Pens win game 6, series.

The Pens took the series out from under the Flyers Saturday in game 6 of the series, 5-3. Pittsburgh had a rough start, coming out an being down 3-0 by the time the the second period was 4 minutes underway. It looked at if there would be a game 7 in Pittsburgh Monday evening. But before the Flyers could wrap up the game, Philadelphia forward, Daniel Carcillo, decided to pick a fight with Pittsburgh's Max Talbot:



Well good old Max took a beating for his team and the team noticed. The Penguins scored 5 unanswered goals and took the series 4 games to 2.

Pens goals were scored by Crosby(2), Eaton, Fedotenko and Gonchar.

How stupid. Your team is up 3 zip in a playoff game, that could extend your season by one game or even an additional series, and one of your goon forwards goes out on the ice and picks a fight. This fires up your opposition and they come alive in a game that previously looked like they have little interest in, and score the next 5 goals to secure a win and take the series.

This all goes back to the fact that the Flyers organization never instills in their players any sense of discipline. They are permitted to go out on the ice, play the game with reckless abandon, and take pot shots at the opposition without consequence. Philadelphia has more players suspended by the league every year than any other team. And until these guys learn how to control themselves on the ice and keep their emotions in check, they will always be susceptible to break downs such as the one that caused their demise on Saturday.

Tell them goodbye Max:



Next up for the Pens is unknown. It could be Boston, New Jersey, Washington or Carolina depending on who wins their repsective game sevens tomorrow evening. Personally, I would love a Capitals/Penguins series so let's root for the Hurricanes to stick it to the Devils and for the Caps to beat the Rangers.

Three Down, One to go

Marc Andre Fleury pushed the Flyer to the brink of elimination with his world class performance last night. Fleury stopped 45 of the 46 Philadelphia shots including a few breathtaking chances late in the game. Even if there still was any doubt that Fleury is a franchise goalie then it should now be removed. This man can carry the team as far as they are determined to go.

Pittsburgh won the game 3-1. Pens goals were scored by Crosby, Kennedy and Talbot chipped in an empty netter to close out the game.

The Pens couldn't manage to keep themselves out of the penalty box though. They racked up 16 penalty minutes throughout the game but were able to keep the Flyers lethal power play unit off the board with top notch penalty killing. This could be worrisome in any possible future matchups.

What's wrong with Petr Sykora? He is quite obviously injured in some way. He has been a non-factor for the entire series and during the game last night the camera isolated on him and it appeared as if he was favoring his right side. Perhaps a rib or shoulder injury?

Game 5 is Thursday night at the Igloo. Let's close this thing out and have a few days rest before the next series. Philadelphia will be as desperate as ever to put another win in their column. The best situation may be to keep the game close all the way to the end then finish it off. This will keep the goonishness out of the game and permit the Pens to play the game that they want while not having to worry about Philadelphia taking too many chances at getting the puck in the net.

Still Halfway to Four - Flyers Win Game Three 6-3

The Pens got suckered into playing the chippy, physical game that Philadelphia wanted them to play and they spent 30 minutes in the penalty box. Much like in previous games against the Flyers, once this happens, Philly has the advantage. Pens lose 6-3.

The Pens got goals from Malkin(2) and Scuderi.

Game 4 is coming up Tuesday night and the players are vowing that this will be a much different situation since they know what they neet to do. Now if they go out on the ice and do so it should be a better game.

Half Way to Four - Pens win 3-2 in OT

It was one of the most intense 15 minutes I had ever witnessed in a hockey game. The first period of last nights game was filled with crushing hits, blazing speed and superb finesse by the Pens. Unfortunately the Flyers scored the opening goal to take the lead, otherwise this may have been an entirely game that it actually was. As it is the Penguins did not give up and they eventually came out on top at 18:29 of the first period by trade deadline pick-up Billy Guerin. Guerin also scored the Pens first goal in the second and Malkin added the game tying goal in the third with 4:37 remaining in regulation.

The idiocy of Flyers right wing Claude Giroux slashing penalty gave the Pens a 5-3 power play advantage which led to the game winning goal by Guerin.

All in all a very nice effort by the Pens. They now have a 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Philadelphia. Game 3 has now become an absolute must win for the Flyers and the Pens are saying all the right things about going to Philly in hopes of splitting when every person listening to the media reports knows that what they really mean is they intend to win both games and end this series a week early!

Game 3 is Sunday afternoon at 3 pm on NBC.



The Idiot of the Week award goes whomever the executive is at NBC that made the call that the Penguins were not allowed to broadcast tomorrow's game on the outdoor big screen. The fact that the Pens do this is a tremendous idea for both fans and the team. Not only does it give fans a place to gather for away games and those that are unable to get tickets to home games, but it also gives the players a sense of how much they are appreciated by the large groups that come down to the arena just to watch the game on the outdoor screen. I would call for a boycott of all NBC programs but they kind of have us all by the balls since games 3 and 6 are scheduled to be broadcast. Some the bast I can say is don't watch anything on NBC besides the Penguins games.

Game One Goes to the Good Guys 4-1

Even as the game was near ending and the Flyers returned to their Broad Street Bully ways, there was never a doubt, from the opening face-off, that the Pittsburgh Penguins would emerge as the victor of game one. Philadelphia did their best to insure that the Pens would remember the last few minutes of the game by throwing as many punches and cheap shots as they could.

One win down! Three to go!

Pens goals by Crosby, Kennedy, Malkin and Eaton.

Here's my take - Pittsburgh was quick, offensive minded, they crashed the net, they finished their checks and played a nearly flawless game in front of Marc Andre Fleury. The Pens took advantage of Philadelphia's 35 penalty minutes, scoring the opening goal of the game at 4:41 of the first and wearing down the Flyers forwards with their speed and relentless offensive attack. The Flyers were very good at allowing all of the above to happen at the will of the Pens.

Biron looked rattled. The goals the Pens scored were all solid goals but Marty seemed nervous and even, at times, lackadaisical. I've no doubt that, despite if he turns in a solid performance in game 2, he will sit down for the rest of the series thereby seriously reducing his value on the open market this summer. Which is why I think that we will see Biron at the top of his game Friday night at the Igloo.

Game 2 will most likely be very different. Philly now knows what to expect - why they didn't after 6 regular season games I have no clue - and will be an entirely different game. The Flyers will be more aggressive, make better decisions to keep away from the sin bin and go to the net often and with purpose. It will be a much closer game this time as it should be since Philadephia needs to be more desperate.

But when the final seconds tick away Friday night, Pittsburgh will emerge with a win in game 2 and a 2-0 series lead to take to Philadelphia on Sunday.

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.

Pens 1, Rangers 2 OT

Recap - The Pens dropped a game in which they could have wrapped up first in the Atlantic to the Rangers, 2-1 in overtime. Pens goal was scored by Talbot.

It was a very hard fought game thorughout. The Rangers needed the win to stay in the Playoff hunt but were unable to obtain two points in regulation. Pittsburgh played a great defensive game but got off to a slow start in the first period, only posting one shot on goal in the first 20 minutes.

With the single point the Pens put themsleves within one point of winning the division. If they get a point in the next two games, or New Jersey loses one, the Pens will win the Atlantic. At this point they are already guarenteed home ice in the first round of the playoffs. Winning the Atlantic will mean at least a top 2 finish in the conference.

Injury Update - Gary Roberts is getting close to a return. He was recently quoted as saying he wanted to play in the last regular season game against the Flyers on Sunday. His presence in the locker room would be a tremendous boost for the post season.


Next Up - Tonight at the Igloo vs. Philadelphia. (7:30, FSN(HD), WXDX or listen here)

Pens 3, Rangers 1

Recap - The Pens put the Rangers away yesterday afternoon at Mellon Arena by the score of 3-1. Pens goals were scored by Hossa, Malkin and Talbot. Marc Andre Fleury stopped 26 of 27 shots to continue his phenomenal play since returning from the ankle injury.

The win put Pittsburgh back on top of the Eastern conference with three games remaining, one point ahead of the Canadiens. The Pens have nearly wrapped up first in the Atlantic. They have a 6 point lead over the Devils but New Jersey has a game in hand. If Pittsburgh earns three points or the Devils lose 3 points in any of the remaining games then the Pens will wrap up first place in the division.

Analysis - Hossa and Crosby are playing very well together. They looked like they were started to get used to each other's game throughout yesterday's contest. Crosby assisted on Hossa's goal along with Dupuis. Hossa did not seem to have any adverse effects from the hit to the back of the head. He was solid on his skates and made a number of great plays.

Wathcing this team come together the way it has since Thanksgiving has been nothing short of remarkable. They are definately ready for playoff hockey as evidenced by yesterday's physically solid play against the Rangers. This is the type of game they will have to play if they are going to go deep into the playoffs.

Next Up - Pittsburgh visits the Rangers tonight at Madison Square Garden (Versus, WXDX)

Pens 3, Islanders 1

Recap - Sidney Crosby returns to the line up for the first time in 7games. Marian Hossa plays his first game on a line with Sid. This was supposed to be the start of something very special...and indeed it was: Jarkko Ruutu scores the game winning goal and adds 2 assists and Georges Laraque scores a breakaway goal to seal the vistory. Sometimes things are very strange in the world that is the NHL.

The Pens first goal was scored by Malkin.

It was a tremendously competitive game. The hitting was fierce, the intensity high and the fights were numerous. I've been really impressed with the Islanders the past few games. They have no chance of making the playoffs but they really are playing as if they are fighting for a spot. Hats off to Ted Nolan for instilling the belief that they can win.

Ruutu was a pain in the Islander ass for the entire game. He gets my vote for player of the game. Not only did he score a goal and 2 assists, for a career high 3 points, he drew penalties, threw down the gloves, made a couple of huge hits and was generally a nuisance for the opposition. This is the reason that he is a fan favorite in this town!

Pittsburgh remains in first place in the Atlantic and is also, for the time being, first in the Eastern Conference. New Jersey lost last night so the Pens have a very comfortable 6 point lead over the Devils. If I had to pick a first round matchup right now I would have to say it will be the Flyers.

Hope everyone got their playoff tickets this morning. The first two games went on sale at 10am EDT and sold out within minutes. I was fortunate enough to secure 4 seats in section C1, row G for the second home game and have put 2 of them up on eBay. See listing here if interested:

Go to eBay

Next up - Sunday vs. NY Rangers at Mellon Arena. NBC 12:30pm

Pens 2, Devils 0...Pens Clinch Playoff Berth!

Recap - With a 2-0 win over the New Jersey Devils last night at the Prucential Center in New Jersey, the Pittsburgh Penguins have insured themselves a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive year. Pens goals were scored by Malone and Hossa put the nail in the coffin with an empty netter in the last minute of the third. Marc Andre fleury was spectacular in goal, posting his fourth shutout of the season. Fleury stopped all 31 shots he faced and made several key saves to preserve the shutout.

Analysis - the Pens beat the Devils at their own game last night. They played solid defense, keeping the Devils away from the front of the net, blocking shots, clogging up the neutral zone and finishing their checks.

The win gave the Pens a four point lead over the Devils in the Atlantic. This puts the playoff seeding in their own hands. If they win, they will be at least a two seed. If they lose they will not. They could secure the one seed in the conference but will have to rely on Montreal to lose a couple of games, and with the way the Canadiens have been playing that does not seem likely. It's looking more and more likely as each game goes by that the Pens first round matchup is going to be the hated Flyers. Since the last two games of the season are against Philadelphia it is possible that the two teams will play each other for as many as nine consecutive games. More on the Pens/Flyers playoff matchup will come at a later date if it looks any more likely that this will occur.

Injury Update - Sidney Crosby continues to participate in full practices with the team. He should be back in the line up in the next game or two. Rob Scuderi returned to the line up last night after missing the past three weeks due to a severely broken finger.

Pens 1, Islanders 4

RecapThe Penguins lost to the Islanders last night 4-1 in New York. Pittsburgh's lone goal was scored by Petr Sykora.

While it looked as if it was going to be a very competitive, exciting game in the first period, it had quite a different turnout than expected. Something happened during the first intermission that took Pittsburgh totally out of the game. The Isles were dominant throughout the second and third periods in a game which could have seen the Pens wrapping up a playoff spot with a win. Instead Pittsburgh has to look forward to playing games on consecutive days when they take on the Devils tonight in New Jersey. At least they didn't have far to travel...

Pens captain, Sidney Crosby, was conspicously absent amid speculation that he would re-join his team last night. In an on air interview with Versus at the start of the game he stated that his "conditioning was not quite there yet" and that he would not play tonight against New Jersey. If there was ever a pre-playoff game that Sid should play in it is the one tonight. Judging by their performance against the Islanders, this team needs a boost. Tonight is the closest thing to a must win as possible in a regular season game. A win will restore confidence to a team that clearly lost it last night. And it will also keep some space between first and second in the Atlantic division.

Pens 7, Devils 1

Recap - The New Jersey Devils were obsiously still hung over from the overtime loss to the Islanders the preceding evening and didn't bother to show up for the game against the Pens Saturday night. Pittsburgh thumped the Devils 7-1. Pens goals scored by Ruutu, Malone (2), Dupuis, Malkin (2) and Sykora. Malkin's first goal of the evening put him at 100 points for the season, only 4 behind NHL leader Alex Ovechkin. Marc Andre Fleury continued his strong play since coming back from the ankle injury. He stopped 24 of 25 shots and did not allow a goal after halfway through the first period.

Next Up - Monday vs. the NY Islanders

Analysis - With the win Saturday night the Pens moved into first place in the Atlantic and only trail Eastern Conference leader, Montreal, by one point. There are seven games remaining in the regular season and Pittsburgh only needs to secure one more point to insure themselves a spot in the playoffs but really need to earn a point in each remaining game to finish in one of the top 4 spots (2 vs. Islander, 1 vs. Devils, 2 vs. Rangers and 2 vs. Flyers).

Pens 2, Rangers 5

Recap - The Pens lost to the Rangers last night, in nearly embarrasing fashion, by the score of 5-2. Pens goals scored by Ruutu and Staal. Conklin was very shaky in goal letting in a couple early that should have been stopped and the many mistakes in the defensive zone proved costly.

The Pens were flat in the first allowing NY to go up 2 -0. After intermission Pittsburgh was able to rally and tie the game at two but the Rangers soon put their third goal on the scoreboard and never really allowed the Pens close to getting another.

Next Up - Tampa Bay visits the Igloo, Thursday 3/20 at 7:30 pm. FSN (HD) and the X.

Pens 7, Flyers 1

Recap - The Pens dominated the Flyers this afternoon at the Igloo, 7-2. Pittsburgh goals by Malkin(2), Sykora(2), Kennedy, Gill and Hossa with his first in a Penguins uniform. Both Malkin and Sykora added 2 assists to their point totals for 4 each. This brings Malkin within 2 of Alex Ovechkin's NHL lead. Marc Andre Fleury had another great game stopping 24 of 25. The Pens chased Philadelphia's Marty Biron out of goal when they tallied their third of the game four minutes into the second.
Injury Update - Marian Hossa returned to the line-up today and tallied a goal. Crosby was kept out of the game with his sore ankle and is projected to return next Sunday when the Devils visit Pittsburgh.

My Analysis - All in all a very dominant game from the Pens. Philly is still chasing a playoff spot and may have had a very bad hangover after losing to the Bruins in overtime yesterday. This was not a typical performance from the Flyers. Not a whole lot of hits, and no momentum producing shifts. It actually looked as if they had given up on the season and were ready to hit the golf course a bit early.

Pittsburgh still has 2 games left with Philly and, providing they don't hang up the skates entirely, could be very interesting as they are the last two games of the season. I'm very curious to see if they will bounce back from the past two devestating losses and make an effort at securing a playoff spot.

Pens 7, Sabres 3

Recap - The Pens trounced the lifeless Sabres last night at Mellon Arena, 7-3. Pens goals by Sykora, Kennedy, Taffe, Malkin, Minard (first NHL goal!), Letang and Gonchar. Pittsburgh was 3 of 6 on power play opportunities after going 0 for the last 18 over the last four games.

Buffalo was flat and lifeless from the opening faceoff. Their season is over and they played as if they were already playing the final game. A lack of offense and several inexperienced defensemen was the primary reason for the downfall last night. The Pens recognized this fact early in the game and took advantage, scoring the first 4 goals of the game before Buffalo managed to get 3 past Conklin in the third. But by then it was too late and Pittsburgh went on to put 3 more in the net.

Last night's win put the Pens in first in the East (for now) and was the first time in NHL history that they had ever swept Buffalo for the season.

Injury Update - Sids sore ankle doesn't apprear to be much of a threat to keep him out of the line-up for an extended period. He is planning to play Sunday against the Flyers, as is Marian Hossa.

Pens 4, Caps 2

Recap - The Pens got the better of the Capitals today, 4-2 in an intense, high energy game. Pens goals were scored by Sykora, Crosby (2) and Staal added an empty netter to close out the game. Crosby's goals were his first since coming back from the ankle injury. His second, the games winner was a bit of a fluke being shot directly into the net by Caps defensemen, Backstrom. Malkin had an outstanding game as well, setting up three of the Pens 4 goals. Fleury had an amazing game stopping 37 of the 39 the Caps threw at him.

The win puts the Pens one point behind Eastern Conference leader, New Jersey.

My Analysis - This was a very important game for the Pens to get a win. They've won only 3 of the last 8 when they could have really put some space between themselves and the rest of the East. Pittsburgh has 12 games remaining in the regular season, of which 10 are against Atlantic Division opponents. Three against the Rangers and Flyers, two against the Islanders and Devils. And the other two games are against Eastern Conference foes as well. This will be quite an opportunity to see how well this team has come together since the bold trade deadline deals that went down two weeks ago. Pittsburgh can probably stay in the top 8 of the conference by winning half of the games through the rest of the season, but will probably need to go 8-4 or better to get home ice advantage in the playoffs.

Injury Update - Hossa is skating and looks to be about ready to return. Roberts is in the same situation.

Pens 2, Panthers 5

Recap - The Penguins must have enjoyed the last couple of days on the beach because they sure weren't ready to play a hockey game last night. They were completely outplayed, outhit and outperformed by a team that has virtually no chance of making the playoffs, 5-2. Pens goals were scored by Malone and Letang.

Florida came out on the ice in the first with a definate hunger to take control of the game and that is just what they did, scoring 3 goals in the opening period on 19 shots. Head coach, Michel Therrien showed Fleury to the bench at intermission and sent Conklin in for further pummeling. Ty did make a better showing the rest of the game, allowing only 2 goals on 23 shots, it was the lack of offense from the Pens top lines that put the game out of reach. Though the Pens did show some life in the second it was too little, too late. Florida had complete control of the game by then and dictated the tempo which the Pens could not match.

The loss allowed Montreal to take over first place in the conference. Pittsburgh is currently 2nd tied with the Canadiens in points but Montreal has a game in hand on the Pens.

Next Up - Sunday at Washtington. It is a national game on NBC at 12:30 pm

Pens 2, Lightning 0

Recap - Marc Andre Fleury earned his third shutout of the season last night blanking the Lightning, 2-0. He stopped all 35 shots Tampa Bay threw at him and was voted the #1 star of the game. Sid Crosby was brilliant in his return, earning an assist on Talbots goal at 17:13 of the third. Malkin tossed in an empty netter a few mintutes later to put the game out of reach.

With the win the Pens have taken over sole possession of first place in the East!

Next Up - Thursday night at Florida Panthers, 7:30

Injury Update - As well as Sid coming back, Ryan Whitney made his first start in a couple of weeks. Jordan Staal went on the Injury List with bruised ribs. He is listed as day-to-day. Marian Hossa is expected to return to the line-up on Sunday against Washington.

Roster Moves - To make room on the roster for Sid and Ryan, Connor James and Alex Goligoski were returned to WBS Penguins.

Weekend Recap

Recap - The Pens moved into sole possession of first in the Atlantic and second in the East with a 3-2 shootout win over the Atlanta Thrashers yesterday afternoon at the Igloo. Pens goals were scored by Malone and Talbot. The winner in the shootout was scored by Kris Letang with Sykora punching one past Thrashers goalie Lehtonen as well.

Saturday's game did not turn out as well for the Pens. They dropped a disappointing one to the Ottawa Senators, 5-4. Pittsburgh goals by Malone (2), Sykora and Malkin. Pittsburgh D Sergei Conchar took a double minor late in the second and Ottawa capitalized on the opportunity by scoring goals in each power play. The Pens were unable to comeback from that 2 goal deficit.

Next up - Tuesday at Tampa Lightning.

Analysis - Malkin has kept his pace up throughout the past 16 games and continues to lead the NHL in scoring. His name is now being tossed about as a Hart Trophy candidate. Malone has dramatically stepped up his game in the past few weeks. He is not afraid to plant himself in front of the net and take the hits that will come with that. This should really help the Pens down the playoff stretch if he can keep up this pace. Petr Sykora has become quite the asset as well lately. He is lethal on the power play and continues to rack up points on the man advantage.

Injury Update - All signs are pointing to a Sydney Crosby return this Sunday against the Capitals. Possibly a Hossa return as well which would lend a bit of intrigue to the game. This game will be broadcast nationwide on NBC and a Crosby/Hossa return, first game together would provide some good TV ratings. Looking forward to how this comes together. Gary Roberts continues getting closer to his return as well. The team has stated that he should be back in the line-up by the end of March.

News of note - Marc Andre Fluery had his first start in net since December in the Atlanta game. He turned in a very solid performance stopping 31 of 33 and only allowing one by him in the shootout. Conklin was a bit disappointing in the Ottawa game allowing a couple of soft ones by. It will be interesting to see who claims the starting spot the next couple of weeks.