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.

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 Streaking Under Bylsma

Since Dan Bylsma took over as head coach on February 15 the Penguins have compiled an outstanding record of 7-1-1 and have been able to move into playoff contention because of this. They have won 4 of 4 on the road - a huge win last night against the Florida Panthers, whom the Pens are battling for a playoff spot - and the last 5consecutive. They have not put this many wins together since a streak of 6 back in November. Bylsma has instituted his system, which encompasses aggressive playmaking by both forwards and defensemen, rugged stand-up defense at the blue line and the team has bought into it. Quickly and whole-heartedly.

The trade deadline moves that GM Ray Shero put together could prove to be the difference maker. Shero traded for the New York Islanders veteran Bill Guerin on Wednesday and earlier traded Ryan Whitney to the Ducks for forward Chris Kunitz. Both Kunitz and Guerin played on the first line with Sidney Crosby last night. This line combination looks to be formidable and immediately made a difference in the game. Guerin assisted on the Pens first goal by Crosby and Kunitz has made a difference with his ability to play in front of the net as well as being an aggressive playmaker on the boards. Guerin should prove to be able to play with Sid as very few others are capable of once the two play a few more games with each other.

Whether or not the Penguins will make the playoffs remains to be seen. If they can continue performing at the high level they have in the past nine games it could be inevitable.

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 vs. Islanders Preview

The Islanders visit the Igloo tonight at 7:30. The Pens lead the season series 4 to 3 with all 7 games, with the exception of the most recent a 4-1 loss, begin very competitive. I do not expect that fact to change tonight but I do think that Pittsburgh will take the Islanders more seriously this time. Even though New York has no chance of making the playoffs, Ted Nolan has this team believing that the games they still have remaining are worth winning, if for nothing more than to play spoilers.

Sidney Crosby is expected to be back in the line up after missing the last 7 games with a recurrence of the ankle injury. Sid and Marian Hossa will be on the same line for the first time so anticipation of this is at a very high level. Expect Sid and Hossa to be a lethal combination throughout the remaining games and playoffs. This should force opposing teams to load up the best defensemen against the top line and allow the Malkin/Malone/Sykora line to have a considerable amount of offensive freedom since they will not have the top tier defense playing against them.

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 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 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.

A Little Standings Analysis

With the Penguins sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Eastern Conference I thought I'd take this 3 day break from games and do a little playoff seeding analysis.

Here's a look at the current standings:



If the season ended today the Pens would face off against the Ottawa Senators again. However, the situation would be different because the Pens have home ice advantage. As well as this obvious advantage, Pittsburgh is within reach of breaking the team record for season wins on the road. The record is currently 23, set in 1992-93 (the greatest Pens team that didn't win a Stanley Cup). They would have to win 4 of the last 5 to beat this record. That is an additional advantage this team has over last years.

While the Pens are 1-3 head up against the Sens this season the tallied a HUGE come from behind victory against Ottawa last Thanksgiving Day that proved to be a turning point in the season. Two of the three remaining games were settled by one goal, of which one was an OT loss. So, in review Pittsburgh has been very competitive against Ottawa and will be even more so with the trade day deals that occurred. I know that Marian Hossa would really enjoy putting his ex-team away if given the opportunity.

With 12 games to go and the Pens sitting in fourth with 85 points, they need only secure 6 more points in the remaining games to secure a playoff berth. But home ice would be some much better. To secure home ice for at least the first round they would need to earn around 15 (my guess) points in the remaining. Since the Rangers are tied in points with Ottawa, and the Pens have 3 games remaining against NY it would be very advantageous to take all three of those games, as many points as possible in the 3 Philly games and 4 points in the 2 games vs. the Devils. This would, in my estimation, insure a first place finish in the Atlantic and top 2 in the conference. In this case they would probably face Philadelphia or Boston in the first round.

With all of that being said, I believe it's most important to say that no one can predict what is going to happen down the stretch. There is nothing in professional sports quite like what is going to occur in the NHL in the next 4 weeks. Everyone, including teams that have no shot whatsoever of getting into the playoffs (as evidenced by last weeks loss to the Panthers), play at a level that they have not attained until this time in the season. Every player, on every team knows that if they are not playing for a playoff spot, they are playing for their next contract, or to show what skills they can give to a team for another playoff run next season.

Here is my prediction of how it is going to play out:

1. Montreal
2. Pittsburgh
3. Carolina
4. New Jersey
5. NY Rangers
6. Ottawa
7. Boston
8. Philadelphia

This would put the Pens in a first round match up against Boston. More analysis on this match up to come...

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 @ Caps Today

The Pens are visiting the red hot Washington Capitals this afternoon at 12:30 pm. Marian Hossa is not in the starting line-up as many, including myself, expected that he would be. The game is being nationally televised on NBC and is getting a lot of exposure for the #1 and #2 leading scorers in the NHL (Ovechkin and Malkin) will be going against each other.

There was an interesting story in today's Pittsburgh Tribune Review concerning the pressure that is on Michel Therrien's ability to win a couple of playoff series in the upcoming weeks:

See full story here:

Joe Starkey is very insightful concerning the internal workings of the team and it is not an exception this time. I completely agree that this is Therrien's make or break time with the Penguins. They will need to win and they will need to go deep in the playoffs for him to remain behind the bench, at least the Pittsburgh bench. Ray Shero's moves at the trade deadline only solidified this belief. Going out to sign a player of Hossa's stature, sent a message to everyone that it is now time for the Penguins to win.

More on today's game later. The game should be fantastic!

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.

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.

Weekend Wrapup

The Pens had a couple of tough losses over the weekend. Saturday's game against the Senators ended with an Ottawa goal at 4:56 of overtime. Pittsburgh lost 4-3 when Daniel Alfredsson lifted a backhander past Pens goalie Ty Conklin. Pens goals were scored by Sykora, Armstrong and Taffe.

Pittsburgh had a comfortable 3-0 lead halfway through the second against an Ottawa team that looked flat and unmotivated. When the Sens finally managed to get one past Conklin there was no looking back as they went on to score four unanswered goals to steal two points.

On Sunday afternoon, after a 25 minute delay due to a Zamboni malfunction that left a pool of hydraulic fluid on the ice, the Sharks got past Pittsburgh in a shootout win. Final score 2-1. The lone Pens goals was scored by Christensen. Shootout goals by Christensen and Letang. San Jose was able to put all three past Conklin.

While Pittsburgh played well in both games, they were unable to hold a three goal lead against Ottawa and were unable to generate anything resembling an offense against San Jose. Pens head coach Michel Therrien praised his team after the Ottawa game for doing everything they could to win. I wholeheartedly disagree! The effort to hold the lead was just not there. Granted Sens goale Ray Emery was outstanding in net while saving 32 of 35, but there would have been no need to score more than the three Pittsburgh scored had they played to win instead of playing not to lose. And against the Sharks, the Pens just looked tired. They played hard but it seemed to be without purpose. That fact is clearly visible on the scoresheet as neither team was able to put up any goals until the third. Pittsburgh's power play that had been converting at around 30% for the past 15 games was held to 1 for 9 (11%)in both games combined.

Pens red hot center, Evgeni Malkin, was held without a point in both games. He was dogged into submission, much like last seasons playoff series, by Ottawa defenseman Anton Volchenkov on Saturday and was not a visible force on the ice against the Sharks.

It is a pretty good assumption that the Penguins will meet the Senators again in the playoffs. For this current team to win that series they will need to believe that they are able to beat an Ottawa team that will be even more hungry to win than the team that was on the ice on Saturday.

Next up - tonight vs. the New York Islanders

Injury Update - while I expected Sydney Crosby to get back on the ice against the Canadiens on Thursday, he remains on IR while still participating in full contact practices. I admire the fact that Pittsburgh is clearly waiting to get him back in the lineup until they are sure his injured ankle is fully healed, but it looks to me as if they need the shot of adrenalin his return will produce.

New of Note - Nathan Smith was sent back to WBS Penguins on Monday. He was scoreless in the 12 games he played for Pittsburgh.

Marc Andre Fleury has returned to the Penguins after playing 5 games for the WBS Penguins and putting up some outstanding numbers in those games. The Pens have decided to keep 3 goalies on the roster for now. Look for Fleury to get a start in one of the back-to-back games coming up this weekend.

Pens 3, Florida 2

The Penguins overcame a 2-0 third period deficit to beat the Florida Panthers last night at the Igloo. Pens goals scored by Armstrong and Malone (2). Once again Pittsburgh came out looking rather flat and then put together an outstanding third period to steal 2 points away from the Panthers. There is a lot to be said of this performance but looking ahead to tomorrow night's match with the Canadiens, they will have a much harder time recovering from a two goal deficit. Montreal is a much better team and will not allow the breakdowns that Florida did.

News of Note - Evgeni Malkin's two assists last night put him in the leader spot for the NHL scoring race. Congrats to Evgeni! Could be interesting seeing Geno and Sid competing for that trophy the rest of the season...








Ty Conklin continues his assault on the NHL Goaltending leaders as well. He is first in SV% at .932 and third in GAA at 2.18









Complete NHL stats can be found here

Injury Update - Sid's been skating very strong and looks like he is ready to play. Look for him to be in the starting line-up tomorrow against Montreal. This will be very big news as the game is in Canada. Marc Andre Fluery continues to impress in his rehab assignment in Wilkes Barre/Scranton and should be brought back up late this week.

I am looking forward to see what the forward lines look like when Sid gets back in the line-up. It's got to be tough, from a coaching standpoint, to break up the Malkin/Malone/Sykora line since they have been absolutely outstanding the past month. Here is what I'd like to see:

Line 1 - Crosby/Staal/Armstrong
Line 2 - Malkin/Malone/Sykora

Armstrong and Crosby play very well together when they are on the same line. Staal has really raised the level of his game in recent days and deserves his shot at the top. I see no reason that Malkin's like should change in any way.

Pens 4, Sabres 1

The Pens put a good trouncing on the Buffalo Sabres last night in Buffalo, 4-1. Buffalo opened the game with a flurry of shots at Pens goalie, Ty Conklin, throughout the first period. Conklin weathered that storm of pucks to preserve a tie after one. The Pens opened the second period by scoring on a Jarkko Ruutu breakaway at 7:28 and never gave up the lead. Sykora got the game winner, Malkin chipped in his 34 of the season in the third and Colby Armstrong tallied an empty netter at the end of the third to put the Sabres away once and for all.

Pittsburgh was flat coming out in the first and allowed Buffalo to gain momentum, which led to 17 shots on goal in the first 20 minutes. After the intermission the teams looked to be on much more even footing. It would have been awesome to hear what was said in that locker room during the intermission but osmehow I doubt I would re-print much of it at all since it would look something like this:

"look you @#^&*%#@, time to get your $#%^ together and #%^&$%#@@ play some @$%%&^%# hockey!" or something like that...

It's going to be a tough week ahead for the Pens as Sunday's game was the first of 5 over the next 8 days. Next up is Florda on Tuesday at home, at Montreal on Thursday, Ottawa at the Igloo on Saturday and another home game on Sunday against San Jose. Looking at the conference standings the Montreal and Ottawa games look to be the important ones to come away with 2 points.

Injury Update - Sid Crosby looks to be back in playing form and I suspect he will be on the ice for the Montreal game. Marc Andre Fleury should be returning from his rehab stint in Wilkes Barre and should also be back on the ice this week.