2000th Visitor!

The 2000th visitor to this blog occurred some time this morning. I'd like to thank all of you loyal readers for continuing to return. Much appreciated!

When I first started writing here, I never thought anyone would even read it. Much to my surprise, there actually have been people to visit and return on several occsacions. And, as a complete shock I've been pulled into doing some advertising for a marketing firm that represent Versus!

So, going forward, my goals remain the same as they were when I started this effort. To report on as many games as possible, to lend my own analysis to the conversation and to have a good time while doing so.

Once again, thanks to everyone that has stopped by...

Pens 3, Islanders 2

The Penguins finally won a game against a division opponent when they beat the New York Islanders by the score of 3-2. This was an important victory for the Pens as it kept them out of the Atlantic Division basement and insured that the Isles stayed there. Goals for the Pens were scored by Crosby, Whitney and Tyler Kennedy chipped in the game winner on a power play. This was Kennedy's first 3 point game in the NHL!

The win put the Pens in the top 8 of the East. I know it's a little early to be talking playoffs but with the Atlantic Division only separated by only 7 points first to last nearly half way through the season it seems to be a good time to start thinking about it. If the division remains as tight as it is, it's very possible that 4 teams from the Atlantic could make the playoffs. This is what makes December games against division opponents so important.

Next up, Tuesday 8pm against the New York Rangers.

News of Note: While I make sure to watch every game on TV, I am not able to attend many games in person, I will be going to the game on Friday night against the Isles. This will be my first game of the season (hopefully not last!) so I will have an abundance of news to report on Saturday morning. Make sure to check back this weekend!

Rough Week for the Pens

The Penguins had a rather tough week losing a bruising game to the Flyers by the score of 8-2 and dropping one last night at the Igloo to the Senators 4-1.
For the Flyers game, while being quite entertaining with the 4 fights and nearly 250 penalty minutes doled out by the referees, it was evident that the team was tired following a trip through Western Canada. They played uninspired and let Philadelphia have their way physically in the early parts of the game. When the Flyers build a lead in the second period it got ugly, real ugly. The Flyers took several cheap shots which the Pens retaliated for and it was downhill from there. Game misconducts, 10 minute majors, fighting majors and countless penalties followed.

The Ottawa game was a different story and was actually a much closer game than the score would indicate. The game was tied into the third when the Sens were able to get a couple past Dany Sabourin to make it 3-1 with an empty netter at the end.

Injury Update: Marc Andre Fleury is out for the next month with a high ankle sprain so the Pens called Ty Conklin up from the Baby Pens. Look for a Conklin start possibly against the Islanders on Saturday the 15th and probably on one of the back-to-back games on the 20th or 21st.

Notes: Sid Crosby was held without a point for only the third game this season. Sid is 5th in the NHL in points only 7 behind Tampa's Lecavalier. Sid continues to lead all NHL players in All Star votes.

Pens 3, Flames 2 SHOOTOUT!

An unlikely hero, Kris Letang, netted the game winner in for the Pens in a shootout victory over the Calgary Flames last night. Letang was the round four shooter and lifted the puck beautifully over Calgary's goaltender, Miikka Kiprusoff. Preceeding Letang in the shootout were Sykora (goal), Crosby (saved) and Malkin (saved). Calgary's Kristian Huselius was the lone scorer in the shootout for the Flames.

Marc Andre Fleury left the game a few minutes into the first period with an apparent leg (or ankle) injury and was replaced, admirably, by Dany Sabourin. Future updates on Fleury's status will be posted as they become known.

Regulation goals for the Pens were from Malkin, a power play goal, and Ryan Malone with an outstanding short handed goal that tied the score midway through the third period.

All in all an outstanding effort from the Pens the last three games. They have managed to come from from behind in two of the three and put a thorough pounding on the Coyotes in the other. They have played soundly in the defensive end and have been gritty up front, constantly crashing the net.

Pittsburgh has now won three in a row and 6 out of the last 7. Quite a good streak considering 5 of those 7 games have been on the road.

There has been a lot of media interest in the Pens this week as this trip was the first time Sid Crosby has played in Western Canada in his three years in the NHL. This is a result of the unbalanced schedule the the NHL recently trashed in favor of one where each team plays all other teams as least once a season. There will always be intense media scrutiny on Sid but should not be as much if Pittsburgh plays every other season in each arena. And by the way, how is it possible that a 20 year old is able to be so mature and stand up to all of the pressure placed on his shoulders the way Crosby is able to do?

Just a point of interest that I noticed and was dicussing with a co-working this morning - the ice up north is awesome! Just watching the past two games, and making a comparison to what I've seen in Pittsburgh this season, the speed of the game is incredibly different. The puck does not bounce around on the ice and the players are able to make crisp, clean passes without wondering where the puck is going to go. Great job to the ice crews in Edmonton and Calgary!

Penguins 4, Stars 1

The Pens put a beating on the Dallas Stars last night by the score of 4 to 1. Pittsburgh goals by Crosby, Sid had two, Kennedy and Malkin. Sid's first goal came on the first shift of the game, 24 seconds from faceoff, set the tempo for the entire game. Dallas was a tired looking bunch, always a half second behind whatever the Pens were doing.
Marc Andre Fleury had another solid game stopping 22 of 23 shots the Stars threw his way. It appears as if the confidence he was missing earlier in the season has returned.
While the first half of November was very miserable to the Pens the second half turned out pretty good. They have won 5 of the last 6 and are now within 6 points of taking over first in the Atlantic division.
Next up Toronto away tonight at 7. The Pens have a rather tough stretch of games coming up. 8 of the next 10 are on the road including a trio of games in Western Canada. If they can get 14 points of so in this stetch of games they will be in really good shape going into Christmas.

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Pens 5, Thrashers zip

Marc Andre Fleury earned his second shutout of the season by blanking the Atlanta Thrashers 5-0 Saturday night in the Igloo. Pittsburgh goals were scored by Staal (about time!), Malone, Crosby, Armstrong and Whitney.

The high scoring output looks to be the result of Head Caoch Michel Therrien constructing a top line of Crosby, Malone and Armstong. They seem to have instantly taken to each other and developed an amazing chemistry. This is the first time Armstrong has skated with Crosby since the beginning of the 2006 - 2007 season. I like it!

Fleury looked incredible. He displayed impeccable mechanics, was always in position to stop Atlanta shots and really looked as if his head was back to where it should be.

Looking at the last two games together, it looks like the team has turned a corner. The Ottawa game may be the turning point we have been hoping for this season. Being able to beat the top team in the East game the Pens a load of confidence that they have been missing and that confidence was on display from the first puck dropped last night.

Jordan Stall got his second of the season with a "garbage goal" early in the first, which proved to be the game winner. He was all over the ice the rest of the game. Hope he keeps this up as it will have a huge impact on the entire team.

Both Crosby and Malkin have seen their point streaks end in the past few games. Crosby finished with 18 and Malkin with 14.

The Pens have the next 6 days off. Quite a strange break in the middle of the season. This could have a negative effect on their momentum but I'm thinking that Therrien will really drill them hard in practice the next couple of days just to keep that intensity alive. Next up Friday night at the Igloo against the Dallas Stars.

Pens 6, Senators 5 SHOOTOUT

The Penguins won an exciting, well played game against the Ottawa Senators Thursday night in a shootout. The final score was 6-5. Pittsburgh goals were scored by Malkin, Malone with two, Kennedy and Gonchar. Christensen and Ruutu scored in the shootout with Ruutu getting the winner.

All in all a very intereresting game. The Pens overcame 2 goal deficits two times to force the game into overtime. The Pens put fourth the effort to bring down the best team so far in the East. This is the way they should be playing every night. They looked like they wanted to win and knew that is was possible.

Next up tonight at the Igloo versus the Thrashers

Pens Vs. Devils Tonight

The Penguins take on the Devils tonight at Mellon Arena. This is an important game for the Pens to win. They are tied for last (last!) place with New Jersey in the Atlantic Division at 18 points. A win tonight would put the Penguins 2 points ahead of the Devils who would then be in sole possesion of last place.

Pittsburgh's been pretty tough against the Devils so far this season losing 2 games by a goal each and earning a 5-0 vitory earlier this month. The home crowd is sure to get the Pens fired up early and might prove to be the difference. It is usually a very rowdy crowd at the Igloo on the night before Thanksgiving - I've been there myself many times - so here's to that type of crowd tonight.

Injury Update: Max Talbot is out for the next 3 games with a twisted ankle which he suffered during a practice early this week.

Don't forget the Pens play again tomorrow night in Ottawa. A rare Thanksgiving Day game...

Pens 3, Rangers 4 OT

The Pens lost one in overtime on Saturday at the Igloo. Once again they blew a 2 goal first period lead, allowing the Rangers to score 3 unanswered goals before tying the score at three five minutes into the 3rd period. A defensive error led to the OT winner less than 2 minutes into the extra frame. Pens goals were scored by Talbot, a shortie, his fifth of the year, Crosby, who kept his point streak alive at 19 games, and Sykora netted his 9th of the season. Malkin also kept his point streak alive by assisting on Sykora's goal.

Pittsburgh has had a very tough time playing with a lead this season. I count this to be the fifth game that they have managed to lose a two goal lead and either lose outright or lose in overtime. Not a good omen for the upcoming months. If the Pens are to go deep, let alone make, the playoffs they will need to learn to tighten down that defensive hatch when they have a lead, play a gritty, hard-nosed game that they have shown they are able to play, and learn to close out the games. Period.

Paul Coffey Inducted Into Penguins Hall of Fame

Defensemen Paul Coffey was inducted into the Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame in a ceremony preceding the Pens/Isles game on Thursday evening. Paul played for the Pens from 1987 to 1992 helping the team to win two Stanley Cups.

Coffey played in 331 games for Pittsburgh scoring 108 goals and 332 assists.

Congratulations to Paul for a spectacular career!

Pens 3, Islanders 2

The Pens broke their 4 game losing streak with a win against the Islanders at Mellon Arena on Thursday night. Goals were scored by Gonchar, Sykora and Laraque (that's right in case you just did a double take - his first in a Penguins uniform) got the game winner. Fleury did a good job in front of the net stopping 26 or 28 Islander shots.

The Pens did a nice job against the usually pesky Islanders. The Islanders have given the Pens a though time the past 8 or 10 seasons. They are normally a gritty, hard nosed team that comes out and plays to win every game. Adding Ted Nolan behind the bench will only generate more of that same style. The Pens knew that they needed to bring two points out of the contest and they played the whole game with that desire on display. This is the way they should come out and play every game. Maybe it's a start of a good thing, maybe it will take more to wake them up. Either way they earned 2 much needed points and did not allow a division rival any points in the standings.

Somthing to take note of: Malkin and Crosby both have lengthy point scoring streaks going on. Crosby has scored a point or more in all 18 games this season and Malkin has a point in 12 consecutive. I will keep this updated as the steaks continue.

Another item of note: Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor were both healthy scratches for the Isles game. I think maybe Michel Therrien read Joe Starkey's article in the Trib the other day?

Next up - tonight at the Igloo vs. the New York Rangers...I hate typing those words.

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Pens Drop Fourth In A Row

The Penguins lost their fourth consecutive game, and 6th out of the last 7, to the Devils on Monday night. The past 6 games have all been against Atlantic Division rivals and the Pens have only managed to earn 2 points. In a word, pathetic.

But Pittsburgh has a chance to redeem themselves in the upcoming days. The next 3 games are all against division opponents and are all at the Igloo. Now is the time to make up some of those points that were given away the past 2 weeks.

Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review has a good analysis of the teams latest effort here.

Much of what Joe writes I completely agree with and have been saying myself for the past few weeks.

Pens Show off Finalized Arena Plans

The Pittsburgh Penguins unveiled the finalized plans for their new arena yesterday. The building will hold about 18,500 hockey fans, about 2,000 more than the Igloo, and will incorporate an eighty foot high glass wall which will offer sightlines of the downtown cityscape.

Click here for a slideshow presentation of the new schetches:

New Arena Slideshow

Pens Recall Letang, Send Two to WBS

Yesterday the Penguins sent D Alain Nasreddine and C Tyler Kennedy to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Kris Letang was called up from the baby Pens to fill the open defensemen spot.

Easy call to make in my opinion. This will be Letang's first stint with the big team this season after a relatively short 7 games with the Pens at the beginning of last season. Time for him to step up and show that he is ready to be an NHL defensemen.

Time to Get It Together

The Pens have lost 4 of the past 5 and have given points to divison rivals that may come back to haunt later in the season. It's time to get this thing turned around.

The past few games it has been the Pens old enemy, the DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN, that has reared its ugly face. Defensemen have not had their heads in the games and have made mistake after mistake. The opposition has, gladly, taken advantage on many occasions.

Still looking for several of the Penguins key guys to step it up to. Staal has still not gotten back to his form from last season. Colby Armstrong has spent several consecutive games on the healty scratch list. Roberts and Recchi are still hanging back begin incognito.

Tonight the Pens face the Flyers for the second time in 3 games. I am sure Michel Therrien has had a few words with the team the past couple of days. I am very interested to see what the teams attitude is at the drop of the puck tonight.

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Pens 2, Islanders 3

For the second game in a row the Pens managed to blow a 2 goal first period lead and lose the game by the score of 3-2. Looks like it's time for the coaching staff to teach the guys how to play with a lead.

Pittsburgh goals were scored by Malone and Tyler Kennedy, his first in the NHL. Congrats go out to Kennedy.

Jumping the Gun?

Okay, okay...Many of you may be thinking I jumped to gun a bit with my last post but let me put this into perspective. The number 1 line of Crosby, Malkin and Sykora have accounted for all of the goals in the Penguins last 2 games. This line has been together since the Montreal game last week. Crosby is on fire and that may be directly related to a chemistry starting to form with his linemates. Or it may not. Malkin and Sykora are top tier NHL talent and may just be a tremendous compliment to Sid.

Marc Andre - how's the head? With Sabourins rough second period in Colorado last night, I'm assuming you will get the start tomorrow when the team visits Long Island. Hope you worked on your mechanics during the time off. You should be much better for it.

Jordan Staal - are you there? 1 goal and 1 assist in 12 games?

Erik Christensen - sure you made that sweet shootout goal last week against the Canadiens but you too have Staal's exact numbers.

Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi 1 goal each also in 12 games?

Max Talbot has equaled all four of your goal production. Combined!

This is what is bothering me today. My feel from last nights game was that the number 1 line was doing all of the work and many of the other players that the team depends on to produce are getting a very slow start.

Which is all it might be. I know that the first month of the season is mostly about getting a chemistry and cohesion going so I will withhold judgement for now. Just know that I AM WATCHING!!!