. Quite possibly Shero wants to avoid this type of letdown in the future and is willing to part with one of the best players on the planet for a chance to keep Hossa and get yet another high draft pick as well as a proven young center. Not such a bad thought process...

In other news - the Penguins have filed for salary arbitration with Marc Andre Fluery. While this does not come as a major surprise it is a bit strange. Fleury was outstanding in the playoffs and will be a Penguin for many years to come. And this certainly does not mean that they will even go to arbitration as there is more than a month remaining before that will happen and a contract can be signed before such time to avoid the confrontation. But salary arbitration always brings out the worst in between a player and a team. Will this hurt Marc Andre's confidence? Quite possibly. I believe that Shero will sign him to a long term extension before the arbitration judge ever hears the arguments. This is all about posturing between both parties and allows plenty of time to get a deal done.

As this is my first post since the Finals ended I would like to extend my thanks to all of my loyal readers for continuing to visit. Please surf back throughout the summer to get all of the team news as well as my reaction. Don't forget to visit Home of the Penguins advertisers!!

Stanley Cup Finals

Stanley Cup Finals:

(2) Pittsburgh vs. (1) Detroit
Detroit wins series 4-2
1. 5/24/08 Pens 0, Red Wings 4 at Detroit
2. 5/26/08 Pens 0, Red Wings 3 at Detroit
3. 5/28/08 Pens 3, Red Wings 2 at Pittsburgh
4. 5/31/08 Pens 1, Red Wings 2 at Pittsburgh
5. 6/2/08 Pens 4, Red Wings 3 3OT at Detroit
6. 6/4/08 Pens 2, Red Wings 3 at Pittsburgh


Conference Finals

Semifinals

Quarterfinals

Thank you, Pittsburgh Penguins, for a fantastic season...

In a way I am relieved that it is over. The past 9 months have been tremendous for a hockey fan that has longed for the days of the early nineties to return but seem to have taken much to long to get here.

Well, those days have returned. The Pens were within 2 wins of skating with the Cup this season and I completely expect another deep playoff run next season in a few more following.

The heartbreak of losing in the Finals is still fresh in my mind but I am genuinely thankful for the many memories that this season has given me. Looking back at the beginning of the season I would have been ecstatic having the knowledge that my team would be competing for the Cup in June. But along with the achievements that Pens have accomplished comes hope. Hope that they will win the last game they play. Hope that I can see that victory parade marching down 5th Avenue downtown. Not this time though...


So now begins the free agent process. The Pens have many players to sign, if they can. Ray Shero has his work cut out for him in the next few weeks trying to stay under the cap and getting a couple of these guys signed for less than market value with the hopes that another Cup run is inevitable. Guys like Malone, Hossa, Gil, Ruutu, Orpik, Laraque are all set to accept any offer they wish. Young stars, Malkin, Fleury, Staal will be signing long term, big money extensions. Obviously, not all of these guys will be on the roster come training camp in September (only 3 more months!) so the team will have to make some tough choices. But that is part of the new reality of the NHL. With a salary cup in place, even the teams with the highest revenues must pick and choose who to sign and who is replaceable.


During the upcoming months I will keep up on all of the news for signings and draft and anything that happens with the new arena project. But for the next few weeks I am taking some time away from the Blog and concentrating efforts on other endeavors. So until then...

Game 5 roundup - Pens 4, Red Wings 3 triple OT

Recap - The Penguins managed to stay alive in their Stanley Cup Finals series by beating the Red Wings, 4-3, in a memorable triple overtime game last night at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Marian Hossa kicked off the scoring at 8:37 of the first with a power play goal. It was Hossa's 11 of the playoffs. Shortly thereafter Adam Hall was credited with his 3rd of the playoffs when Detroit's Nick Kronwell shot a clearing attempt into his own net. Thanks for that by then way...

The Red Wings turned up the heat and scored 3 unanswered goals to seemingly wrap up the series. However, on a gut feeling, Pens head coach Michel Therrien, inserted Max Talbot into the line-up for the final shift. With Fleury on the bench and an empty net left behind, the Pens managed to tie up the game with 34.5 seconds remaining in regulation when he jammed one past Detroit goalie Osgood.

That's when the fun started.

Marc Andre Fleury stood up tall in goal through the 2 overtime periods allowing Petr Sykora to snap a shot past Osgood at 9:57 of the 3rd overtime.

Analysis - Losing a game that goes as deep into OT as last nights often has a dramatic disheartening effect on the losing team. It can be pointed to as a series turning point in usual circumstances. Can Detroit overcome the devastating loss? Tomorrow night shall tell.

Fleury was fantastic. He stopped 55 of 58 shots as was named the #1 star of the game. His presence in goal was the major factor in keeping Pittsburgh in the game through several Detroit barrages of shots. This was, by far, the best performance of his career.

With long games come injuries. Ryan Malone was struck in the face by a Hal Gil slapshot. Good thing it hit him on his already broken nose. He returned shortly after with his nose stuffed full of cotton. Sergei Gonchar took a nast spill getting back on a backcheck and went shoulder and head first into the boards behind the goal. He left the game for nearly three periods but returned in the third overtime just in time to get the primary assist on Sykora's goal. His status remains unknown for game 6.

Interesting Facts - Last night's game was the 5th longest game in NHL Finals history.

Petr Sykora jokingly called his goal in the locker room between the second and third overtime periods. Will try and get that audio posted later.

Sykora is not new to scoring game winners in OT in the playoffs. He also scored one in the fifth overtime when he was a membeer of the Anaheim Ducks. His Ducks were playing the Dallas Stars in that playoff series. The Ducks were coached, at the time, by current Detroit head coach, Mike Babcock.

Next Up - Game 6 tomorrow night at the Igloo. 8pm on NBC, WXDX or listen here.

Game 3 roundup - Pens 3, Red Wings 2

Great players will take control of the game when faced with adversity. They will pick up their own game through sheer force of will and, in turn, elevate the game of everyone else on the team. Sidney Crosby did this last night. He scored the first two Pens goals of the series and game last night and was the leader that his team needed him to be to take game 3 from the Red Wings 3-2.

Adam Hall got the game winner after Sid's first two.

Marc Andre Fleury was spectacular, stopping 32 of 34 Detroit shots including 16 in the third period.

This was the type of game the Pens must play if there is any hope of taking this series past 5 games. It took them two games to realize this, but it has not come too late. Pittsburgh hit hard and often, got the puck on the net, got to the puck faster than Detroit and was able to generate offense by getting through the neutral zone quickly.

In the end, Detroit was tired. They had been pummeled all night long and it showed. At one point in the third period Brooks Orpik hit four Red Wings in a 15 second sequence and each one of them was looking over their shoulder to see when the next one was coming. Crosby, Hossa, Malkin, Malone, Staal, Roberts and Talbot were all tremendous on the fore-check, generating loose pucks with their ferocity.

Malkin was the force that we remember seeing in the Rangers series nearly a month ago. Guess he got some rest, huh.

If Detriot cannot counter what the Pens now know they are capable of, they are just going to get more and more weary and tired as the series goes. If Pittsburgh can keep up with this same intensity and level of aggression then a game 7 is likely.

NHL.com Three Stars of the Night go to 1) Sidney Crosby, 2)Marc Andre Fleury and 3)Marian Hossa

Next game is Saturday 5/31 at Mellon Arena, 8pm on NBC, WXDX or listen here.

Game 3 - 2nd intermission update

A much better effort from the men in black and gold tonight. The Pens are up 2-1 after 2 periods and are looking like the team that flew through the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Let's come out strong in the third and wrap this one up.

Game 3 tonight at 8pm

Darryl Sydor is replacing Kris Letang in the line up tonight. Sydor has not yet made an appearence in the playoffs but may provide some veteran leadership on the blue line. At least that's the hope of Pens coach Michel Therrien. Therrien also changed the line combinations in hopes of generating some offense.

Personally I do not think that tinkering with the line combinations or substituting a defenseman that has not played a game in 2 months will make any difference. The difference must happen within each member of the team. They must dig down deep within and find that high flying, motivated individual that took the ice two weeks ago and dispatched the Flyers in 5 games. That is what is needed. Each player must take responsibility for his actions and follow through with the best game he has ever played. Nothing else will overcome what has become a near flawless Red Wings defense corps. Nothing else will put pucks in the net. Nothing else will bring a victory tonight at Mellon Arena!

Game 2 roundup - Pens 0, Red Wings 3

For the second consecutive game the Pens failed to put one past Detroit goalie Chris Osgood, losing game 2, 3-0. The Red Wings now have a two to zero lead in the series coming back to the 'Burgh.

All indications point to a very quick series if Pittsburgh continues playing the way they have the first two games. They have been able to generate very little offense and when they have been able to they have not finished the play by putting the puck behind Osgood. Not to take anything away from the Red Wings, they have played a nearly flawless, defense minded game quickly getting pucks out of their zone and into the hands of their forwards to create scoring chances.

Much has been said around town about Evgeni Malkin's recent statement that "he is tired". It really looks as if the entire team is suffering from the same thing, not just Geno. This is not the time of the year to let fatigue take over. I'm very surprised that any professional hockey player would even make such a statement. This team was flying high just 3 days ago, before the Finals started. They looked and sounded unstoppable. Oh, how things change...

Game 2 first intermission report

There's not a whole lot to say. The Red Wings have, once again, imposed their will on the Penguins. The Pens only managed 6 shots in the opening period - all on the power play. If Pittsburgh cannot figure out how to break the Detroit defense and get more pucks on the net and capitalize on their scoring chances this series will be over before the series moves back to Detroit.

Stanley Cup Final series Preview - Pens vs. Red Wings

I, like most of you that will be reading this post, have been reading what the experts have to say about this series all week. I've come to the conclusion that all of these people get together in one room before each series and agree what they are going to write. I say this because it seems as if they are all using the same talking points and all agree on the strengths and weaknesses of both Pittsburgh and Detroit.

Many of these same, so called, experts have even put in print the fact that Pittsburgh has a great team but they are too young or "have not paid their dues yet" and therefore, cannot win without doing so. On this point I vehemently disagree. They have paid their dues. They have been through tough times since they last made a deep run in the playoffs in 2001. They have been at the bottom of the league for several years. They have nearly moved from the city of Pittsburgh in order to survive and secure a new arena to play in. They were emphatically pounded into submission in the first round of the playoffs last season - by a team that ultimately advanced to the Cup Finals. They have struggled as a team throughout the past season, being under .500 as late as Thanksgiving day. Injuries have decimated the line-up putting Crosby, Fleury, Talbot, Roberts and Eaton away for extended periods of time. Many hockey pundits thought that the trade deadline deals would hurt the chemistry of the team more than help. Through all of this they have endured. The Pens got healthy at the right time. They were able to learn from adversity and translate that knowledge into success on the ice. They were able to win, even when they were told they shouldn't be winning.

Does that sound like a Stanley Cup Champion to anyone? It sure does to me. That is the very definition of a Stanley Cup Champion. Now there is only the matter of putting everything they have learned together on the ice and getting the job done.

Yes, the Red Wings are a powerhouse of a team. And, yes again, the Pens have not been matched up with a team in the playoffs yet of this caliber. But neither has Detroit.

On paper these two teams are very evenly matched. They both have explosive offenses, defense that can shut down opposing teams at will and hot goaltenders. They both have coaching staffs that are at the top of their games at the right time. Special teams are among the league playoff leaders for both teams.

So what do the Pens have that Detroit doesn't? A no quit attitude - the Red Wings have not dislayed that. Youth and fresh legs. Old vs new. It may even be true that they are not yet wise enough to know the intense pressure that is on them right now. But those things can only help. They will not be a hindrance. The Pens will endure. The Pens will win. In 6.

Tickets for games 3 and 4 sold out

Tickets went on sale this morning for games 3 and 4 at Mellon Arena and sold out in less than the 8 seconds it took my big, fat fingers to type in that password at Ticketmaster.com. So, alas, I have no tickets to the biggest hockey games to occur in this town since 1992. You say I could buy them online from a ticketbroker...minimum prices around 600 bucks. I guess it's not in the cards this season.

Anyway, congrats to those that were able to get tickets. I will be there in spirit!

Today's Penguins Links

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Penguins Notebook

Penguins may open Mellon Arena for fans to watch away games

SI.com

Winning in style

Thank Sidney Crosby for the NHL ratings surge

Yahoo Sports

Unstoppable Penguins

Today's Penguins Links

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Penguins Notebook

Pens Head to Detroit for Game 1 on Saturday

It's official - The Penguins will meet the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals beginning this Saturday at 8pm. Here is a breakdown of the schedule:







Sat 5/24 at Detroit 8pm Versus
Mon 5/26 at Detroit 8pm Versus
Wed 5/28 at Pittsburgh 8pm NBC
Sat 5/31 at Pittsburgh 8pm NBC
Mon 6/02 at Detroit 8pm NBC*
Wed 6/04 at Pittsburgh 8pm NBC*
Sat 6/07 at Detroit 8pm NBC*

* if necessary

Game 5 roundup - Pens 6, Flyers 0

Pittsburgh was on fire today, beating the Flyers at Mellon Arena, 6-0. Pens goals by Malone (2), Staal, Malkin, Hossa and Dupuis. Philadelphia never got much of anything started and trailed by 2 goals after the first period. Pittsburgh added 3 more in the second to bury them once and for all and one in the third just in case the body was still warm.

Now we wait. Tomorrow is game 6 for the Red Wings and Stars. If Detroit wins then the Red Wings it is, otherwise the series will go back to Detroit for a game 7. I'm definitely hoping this one goes 7.

Either way I would like to congratulate the Eastern Conference Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Welcome to the Stanley Cup Finals gentlemen. Only 4 more wins to go!!!

Game 4 roundup - Pens 2, Flyers 4

Recap - The Penguins failed to wrap up the series and allowed the Flyers to win game 4, 4-2. Both Pens goals were scored by Jordan Staal in the third period.

Philadelphia came out in the first and dominated the game, getting 3 goals in the opening frame. The Pens settled down after that and were able to play the type of game that they need to play to control the tempo and were eventually able to get back in it before the Flyers got an emtpy netter to close out the game.

What is not easily understood is, after saying all the right things since the game 3 win about how the Flyers are going to be motivated, desperate and physical, why did the Penguins come out so flat in the first period. They described in detail before the puck even dropped what Philly was going to do and how they were going to play. The Flyers did exactly that and it seemed as if Pittsburgh was not prepared for it. Did they really think that Philadelphia was going to roll over and let the Pens take it with no effort? Absolutely not! Now the Flyers have tasted blood and they will be just as aggressive and maybe even more desperate on Sunday for game 5.

Game 5 - Sunday at 3pm. TV on NBC, radio on WXDX or listen here.

Tickets - Tickets for game 5 go on sale this afternoon at 2. Get tickets here or by calling Ticketmaster at (412)323-1919 or at the Mellon Arena box office.

Point to ponder

Does anyone besides me think that the Flyers are losing just to avoid having to play the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup finals??

Maybe that's why Stevens insisted on keeping Steve Downie in the line-up for game 4 after giving away the turnover that led to game 3's winning goal.

It's the only plausible explanation that I can come up with.

Or maybe it's just the curse of the city of Philadelphia that needs to be perpetuated...

hmmmmmmm...

Go Pens!

Today's Penguins links

Yahoo Sports:

The curious cult of the Penguins Jarkko Ruutu

TSN.ca:

Give the Penguins their due

Jagr looks like he has poopie in his pants!

Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Hossa is perfect wingman for Crosby

This is a good one...

I'm usually not one to call out opposing teams players but Steve Downey deserves it for taking a run at Petr Sykora after he gave the Pens a goal with his stupid turnover. This was emailed to me today and I thought it very fitting. LOL!

What the competetion is reading

Philly.com:

For the Flyers, the heart's there but the legs aren't

Miscue by Downie a real downer

Flyers goal: Don't get swept by Penguins

Today's Penguins Links

Yahoo Sports:



Penguins flex defensive muscle

ESPN.com:



Philly Creamed

TSN.ca:

Penguins put Flyers on brink of elimination

NHL.com:

Morning Joe: Hurrah for Hossa

Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Flyers never had a chance

Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

It's sinking in - Pens are for real

Game 3 roundup - Pens 4, Flyers 1

The Flyers have to be bewildered after losing game 3 to the Pens 4-1. Pittsburgh is now one win away from playing for the Stanley Cup and is looking to sweep Philadelphia out of the playoffs tomorrow night. Pens goals were scored by Whitney - his first of the playoffs and first in three months, Malone and Hossa got the game winner and added an empty netter at the end.

Philadelphia is going to have problems scoring goals for the remainder of the series. They are shell-shocked at the high level of defense the Penguins have been playing and are being outplayed on the boards. The Penguins are more physical and faster to the puck than any of the Flyers. If this series isn't over on Thursday night then there is no way if will go past 5.

#1 star of the night was Marian Hossa.

Here's a few quick stats from the Pens in this playoff run:

Pittsburgh has scored the first goal in 9 of the 12 playoff games. There is no surprise in the fact that they have won all 9 of those games.

Pittsburgh is 6-0 when leading after the first period.

The Pens have won the first 3 games in each of the 3 series.

Pittsburgh is the first team since the 1983 Edmonton Oilers to win 11 of the first 12 playoff games and only the fifth team to do so in NHL history.

Sid Crosby holds the lead for most points in the playoffs with 19. Malkin is tied for second with 18.

Game 2 roundup - Pens 4, Flyers 2

The Penguins took a 2-0 series lead with another win over the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-2. Pens goals scored by Crosby, Hossa, Talbot and Staal chipped in an empty netter to seal the victory. Marc Andre Fleury saved 30 of 32 for his 10th playoff victory.

The big story of the game was the grit and determination of the fourth line. Max Talbot, in his first game back after missing the past 4 games with a broken foot, got the game winner at 8:51 of the third. Talbot even being in the game brought about much controversy before the play even started. Pens head coach, Michel Therrien made the decision to scratch forward Adam Hall so Max could start the game. There was much talk about this decision since it is generally accepted that a winning line-up should stay on the ice. Once again, Therriens decision was the right one when Talbot put the game away in the third.

Another big question is why was the fourth line on the ice in the third period of a tied hockey game? When asked about this in a post game interivew, Talbot responded, "Scoring goals...Coach Therrien really trusts us on the ice."

There have been several moves that Therrien has made in the playoff run that could have turned the course of the game for the worse, but have not. His moves have all worked out as he expected and, in lasts night's case, even produced a game winning goal. I, for one, am becoming much more of a Therrien fan than I was before these playoffs began. I felt that he was easily out coached in last season's short playoff run and really expected much of the same this time around, but his team has really bought into the system and they play it as designed.

Talbot was named the NHL # 1 Star of the Night while Marc Andre Fluery got #3.

Next up - Tuesday night at Philly, 7:30 pm on Versus, WXDX or listen here.

Game 1 roundup - Pens 4, Flyers 2

The Penguins have now made it 9 wins in 10 playoff games, and 6 of 6 at the Igloo, with a 4-2 beating of the Philadelphia Flyers. Pens goals scored by Malkin (2)m Crosby and Sykora.

All in all a very nice effort by the Pens, with the exception of the first ten minutes of the game, and a completely lackluster effort by the Flyers, again with the exception of the first ten minutes of the game. I do realize that Philadelphia has lost the first game of each series so far , and has managed to still make it to the Conference Finals, but if last night was the most effort they could put forth then it will be a very short series for the former Broad Street Bullies.

Now, being a pretty realistic guy, I will make the assumption that they were just not ready for the type of physical game that they got from the Penguins. And if this is the case then it will be a very different type of game tomorrow night for game 2. But the question that must be asked is this: Is there anyone that has any hockey sense whatsoever that truly believes the Flyers can beat the Pens in a run-and-gun type of game? The type of game that they got suckered into playing last night?

#1 star of the night goes to Evgeni Malkin. He was a force to be reckoned with again last night. Keep up the solid work Geno!

Today's Penguins links

Yahoo Sports

5 reasons the Penguins can win the Cup

TSN.ca

Therrien's 2006 remarks have gone a long way

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Penguins, Flyers have a history

Penguins power on rise

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Pens 1-2 punch packs equally devastating wallop

Crosby leads his Pens by example

Rocky needs to wear a Pens Jersey

Someone needs to step up and get this thing done. This statue needs to wear a Pens jersey. Can one of the loyal Pens fans on the eastern side of the state put a jersey on this thing??

Send pictures to penshome@gmail.com

Eastern Conference Finals preview - Pens vs. Flyers

The Pittsburgh Penguins will begin their series tomorrow night against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:30 pm at the Mellon Arena. The series should be a hard fought, physical battle between two teams that share a great deal of animosity.

Regular Season - The Penguins took all 8 games from the Flyers in 2006 - 2007 season leaving the Flyers a bit sore about it. The series proved to be a close on for 2007 - 2008 with the Flyers winning 5 games to 3 with the last game being a loss in the last game of the season when the Penguins sat some of their players for a rest and to keep them safe from injury. While the Pens did give 100% in that game it was in their best interest to not get injured. Many looked on this as the Penguins throwing the game, but it was actually more self preservation. And the loss did lead to a first round series against the weakest Eastern Conference team in the playoffs instead of a match up against these same Flyers.

Playoff History - The Pens and Flyers have met 3 times in their histories in the playoffs with Philadelphia winning all three series'.

2000 Semifinals Flyers 4-2
1997 Quarterfinals Flyers 4-1
1989 Semifinals Flyers 4-3

This will be the first time these teams have met in the Conference Finals.

Keys to the series - The Flyers have a hot goaltender and a stonger offense than they have faced yet in this years playoff run. Of course, the same can be said for the Penguins. Marc Andre Fleury has been best in the East so far in the playoffs and the Penguins offense volatile with the exception of game 4 vs. the Rangers. Philadelphia has not had to shut down two high scoring lines and with the news that Flyers D Kimmo Timonen being out indefinately with a blood clot in his foot. The Pens offense, and how the Flyers are able to control Pittsburghs top tow lines, will be the largest determinate of which team will win this series.

Philly's forward, and Pittsburgh native, R J Umberger was tremendous against Montreal, scoring 8 goals in the series and being an offensive force. Look for the Pens to match up their top defense pair of Gill and Scuderi against Umberger's line. This pair has been able to shut down the top scoring line against the Rangers and Gill was paired with Orpik against the top line of the Senators.

Pens goalie Fleury and Flyers goalie Biron are both hot and at the top of the post-season statistics. Whichever goalie withstands the barrage of shots that will come his way best, will emerge the victor and move on the the Cup Finals.

Head coaches Stevens and Therrien have a good, healthy dislike for each other. They have met twice before in the playoffs, both times with the minor league team of their current organizations. They have both gone out of their way to call each other out on various occasions to send a message to their team as well as the other. That will not be any different for this series.

This should be very entertaining. Pens in 6.

Today's Penguins Links

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Some deep thoughts

Malkin's personality starts to show through

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Therrien - Stevens: A simmering rivalry

New Pens, Flyers catching on to feud

ESPN.com

Conference Finals preview

NHL.com

Pens/Flyers storylines

What the opposition is reading

Philly.com

Expect physical series from Pens/Flyers

Flyers prepare for more mature Crosby

Today's Penguins Links

Pennsylvania is hockey heaven

NHL.com

Penguins Playoff Media Guide

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

City Planners approve new arean designs



War of words begins

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Pens making doubts disappear

How Pens have responded to adversity

Penguins Fans - God Bless 'Em

White Out on Friday

Penguins players are asking fans to wear white while attending the opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday night in Pittsburgh.

See story here.

All fans attending the game will be given a white T-shirt courtesy of Trib Total Media.

What the competition is reading

Philadelphia Examiner

Flyers vs. Penguins: diving, dumping, dislike

Umberger wants unhappy homecoming in Pittsburgh

Today's Penguins Links

ESPN.com

Pens/Flyers series preview

CBS Sportsline

Expert's Picks

NHL.com

Pens/Flyers series preview

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Flyers will test Pens discipline

Animosity festers between Pens, Flyers

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Therrien worthy of respect

Adam Hall deserves a little bit of fame

Game 5 Roundup - Pens 3, Rangers 2 (OT)

The Penguins are advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals after taking the Rangers down in overtime yesterday afternoon, 3-2. Marian Hossa scored the series winner at 7:10 of the first overtime period. Hossa also had the Pens first goal of the game at 8:45 of the second period. Malkin knocked in the Pens second goal at 12:40 of the second period.

The Rangers were able to even it up in the third with two early goals. Both teams looked a bit skittish througout the rest of the game but the Pens got it together in the overtime period and were able to put the Rangers away once and for all.

Third liners Staal, Kennedy and Hall and the defense pairing of Gill and Scuderi were matched up against the Rangers first line most of the game. They were able to hold Jaromir Jagr to zero shots for the game, and the rest of the line to three shots, to effectively shut down the New York offense.

Hossa was named the NHL #2 star of the night.

Conference Finals Schedules Released

#1 Flyers at Penguins Fri 5/9
#2 Flyers at Penguins Sun 5/11
#3 Penguins at Flyers Tue 5/13
#4 Penguins at Flyers Thu 5/15
#5 Flyers at Penguins Sun 5/18*
#6 Penguins at Flyers Tue 5/20*
#7 Flyers at Penguins Thu 5/22*

* if necessary

Game 4 roundup - Pens 0, Rangers 3

The Penguins will have to wait until Sunday to wrap up their round 2 series against the Rangers. The Rangers won game 4, last night, 3-0.

It didn't seem as if the Penguins were ready to exert the effort that they needed to do to be competetive in the game. New York controlled the tempo and tone of the game from the first face off to the end. Lundqvist was spectacular in goal, but the Penguins missed at least 3 open net shots as well as Evgeni Malkin's pee wee league attempt at a penalty shot in the second.

Game 5 is Sunday 5/4 at 2pm. See it on NBC, listen at WXDX or here.

Ticket for game 5 will go on sale at 2pm Friday afternoon. There will be around 2,000 seats made available for the game. Tickets can be obtained by calling Ticketmaster at (412)333-1919, at the Mellon Arena Box Office or here.

What the opposition is reading

NY Daily News

Avery nearly loses spleen

New York Post

Staying power

Seeking a sweep

The Blue Seats

Today's Penguins Links

ESPN.com

Tough Therrien proving to be right balance for Pens

Rangers try to rally around Avery

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Pens could be short Talbot and Scuderi

UPMC takes credit for Pens win at MSG

Pens 'beaking at the right time

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Numbers add up to success for Penguins

Rangers' Sean Avery hospitalized

NY Daily News

The New York Times is reporting that Avery has a lascerated spleen.
Avery will be sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs. (one more game!)

Breaking News

Max Talbot broke his foot blocking a shot in last night's game. His status going forward is unknown.

Gary Roberts time!

Game 3 roundup - Pens 5, Rangers 3

Recap - The Pittsburgh Penguins have made it seven post season wins in a row by beating the Rangers, 5-3 in game 3 of their Eastern Conference series. The series now favors the Pens 3-0.

Pittsburgh got the first goal of the game on a Hossa shot at 1:02 of the first. NY evend it up at 14:32 before yielding 2 more Pens goals before the end of the first, one to Georges Laraque and a power play goal to Evgeni Malkin. The Rangers were able to fight back and tie the game at three in the third, but a good decision by Pens head coach to call a timeout after the third NY goal got the Pens focus back on the game and they went on to win 5-3. The final two goals were scored at 17:53 of the second, another power play goal by Malkin, and at 2:30 of the third by Ryan Malone.

The Rangers did everything they could to produce offense, putting 39 shots on goal, creating traffic in front of the net and hitting anything that was in a Pittsburgh jersey, but it wasn't enough. Marc Andre Fleury stopped 36 pucks and the Penguins defense was spectacular, blocking nearly 20 additional Ranger shots and keeping the puck in Pens hands as much as possible.

NY goaltender, Henrick Lundqvist, looked rattled. He let in 5 goals on 17 Pittsburgh shots for a SV% of 70.59%. The Pens took advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them and converted them to goals.

Next game - The Pens have a chance to close out the series Thursday 5/1 at 7pm from Madison Square Garden (Versus, WXDX or listen here)

Aren't you supposed to wait until after...

...you win the Calder Cup to run down the street naked??

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8086612/Minor-league-star-caught-streaking

I've lost a few bets like this...and I can think of a few other people that would do this without a bet!!

What the opposition is reading

New York Daily News:

Rangers happy to be home

Newsday.com:

Sniping between Pens and Rangers

New York Post:

Rangers must move puck to score a win

Drury and winning inseperable

Today's Penguins Links

NHL.com:

Pens' Scuderi is putting you team to sleep

TSN.ca:

Check out the top 3 NHL players

Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Hossa needs to start scoring

Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Will Penguins since Broadway blues?

Cowardly Avery tried to take out Crosby

DVE.com

Rangers Suck @*%#!

Game 3 preview - Pens at Rangers

The Penguins are in New York City for game three of their Eastern Conference semi-final game against the New York Rangers. The Pens did not fare so well at Madison Square Garden in the regular season, going 0-3-1 with 15 goals scored by the Rangers and 5 for the Pens. However, in team playoff history, the Pens are 6-1 at MSG and are riding a 3 games winning streak on that sheet of ice.

Obviously Pittsburgh will need to increase their offensive production and limit the Rangers chances on net if they are to take wither of the next two games. If they play they way they played game 2 these things should fall into place. MSG will be hopping and the Pens will need to take the crowd out of the game early.

Injury Update - Gary Roberts is a healthy scratch for tonight.

News of Note - the NHL announced that Evgeni Malkin is a finalist for the Hart Trophy. The two other candidates are Jerome Iginla of the Calgary Flames and Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. Congrats to Geno for this tremendous honor!!

What the opposition is reading

New York Post

Diving right in

Ranger Danger

New York Times

Rangers postgame

For Rangers, second perioed is first in woes

Today's Penguins Links

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Have the Pens taken control?

Crosby, Jagr dismiss yapping

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Photo gallery

NHL.com

Marc Andre Fleury, NHL #2 star of the night

Pens PK shuts down Rangers

ESPN.com

Pens beat Rangers at own game

Game 2 roundup - Pens 2, Rangers 0

The Pens were able to put the Rangers in a bigger hole this afternoon, taking game 2 by the score of 2 - 0.

Marc Andre Fleury was the #1 star of this one, stopping all 26 shots the Rangers threw at him. This was Fleury's second shutout of this years playoffs and his career

Jordan Staal scored the game winner, a power play goal, at 13:55 of the second and Adam Hall chipped in an enpty netter on a wall rebound at 19:43 of the third.

The Rangers had an apparent goal disallowed when the referee blew the play dead as the puck was about to cross the goal line. This should make for interesting reading tomorrow in the New York papers as the have already been extremely critical of the officiating and this incident will not help. I agree it should have been a goal and that they whistle did blow earlier than most would, but once the whistle is blown the play is dead. No review, no second look.

What the competiting is reading

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

All this crying about whether Sid Crosby's drawing of a penalty from Marty Straka with 3:00 left to go in the 3rd is crap. First of all why did the Rangers put themselves in the situation that a Penguins power play goal in the third could be a game winner - the Rangers were up 3-0 in the second and blew the lead. And regardless of that, what Straka did was a penalty and should be called in each and every instance.

Today's Penguins Links

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Penguins Evolution

Therrien fed up with diving accusations

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Bet in this pair

Better start is a priority for game 2

Game 1 roundup - Pens 5, Rangers 4

It was a tale of two halves. The first half of the game saw the Rangers build a 3-0 lead on the Pens, the second half it was all Penguins - storming back to take a 4-3 lead and eventually win the game in regulation, 5-4.

The turning point was at 3:37 of the second when Sean Avery of the Rangers scored the third goal. He celebrated wildly after the puck went into the net and even skated in front of the Pens bench celebrating. This woke the sleeping giant. The Pens played with more intensity from that point forward and shook off the rust that had accumulated during the 9 day layoff.

Note to Mr. Avery - next time you score a goal that puts your team up 3 - zip in a building that is not named Madison Square Garden, you might want to tone down that celebration a bit.

Pens goals by Ruutu, Dupuis, Hossa, Sykora and Malkin.

Ruutu and Dupuis scored 14 seconds apart in the second, Hossa and Sykora scored 20 seconds apart in the third and Malkin got the gamewinner on a Crosby slap shot deflection, a power play goal, at 18:19 of the third.

Much is going to be said tomorrow, in the New York media mostly, about how this was the Rangers game and they should have been able to close it out having the 3 - 0 lead but they got a little comfortable and allowed the Pens to get back in it. That was not the case. Pittsburgh was the team that looked a little too comfortable at the outset of the contest. When they finally got their skates under them, they were able to control the flow and momentum of the game and force the Rangers into a game that New York is not used to playing. This was the true reason for the comeback.

I must say...this looks to be a very entertaining series.

More to come tomorrow...

Gameday - 7pm tonight

Catch the game on Versus at 7pm tonight. Also on the X (WXDX 104.7) and here.

Gery Roberts will not be in the lineup tonight, however. He has decided that his groin is still a little tender and a couple more days rest will do it good...

Conference Finals

Eastern Conference:

(2) Pittsburgh vs. (6) Philadelphia
Pittsburgh wins series 4-1
1. 5/9/08 Penguins 4, Flyers 2 at Pittsburgh
2. 5/11/08 Penguins 4, Flyers 2 at Pittsburgh
3. 5/13/08 Penguins 4, Flyers 1 at Philadelphia
4. 5/15/08 Flyers 4, Penguins 2 at Philadelphia
5. 5/18/08 Penguins 6, Flyers 0 at Pittsburgh

Western Conference:

(1) Detroit vs. (5) Dallas
Detroit wins series 4-2
1. 5/8/08 Red wings 4, Stars 1 at Detroit
2. 5/10/08 Red Wings 2, Stars 1 at Detroit
3. 5/12/08 Red Wings 5, Stars 2 at Dallas
4. 5/14/08 Stars 3, Red Wings 1 at Dallas
5. 5/17/08 Stars 2, Red Wings 1 at Detroit
6. 5/19/08 Red Wings 4, Stars 1 at Dallas

What the opposition is reading

New York Times:

Penguins have more than the games top star



Penguins fans are certain to boo Jagr

Why stop now? I'd even go to Russia next season to do it if I had to!

New York Post:

Crosby Clampdown

The Matchups

Rangers in 7? Seriously? Well this is the same guy who picked the Devils in the first round...

Newsday.com

Rangers may have to beat Crosby and refs, too

Whatever...

Today's Penguins Links

Yahoo Sports:

Penguins Team Report

Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Penguins owe Conklin big time

Which team has the edge in the series?

Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Pens hope to overwhelm Lundqvist

Looking back on Jagr trade



I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Lundqvist's back...as he's fishing pucks out of his net!!!

Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference:

(2) Pittsburgh vs. (5) New York Rangers
Pittsburgh wins series 4-1
1. 4/25/08 Penguins 5, Rangers 4 at Pittsburgh
2. 4/27/08 Penguins 2, Rangers 0 at Pittsburgh
3. 4/29/08 Penguins 5, Rangers 3 at New York
4. 5/1/08 Rangers 3, Penguins 0 at New York
5. 5/4/08 Penguins 3, Rangers 2 (OT) at Pittsburgh

(1) Montreal vs. (6) Philadelphia
Philadelphia wins series 4-1
1. 4/24/08 Canadiens 4, Flyers 3 (OT) at Montreal
2. 4/26/08 Flyers 4, Canadiens 2 at Montreal
3. 4/28/08 Flyers 3, Canadiens 2 at Philadelphia
4. 4/30/08 Flyers 4, Canadiens 2 at Philadelphia
5. 5/3/08 Flyers 6, Canadiens 4 at Montreal

Western Conference:

(1) Detroit vs. (6) Colorado
Detroit wins series 4-0
1. 4/24/08 Red Wings 4, Avalanche 3 at Detroit
2. 4/26/08 Red Wings 1, Avalanche 1 at Detroit
3. 4/29/08 Red Wings 4, Avalanche 3 at Colorado
4. 5/1/08 REd Wings 8, Avalanche 2 at Colorado

(2) San Jose vs. (5) Dallas
Dallas wins series 4-2
1. 4/25/08 Stars 3, Sharks 2 (OT) at San Jose
2. 4/27/08 Stars 5, Sharks 2 at San Jose
3. 4/29/08 Stars 2, Sharks 1 (OT) at Dallas
4. 4/30/08 Sharks 2, Stars 1 at Dallas
5. 5/2/08 Sharks 3, Stars 2 (OT) at San Jose
6. 5/4/08 Stars 2, Sharks 1 (4OT) at Dallas

White Out for game 1

The Penguins are planning a "white out" for tomorrow night's game and will be handing out white t-shirts at the gates. Don't forget to put it on if you are going to the game tomorrow night!

See the Penguins announcement here

And a video featuring Pens players here

What the opposition is reading

NY Post:

Mightier than the Pens?

Rangers vs. Pens is real cros celebre

Jagr: Sid not in Mario's league

Cashing in on Avery punk act

Yahoo Sports:

What the hell is growing on Jagr's face?

Today's Penguins Links

Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Jagr's unwelcome homecoming

Pens, Rangers share contempt

Pens insist "idiot" Avery is no concern

AP

On Broadway: Sid and Pens get major palyoff test

ESPN

ESPN's series preview

And on the lighter side from the DVE Morning Show

Randy Bauman: Gary Roberts

Mike Prisuta's Stanley Cup Song

Pens/Rangers Preview

Preview - Game one is tomorrow night at the Igloo and this town is fired up! And this is not the Ottawa Senators that are coming to town. This is a team that ended their first round series in 5 games against the Atlantic's second place team, the New Jersey Devils. This is a team that rivals the Penguins offensive production. This is a team that has stellar goaltending and rugged, veteran defensemen. The New York Rangers have all of the right keys in place to have a prolonged run through the playoffs. But so do the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In the regular season these two teams met 8 times. The record was 3-3-2 with the Rangers scoring 19 goals against the Pens and the Penguins scoring 20 against the Rangers. Pittsburgh won two at home and one away and dropped one each, home and away, in overtime. But the most relevant games, those occurring after January 1, has the Penguins in the advantage at 3-0-1.

The Penguins and Rangers have met in the playoffs four times with the Penguins winning all four series:

1996 - 2nd round - W 4-1
1992 - 2nd round - W 4-2
1991 - 2nd round - W 4-1
1989 - 1st round - W 4-0

Previous matchup have never gone more than 6.

What the Penguins need to do to win:

Goaltending - if M.A. Fleury can perform as well in this series as he did in the Ottawa series this is a given. If he struggles early the Therrien needs to make the move to Conklin. Fleury's head is clear and his confidence has to be sky high after his first career series win so don't look for him to be shaky from the start. This may be the one area that no one needs to worry about.

Offense - Continue what was started against the Sens. Get lots of pucks on net and get Lundqvuist moving east to west with crisp tape to tape passing and superior speed. Pittsburgh averaged 40.25 shots on goal in the first series. Whether this was a symptom of Ottawas porous defense or because the Pens offense exerted their will on the Sens, or some combination of each, this needs to continue for Pittsburgh to have success in this series. The same players will need to keep their performance at the high level in which they have and continue to camp out in front of the net to create traffic. Basically the Pens need to keep doing what they have been and the goal production will be there.

Defense - Gonchar and Orpik were able to shut down the top line of the Senators, holding that line to only 1 assist (even strength) in the series. As much as I would like to think they will be able to do this again going up against the Jagr line, it's not going to happen. Jagr is bigger and better than Heatly or Spezza and much more dangerous when he has the puck. His linemates, Straka and Drury, are both very capable with the puck and have played with Jagr much of the season so they are all familiar with each other. If the Pens defense can minimize the chances that this line gets then Pittsburgh will have a pretty good shot at getting out of this series in 5 or 6.

Role Players - By now every hockey fan in the world has seen or heard of what Rangers forward and all around agitator, Sean Avery, did to the Devils goalie Brodeur in the first round. Avery will continue being the jackass that he is and will make every attempt to get under the skin of the Penguins. That's his job and he does it well. Pittsburgh will have to ignore his antics to neutralize him, since his mouth, not his offensive prowess, is his most potent weapon. On the other hand, the return of Gary Roberts will have an immediate impact on the psyche of the team and guys like Ruutu and Laraque will be needed to enforce any liberties taken on the Pens skilled forwards by the Rangers.

Intangibles - Home ice advantage has not been all that important in this years playoffs, but should be more so in the second and later rounds. Winning game one was the most important factor from the quarterfinals, with the team that won game one moving on in six of eight series. That will probably remain the same throughout the semifinals as well. Pittsburgh needs to take game 1 and game 2 would be nice as well. Having a 2-0 lead going to New York for games 3 and 4 will give them a huge confidence boost and the Rangers will have second thoughts about their ability to pull off the win.

My Prediction - Pens in 6.

Bring on the Rangers!

Washington lost in OT tonight so the Pens will face the Rangers in round 2. The first game of the series will be Friday night at the Igloo.

Schedule:

Friday 4/25 @ Pittsburgh 7pm (VS)
Sunday 4/27 @ Pittsburgh 2pm (NBC)
Tuesday 4/29 @ New York 7pm (FSN)
Thursday 5/1 @ New York 7pm (VS)
Sunday 5/4 @ Pittsburgh 2pm* (NBC)
Monday 5/5 @ New York 7pm* (FSN)
Wednesday 5/7 @ Pittsburgh TBA*

* if necessary

Today's Penguins Links

Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Ruutu is Penguins new cult hero

Hal Gil has been big pickup

Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Holding pattern continues

ESPN.com

Caps force game 7

Anyone besides me hoping for a Pens/Caps series? We haven't had one of those since 2001 when the Pens beat the Caps in 6 games in the first round. In fact the Pens are 5-1 against Washington since 1991. I'll be rooting for the Caps tonight!

Penguins Second Round Opponent Update

With Montreal's 5-0 trouncing of the Boston Bruins last night and Washington remaining alive in the playoffs with a win over the Flyers, we will have to wait until tonight to learn who the Pens second round opponent will be. We do know that it will be either the Capitals or the New York Rangers. If the Caps win game 7 against the Flyers tonight it will be the Caps, otherwise it will be the Rangers.

My thoughts...bring on the Caps!!!!

Today's Penguins Links

From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Gonchar gets defensive with critics

From the Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

Gary Roberts will be available for game 1

From ESPN.com:

Crosby and Ovechkin plyaoff bound (video)

Penguins Second Round Opponent

It could be known tonight who the Pens will play in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here is what could possibly happen:


- If Boston wins then Pittsburgh will play Boston.

- If Montreal wins and Washington wins game 7 tomorrow night then Pittsburgh will play Washington.

- If Montreal wins and Washington does not win the series then Pittsburgh will play the New York Rangers.

- There is no possibility that Pittsburgh will play Philadelphia in this round.

Once the opponent is known check back for a series analysis.

Why the Penguins beat the Senators

In case you've been wondering...

Goaltending - first and foremost, Marc Andre Fleury was outstanding in net. He gave up only 5 goals in the four games against the Sens to post a 1.26 GAA and a SV% of .955 and a shutout. He only have up more than one goal in game 2 where he gave up 3. Fleury is my pick for MVP of the series.

Special Teams - The Pens were 6 of 23(26.1%) on the power play and held Ottawa to 1 goal on 13(92.3%) penalty kills. Nuff said.

Defense - Pittsburgh defensemen allowed only 5 Ottawa goals in the series. Of those 5, four occurred in the second period and only one in the third. Ottawa did not score a goal in the first period of any game in the series. Pens defensemen were able to get to the puck before the Senators forwards could and were able to get the puck up the ice and out of the defensive zone without much problem.

The matchup of Brooks Orpick and Sergei Gonchar, who were primarily paired up against Ottawas first line, held that line to no even strength goals. This is the same line that accounted for nearly half of Ottawa's goals in the regular season.

Offense - The Pens scored goals when they needed to. And even when they didn't need to. In fact they pretty much scored whenever they wanted to.

Role Players - the third and fourth liners contributed to the overall success of the team by chipping in a bunch of goals and controlling the tempo of the game when they were on the ice.

Coaching - Bryan Murray did all he could to motivate his players. Too bad it wasn't enough. Not sure that this bunch of players could have been motivated at all. They looked like they knew they would be beaten from the opening face-off of game one.