Crosby to Return Tonight?

AP is reporting that Sid may lace up the skates and return to the ice for tonight's game against the Islanders.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-penguins-crosby&prov=ap&type=lgns

More to come later...

Pens vs. Devils Tonight

Preview - The Pens and Devils face off tonight at the Igloo. Game time is 7:30.

This will be the seventh time these two teams have met this season and possibly the most important game the Pens will play before the playoff begin. Pittsburgh is 2-4 against the Devils this season but three of the four losses have been by one goal. This game is particulary of note as the winner will gain a two point lead in the Atlantic Division.

The Devils had a tough one playing the Islanders last night, losing in the final minute of the game. Playing back-to-back nights after such a loss is usually a good indication that they will not be ready to step on the ice and give it their all. If Pittsburgh can come out aggressive and with a high level of intensity they will have a good shot at putting the game away early.

Injury Update - Sid Crosby is going to sit out at least one more to rest his sore ankle. While he continues to skate and participate in practice drills he has elected to give it some more time to heal. This will not be an issue if the team continues to be competitive in his absence. But if they start losing some points in the remaining games then it will make their playoff seeding harder and may even take away home ice advantage.

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.

Game preview: Pens @ Florida Panthers

Preview - The Pens continue their road trip with a match tonight in Southern Florida. Catch the game at 7:30 on FSN-HD.

Pittsburgh is 3-0 against the Panthers this season, only allowing 3 goals in the three games. The two teams played a home/home series in early January with the Pens only giving up one goal in those two games. Conklin earned a shutout in the first game and only gave up one in the second. In the third game of this seasons series, Ryan Malone was the hero, scoring 2 goals in the final 3:20 of the game to erase a 2-1 deficit and earn the win. Tonight's game should not be much different than the previous 3. The Panthers are near the bottom of the conference and really have little to play for except pride. If the Pens start out with the intensity they have been able to play with recently, there should be little doubt as to the outcome of this match. My prediction: Pens 4, Panthers 1.

Injury Update - Jordan Staal should rejoin the line-up tonight. His bruised ribs have healed enough since the last game to allow him to skate.

News of Note - The Pens will break their previous record of sellouts in a single season when the Sabres visit the Igloo next Wednesday. The previous record of 34 was set in 1988-89 and tied again in 1989-90. Since the remaining games this season are expected to be sold out, expect that record to be at 42 when playoff time rolls around. This will also put the consecutive games sold out at 55 going back to March of 2007.

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.

Sid's Back on the Ice! Roberts too!

Penguins center and team captain, Sidney Crosby laced up the skates earlier this week. His time on the ice has been limited and he has not particiapted in any type of organized practice, but for him to get back on the ice only 3 weeks after his high ankle sprain is remarkable.

The Pens have gone 3-2-2 since Sid's injury on January 18th and have been very competititive on the ice during that time. The training staff has been very careful about getting Marc Andre Fluery back on the ice - of course, this has been made possible by the outstanding play of Ty Conklin - and will probably do the same with Sid. At least this will probably be the case as long as Pittsburgh remains in the hunt for the division lead.

Gary Roberts has also made his way back on the ice as well. He suffered a fractured late last year. Also a pretty amazing feat for a 42 year old!

Crosby Out 6 to 8 Weeks

The Penguins web site is reporting that Sidney Crosby will be out 6 to 8 weeks to recover from the high ankle sprain that occurred during the Tampa Bay game on Friday 1/18.

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