Pens 4, Islanders 2

Ty Conklin was the Number One Star last night, stopping 50 of 52 pucks, as the Pens doubled up the Islanders 4-2. Pittsburgh goals were scored by Malkin, Taffe, Stall and Connor James scored his first NHL goal after joining the team as an emergency recall from WBS Penguins during the second period. James and WBS teammate Nathan Smith drove from Wilkes Barre to Long Island yesterday afternoon after the Hossa trade was completed.

Next Up - tomorrow night at Boston.

Trade Reaction - There is plenty of talk around town after yesterday's blockbuster trade about the pros and cons and how things will turn out. First of all, it is too soon to say. The impact of the trade will not be known for at least the next 10 or 12 games, if even then. Many folks are claiming that all Shero did was pick up a rental player that will only stick with the team until 7/1 when the free agency period begins. I do not think Shero would have made this decision unless he thought there was a good chance he could sign Hossa to a long term deal. And even if he is unable to sign Hossa, he has clearly sent his team a message that his expectations are to win, and to do so now.

He also sent the message that he is not timid about modifying the teams chemistry. Armstrong was a high energy, locker room kind of guy and he will be missed. However, he was not a superstar on the ice nor will he ever be. I personally liked the guy but such is life in the NHL. Christensen was great on shootouts and did an good job in the defensive zone, and on the penalty kill. So is Dupuis. Seems like that part was a straight up trade. So was getting Hossa fair for giving up Armstrong, a low first round pick and an unproven prospect? You bet your ass it was! And it will pay dividends the rest of the season and hopefully a few years into the future.

Injury Update - Sid is continuing to improve his ankle and all speculation points to his return next week. Gary Roberts is also continuing to rehab his injured ankle and looks like he will return to the line-up towards the end of March.

UPDATE - Hossa, Dupuis and Gill are on their way to meet up with the Penguins in Boston for tomorrow nights game. All should be in the line-up barring any unforeseen circumstances.