Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Battle or Go Golfing!

By: MF, The Pens Hockey Show

That uneasy feeling, nervousness, uncertainty, and heart pounding sensation that all the Pittsburgh Penguins fans are experiencing right now. It must be an elimination Game Seven in the NHL Playoffs. This is now do or die for the Penguins as they face the New York Rangers at Consol Energy Center to battle for the chance to move onto the Eastern Conference Finals. The Penguins were leading the series 3-1 going into Game Five, but the Rangers blew out the Penguins 5-1. Then the Rangers continued to show the Penguins they were not ready to go away quietly with a 3-1 win in Game Six at Madison Square Garden. This time one team will move on to fight for the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup, and one team will head to the golf course waiting till next season for another chance. The Penguins have been playing a lack luster two games after great performances to earn the series lead 3-1. Things have chance though for the Penguins and the Rangers pounced on the chance to take this series to a Game Seven. Now the Penguins have backed themselves into a corner and will have to fight to come out with the win. The Penguins will have to work hard, battle, and not rely solely on their talented forwards to get the win. It will take much more effort by the Penguins to move onto the next round of the playoffs. The Penguins held a morning skate today and the only missing person was Brooks Orpik. It will be interesting to see if Coach Dan Bylsma decides to change somethings up in the lineup to give the Penguins a spark going into this elimination game. The Penguins have to come out with speed, fore-checking, and a fire under them. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Stemniak
Jokinen, Geno, Neal
Gibbons, Sutter, Vitale
Glass, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Niskanen
Scuderi, Bortuzzo

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Rangers 2

3rd Period
0:00- The Pens are eliminated by the Rangers in a 2-1 loss. The refs were horrible throughout the series, but in the end the Pens couldn't come out on top. Great season by the Pens and I am sad to see it end. Just words cannot describe how I feel right now.

3:15- 4 on 4 is over.

5:15- The Pens crash the net and bodies are laying everywhere. 4 on 4 hockey as Geno is in the box for the Pens.

6:52- The Pens are getting some looks at the net, but Lundqvist robs them. The Pens will have to get a dirty goal to tie this up.

8:09- The Rangers ice the puck.

11:10- Maatta almost knocks the puck into the net after Flower puck handles it.

13:20- Stempniak makes a spin pass to Sutter in the slot area. Sutter fires one and Lundqvist snaps the puck out of the air.

16:24- Geno is once again robbed again by Lundqvist. The Pens are getting quality chances on net.

18:46- Neal and Geno battle for the puck and a chance on net, but Lundqvist is strong in the net.

20:00- Third period and it's do or die for the Pens! Time to fight and never give up! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens are down 2-1 to the Rangers.

2:03- Neal is all alone right on Lundqvist's doorstep, but Neal puts the shot right in his bread basket. The Pens need to keep things like that going and not like the Rangers get any space or time.

7:51- The Pens are getting some chances, but will need to step up to another level to tie this game back up and take the lead for the first time in this game.

12:02- RICHARDS SCORES ON THE PP! St.Louis puts a pass by Maatta from the side of the net to Richards in the slot. He roofs one and the Rangers get a PP goal. 2-1 Rangers.

13:16- Niskanen is headed to the box for tripping and the Rangers are getting a PP.

15:45- JOKINEN SCORES! Lundqvist makes the first save on Maatta, but Jokinen puts the rebound in the back of the net! A huge goal by Jokinen and this crowd is going nuts! 1-1 tie game!

16:37- The Pens battle on the boards and draw players. The Pens win and pass it across to Martin who fires one, but Lundqvist makes the glove save.

18:40- The Pens avoid danger with the Rangers getting some space and time in the Pens zone.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens need to continue to pressure the Rangers in the offensive zone and not let them have any space/time! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and the Rangers have the lead 1-0 over the Pens.

0:33- The Pens kill off the Rangers short PP and Neal is released.

1:23- Rangers now have a PP for 46 seconds.

2:33- Neal takes a holding penalty. 4 on 4 hockey for 1:04.

3:23- The Pens will get the first PP of the game as Kreider goes to the box for holding on Sid.

4:47- The Pens are getting some great offensive zone time and fore-checking on the Rangers. If they keep this up they will get one behind Lundqvist.

6:22- The Pens are getting more chances on net.

8:26- Huge save by Flower on a shot from St.Louis with Richards right on his doorstep.

10:01- Sid is doubled shifted and they create a scoring chance. This crowd has come alive and giving the Pens the momentum.

11:44- Sid's line pressures the Rangers in the offensive zone. The Pens have to keep up that kind of pressure as it brings the building alive.

14:35- BOYLE SCORES! The Rangers create an odd man opportunity. Maatta goes to block the pass attempt, but it goes through to Boyle in front. He puts it five hole. 1-0 Rangers.

14:57- Bortuzzo gets a shot from the blue line after Sutter creates a turnover in the Rangers zone. Lundqvist makes the save.

15:34- The Pens don't seem to be creating the shooting storm on Lundqvist just yet, but look fine.

20:00-  The puck has dropped on Game 7! The Pens will have to work hard, battle, and not rely solely on their talented forwards to get the win! Lets Go Pens! 

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Back into the Rangers Zone!

By: MF, The Pens Hockey Show

It's time for game six at Madison Square Garden between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers! The Penguins lead the series 3-2 and can eliminate the Rangers tonight moving onto the third round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Penguins missed the chance to close out this series Friday night in Pittsburgh, losing 5-1 to the Rangers. The Penguins played a slow game to begin with and needed up getting behind early. Once this happened the Penguins weren't able to dig themselves out of the hole they created. They had some good chances on net, but couldn't get them past the Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers survived another day and extended the series. At the Penguins practice today their were only two missing from their practice. Brooks Orpik (undisclosed injury) and Olli Maatta. Derek Engelland filled in for Maatta. Dan Blysma did not mention the reason for Maatta missing the Penguins practice. The Penguins have to play a full 60 minute game and not let up on the Rangers, who are a desperate team. It's time for the Penguins to finish up this series and move onto the next round of the playoffs! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Stempniak
Jokinen, Geno, Neal
Bennett, Sutter, Vitale
Gibbons, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Niskanen
Scuderi, Bortuzzo

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 1 RANGERS 3

3rd Period
0:00- Rangers win 3-1 and force a game seven. The Pens will head back to Pittsburgh and will have to play a more passionate game if they want to move on. The Pens need to found their passion and bring it Tuesday. See everyone Tuesday. Hopefully the Pens come out to play.

0:09- Neal gets 10 minute misconduct penalty.

2:20- The Pens have an empty net.

5:08- The Pens get some offensive zone pressure after the kill, but they are unable to put one pass Lundqvist.

6:24- The Pens kill off another.

8:24- Bennett off for high sticking. Pens have to kill off a Rangers PP.

9:32- The Pens have had a few chances on net, but can't seem to get on in the net.

14:08- Zuccarello is robbed by the poke check of Flower!

14:23- The Pens PP comes to an end. Time is becoming the Pens enemy at this point.

15:20- Pens PP for 58 seconds.

16:23- Tanger is hooked up by Zuccarello on his breakaway chance. 4 on 4 for 1:03.

17:20- Neal now off to the box for tripping. Rangers PP.

18:00- The Pens kill the Rangers PP. Sid and Kuni are released.

20:00- Time for the third period and the Pens to get some pucks on net! The Rangers will get a PP as Sid (cross-checking) and Kuni (roughing) are in the box. Boyle is in the box for cross-checking. Lets get this back Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Rangers lead 3-1 over the Pens.

2:59- The Pens are passing the puck way too much. The Pens need to put pucks on net and just simply shoot the puck.

4:30- BASSARD SCORES! Letang, Martin, and Sutter gets overpowered in front of the net. Bassard knocks a loose into the net. 3-1 Rangers.

4:55- The Pens PP ends right after Sid gets a scoring chance and his stick breaks.

6:55- Zuccarello trips up Scuderi and will head to the box. The Pens to the PP.

9:18- The Pens kill off another Rangers PP.

10:11- Gibbons with speed creates a breakaway, but is robbed by the pads of Lundqvist.

11:18- Bennett heads to the sin bin for interference and Rangers to the PP.

11:43- The Pens PP is over and Tanger goes down after a shot block. Still on the ice.

13:11- 1:06 PP for the Pens.

14:05- 4 on 4 for 55 seconds as Kreider is called for goalie interference.

15:11- The Pens are called for too many men on the ice and the Rangers get a huge PP opportunity.

17:09- Vitale dives and is able to swing at a loose puck in front of the net, but Lundqvist makes the pad save.

20:00- The second period is underway! The Pens have to come out ready to play and put pucks on net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and the Pens have cut the Rangers lead in half 2-1.

1:16- Stephan breaks between the two Pens defense, but Flower sweeps away the puck.

3:03- SUTTER SCORES! Sutter fires a shot towrds the net and it goes of a Ranger defender's skate past Lundqvist! The Pens break the ice! 2-1 Rangers.

6:40- The Pens PP is killed. Niskanen had to great chances, but the Pens needed to put more pucks on net to create something.

8:40- Kreider takes a roughing penalty. The Pens get a PP.

9:00- The Pens kill it and Flower was huge with the save on the PK.

11:00- Jokinen will sit for roughing and the Rangers will get a PP chance.

11:27- The Rangers are overwhelming the Pens right now. The Pens need to find their passion for this game.

13:35- HAGELIN SCORES! Bortuzzo pinches and is caught up ice. Hagelin is blocked by Scuderi on the 2 on 1 chance, but gets the loose puck. He backhands one in. 2-0 Rangers.

16:26- ST. LOUIS SCORES! The Pens get overwhelmed early. The Rangers crash the net and the puck bounces off St. Louis all alone at the side of the net, behind Flower. 1-0 Rangers.

17:15- Sid, Kuni, and Geno all get chances and hold the puck in the offensive zone for awhile. Good sequence by the Pens.

20:00- The puck has dropped on Game Six! The Pens have to be ready for a desperate Rangers team and take it to them! Time to finish this! Lets Go Pens! 

Friday, May 9, 2014

Handshake Time!

By: MF, The Pens Hockey Show

The Penguins are back in Pittsburgh for Game Five against the New York Rangers at Consol Energy Center. This could be the end of the postseason for the Rangers as the Penguins lead the series 3-1 with a chance to close everything out tonight. The Penguins haven't had any chances to the lineup with exception to Brooks Orpik. Orpik left Wednesday's night game during the first period with an injury and did not return. He wasn't on the ice for the Penguins pregame skate and looks like he will be out again tonight. On a side note, it was a sad day for Martin St. Louis as his mother (63 years old) died yesterday. It was released that he would be in the lineup for the game tonight, but my warm wishes to him and his family through this sad time for them. Now back to the Penguins! The Penguins have to play a forechecking game from the beginning and keep the Rangers from getting any puck time/offensive zone time. They have to stick to the their game for a full 60 minutes! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Stempniak
Jokinen, Geno, Neal
Bennett, Sutter, Vitale
Gibbons, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Niskanen
Scuderi, Bortuzzo

Flower in the cage!



Play By Play
Pens 1 RANGERS 5

3rd Period
0:00- The Rangers avoid an elimination as they beat the Pens 5-1. It was a whole different team playing in the Pens uniforms. Nothing like the last three games by the Pens. They will head to New York and look to close out in Game Six at MSG. The Pens have to come out better and ready to play. Till Sunday!

2:26- KLEIN SCORES! Klein puts it in the empty net from the blue line. 5-1 Rangers.

3:48- The Pens PP ends and still an empty net for the Pens.

4:14- Timeout for the Pens.

5:28- Pens with PP and empty net.

5:50- J. Moore and Jokinen go at it a little and both head to the sin bin. Kreider in the box.

7:44- D. Moore is called for roughing and Gibbons for cross-checking. 4 on 4 hockey.

11:20- The Pens kill off the Rangers PP.

11:46- 26 second regular PP for Rangers.

13:20- Geno is called for unsportsmanlike conduct and Rangers get a 4 on 3 PP.

13:46- Moore and Tanger each take a seat in the box as things get a little nasty after the whistle. 4 on 4 hockey.

16:01- Geno has been impressive all night. He puts one in the blue paint for Sid, but Sid is hooked up when he tries to shoot the puck.

19:50- The Pens PP has ended.

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens have a PP for 10 seconds and have to come out with everything they have to get the win! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and Rangers extend their lead 4-1 over the Pens.

0:27- The Pens now have a regular PP for 37 seconds.

1:49- 5 on 3 PP for 1:23 as Girardi takes a penalty.

2:27- The Pens get a huge PP as Geno draws a slashing penalty from Brassard.

4:06- The Pens are putting a lot more shots on net, but Rangers blocking and Lunqvist making the necessary saves.

7:09- The Pens have lost some of the momentum they had, but looking to battle back.

11:12- MCDONAGH SCORES ON THE PP! McDonagh fires a shot from the point and it beats Flower high glove. 4-1 Rangers.

11:28- The Pens are caught with too many men on the ice. Geno serves the penalty. Rangers get their second PP of the game.

12:06- BRASSARD SCORES! The Pens are caught in a line change and can't get the puck out of their zone. Flower is tied up with Martin as Brassard puts one high. 3-1 Rangers.

13:26- The Pens have more jump in their step this period. They need to keep up the pressure and punish the Rangers on the forecheck.

16:37- GENO SCORES! Tanger passes up the puck up to Geno who stick handles and battles to the front of the net! Lundqvist robs him on the first chance, but Geno puts in his own rebound on a bad angle! 2-1 Rangers.

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens have to step their game up and not let the Rangers get any space or time! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and the Pens are down 2-0 to the Rangers.

0:11- The Pens PP comes to an end.

2:11- The Pens are getting a PP chance as Pouliot takes a seat for tripping up Geno.

4:37- BRASSARD SCORES! Tanger ice the puck and the Rangers win a faceoff in the Pens zone. Martin turns over the puck to Brassard. On his second chance he put it in. 2-0 Rangers.

6:36- Geno works magic with his stick to outlet a pass from behind the net to Goc in front. Goc doesn't get enough and it goes wide! Unreal moves by Geno.

7:26- Martin stick handles into the Rangers zone and draws everyone to him. He passes to Sid in front, but Lundqvist robs him with the glove.

10:19- KREIDER SCORES ON THE PP! The Rangers finally capialtize on the PP. Kreider gets the rebound chance and is able to sneak one past Flower on a bad angle shot. 1-0 Rangers.

11:16- Bortuzzo gets a delay of game for putting the puck over the glass in the defensive zone. Rangers to the PP.

13:35- Gibbons gets behind the defense, but can't get enough of the puck before Lundqvist covers it for the whistle.

17:13- The Rangers have come out with speed and energy. The most they have had and get a chance on net, but Flower comes up with a huge shoulder save.

20:00- The puck has dropped on Game Five at Consol Energy Center! The Pens need to get to their game and suffocate the Rangers in the offensive zone! Lets Go Pens!  

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Skating into the Rangers Zone!

By: MF, The Pens Hockey Show

The Penguins are ready to take on the Rangers in Game Four and lead the series 2-1! The Penguins have been playing a more complete game and Marc-Andre Fleury has earned two shutouts in the past two games. It was a full 60 minute game for the Penguins and were able to handle the times when the Rangers pressure them in the defensive zone. Fleury stood tall in the net and really stepped up his game. Sidney Crosby also had a great night as he broke through getting his first goal of the 2014 NHL playoffs. The only one that seems to having a problem was Olli Maatta. He has been struggling through this round and it seems to be due to his young age. Hopefully he takes it as a learning experience and learns from it. On the injury front, Brooks Orpik did skate with the team today. The Penguins have to keep this type of play up and not let up on the Rangers. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Stempniak
Jokinen, Geno, Neal
Bennett, Sutter, Vitale
Gibbons, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Niskanen, Maatta
Orpik, Scuderi

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
PENS 4 Rangers 2

3rd Period
0:00-PENS WIN 4-2 AND TAKE A 3-1 SERIES LEAD HEADING BACK TO PITTSBURGH! GREAT GAME EVEN WITH 5 D! FLOWER WAS ON IT AGAIN!

2:24- The Rangers have an empty net!

2:59- Time is becoming the enemy of the Rangers who are down by two goals.

5:56- KUNI SCORES!!!! Sid dumps the puck in the corner for Geno! Geno takes it behind the net and puts a pass to Kuni in the slot! Kuni snaps one past Lundqvist's shoulder and post into the goal! 4-2 Pens!

6:53- ZUCCARELLO SCORES! Zuccarello carries the puck into the Pens zone. He holds it to put a backhander between the shoulder and pad of Flower. 3-2 Pens.

7:14- Rangers kill the Pens PP, but they had some good chances on net. Lundqvist was solid.

9:14- The Rangers continue to fall apart as the Pens will head onto the PP. Kreider is called for high sticking.

10:25- The Pens ice the puck. Rangers call a timeout.

12:55- JOKINEN SCORES!!! Jokinen holds the puck and circles behind the net! He emerges and makes a spin shot! It goes off M.Staal's skate past Lundqvist! 3-1 Pens!

14:58- The frustrated crowd at MSG is booing the Rangers and certain Ranger players.

16:47- Flower makes a stick save and gives the Pens a rush up ice with the Geno, Sid, Kuni line.

20:00- The third period is underway! The Pens need to keep up the pressure in the offensive zone and not let up on the Rangers! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens retake the lead 2-1 over the Rangers!

0:41- The Pens kill it!

1:33- SUTTER SCORES A SHORTY!! Tanger makes a great pass up to Gibbons who gets a breakway! He stick hndles in front of Lundqvist, but mishandles it! Sutter gets the rebound to put it into the net! 2-1 Pens!

2:41- Geno is called for tripping and Rangers get a PP.

4:55- The Rangers get a 2 on 1, but Flower comes up with a huge save to keep things tied up 1-1!

8:30- Shots are 14-10 still in favor of the Pens.

10:05- Lundqvist playing a solid game, but the Pens are getting chances.

13:04- Sid makes a sick pass to Geno in front. Geno goes down to one knee, gut Lundqvist there to stop it.

14:27- HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin rushes through the neutral zone and splits Niskanen and Scuderi. He rips one pass the glove shoulder of Flower. 1-1 tie game.

14:45- The Pens are working with 5 D and should of waited to play Orpik. He wasn't 100%.

17:41- The Pens are a man short as Orpik isn't on the bench to start this period.

19:08- The Pens kill off the Rangers PP.

20:00- Second period starts and the Pens have to kill off a 52 second Ranger PP! The Pens have to kill it and get back to their forechecking game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and the Pens lead the Rangers 1-0!

1:06- Kuni takes a dumb slashing penalty and the Rangers get a late PP.

3:07- The Rangers are able to kill off another Pens PP.

5:07- M.Staal takes a slashing penalty ans the Pens head onto the PP.

5:25- The Pens are able to hold the Rangers at bay as they have some sustained pressure in the Pens zone.

6:59- Shots are 6-3 in favor of the Pens.

10:01- Bennett is robbed by Lundqvist!

10:23- The Pens PP comes to an end.

12:23- The Pens will get the first PP of the game as Hagelin takes a seat for hooking.

15:28- The Pens are crashing the net, but Lundqvist makes the necessary saves.

17:29- GENO SCORES! Geno steals the puck and starts the rush up ice with Sid and Kuni! He passes across to Sid and he decides to pass to the slot! It bangs off a few Rangers and Geno gets it at the side of the net! Geno does a spin-o-rama, backhanding one under the pad of Lundqvist! 1-0 Pens!

18:24- Orpik lays a hard hit on Richards to show his presence in this game.

18:58- The Rangers have some jump in their step to start. Flower is tested early.

20:00- Game Four puck has dropped! The Pens have to come out ready to play and play a complete game! Lets Go Pens! 

Monday, May 5, 2014

Madison Square Garden Show Time!

By: MF, The Pens Hockey Show

The Penguins have arrived at Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Rangers in Game Three of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs! The series is tied up 1-1 after the Penguins had a complete game last night beating the Rangers 3-0. Marc-Andre Fleury earned the franchise record for career playoff shutouts at seven. The Penguins played their best game of the playoffs and it was a complete game for the Penguins. It had to be the best puck management and teamwork I have seen in these playoffs. If the Penguins continue to play more games like they did last night, they will be the last team standing in the end. This game will be a test for the Penguins to see if they can keep this kind of play up. Also it's a great chance for the Penguins to tire out a already tired Rangers team, who has been playing a lot of games in only a few days. Tonight's game will be about having a strong start, so they are not having to kill themselves at the end of the game. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Stempniak
Jokinen, Geno, Neal

Bennett, Sutter, Vitale
Gibbons, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Niskanen
Scuderi, Bortuzzo

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
PENS 2 Rangers 0

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS WIN 2-0 AND FLOWER EARNS ANOTHER SHUTOUT! BACK TO BACK ONES FOR FLOWER! PENS TAKE A 2-1 SERIES LEAD AND SID HAS ARRIVED! LETS GO PENS!

1:58- Martin to the box for hooking and Rangers PP. 6 on 4 for the Rangers as Lundqvist is on the bench.

2:25- Rangers have an empty net.

3:00- Nothing new to report...Rangers will look to empty their net soon.

5:53- You can see the fatigue taking effect on both teams as the third period whines down.

9:10- Martin and Tanger have been on it all game long. Just amazing hockey performances by the defensive pairing.

11:33- The game has been relatively quiet. Flower has been a brick wall for the Pens as the Rangers are getting despite.

15:51- The Pens have had a good start to the third even though the Rangers have the only shot for this period.

20:00- Third period is underway! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and not give the Rangers any chance to get back in this game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- First period ends and the Pens lead the Rangers 2-0!

1:28- Flower has faced 25 shots and saved all.

4:40- JOKINEN SCORES!! Sutter forces the Rangers to turnover the puck! Jokinen gets the puck as he is released from the box and is all alone! He fires one low blocker pass Lundqvist! 2-0 Pens!

4:48- The Pens kill it.

6:48- Jokinen heads to the box for a holding the stick penalty and the Rangers get another PP chance.

7:41- Their PP is killed off by the Rangers.

9:41- The Pens will get the first PP of the game as Klein is called for slashing.

10:38- Flower has been playing a solid game, but the Pens need to pressure the Rangers more to keep the Rangers out of the defensive zone.

11:58- Zuccarello fires a shot and it rings off the crossbar/post. The refs review it, but it's a no goal as the puck didn't cross the goal line.

13:10- Jokinen rings a fast shot off the post after a faceoff win in the offensive zone.

17:26- SID SCORES! Kuni wins the puck battle on the board in the defensive zone and makes a cross ice pass to Bortuzzo! Bortuzzo makes a long stretch pass up to Sid who is gets a breakaway chance! Sid snaps one five hole beating Lundqvist! 1-0 Pens!

18:45- The Pens kill the Rangers four minute PP. Flower was sensational in net during the PK.

20:00- Second period has started and the Rangers have a PP for 2:15 left! The Pens will have to kill this one and get back to pressuring in the offensive zone! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and this game is scoreless.

1:45- Neal gets a high sticking, double minor penalty. Rangers to the PP.

2:24- Flower flashes the glove to snap a wrister from Zuccarello out of the air!

5:53- The Pens missed a wide open net twice! Just unreal! I think Lundqvist make a toe save on the second shot by Sid.

7:08- Flower has been really on it to start and holding down the fort.

8:40- The Pens defense and Flower have been tested early. Flower has been sharp. Martin and Tanger look very comfortable together.

12:44- The Pens are successful on the PK.

13:37- Kuni gets a breakaway shot and hold the puck, but can't elevate it over the outstretched pad of Lundqvist!

14:44- Goc will take a roughing penalty and the Rangers get the first PP of the game.

15:41- Tanger slaps one from the blue line into the corner and Vitale puts it to the slot area. Sutter redirects the pass, but is sneaks wide.

18:01- The Rangers get the first shot on net and look to have some speed to start. Martin has had a good start and the Pens look to counter.

20:00- The puck has dropped! The Pens have to come out strong and put the Rangers on their heels! Lets Go Pens! 

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Time to Tie it Up!

By: MF, The Pens Hockey Show

The Penguins are back at Consol Energy Center to take on the Rangers in Game Two. The Penguins lost the first game in overtime to the Rangers and will have to bounce back tonight. The lineup looks like it will be the same tonight. On the injury front Brooks Orpik skated yesterday morning during an optional skate for the Penguins, but wasn't at the practice today. The Penguins have to use good puck management skills, limit the penalties, and crash the Rangers net to knock Henrik Lundqvist off his game. The Penguins have to come out ready to play and keep it going through the entire game. Time to tie this series up! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Stempniak
Jokinen, Geno, Neal
Bennett, Sutter, Vitale
Gibbons, Goc Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Niskanen
Scuderi, Bortuzzo

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
PENS 3 Rangers 0

3rd Period
0:00- PENS WIN 3-0 OVER THE RANGERS! FLOWER GETS HIS FIRST PLAYOFF SHUTOUT OF THIS POSTSEASON! HE WAS AMAZING IN THE NET AND THE PENS PLAY A BETTER OVERALL GAME! A FULL 60 MINUTE GAME! THIS SERIES IS ALL TIED UP 1-1 NOW! 

0:53- GENO SCORES AN EMPTY NET GOAL!!! Geno hunts down the puck in the Rangers zone and forces a turnover on the boards! He swings the puck backwards towards the net while falling down! 3-0 Pens!

1:34- Rangers empty their net.

3:30- JOKINEN SCORES ON THE PP!! Neal comes rushing up the wing and shoots a bad angle shot and Lundqvist makes the pad save! Jokinen is coming down the other side and directs the rebound in the net! 2-0 Pens!

4:52- The Rangers will be a man down as Dorsett is called for boarding and the Pens will get a PP chance!

5:23- Martin denies Richards of a breakaway chance!

9:25- The PP comes to an end and the Pens still lead 1-0.

11:25- The Pens get their second PP of the game as Giardi goes to the box for interference on Neal.

14:02- The Rangers get some offensive zone time, but the Pens defense steps up and Flower makes the saves.

17:45- The Pens have come out with some speed to start this period.

20:00- Third period time! The Pens have to keep it up and not play a defensive game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period has come to an end and the Pens lead the Rangers 1-0!

0:28- Back to full strength.

1:21- It is no longer if, but when Sid will get a goal. He is playing an unreal game!

2:58- 4 on 4 hockey again.

2:59- Lundqvist is getting a workout right now. The Pens are just putting everything on net and are feeling it.

3:54- The Pens are crashing the Rangers net, but Lundqvist holds strong.

4:47- Flower makes a great save on Richard's shot. He is holding down the fort and the Pens defense has stepped it up.

7:26- Sutter fires one from the slot area and Lundqvist gets a piece. The rebound is just out of the reach of the Pens!

9:34- KUNI SCORES! Tanger on the rush lays a beautiful pass right in the slot area for Kuni, who is driving towards the net, and he redirects it pass Lundqvist! 1-0 Pens!

10:26- The Pens have looked much better, but Lundqvist stands in their way. They will have to get in his face to put one pass him.

14:21- The Pens kill it and Kuni gets a breakaway chance as he is released from the box. Lundqvist robs him with a pad save.

16:21- Kuni heads to the box again, this time for hooking. The Pens have to kill a Rangers PP.

17:28- Shots are 11-8 in favor of the Pens. They have come to play in the second period.

20:00- Second period is underway! Still have some 4 on 4 hockey for 5 seconds and then time to get back to Pens hockey! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and we are scoreless.

0:30- Sid has arrived and looks so engaged in this one!

1:54- 4 on 4 hockey now as Bortuzzo (cross-checking) and Nash (roughing) go to the box.

2:28- The Pens are playing an aggressive game and finishing their hits as they are trying to wear down the Rangers.

5:02- The Rangers ice the puck and the Pens have a chance on an offensive zone faceoff.

7:53- The Pens PP comes to an end.

9:53- Now it's time for the Pens to have a PP chance!

10:57- The Pens kill off the Rangers PP once again and Flower has been tested early. He is sharp.

12:57- Now Geno is called for roughing and Rangers PP again.

14:24- The Pens kill another one after a Ranger shot rings off the post.

16:24- Niskanen now takes a seat for roughing and the Pens have to kill another.

17:20- The Pens kill off the Rangers PP.

19:20- Sid comes out flying and the Pens are hammering shots on net, but Kuni gets a goalie interference penalty. The Rangers get the first PP of the game.

20:00- The puck has dropped on game two! The Pens have to bring it for the full 60 minutes and tie this series up! Lets Go Pens!  

Friday, May 2, 2014

Ready for a Second Round?!

By: MF, The Pens Hockey Show

The Penguins have made it to Round Two of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs after dispatching the Columbus Blue Jackets in six games. The Penguins finished their first round series on Monday and watch to see who they would face. The New York Rangers ended up beating out the Philadelphia Flyers in seven games less than 48 hours ago. The Penguins held a morning skate and the only one missing was Brooks Orpik. The Penguins rotated lines and worked on the power play. They seemed to recognize their faults in round one and are looking to fix that during this series. It should be an interesting series and a hard fought one. The Penguins need to come out ready to get to their game, make smart plays, and limit the turnovers. If they can focus on that and get to their game then this series should tilt in their favor. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Stempniak
Jokinen, Geno, Neal
Bennett, Sutter, Vitale
Glass, Goc, Adams


Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Niskanen
Scuderi, Bortuzzo

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 2 Rangers 3 OT

OT Period
0:00- Pouliot puts the puck in while the Pens are scrambling around in their blue paint. The Rangers win it 3-2 in OT. The Rangers lead the series 1-0.

17:41- Even start to the overtime. Both goalies are standing strong in the net.

20:00- Regulation wasn't enough! OT time! The Pens have to keep crashing the Rangers net! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to OT!

1:00- Both teams want to en this in regulation and fighting for it.

3:21- Geno went off the ice to the bench gingerly and seemed to be favoring his right leg, but he is back on the ice.

6:10- The Pens are leaving the slot open at times, but Flower has been solid in the net.

9:50- Kinda an even game right now.

13:53- Shots are 25-21 in favor of the Pens.

15:23- The Pens PP comes to an end and it's still tied up 2-2.

17:23- Flower is owning it in the third period. The Pens end up with a PP chance as Boyle takes a tripping penalty.

18:47- The Rangers force a turnover, but Flower flashes the glove to make the save!

20:00- The third period is underway! The Pens need to keep up the good work and crash the net with pucks/bodies! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens have come back to tie this game 2-2.

1:38- The Pens with another successful kill of the Rangers PP.

3:38- Bennett skates over to the box for a roughing penalty and the Rangers with yet another PP opportunity.

6:32- NEAL SCORES!! The Pens crash the offensive zone and Neal rips one from the slot area! It goes off Lundqvist shoulder and falls behind him to trickle over the goal line! 2-2 tie game!

7:20- Sid fires a shot just wide of the net!

8:08- Adams, Sutter, Glass, and Taanger have been aggressive on this PK effort. Pens kill it!

10:08- Jokinen goes to the sin bin for hooking and the Rangers get another PP chance.

12:45- STEMPNIAK SCORES! Bennett enters the offensive zone and leaves it for Stempniak on the rush! Goc goes to the front of the net, while Stempniak stick handles his way to the slot and backhands pass the blocker of Lundqvist! 2-1 Rangers

13:33- The Pens get some good looks on net, but their PP comes to an end without a goal.

15:33- St.Louis gets an elbowing penalty and the Pens head back onto the PP.

17:20- Pens PP ends.

18:07- Pens PP for 59 seconds.

19:08- 4 on 4 hockey for 1:01 as Brassard is called for hooking up Martin.

20:00- Time for the second period! The Pens have to kill off a Rangers PP for 1:55 then have to get to their game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and the Rangers lead 2-0 over the Pens.

0:07- Kuni is called for holding and the Rangers get a PP.

2:57- RICHARDS SCORES! The refs mess up an offsides call/hand pass call and the Rangers head to the Pens zone. The Pens defense breaks down and Richards is left alone in front. 2-0 Rangers

6:23- The Pens bring it on the PK and kill off the Rangers PP!

8:23- Rangers will now get a PP chance as Bennett is called for hooking.

8:49- The Rangers get a short-handed chance, but Flower makes the save. The Pens had some shots, but Rangers blocking them.

10:49- The Pens get the first PP of the game as Moore sits for cross-checking.

14:00- Martin gets the Pens first shot on net and Lundqvist makes the glove save.

14:56- POULIOT SCORES! Kuni turns over the puck and the Rangers start up ice. Pouliot gets inside of Maatta and puts it blocker side. 1-0 Rangers

16:13- The Pens have had a good start to this game, but they are not keeping up with it.

20:00- The puck has dropped on the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Playoffs for the Pens! Time to get to Penguins hockey and take it to the Rangers! Lets Go Pens!