Saturday, November 29, 2014

The Penguins Seek Revenge in Carolina!

By: MF, 


The Penguins find themselves in Carolina after a devastating loss, last night, in Pittsburgh to the Hurricanes. The team that played last night, didn't look like the Penguins team we have been watching. They were sloppy and didn't look like they were ready to work hard to get the win, at least through most of the games. It was a horrible game for the Penguins, but hopefully they take this game and learn from it. Tonight, they can prove they are a hard working team and play a smart game.

When it comes to the Hurricanes, In their last 11 contest versus the Hurricanes, they have earned eight wins since December 3rd, 2011. Now, Chris Kunitz has 16 goals against metropolitan division teams since 2013-2014, which is the most in the National Hockey League (NHL) during that span. Likewise, Sidney Crosby. Crosby has 19 points during 12 games point streak versus the Hurricanes that dates back to December 7th, 2009.

As for their numbers, they show a different team than the one that showed up last night. They also have the league best road points, percentage at .773% (8-2-1) in their last 11.

In addition, the Penguins are getting contributions from everyone, which is leading to some career high numbers. Nick Spaling has six points, two goals, and 4 assists in his last 12 starts. Where as, Patric Hornqvist is on pace for many career highs. He is on pace for 39 goals, 54 assists, 93 points, 16 power play goals (PPG), 297 shots, 90 hits, and TOI/G of 18:09. Even our top players are lighting the NHL on fire. Crosby is tied for first, along with Jakub Voracek and Tyler Seguin, in the NHL with 10 multi-point games.

While on defense, Simon Despres is leading the team in hits at 68, through the first 21 games, which is only four shy of tying his career high that was set during the 2013-2014 season. Whereas, Kris Letang has a .83 point per game average, which is second among NHL defensemen behind Erik Karlsson with a .87.

Now for an injury update, the Penguins are down another forward after last night's game. Marcel Goc was hit with a puck on his foot during the game last night and he ended up not finishing the game. He was announced today that he didn't travel with the team. Mike Johnston said, "looks like no break, just a bruise." As a result, the Penguins recalled Andrew Ebbett from Wilkes-Barre Scanton (WBS) Penguins.

The game tonight will not prove to be an easy one. If the Penguins can clean up their game and put some passion into this game, the end result will be a win. Lets Go Pens!

Breaking News: Kris Letang is out of the lineup after suffering an injury during last night's game. A Hurricane player fell on the back on his leg/ankle. Mike Johnston will give an update after the game or tomorrow.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Sid, Hornqvist
Kuni, Geno, Comeau
Megna, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Ebbett, Adams

Defense
Martin, Bortuzzo
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 3 Canes 2


3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS COME OUT WITH THE VICTORY 3-2 OVER THE CANES! THEY GET THEIR REVENGE! MUCH BETTER EFFORT BY THE PENS TONIGHT! GREISS WAS SOLID IN NET! CONGRATS TO EHRHOFF ON HIS FIRST GOAL AS A PENGUIN!

0:11- Rask scores on the PP. He fires from the blue line and it's deflected past Greiss. 3-2 Pens

1:29- Spaling is called for goalie interference. The Canes pull their goalie, which gives the Canes a 6 on 4 PP.

2:00- The penalties expire and we are back to regular 5 on 5 hockey.

4:00- Comeau and Gerbe are in their respective boxes for roughing. 4 on 4 hockey time.

4:33- EHRHOFF SCORES HIS FIRST AS A PENGUIN!!! Ehrhoff takes the puck into the zone and backhands a shot! Khudobin makes the save, but Ehrhoff puts in the rebound! 3-1 Pens!

6:12- Sid had a 2 on 1 chance and decided to pass the puck, but the Canes are able to intercept the pass. Sid has an amazing shot and should be a bit more selfish.

10:42- The Canes are getting some good time in the Pens zone and handling the puck well. It would be great if the Pens could get a goal to help buffer their lead.

13:30- The Pens end up icing the puck with a tired group on the ice.

16:59- Comeau sneaks a backhanded shot, but Khudobin flips out the pad for the save.

19:02- Sid and Hornqvist get quality shots off on their first shift of the period. Khudobin makes the necessary stops.

20:00- Only 20 minutes left to go in regulation! The Pens have a 15 second PP to start this period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- That is it for 40 minutes of hockey as the Pens still lead the Canes 2-1!

0:49- The Pens now have a PP for 1:06 as Comeau is set free.

1:38- 4 on 4 hockey as Lindholm heads to the penalty box.

2:51- Once again the Canes will get a PP chance as Comeau sits for boarding.

6:27- Greiss has been the best PKer for the Pens tonight. Sid is released and balance is restored.

8:27- 4th PP chance for the Canes as Sid is called for hooking. Not a good call by the ref there, didn't look to be a hooking penalty on the play.

7:23- Greiss comes up with a huge save on Staal to keep the Pens in the lead!

7:54- The Canes are able to hold off the Pens PP.

10:54- The Pens get a PP as Harrison is called for delay of game, after knocking the net off.

12:31- Malkin is released and the Pens are 2 for 3 on the PK. Greiss was strong in the net and the Pens did a good job of blocking shots.

14:17- The Pens get a shorthanded chance as Sutter and Adams get a 2 on 1. Sutter's shot is just saved by Khudobin!

14:31- Malkin heads to the box for hooking. The Canes with their 3rd PP of the night.

14:42- Lots of whistles in this period. It's making it hard for either team to get a flow going to this game.

15:29- Greiss makes a solid save with traffic in front. He covers for the whistle.

18:18- Spaling and Hornqvist get a 2 on 1 chance. Spaling passes up to Hornqvist, who steers the puck towards the net and Khudobin makes the save.

19:10- Maatta fills in on the PP for Letang. Kunitz tries to jam in the puck in front, but Khudobin makes the pad save. The Pens PP comes to an end.

20:00- Lets get the second period started! The Pens have 47 seconds remaining on a PP to start! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- That is it for the first period! The Pens have the lead 2-1 over the Canes!

1:13- Sid gets behind the Canes defense, but is slashed before he can get a shot off. The Pens get a late PP chance as Liles sits for slashing.

3:14- Comeau was denied a beautiful goal once again...this time by a defensemen's stick!

4:05- Skinner with his fast skating makes his way around Bortuzzo, but Greiss bails him out with a huge pad save!

7:13- Mark that down as a successful PK for the Pens.

9:13- Gerbe lays Despres into the boards and Despres goes down hard. Megna isn't having any of that and he tussles with Gerbe. The Canes end up with a PP as Downie gets a charging penatly, Megna with a roughing. Gerbe with just a roughing.

11:31- The Pens look like a totally different team to start this game, from the team that played last night.

14:28- BORTUZZO SCORES!! Bortuzzo carries the puck into the Canes zone and the defense splits to allow him entry! Bortuzzo doesn't miss and redeems himself! The Pens take the 2-1 lead!

16:04- KUNITZ SCORES! Malkin retrieves the dumped in puck and comes flying out from behind the net! Malkin passes to Kunitz and he snipes one! The Pens answer to tie it 1-1!

16:21- Faulk scores on the PP. Faulk fires a shot from the blue line and beats Greiss on his short side. 1-0 Canes

16:43- PK time for the Pens as Bortuzzo is called for roughing, giving the Canes the first PP of the game. 

17:14- A couple of shots for the Pens to start and they look more engaged to start. Bortuzzo will fill in for Letang and Ebbett for Goc. 

20:00- The Pens are in Carolina to face the Canes once more! Time to take some revenge after last night's game! Lets Go Pens! 

Friday, November 28, 2014

The Penguins Won't Allow the Hurricanes to Blow Out the Birthday Candles!

By: MF, 


Time to start another home and home stretch, as the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at Consol. Then they will turn around and head to Raleigh, to enemy territory to face the Hurricanes once more, tomorrow.

It was a milestone time, once again, for the Penguins! During the Maple Leafs game on Wednesday, Blake Comeau recorded his second career hat trick. The third goal turned out to be the overtime winner! Also, Sidney Crosby became the sixth fastest player in the National Hockey League (NHL) to reach 800 points! Congrats to those two and it's well deserved.

Being first is a huge advantage for the Penguins, this season. They have scored first in 17 of their first 21 games. When they are at home, they have won eight of ten games, when they score first. The Penguins lead the NHL with 30 first period goals, with second place off by three goals (Tampa Bay Lightning), even though the Penguins have played two fewer games.

As for the month of November, it has been a great one for the Penguins. They have nine wins, which is one shy of the team record of ten wins, those came in 1995 and 2010. In addition, the two headed monster of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, lead the NHL in points at 16 a piece. On defense, Kris Letang leads Penguins defensemen with 11 points, which puts him in second in the NHL (four away from first).

The Penguins are facing their current General Manger (GM), Jim Rutherford's old team. He was the Hurricanes GM from 1994-2014 and won one Stanley Cup with them. The Penguins will have more full to get the win tonight knowing this and on top of that, they want the win for a special birthday today...Marc-Andre Fleury turns 30 today! The Penguins have seven consecutive games versus the Hurricanes.

Nothing fulls the fire then beating an old team and a birthday! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Sid, Hornqvist
Kuni, Geno, Comeau
Megna, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 2 Hurricanes 4

3rd Period
0:00- Canes come out with the win 4-2 over the Pens. The Pens will have to step up their game big time tomorrow in Carolina.

0:12- Tlusty Scores an empty netter! Tlusty puts it in the empty net. 4-2 Canes.

0:25- Sid runs into Nash and he goes down. Refs blow the whistle as Nash doesn't get up. He gets up and goes to the locker room, on his own.

0:30- Pens with an empty net

0:59- Well that looks to be it! Maatta goes to the box for tripping.

2:12- The two headed monster is on the ice! Malkin goes to Sid, but his shot rings off the goal post!

2:46- A successful kill for the Pens and it's time to attack!

4:46- Ehrhoff to the box for tripping and the Pens PK unit comes out for the second time tonight.

6:16- Sutter charges down the center with two Canes on him, but Ward holds strong to make the pad save!

7:32- Fleury has been solid in the net, giving the Pens a chance to get back in this game.

9:46- Malkin is hooked and taken down, but no call. Not a consistent game by the refs.

12:13- Canes get a 2-on-0 chance. However, Fleury commits highway robbery on Gerbe! His poked checked miss, but not his lightning fast glove!

13:38- Kunitz's shot goes off a stick and ends up hitting Hornqvist in the month. Hornqvist is spitting up blood on the bench, as a result.

14:23- Megna checks Tlusty, who ends up falling on the back on Letang's legs. Letang didn't see it at all. He looks to be in some discomfort, as he heads back to the bench.

16:50- Gerbe Scores on the PP! The Canes with a tic-tac-toe play and Gerbe wrists one up high over the blocker shoulder of Fleury. 3-2 Canes back in the lead.

17:26- Canes get a huge PP opportunity and their first of the night. Sid heads to the box for goalie interference.

20:00- 20 minutes left of hockey in regulation! The Pens need to come out with speed and be ready to work hard this period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to an end and things are tied up at two now!

1:25- The Pens look like they have new life in them. They need to thank Fleury for giving them the chance to tie as Canes have been dominating.

4:08- HORNQVIST SCORES!! Sid passes up to Hornqvist, who lets go of a wicked wrist shot! It blows past the shoulder of Ward! 2-2 tie game!

6:29- Sid comes flying down the wing and backhands a shot up, but Ward snaps it down with the glove!

7:30- 99% of this game has been played in the Pens zone. The Canes are just handing it to the Pens, who have two shots this period. I am serious...only two shots.

11:01- Fleury is at last able to cover the puck for a whistle. The Canes held the Pens in their own zone for a long time. Not a solid effort by the Pens, so far in this game.

11:59- Finally some pressure by the Pens with Comeau, Malkin, and Kunitz. The Canes with a solid defensive effort.

14:31- The Pens turn over the puck once again in the neutral zone, which gives the Canes great scoring chances. Fleury shuts the door on Gerbe's scoring chance.

17:06- Dwyer Scores! Adams turns over the puck at the red line, which gives Dwyer a step up on the Pens defense. He snaps one over the glove shoulder of Fleury. 2-1 Canes.

17:28- Goc is on available for the Pens right now. He didn't come out for the start of the second. He blocked a shot in the first and looked to be in some discomfort after.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens will have to pressure the Canes and get way more shots on net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- This game is tied up 1-1 after one!

3:30- LETANG SCORES! Spaling puts the puck in the blue paint! Sid is right on the doorstep to block Ward! Letang gets the loose puck and doesn't miss! 1-1 tie game!

3:56- Tlusty Scores! The Pens dump in the puck, but the Canes cycle it out without an issue. They start up ice and Tlusty's shot goes off Maatta into the net. 1-0 Canes

4:51- The Pens are having issues setting up in the offensive zone, but the Canes are not. The Pens defense and Fleury are being tested.

6:52- That will be a kill for the Canes. Pens PP wasn't all that impressive, Canes did a good job of boxing them out.

8:52- Pens get the first PP of the game!

8:55- The Penguins get a delayed penalty and are able to get an extra man on the ice. Comeau is all alone in the slot and looks like he has a wide open net. Ward makes a unreal save. Sticking out his stick to knock down the shot!

9:32- Fleury is making the saves and the defense are getting to any rebounds before the Canes. Taking away any second chances.

12:36- The shots are 8-5, so far, in favor of the Pens.

15:40- Sid backhands a pass to Spaling in front, Ward with the save. Sid is feeling it tonight.

16:17- Fleury makes a great pad save on E. Staal's shot, but is mowed over in the process.

19:26- Comeau rings a hard shot off the goal post!

20:00- HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO THE FLOWER! Come on Pens, time to get the win for him and Rutherford! The puck has dropped in Pittsburgh! Lets Go Pens! 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Time to Burn the Leafs!

By: MF, 

The last time the Pittsburgh Penguins raked the Leafs, now it's time to burn them. When the Toronto Maple Leafs previously played the Penguins, they were handed a 2-1 loss. Now, the Penguins have a chance to sweep the Leafs, for the regular season tonight in Pittsburgh.

To start off a long home game stand tonight, the Penguins will play five of their next six games at Consol Energy Center. Currently, they are riding a five game unbeaten stretch at Consol (4-0-1). Not only are they dominating at home, but also against the Atlantic Division. They hold a 6-0-1 record when they face an Atlantic Division opponent. In addition, the Penguins average 4.00 goals per game at Consol, which leads the Eastern Conference.

On Monday, a huge milestone was achieved by Marc-Andre Fleury in the net. Fleury earned his 300th National Hockey League (NHL), which makes him the third fastest goaltender to achieve this feat. A well deserved record for an outstanding netminder, who is unappreciated. Congrats to the "Flower!"

As for the other individual efforts, Craig Adams notched his 100th career assist on Monday, against the Boston Bruins. A career first was achieved by Patric Hornqvist, who is has an assist in five straight games. On defense, Kris Letang has recorded eight assists in the month of November. This puts him in second among defensemen in the Eastern Conference and fifth in the league.

Now for the two headed monster, they are lighting the NHL on fire! Evgeni Malkin is on track for a career high in goals this season. The Maple Leafs should be wary of the Russian machine, as he has recorded 47 points in 26 games against the Maple Leafs. As for the other half of the monster, Sidney Crosby has been called for Mr. November! He currently leads the league with 12 assists. Not only that, but Crosby has a league leading 14 points on the PP. Malkin is close behind in second with 13.

On the injury front, the Penguins will be without the services of Beau Bennett. Mike Johnston said, he would be out for a "couple of weeks" due to a lower body injury. It's sad to see Bennett dealing with yet another injury. Bennett has been plagued by injuries, but hopefully this will be the last of it.

This game tonight will be a good test for the Penguins and they will have to stay focused. If they come out with speed and drive to the net, they will make tonight a success. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Sid, Hornqvist
Kuni, Geno, Comeau
Megna, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Play By Play
PENS 4 Maple Leafs 3 OT

Overtime
0:00- PENS WIN 4-3 IN OVERTIME! COMEAU WITH A HAT TRICK! MALKIN IN BEAST MODE! THE PENS COME OUT AND GET THE WIN, BUT IT WAS A HARD ONE! LETS GO PENS! 

1:31- COMEAU SCORES A HAT TRICK!!!! Crosby comes flying into the zone and withstands Phaneufs knocking him down! Comeau fires a sick shot from the point, which flies past the glove of Bernier!

2:47- Maatta with a backhanded shot and Bernier just gets a piece of it with his glove!

4:30- The refs mess up on a icing call and decide to drop the puck at center, to make up for the mess up.

5:00- Extra hockey has started! The Pens need to crash the Leafs net and end this early! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- Regulation is not enough...once again...the Pens and Leafs are headed to overtime!

1:13- The Pens are crashing the net and looking for the loose puck! Bernier is flopping around the ice. I don't know how that puck didn't go in!

5:22- Malkin steals the puck and passes to Kunitz, right at the Leafs' blue line. Stick handling in a phone booth, just unreal.

7:11- Lupul makes a sneaky shot, which is saved by the outstretched pad of Fleury. Despres takes care of the second chance.

10:32- One can see the fire in Malkin's eye...be prepared for something special to come from him tonight.

12:47- Leafs withstand the Pens PP to earn a successful kill.

13:27- Now a regular 5 on 4 PP for the Pens for another 46 seconds.

14:47- Malkin draws a hooking penalty on Reilly. The Pens will get a 4 on 3 PP for 1:14!

15:27- 4 on 4 hockey as Hornqvist and Phaneuf take a seat in their respective boxes.

15:33- Sid goes right to the net and just taps a pass from Hornqvist, in front of the goal, but Bernier makes the pad save.

16:25- Malkin is locked in beast mode right now!

18:45- The Pens come out with some pressure to start this period and get a couple of good chances. The crowd at Consol comes alive!

20:00- Third period is underway! The Pens have to come back and battle this one out! Take it to the Leafs! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period horn sounds and this contest is all tied up 3-3.

1:20- The play of the Pens is getting a little sloppy at the end of this period.

2:26- The Pens PP comes to an end.

3:36- Bozak Scores a shorthanded goal! The Leafs read the Pens play and Bozak is able to box out Letang, as he gets a breakaway. His shot finds the back of the net. 3-3 tie game.

4:36- Another deadly Pens PP will come out onto the ice!

6:41- COMEAU SCORES AGAIN!!! Kunitz fires a shot on net and Comeau gets a stick on it, to deflect it under the glove of Bernier! 3-2 Pens!

7:45- The Leafs are coming with more force, as they have a spark now.

9:24- Komarov Scores again! Komarov deflects a shot, right in front of Fleury, from the point. Just like that, things are tied up 2-2.

11:49- Komarov Scores! The Maple Leafs turn the puck around after a Kuni and Malkin's 2 on 1 chance is broken up. Komarov makes the Pens pay. 2-1 Pens.

14:24- That kill will make the Pens PK 3 for 3 tonight!

16:24- Sutter is penalized for slashing and the Leafs will get their 3rd PP chance of the game.

17:30- Downie and Megna get a 2 on 1 chance. Downie gets a good shot off, but Bernier is able to make the save!

20:00- Let's start the second period! The Pens just need to keep up the good work and not let up on the Leafs! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- That will end the first period and the Pens have a 2-0 lead over the Maple Leafs!

1:22- The Pens defense is doing a great job of boxing the Leafs out and not letting them get second chances on their shots.

3:30- Megna is playing a strong game as he is filling in the role of Bennett, on the third line.

7:20- GENO SCORES ON THE PP! At the top, Sid passes to Letang! Letang steps Malkin up for a sick one timer in the center! Malkin's rocket shot blows past the glove of Bernier! 2-0 Pens!

8:44- Spaling is released and the Pens have a PP for 1:56!

8:49- 4 on 4 hockey for four seconds as Clarkson is caught for holding.

10:45- Now Spaling will head off to the box, but for slashing. The Leafs with their second PP opportunity.

11:27- The Pens are doing a good job of pressuring the Leafs and driving to the net, every chance they get.

14:15- The two headed monster is on the ice and they get a great chance on net. Bernier is just able to freeze the loose puck.

14:33- Mark that down as a successful kill for the Pens, as Malkin is released from the box.

16:33- Malkin will be the first to sit in the sin bin tonight, for hooking, giving the Leafs the first PP chance of this contest.

19:34- COMEAU SCORES! Kunitz keeps the puck alive on the boards! Malkin tries to bank the puck in off Bernier, but Comeau is able to backhand the loose puck in! 1-0 Pens!

20:00- It's hockey night in Pittsburgh! Fleury brings back the yellow pads to flash them at the Maple Leafs! Lets do this Pens! Lets Go Pens! 

Monday, November 24, 2014

The Penguins are at TD Garden!

By: MF, 


We are in Boston to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Boston Bruins, at TD Garden! The Penguins are coming off a home-and-home loss against the New York Islanders. They are coming off two hard losses and will be looking for some redemption tonight against the Bruins.

As a team, the Penguins have a record of 5-0-1 against the Atlantic Division this season. In addition, Pittsburgh has five wins at TD Garden over the last five years, which is the most in the National Hockey League (NHL). These numbers are favorably for the Penguins, but it's all about what one brings onto the ice during the game.

On an player to player statistic basis, the Penguins are also showing favorably numbers. To start, Chris Kunitz has nine points (four goals and five assists) during a nine-game point streak against the Bruins, which dates back to February 4th, 2012. As for the team's netminder, Marc-Andre Fleury is still looking for his 300th NHL career win. It could happen tonight as Fleury is, 5-2-2 at TD Garden, has a 2.20 goals against average (GAA), a .927 save percentage (SVP), and one shutout. Not to mention the Hart effort by the Captain Sidney Crosby, who continues to dominate the league.

However, with the team struggling, as of late, Mike Johnston has been switching up the lines. The Penguins second line of Nick Spaling, Evgeni Malkin, and Patric Hornqvist has accounted for 14 of Pittsburgh's 36 points during a five game stretch (39%). The line has combined for four goals (Spaling with one, Malkin with two, and Hornqvist with one) and ten assists (Spaling with two, Malkin with four, and Hornqvist with four). This line is pulling out all the stops and racking up the points on the score sheet.

Now when it comes to injuries, the Penguins have, lucky, not had anyone get hurt in the past few days. The Penguins are only missing Pascal Dupuis in the lineup, but he is still helping the team anyway he can, in his current condition. As for the Bruins, they are without their Captain, Zdeno Chara. Chara suffered from ligament damage in his right knee, which happened back in October.

Hopefully, the Penguins make a 180 tonight against the Bruins after their losses to the Islanders. They will have to come out of the gate with speed and be ready to battle. The Bruins are a tough and rough team, with an explosive offense. The Penguins will have to be prepared and play a smart hockey game. If anyone can take down the Bruins, it's the Penguins! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Sid, Hornqvist
Kuni, Geno, Comeau
Bennett, Sutter, Downie
Adams, Goc, Megna

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Play By Play
PENS 3 Bruins 2 OT

OT Period
0:00- PENS WIN 3-2 IN OT! FLEURY EARNS HIS 300TH CAREER WIN AND THE PENS PLAYED A HARD FOUGHT GAME! GREAT WIN FOR THE PENS TONIGHT! 

4:30- GENO SCORES!!! Malkin, Sid, and Letang charge down the offensive zone and Malkin fakes a pass! He rips a shot instead and Rask has no chance! 3-2 Pens!

5:00- OT time! Lets get this one done early Pens! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- Regulation wasn't enough and we are headed to OT! 2-2 tie.

0:31- The Pens PP is killed off by the Bruins.

2:31- Huge PP opportunity for the Pens late in this game! The Bruins are caught with too many men on the ice!

3:11- Rask makes a pad save and Sutter picks up the rebound. He spins around to fire a shot just wide of the net!

4:33- This a spirited back and forth game between the Pens and Bruins.

6:48- Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak pin the Pens in their own zone. Fleury comes up with two huge saves to keep this game tied! Unreal moves by the Flower!

10:24- Sutter battles at the blue line against two Bruins. He eventually backhands the puck into the offensive zone.

14:45- This game is getting chippy. The refs have let this game go a little too far without making calls. They will get to point were they won't be able to pull things back together, if they are not careful.

17:03- Letang fires a hard shot from the blue line, which Rask only gets a piece of!

17:44- Good news as Bennett is back on the ice. He snaps a bad angle shot on net, in which Rask has to make a pad save.

20:00- 20 minutes more of hockey to go! The Pens need to stand strong and not let the Bruins have any room! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to an end with a tie 2-2.

2:03- The Pens come up with a huge PK! Fleury made some big saves and the defense was on it!

2:29- Despres and Lucic are set free. Bruins with only 26 seconds left on a 5 on 4 PP.

4:03- 4 on 3 PP for Bruins as Martin is called for interference.

4:29- Lucic and Despres are both in the box. 4 on 4 hockey.

5:30- Bennett headed to the locker room.

6:43- This game is starting to get rough and Fleury comes up with a big save as the Bruins are pressuring the Pens.

7:22- Bennett takes a vicious hit to make a play in the defensive zone. He is slow to get up and make his way to the bench.

8:45- The puck ends up in  the net after Lucic and Soderberg crash the net. Fleury is mowed over and the net is knocked off. The ref waves the goal off and they review. The call stands as the ref says Soderberg knocked the puck in on purpose. Maybe with his hand, it's hard to tell in the replay.

10:18- GENO SCORES ON THE PP!! Sid, Letang, and Malkin pass the puck up high! Malkin takes the puck in and lets go of a wicked wrist shot, which blows right past Rask! 2-2 tie game!

11:11- Another PP opportunity for the Pens as Bergeron is called for hooking.

12:29- The Pens work well down low and Downie passes across the ice to Despres. He rips a shot on net, but Rask robs him with the flash of his glove.

16:25- The Bruins call a timeout.

17:49- Morrow Scores! Morrow fires from the blue line past Fleury. 2-1 Bruins.

18:00- Lucic Scores! The Bruins get a mini two on one chance. Lucic is left all alone at the side to slam dunk the puck into the open net. Fleury was left out to dry on that play. 1-1 tie game

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens need to keep getting traffic to the front of the net and pepper Rask with shots! Not to mention, keeping up the good defensive work! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- That is it for the first period as the Pens have the lead 1-0 over the Bruins!

1:28- Lucic and Despres have no love loss. They are battling each other on every shift.

2:39- PP time is over for the Pens. They had a few chances, but Rask was up to the task.

3:25- The Pens start with their 2nd PP unit to rest the top unit. Now time for the big boys.

4:39- Finally the Pens will get their first PP in this game as Smith is called for goalie interference.

5:39- The Pens lead in faceoffs 10-3, with Bergeron being 0 and 4.

6:01- Letang and Martin are playing well along with the rest of the Pens defense. They will have to remain strong against these Bruins.

7:41- The Bruins are doing a well with puck control and possession, but the Pens are holding their own. The 4th line battles down low in the defensive zone.

10:00- Bergeron whacks the puck out of the air and over the shoulder of Fleury into the net. The refs review the play and it's ruled a no goal. Bergeron's stick went above the crossbar! Wake up call there!

10:24- Fleury makes a quick glove save on a shot from the point. He saw right through the traffic.

12:43- Martin is set free as the Pens have a successful kill! The Bruins got some shots off and had a net front presence, but Fleury along with the Pens held down the fort.

14:43- The Bruins get the first PP of the game as Martin is called for holding.

16:27- SID SCORES! The play starts down low with Letang! Adams fires a shot, which is saved by Rask! Hornqvist kicks the rebound to Sid, who spins to put a sick backhander in the open net! 1-0 Pens!

18:05- The Bruins have started with speed and are able to get some pressure on the Pens.

20:00- The puck has dropped at TD Garden! The Pens will have to take on the always troubling Bruins! Time to take down the Bruins! Lets Go Pens! 

Friday, November 21, 2014

The Pittsburgh Penguins Battle the New York Islanders!

By: MF, 

It's time for a home-and-home series as the Pittsburgh Penguins play the New York Islanders at Consol Energy Center to start off the series. The Penguins are riding a season high four game winning streak at home and will look to make it five! The Penguins are coming off a huge 4-0 win against the Montreal Canadiens.

Not all news is good news though. After visiting the doctor, the Penguins announced, Pascal Dupuis will be out for at least six months due to a blood cut, which was found in his lung. It is a scary thing and Dupuis was lucky to have it found without any issues. Due to being on blood thinners to help treat the blood clot, which means he cannot participate in any type of contact sport. He could still do workouts and conditioning. The Penguins held a press conference, which was attended by Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz, and Marc-Andre Fleury. The team only received a text message 15 minutes before the conference or more players would of come to show their support. Dupuis commented that his family was his top concern and hockey came second. It's sad to see such a wonderful person and player suffer like this. All of Pittsburgh nation, wishes Dupuis a healthy and speedy recovery.

The Penguins want to continue their success this season and proving it to their current league numbers. So far this season, the Penguins have allowed only 32 goals in 17 games, which happens to be the fewest in the National Hockey League (NHL). Not to mention, they have an NHL best +27 goal differential. This is a seven better than the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are holding second place now.

Some of the Penguins are approaching new career highs and history making milestones! Craig Adams appeared in his 400th career game, in a Penguins uniform, Tuesday night against the Canadiens. He will look to continue towards becoming the all-time player in Penguins history to play in consecutive Penguins games. As for our net-minder, Marc-Andre Fleury is at 299 NHL career wins and tonight will hope to become the 31st goalie in NHL history to reach 300 wins! Not only that Fleury added to his shutout record, with his 4th shutout of the season on Tuesday.

The Penguins will have to play a smart and focused hockey game. If they continue to work at the same level as their last two games, there should be no problem! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Comeau
Spaling, Geno, Hornqvist
Bennett, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Bortuzzo

Play By Play
Pens 4 New York Islanders 5 SO

Shootout
The Islanders end up with the 5-4 shootout win. The Pens shouldn't of taken a nap in the first period and they could of ended this with a win. We will see them tomorrow in their domain.

Okposo avoids Fleury's poke check to score.

Johnson denies Sutter.

Nielson scores.

Sid scores a backhander!

Fleury denies Tavares with the pad!

Malkin fires a shot wide!


OT Period
0:00- Well shootout time!

1:22- Islanders get a 2 on 1 chance, but Martin breaks up the play.

1:59- The Pens are looking for the perfect play, but they need to shoot the puck!

3:15- Letang gets the rebound off the back boards and tries to stuff the puck into the net, but Boychuk's stick denies him!

3:49- The Islanders are camping out in front of Fleury and the Pens need to clear them out!

5:00- Overtime is underway! The Pens need to take it to the Islanders and put this game away early! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- That is it for regulation as we are headed to OT with a 4-4 tie game.

0:47- Boychuk goes for Malkin's knee with a knee to knee hit. Malkin goes down and the trainer comes out to see him. He skates back to the bench on his own.

1:06- Downie is back on the ice.

3:44- Downie looks to be in some discomfort after getting hit hard on the boards.

4:46- The Islanders get a huge chance on net as the Pens make a lack lesser effort, but the post makes the save.

7:00- HORNQVIST SCORES!!!! Malkin starts from the Pens zone and carries the puck all the way down the ice into the Islanders' zone! Malkin passes to Hornqvist, who whips on into the net! 4-4 tie game!

7:53- Some back and forth hockey. The Pens have had chances and then they have to deal with a sudden storm from the Islanders. Time ticking away.

17:36- Maatta with an unreal play to get around Hamonic, but his shot hits the goal post!

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens need keep putting shots on net and not give the Islanders any time or space! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- That is it for two periods and the Pens have pulled within one. 4-3 Islanders.

1:30- Johnson makes a save on a sick Malkin backhander!

1:51- Letang is robbed by Johnson! Letang let go of a quick shot after the puck came bouncing off the back boards!

4:54- Bennett passes to Downie at the side of the net! He is robbed by the pad of Johnson!

5:37- Downie and Hickey are set free.

6:02- Sid gets a mini breakaway. He ends up making a spinning, backhanded pass to Malkin across the ice! Johnson with the pad save on Malkin's shot.

7:37- Some 4 on 4 hockey time as Downie heads to the box with Hickey.

9:25- This is a weird game. The Pens look sloppy and unorganized at times then they battle and score. The Islanders look to be in control then they are not. Not consistent.

11:08- SPALING SCORES!!! Spaling receives a stretch pass to bring the puck into the Islanders' zone! The Pens cycle the puck and Hornqvist fires a shot in the slot! Spaling whacks at the rebound and jams it in! 4-3 Islanders.

11:54- Sid snaps a shot in the slot, but it's blocked! That had to hurt.

14:01- Bortuzzo and Matt Martin drop the gloves. A spirit fight and the refs break it up.

14:15- Leddy Scores! The Pens are unable to clear the puck and Spaling losses sight of his man. Leddy is left wide open and blows one past the glove of Fleury. 4-2 Islanders.

15:10- Goc passes to a open Adams. His shot goes high and wide of the net!

16:40- The Islanders get a 3 on 1 chance with only Maatta back! They fan on the shot after the Pens defense pinched.

20:00- The second period is underway! The Pens have to control the puck and put a lot more shots on net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- The first period ends and the Pens have pulled within one. 3-2 Islanders.

0:12- Bailey gets a break away chance, but Fleury comes out with the poke check and makes a pad save!

1:22- The Pens ice the puck.

3:26- COMEAU SCORES!! Sid puts the puck up to Comeau, who controls the puck and flies around the back on the net for a wrap around attempt! The puck goes off Matt Martin and into the net! 3-2 Islanders.

4:15- The Pens are getting beat to every puck by the Islanders and cannot clear it out of their zone. They finally get some control and head down the ice.

7:18- Malkin finally gets a shot on net, which is saved by Johnson. That was the second shot for the Pens as their first (and only) shot went in.

10:07- Strome Scores! The Pens try to clear the puck, but the Islanders don't allow it. Hickey fires a shot from the point, which is deflected by Strome (right on Fleury's doorstep) into the net. 3-1 Islanders.

11:13- Kulemin Scores! The Islanders win the face-off in the neutral zone and Kulemin enters the Pens zone. He dances around Kulemin Letang and puts one past Fleury. 2-1 Islanders.

11:42- Matt Martin Scores! The Islanders catch the Pens changing and Matt Martin gets a chance all alone. He beats Fleury, short side. 1-1 tie game.

12:01- The Pens are successful on the PK and Letang is set free. Two great saves by Fleury on Boychck's slap shots!

14:01- Letang is called for hooking and the Islanders bring out their PK unit!

15:07- Fleury makes a nice pad/glove save on Strome's shot!

18:47- SUTTER SCORES! Martin blasts a shot from the point, which is redirected under the crossbar by Sutter! 1-0 Pens!

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol! Time for the Pens to take it to the Islanders and show them no mercy! Lets Go Pens! 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Habs Not!

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back on the road, for a brief time, to take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. The Penguins are coming off of two back to back wins along with winning nine of their last ten games. They are coming off a huge shootout win against the New York Rangers at Consol Energy Center on Saturday night.

Their record in the last ten games against the Canadiens, they are 7-1-2, dating back to October 20, 2011. During the month of November, the Penguins have played seven games and won six of them. They rank in the top ten in many areas throughout the NHL. Firstly, they are ranked number one in the league with 13 goals against. They rank second in wins (six), winning percentage (.857), and goal differential (+9). As for their penalty kill (93.1%) they are ranked third, which is a huge improvement from the start of the season. Lastly, they are ranked fifth in goals per game (3.14) and power-play goals (six). The Penguins have had an amazing November and are looking to grow on that success.

As for the Penguins individually, Marc-Andre Fleury is only two wins away from recording 300 wins in his NHL career. In his last eight starts, Fleury is 7-1 with a 1.71 goals against average and .937 save percentage. Craig Adams is set to appear in his 400th career game with the Penguins! In the face-off circle, Marcel Goc has the team best at 57.4%. On the score sheet, Evgeni Malkin has racked up ten points in his last six games against the Canadiens.

On the injury front, Pascal Dupuis didn't make the trip to Montreal. Mike Johnston said, "He went to the doctor. He wasn't feeling well, as I mentioned yesterday...We should have an update soon." I hope Dupuis is just feeling under the weather and it's nothing serious.

Now on to some good news, Olli Maatta will be back in the lineup tonight! The Penguins confirmed his return during the morning skate! It's been two weeks since he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his thyroid gland. It's great to have him back on defense. He has been missed!

Maatta commented on his return saying, "I didn't think it would be this quick, but I have to thank the doctors and team staff for doing their best. I'm just excited to be back. I wanted to come back as quickly as I could. I just want to get it over with, now I can focus on hockey again."

On a side note, the NHL announced today they will be eliminating the dry scrape off the ice before overtime. This will start with Saturday's games. The general managers decided this after their November meeting, coming to the conclusion it was taking too long to get overtime underway. The ice will be cleaned by hand shoveling the snow, on the ice, just like they do during television timeouts. The ice will not be clean before a shootout.

Now lets get back to the Penguins taking on the Canadiens! The Penguins will have to come out with speed and take it to the Canadiens! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Comeau
Spaling, Geno, Hornqvist
Bennett, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Tanger
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Play By Play
PENS 4 Canadiens 0

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS WIN 4-0 AGAINST THE CANADIENS!!!! FLEURY EARNS HIS 4TH SHUTOUT OF THE SEASON, WHICH NOW LEADS THE LEAGUE! GREAT JOB BY THE FLOWER AND THE PENS! 

1:36- Fleury once again with a big save. He has been there every time.

4:58- This period hasn't been the best for the Pens, but Fleury has been outstanding. Pretty much doing everything even standing on his head to make saves!

8:24- Fleury makes an unreal save to keep the Habs at bay! Wow!

11:41- Some offensive zone time for the Pens, but they need to play smart against the Canadiens. They will capitalize on any little mistake, the Pens make.

15:41- The Canadiens have been bringing it to the Pens during this period. The Pens may lead by four, but it has been a battle. Fleury and the defense have been coming up huge.

17:38- The Pens PK are three for three tonight! Martin is set free!

19:38- Martin is called for tripping and the Habs will get their third PP of the game.

20:00- Third period time! The Pens need to keep attacking and play smart! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period ends and the Pens have extend their lead to 4-0!

0:30- SID SCORES ON THE PP!!!! Malkin puts the puck on net and Price makes the save! The Pens and Canadiens crash the net! Sid waits and jams in the loose puck! 4-0 Pens!

0:58- Power play time for the Pens! Galchenyuk off for slashing.

1:10- The Pens make it a second great PK!

3:10- Malkin is found guilty of hooking and the Habs will get a second crack at the PP.

3:13- Maatta is having a solid first game back. He is playing smart and stepping in to help when a mistake happens.

3:57- Sid snaps one, which hits the goal post! Price is able to cover behind anyone gets to the rebound!

6:13- This game is back to the fast pace with the puck going up and down the ice. Both teams are getting time and battling on the boards.

9:56- Fleury makes two incredible saves to keep the door shut on the Canadiens! Spaling gets a chance, after being released from the box! He gets a shot off with one hand, but Price makes the save.

11:56- Now it's time for the Pens to bring out their PK as the Canadiens get the first PP of the game. Spaling is called for holding.

13:53- Letang comes into the Canadiens zone and draws two defensemen. Sid picks up the pass and slaps, a hard shot, which Price makes the save on!

14:52- Spaling sends a shot ringing off the post!

19:02- SUTTER SCORES!!! Bennett comes flying down the win and makes a no look pass to Sutter. Sutter, in the slot, snipes a shot to the left corner! 3-0 Pens!

20:00- The second period is underway! The Pens need to keep coming at the Canadiens with speed and keep up with the smart defensive plays! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- The first period horn sounds and the Pens have a 2-0 lead over the Canadiens!

1:41- Sid bats at the puck, beside the net, but it goes over the net!

2:46- Bennett catches the Canadiens changing and sneaks in the zone! Price is barley able to get a piece of the puck, with his glove, to redirect it wide.

4:41- Fleury has been strong in the net to start. The Canadiens have had quality chances, but he keeps shutting the door!

7:46- The Pens are playing a smart defensive game of hockey. Any mistake could give either team the edge, as the Pens took advantage to get the opening goal.

10:17- DOWNIE SCORES!! Bennett finds Letang above the circles! Letang is able to bait Price into going down and passes to Downie for the tip in! 2-0 Pens!

12:00- BENNETT SCORES! Bennett rockets a shot over the glove shoulder of Price into the net! What a sniper shot! 1-0 Pens!

13:58- The puck ends up at the left goal post and Malkin is able to get a few whacks in, but Price is able to hold strong to cover the puck.

15:28- That will be the first whistle of the game. Great tempo to start this game. A fast, hitting game.

18:15- Fleury comes up with a huge pad save on Plekanec! He was right on Fleury's doorstep!

20:00- The puck has dropped in Montreal! Time for the Pens to take it to the Canadiens! Lets Go Pens!  

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Penguin Rage!

By: MF, 

Finally back in the city of Pittsburgh! The Penguins have concluded their long five game road trip with a 4-1 record. The only team the Penguins were defeated by were the New York Rangers, who they will face tonight at Consol Energy Center.

The Penguins will have to play a completely different game tonight then the last time the Penguins faced the Rangers. The Rangers killed the Penguins at Madison Square Garden, but I think tonight's game will be a different story. The game against the Maple Leafs last night was a great game for the Penguins. They showed they are both a great offensive and defensive team.

At home the Penguins have 66 home power play goals over the last three seasons, which is the highest total in the NHL during such a span. Also, the Penguins have won five of their last six games at Consol.

On the individual front, the Penguins are 7-0 when Sidney Crosby records multiple points. Pascal Dupuis recorded his first multi-goal game, this season, last night against the Maple Leafs. It was his 14th career multi-goal game. Lastly, Marc-Andre Fleury has 26 career wins against the Rangers, which is his highest against any other team.

The Penguins have to play a smart and tough brand of hockey against the Rangers! They need to screen Lundqvist and make sure to put shots on net! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Duper
Spaling, Geno, Hornqvist
Bennett, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Bortuzzo
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 3 New York Rangers 2 SO

Shootout
THE PENS WIN 3-2 IN THE SHOOTOUT! WHAT AN AWESOME GAME AND WHAT AN UNREAL WIN! SUTTER PUTS IN THE SHOOTOUT WINNER AND FLEURY STANDS STRONG! THE THIRD JERSEY COMES THROUGH TONIGHT!

Fleury shuts the door on Nash!

Sutter scores through the five hole!

Boyle scores, but this game isn't over. The refs are reviewing the play as Boyle hit the puck twice and it doesn't count! This is continuing!

Letang is denied by Lundqvist.

Zuccarello is stopped by Fleury!

Sid snaps one past Lundqvist!

Stephan scores.

Malkin is first, but is poke checked.


OT Period
0:00- It continues as this game is headed to a shootout!

0:11- Sutter uses his skates to get the puck and puts it up to Letang breaking out of the box! Lundqvist stuns Letang with a glove save!

1:00- This is way too nerve racking!

1:42- Scuderi receives a tripping penalty, which gives the Rangers a 4 on 3 PP.

2:11- Letang and Hagelin both head to the box for slashing. They continue to exchange words as they make their ways to the sin bin. 3 on 3 time!

2:27- This is a battle of the goalies! Fleury vs Lundqvist

3:47- Fleury denies St. Louis with a poke check!

4:30- Sid gets a breakaway chance and tries to go five hole! Lundqvist stacks the pads for the save!

5:00- Lets get this OT started! The Pens just need to keep playing physical and end this early! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to OT! This game is still tied at 2 and regulation wasn't enough!

0:50- Moore just slides out to block Dupuis wide open net shot!

4:13- Staal and Malkin are set free. Sid reeked havoc on the Rangers during the 4 on 4, but the puck just wouldn't go over the goal line.

6:13- The refs give both Malkin and Staal roughing penalties. 4 on 4 hockey time.

6:14- Malkin just bulldozes Girardi behind the net (Staal gets caught in the traffic). The Rangers come to their teammates aid and a scrum ensues. The crowd starts chanting "Geno". Girardi goes to the locker room, but it was a clean hit.

7:30- There is a scoring change on Comeau's goal as Malkin gets the secondary assists, which gives him two points on the night (so far).

8:02- Sutter does a good job of hiding his wrist shot, shooting it through a Ranger defender, but Lundqvist is able to make a pad save.

9:15- The Pens PP comes to an end and it was a crazy one. Fleury has to come up big and Letang saved the Pens from a SH chance!

11:15- Time for a huge Pens PP chance as Moore is called for tripping!

12:21- HOLY MARC-ANDRE FLEURY! Fleury committed highway robbery with a poke check on Kreider!

16:07- The Rangers call a timeout after icing the puck.

20:00- Lets get back to some hockey! Third period time! The Pens just need to keep up the work from the second period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- That is it for two periods and this game is all tied up at 2!

0:42- The Rangers ice the puck, giving the Pens a chance with an offensive zone face-off.

3:09- The Pens sustain an unreal amount of pressure on the Rangers and Scuderi won't let the Rangers clear the puck!

4:15- Sid stick handles in a phone booth with three Rangers on him. He is man handled, but no call.

6:06- This game has turned into a very physical game! Got to love it!

7:17- Sutter comes flying into the offensive zone and Lundqvist kicks out the puck. The Rangers are able to get to the big rebound to clear it.

9:03- Geno is just flying on the ice right now. He is feeling it and makes an unreal pass to Hornqvist. Hornqvist is robbed twice by Lundqvist!

11:51- GENO SCORES!! Spaling intercepts a Ranger pass in the offensive zone and draws the two defensemen to him! He passes off to Geno, who sneaks one between the arm and post! 2-2 tie game!

12:53- That will be a unsuccessful PP for the Pens, but they had some good chances on net. It looked promising.

14:53- The Pens will finally put their PP to work as Girardi will take a seat for holding.

17:09- Sid fires the puck wide, which makes it bounce off the boards back to the front of the net! The Pens get a great chance, but Rangers clear it out of harms way.

18:16- Fleury makes a huge save at the end of the Rangers PP. Successful PK for the Pens.

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens have to kill off a Rangers PP for 1:44! Kill it and put pucks on the net Pens! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:16- Yet another PP chance for the Rangers as Ehrhoff gets a hooking penalty.

1:00- Fleury with a huge blocker save as the Rangers get some chances as the period comes to an end.

1:30- The Pens have some jump to their step as the period whines down.

3:05- Sid whacks the puck out of mid-air, but Lundqvist makes the save. Dupuis tries for the rebound, but Lundqvist flashes the pad.

3:36- St. Louis Scores on the PP! Fleury goes down to make a save, but St. Louis ends up with the puck. He is able to put the puck over a down Fleury. 2-1 Rangers.

4:54- The Rangers are getting another PP chance as Downie takes a slashing penalty.

5:33- Stempniak Scores! The Rangers answer right back with Stempniak putting in a backhander. 1-1 tie game.

5:48- COMEAU SCORES! Hornqvist passes to the wing for Comeau, who snaps a shot! His shot finds its way under the blocker arm of Lundqvist! 1-0 Pens!

8:10- A successful kill for the Pens as Martin is set free. 

10:00- Sutter and Letang's shorthanded attempts are saved by the pads of Lundqvist. 

10:10- The first PP will go to the Rangers as Martin is sent to the sin bin for cross-checking. 

10:55- Sid gets an amazing scoring chance with Duper helping out. The puck just dances across the goal line, but doesn't go over it! 

14:15- Flower stuns Kreider with a pad save in the slot area! 

14:51- Crashing the Rangers net, the Pens just can't put the puck past Lundqvist!

15:11- The Pens have had a great start to this game. They look much better then the last game against the Rangers. 

17:40- Lundqvist makes a save while falling down. Great chance for the Pens early on!

20:00- The Pens are back in Pittsburgh after a long five game road trip! The puck has dropped at Consol! Lets Go Pens! 

Friday, November 14, 2014

Time to Rake the Leafs!

By: MF, 

The last of the five game road series for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as they are in Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs. The Penguins winning streak came to an end Tuesday night as the New York Rangers delivered an huge loss to the Penguins. The Penguins had a horrible game Tuesday night and didn't look like the team from the earlier games. It could be in part of the road series getting to them, but they have a chance to bounce back tonight. The Penguins will face the Maple Leafs tonight and then turn around to head home to take on the New York Rangers, once again, Saturday night.

On the injury front, Olli Maatta has skated with the team the last two days. It was announced he could start in the next 5-6 days at the earliest. Maatta also commented that the tumor removed from his neck was cancerous. Lucky, the surgery went well and Maatta is back on the ice with the Penguins. We all wish him a speedy recovery! We miss Maatta!

The Penguins are still dominating as a team and individuals all over the NHL right now. The Penguins have a +22 NHL-leading goal differential, which is six more than the next closest team (the Tampa Bay Lightning at +16). Not only that, the team is ranked second with a 12.2% team shooting percentage. This is only behind the Tampa Bay Lightning who have a 12.3% team shooting percentage. As for the Penguins numbers against the Maple Leafs are also good. The Penguins have won five of their last six games against the Maple Leafs.

As for the individual numbers, Sidney Crosby has a NHL leading (among forwards) ten road assists. Also, Craig Adams has surpassed Jordan Staal, after Tuesday night's game, with 302 consecutive games played in a Penguins uniform. Adams is second now behind Ron Schock, who holds the franchise record at 313 games.

Now against the Maple Leafs, Kris Letang has notched nine points in his last six games versus the Maple Leafs. Not to mention that Evgeni Malkin has 47 points (13 goals and 34 assists) in 25 career games against the Maple Leafs.

Tonight the Penguins will have the services of Thomas Greiss between the pipes. The Penguins will have to come out with speed and determination to get the win. A total 180 will have to happen after the horrible game against the New York Rangers. The numbers look good, but the Penguins will have to come out and prove them! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Duper
Spaling, Geno, Hornqvist
Bennett, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Bortuzzo
Scuderi, Despres

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 2 Maple Leafs 1

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS GET THE WIN 2-1 OVER THE MAPLE LEAFS! GREISS MAKES AN UNREAL SAVE AT THE END OF THE GAME! WHAT A ENDING BY THE PENS! 

0:45- Greiss makes a unreal stick save to bat away the puck!

2:14- Hornqvist is leveled by Phaneuf and Geno isn't having it! Geno gets in the face of Phaneuf and they drop the gloves! Geno and Phaneuf are in the box. Downie go to the box giving Leafs the PP. Leafs have an empty net.

2:17- Sid is just unreal tonight!

2:50- Sid powers his way to the front of the net, with some sick stick handling, Bernier makes the save!

6:22- Make that another successful kill for the Pens!

8:22- Dupuis now has his chance in the penalty box for slashing. Leafs with huge PP chance.

9:55- The Leafs kill off the Pens PP. It wasn't a great looking PP for the Pens.

10:03- Sutter goes down after taking a slap shot to the face. Looks to be his left ear area and he goes to the locker room.

11:55- Letang is upended by Kadri. He is called for tripping, giving the Pens a huge PP chance to extend their lead.

13:28- Franson Scores! Franson slaps a shot after the puck, bounces off the boards, from the point. His shot curves and goes high to the left corner. The Leafs cut the Pens lead in half. 2-1 Pens.

14:10- Despres steps up to get a shot off, which Bernier steers away with his goal stick.

16:35- Team spirit is looking way better tonight then when they played the Rangers. The Pens are clicking and battling with determination.

19:45- DUPUIS SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT!! Sid backhands a pass right off the boards to the wheelhouse of Duper! Duper snipes one past Bernier! 2-0 Pens!

20:00- We are back for the third period! The Pens have to keep taking it to the Leafs and just pepper the net with shots! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- That is it for two periods and the Pens finally break through to take the 1-0 lead!

1:52- Kuni and Geno get a 2 on 1 chance! Kuni passes over to Geno who is wide open! Geno goes up high and Bernier just robs Geno with the glove!

2:42- DUPUIS SCORES! Ehrhoff fires a shot from the point and Dupuis redirects the puck as he is screening Bernier! 1-0 Pens!

2:53- The Pens come up with a huge PK with amazing defensive work by Martin!

4:53- Bortuzzo will now head over to the sin bin for roughing as the Leafs go on yet another PP.

5:33- Geno uses some fancy stick work behind the Leafs net and keeping the puck from the Leafs. Unreal work by Geno on that shift.

7:54- Kessel moves his way to the front of the Pens net, but Greiss stands strong to make the save! Amazing save on Kessel's backhander!

10:30- That is another successful PK as the Leafs kill the Pens PP. This game is still 0-0!

12:30- A gush of wind hits us even from the TV as Sid comes flying down the center of the Leafs zone! Sid ends up drawing a penalty to give the Pens a chance on the PP!

13:30- Kuni is back on the ice and the Pens come up with another successful PK. Greiss came up big in the net and Martin worked really hard on that PK.

15:30- Now Kuni will have a seat in the box for holding. The Pens PK comes right back on the ice as the Leafs bring out their PP.

16:24- Another successful kill by the Pens and Greiss did a great job. He looks sharp in the net. Geno is let out of the box.

17:13- Goc and Adams get a 2 on 1 chance. Goc holds and Bernier makes the save up high!

18:24- PK time for the Pens as Geno is called for hooking.

19:32- Dupuis takes a hard hit from Phaneuf and slowly makes his way back to the bench.

20:00- Now it's time for the second period! If the Pens keep up with the shooting they are bound to put some behind Bernier! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- The first period horn sounds to end this period at 0-0! The Pens lead in shots 13-5.

0:34- A unsuccessful PP for the Pens as Phaneuf is set free. The Leafs did a good job of pressuring and blocking the Pens shots.

2:34- Sutter draws a slashing penalty on Phaneuf. The Pens will get a chance at a PP now!

2:58- Bernier makes a big save on Duper. Kuni comes into the face of Bernier taking a whack at the puck under the pad of Bernier. Leafs don't like it and a scram ensues.

4:50- That is a successful PK for the Pens as Downie is released from the sin bin.

5:10- The puck bounces off the post and lands right by the goal line. Griess has to fall down to protect the goal and the Pens luckily clear it.

6:50- The Pens finally touch the puck on a delayed penalty situation. Downie will go off for hooking and the Leafs will get the first PP of the game.

9:08- Greiss makes a save up high on Van Riemsdyk's shot. The Pens get to the rebound to clear.

9:55- There have been 15 face-offs in the first 10 minutes of this game.

11:14- Sid picks the Leafs clearing attempt and feeds Kuni, for a one timer, in the slot. Kuni's shot is steered wide of the net by Bernier.

13:23- Bortuzzo was shaken up on a play after taking a hit from a Leaf, in front of the Pens net. He looks to be in discomfort on the bench, as a trainer talks to him.

14:16- The Maple Leafs are still looking for their first shot on net. They look to be playing a cautious game against the Pens to start.

15:10- On a side note, Simon Despres is playing in his 100th NHL career game tonight!

17:50- The Pens start off with a great opening shift by the Kuni, Sid, Dupuis line. Much better start to this game then last Tuesday's game.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Air Canada Centre! The Pens need to come out with speed and determination against the Maple Leafs! Lets Go Pens! 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The Pens will not be at home, but will be ON the Range-rs!

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are riding a seven game winning streak after their dominating 6-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres last Saturday night. Tonight the Penguins will continue their road trip as they take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden (MSG).

Last Saturday, the Penguins continue to show the NHL their dominating offense. Sidney Crosby recorded his third career five-assist game. Crosby also extended his points lead to be the top leading scorer in the NHL. Also, Robert Bortuzzo scored his first goal his season (his first in 50 games).

In the last 14 regular season games at MSG, the Penguins record is 10-4. The Penguins are also riding a great penalty kill. They have kill 37 consecutive penalties.

A milestone will be reached tonight as Craig Adams will play his 302nd consecutive game in a Penguins uniform. He will tie Jordan Staal for the team recorded of consecutive game appearances in a Penguins uniform.

On the injury front, Olli Maatta skated on his own this morning. This is his first time back on the ice since having a tumor removed from his neck. On another note, the Penguins have recalled Beau Bennett from Wilkes-Barre Scranton, after Mike Johnston said he had a "great weekend" playing with the Baby Penguins.

Tonight the Penguins will have to keep going full speed ahead and not let up. They have to play smart defensively and play for the full 60 minute game. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Geno, Comeau
Spaling, Sutter, Downie
Bennett, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Bortuzzo
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 0 Rangers 5

3rd Period
0:00- The Rangers end up with the win 5-0 over the Pens. It was a dominating win by the Rangers and the Pens will have to bounce back for Friday.

2:15- The Pens passes are being cut off way too much. Stepan collides at center ice with a Ranger teammate and gets the wind knocked out of him.

5:14- The Pens are just unable to set up any plays or get the momentum of this game to go in their favor. The Rangers have just outdone the Pens.

9:15- Letang is set free as the Pens kill off the Rangers PP.

10:27- Rangers have a PP for 1:12 as Glass is released.

11:15- Letang is now in the box for unsportsmanlike conduct. 4 on 4 hockey for 48 seconds.

12:15- Nash Scores a shorthanded goal! Nash beats all the Pens back to get the puck from a pass from Stepan behind the net. He puts it five hole. 5-0 Rangers

12:27- Glass hits Despres hard into the boards and ends up with a boarding penalty. The Pens get a PP chance.

14:27- The Pens end up icing the puck on the play.

16:55- That is it for the Pens PP. Nothing came of it.

18:55- Sid draws a hooking penalty on Girardi to give the Pens a PP opportunity. The Pens need to capitalize!

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens need to get to scoring! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Rangers have extended their lead to 4-0 over the Pens.

2:51- Just unreal as Lundqvist robs Kuni in the blue paint!

3:53- The Pens are staring to get mean as Sutter bulldozes a Ranger into the boards!

4:25- Lundqvist stuns Hornqvist right in the front of the net!

7:10- Kuni gets the puck to the net quickly after a hard pass from Sid, but Lundqvist denies him.

8:42- The Pens are letting the Rangers run all over them and I feel bad for Fleury. He has made numerous saves and unreal ones, but his team needs to help him out.

9:11- Bassard Scores on the PP! The Pens PK streak comes to an end as Bassard snipes a shot over the glove of Fleury. 4-0 Rangers

10:45- Fleury twist around to lay out his arm to make an unreal save and the Rangers crash the net. The puck does cross the goal line, but the ref calls goalie interference (so no goal). Downie though ends up in the box for roughing. Another huge PK for the Pens.

12:23- The Pens make it 39 consecutive kills! Marc-Andre Fleury came up with an unreal save to keep the streak alive.

14:23- Hornqvist is sent to the box for roughing. The Pens have a huge PK ahead.

15:07- Geno comes flying up ice and backhands a shot that is saved by Lundqvist.

16:23- Fleury makes a great pad save. A scrum ensues after the Rangers are up in the Pens kitchen.

18:28- Letang is back on the bench after going off the ice in the first period.

18:48- The Pens PP comes to an end. Too many passes and missed passes.

20:00- The second period is underway! The Pens have a PP for another 1:12! They need to capitalize and take it to the Rangers! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and the Pens are down 3-0 Rangers.

0:48- The Pens will get a much needed PP as Stepan is called for hooking.

3:23- Geno skates back to make a 2 on 1, but Comeau fans on his shot!

5:13- Klein Scores! The Rangers move the puck around the offensive zone and it makes the Pens look really bad. Klein fires a shot from the point, which makes its way past three Pens and Fleury. 3-0 Rangers

6:01- The 4th line of the Pens have shown up tonight as they dominate in the Rangers zone, but that seems to be shorted lived.

6:56- The Pens are having trouble right now as the Rangers have had great puck possession. They are getting little time and space.

9:01- St.Louis Scores! The Rangers are outworking the Pens as St.Louis tips Bortuzzo's clearing attempt. Nash fires a shot that Bortuzzo lays down to block, but Nash gets the rebound. He passes over to a wide open St.Louis who drives it home. 2-0 Rangers

10:42- Comeau gets hit in the neutral zone and it looks like a blind hit, but refs make no call.

11:37- Zuccarello Scores! Fleury is screened on the play after the Rangers win an offensive zone faceoff. Zuccarello is able to blow a shot past Fleury. 1-0 Rangers.

12:29- The puck tickles through after Lundqvist thought he had saved it. Glass just clears the puck out of the way before it can cross the goal line.

14:41- The Rangers have come out flying in this game and the Pens are starting to respond as the Pens 1st line comes out. Great pace!

15:30- Fleury comes up with a huge toe save and gets the rebound chance. Close call.

17:03- Make it 38 consecutive penalty kills for the Pens PK unit!

19:03- The Rangers will get the first PP of the game as Sid is called for tripping.

20:00- The Pens are in MSG to take on the Rangers! The puck has dropped and this game is on! Lets Go Pens! 

Saturday, November 8, 2014

The Penguins are in Buffalo!

Penguins celebrate shootout win / Pittsburgh Penguins
By: MF, 

The five game winning streak of the Pittsburgh Penguins is at stake tonight in Buffalo against the Sabres. The Penguins have 14 out of their last 19 games against the Sabres. Also, the team's penalty kill unit has kill 34 consecutive penalties and will to keep that hot streak going.

On an individual front, Sidney Crosby has racked up a 18 game point streak against the Sabres with 10 goals and 21 assists. Marc-Andre Fleury has a 4-0-0 recorded when it comes to the Sabres dating back to December 29th, 2009.

The Penguins have been getting contributions from all their lines and not having to put all the weight on their top lines. Thursday night's game in Winnipeg, the Penguins 3rd line accounted for 6/8 points vs the Jets.

They will have to keep focus and work hard every shift. If the Penguins keep their focus and play smart this game should be no problem. Lets Go Pens!

Goc and Little face-off / Pittsburgh Peguins
The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Geno, Comeau
Spaling, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Bortuzzo
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 6 Sabres 1

3rd Period
0:00- PENS COME OUT WITH A DOMINATING WIN 6-1 OVER THE SABRES! SID NOTCHES FIVE ASSISTS! LETANG AND HORNQVIST RING UP A PAIR OF GOALS EACH! GREAT NIGHT! 7 IN A ROW! 

2:06- Bortuzzo lets go of a wicked wrist shot up high, but it his the crossbar!

3:59- The Pens have been running a clinic this entire game. The Sabres are unable to set up in the offensive zone.

7:03- Enroth robs Sill of joining the scoring sheet!

10:15- The Pens earn their 37th consecutive penalty. Just an unreal PK!

13:15- Comeau is called for slashing and the Pens bring out their red hot PK unit.

14:17- Downie hasn't been back on the ice since his fight with Weber.

15:00- The Sabres are able to kill off the Pens PP.

16:56- Geno is robbed by the pad of Enroth as Sid was looking for assist number 6!

17:18- The Pens now have a regular PP for 1:24.

18:00- 5 on 3 PP for the Pens for 43 seconds as Weber is called for hooking.

19:18- Fleury gets mowed over by Zadorov giving the Pens a PP chance.

20:00- The Pens and Sabres are back on the ice to continue this battle in the third period! The Pens needs to keep dominating the game and not let up! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Horn sounds to bring the second period to a close! The Pens have extended their lead to 6-1 over the Sabres!

0:44- GENO SCORES!!!!!! Comeau spins to make a pass to Geno in the slot area! He quickly whips out a shot to put the puck in the back of the net! 6-1 Pens!

3:04- Gionta Scores! Just as the Sabres PP expires, a hard shot is fired from the point and Gionta deflects it in front over Fleury. 5-1 Pens!

3:17- The Pens make it 36 consecutive kills!

5:17- The Sabres will get another PP opportunity as Dupuis is called for tripping.

6:00- BORTUZZO SCORES!!!!! Sid makes a pass to Bortuzzo in the center of the offensive zone! Bortuzzo holds to bring the puck to the side and whips a shot past Enroth! His first in 50 games! Sid notches his 5th assist of the night! 5-0 Pens!

6:10- The Sabres get a 3 on 1 chance with only Bortuzzo back. He lays down to take the shot away and Fleury makes the save on another chance!

7:25- Downie and Weber enter the ring! DING! DING! Downie gets in some good punches and ends up with the take down. Good fight!

8:48- Moulson receives a pass from behind and he is alone in front of the net! Fleury has to make quick work to fling out his pad and glove for the save!

10:45- Both players are released from their prisons. We are back to full strength hockey.

12:45- We will have some 4 on 4 hockey after a scrum ensues. Hornqvist and Strachan are in their respective boxes both for roughing.

15:04- HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE PP!!!! The Pens make a tic-tac-toe play and Hornqvist rips a shot over the shoulder (blocker side) of Enroth! Sniper shot! 4-0 Pens!

15:33- Sabres haven't learned their lesson as the Pens are getting another PP chance!

16:30- The Sabres get a great chance and their shot looks to go in the net, but it rings off the goal post!

18:32- Make it 35 consecutive penalty kills for the Pens!

20:00- Now it's time for the second period! The Pens have to kill off a Sabres PP to start for 1:29! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period comes to an end with the Pens dominating the Sabres 3-0 to start!

0:32- The Sabres will get their first PP of the game as Malkin is called for hooking.

1:17- Enroth is dealing with a shooting gallery! Letang fires one that is just saved by the glove of Enroth! The Pens are dominating.

4:56- LETANG SCORES!!! Sid stick handles the puck in a phone booth to outlet a pass to Martin! Martin holds to lay a pass in the wheelhouse of Letang! Letang snipes one! 3-0 Pens!

6:43- The Sabres are able to keep the Pens PP at bay. Myers gets a lead pass coming out of the goal, but Martin stays with him. Fleury makes the save on the Sabres first shot on net!

8:43- Myers takes a bad slashing penalty and this gives the Pens a chance to bring out their deadly PP unit once again!

10:18- The Pens have eight shots to the Sabres zero!

11:01- The Sabres are having a rough time and trying to clog up the neutral zone to stop the Pens. Doesn't seem to be working very well.

16:29- HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE PP!! The Pens do a great job of moving the puck around on the PP! Letang slaps a shot from the blue line and it's redirected by Hornqvist right past the glove of Enroth! 2-0 Pens!

16:56- The Pens will get the first PP of the game. Bring out the deadly #1 ranked PP!

18:39- LETANG SCORES! The Pens come out with speed! Enroth ends up losing his stick and this gives Letang an opening. Letang fires a rocket side past the stick side of Enroth! 1-0 Pens!

20:00- The puck has dropped in Buffalo! Here is to hoping the Pens keep their hot streak going and stay focused! Lets Go Pens! 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Penguins Jet off to Winnipeg!

By: MF, 


Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate a goal / Pittsburgh Penguins
The second game of the Pittsburgh Penguins road trips lands them in Winnipeg to take on the Jets. The Penguins are currently riding a five game winning streak and the team has been on fire. The Penguins are 3-0-1 on the road, so far this season, without losing in regulation with the only other team in the National Hockey League (NHL) is the Florida Panthers (2-0-4).

Some quick player/team news, Marc-Andre Fleury has signed a contract extension with the Penguins for four years for $23 million. Many people are excited and then there are many who are not. Personally, I think it's a well deserved contract for the "Flower." He has been a great goalie and has had his up and downs, which every goalie goes through. I believe he will continue to be an asset for the Penguins organization.

On the injury front, Olli Maatta had a successful surgery to remove a tumor from his neck area. His recovery is expected to be about four weeks.

Greiss makes a save against Wild / Pittsburgh Penguins
When it comes to the Jets the Penguins have won seven out of the last nine games against them and has outscored the Jets 40-24. The NHL's leading offense is on a roll with the Penguins power play still leading the NHL at 41.3%. Not to be outdone the Penguins penalty kill has killed 30 straight! This is a huge drop for the penalty kill, which started out at the bottom of the NHL standings.

On an individual player front, Evgeni Malkin is still riding a point streak and has reach 11 games. He has been on fire and contributing a great deal to the Penguins power play. Rob Scuderi has achieved his seventh multi-point game Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild (two assists). Tonight Craig Adams will play in his 300th consecutive game in a Penguin uniform, which is only two shy of the second longest in team history held by Jordan Staal. Lastly, Flower still holds a shutout streak at 154:46 and will try to add to that against the Jets.

The Penguins held an optional skate today, which only 10 players showed up to. Those who skated were: Robert Bortuzzo, Simon Despres, Steve Downie, Nick Spaling, Blake Comeau, Zach Sill, Marc-Andre Fleury, Craig Adams, Thomas Greiss, and Scott Harrington.

The Penguins and Wild crash the net / Pittsburgh Penguins
Tonight's game should prove to be an interesting game for the Penguins. Hopefully they can stay focus and play a full 60 minute game. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Geno, Comeau
Spaling, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Bortuzzo
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 4 Jets 3 SO

Shootout
PENS WIN 4-3 IN A SHOOTOUT! THIS WAS A HARD WIN FOR THE PENS AND FLOWER DELIVERED IN THE NET! THE PENS WITHSTOOD THE JETS' STORM AND CAME OUT ON TOP! 

Flower poke checks to stop Kane!

Sid stuffs one under the pad of Pavelec!

Flower denies Ladd!

Geno rips one past Pavelec!

Wheeler scores.


OT Period
0:00- We are going to a shootout! Martin did amazing on the PK and Flower was great!

1:06- Despres takes a tripping penalty and the Jets get a huge PP chance.

1:27- Flower has made some great saves with the Jets pressuring the Pens in the offensive zone.

2:16- Kuni is able to snap a shot to the net, which Pavelec saves. Sid was waiting at the back for any rebound chance.

3:56- Sid dogs two Jet players in the corner and ends up winning the puck. He turns out to the net and passes to Kuni. Pavelec makes the pad save. Great chance and hard work by Sid.

5:00- Regulation wasn't enough for these two teams! The Pens need to take it to the Jets and end this one early! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to OT as the Pens and Jets are tied at 3-3!

0:29- The Pens kill it!

1:13- The puck bounces around in the blue paint, but Flower makes unreal saves! Quick and acrobatic saving moves by the Flower!

2:30- Spaling heads to the sin bin for hooking. Jets PP and a huge one.

2:53- Jets once again kill the Pens PP.

4:53- The Pens get a huge PP chance and need to capitalize. Perreault is called for cross-checking.

5:42- This game has been getting more physical as the time whines down. The Jets seem to be at an advantage having some momentum from the PKs and the crowd.

7:31- Adams and Lowry drop the gloves! Huge height difference, but Adams ends up with a mowing him over like a truck before the fight.

8:15- The Pens PP doesn't look right and that gives the Jets the chance to easily kill it.

10:15- Sill bumps into Pavelec and Trouba instigates a fight with Sill. The Pens get a PP as Trouba gets the extra penalty.

12:25- Flower comes up with an amazing save on Kane's wrap around attempt! Just unreal! He is keeping the Pens in this game.

13:02- Both teams are back to strength.

15:02- 4 on 4 hockey after a scrum in front of the bench. Scuderi gets a slashing penalty and Downie a 10 minute game misconduct again. Perreault gets a slashing to offset.

16:03- Kane Scores! The Pens shot is blocked and Kane gets behind Letang to receive a up ice pass. He gets a one on one chance and puts it past the blocker side of Fleury. 3-3 tie game.

16:15- Flower has been coming up with some huge saves! The Pens are giving the Jets too much time and space.

17:30- Geno goes down hard and looks like he was clipped by the stick of Scuderi. He seems to be ok.

19:40- Downie and Byfuglien both end up in the box. They both end up with 10 minute misconduct penalties.

20:00- Now it's time for the third period! The Pens need to keep their focus on the game and make sure the Jets have no room to play! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period comes to a close and the Pens have the lead 3-2 over the Jets!

1:29- Trouba Scores! Trouba fires a hard and fast shot that ends up in the back of the net. The Jets pull within a goal. 3-2 Pens.

2:12- Bogosian sneaks pass Letang to get a breakaway chance, but Flower makes an amazing glove save to shut the door in Bogosian's face!

2:56- DOWNIE SCORES!!! Downie comes flying out of the net and gets a piece of a stretch pass, but ends up getting the bouncing puck off the boards! He puts it past Pavelec! 3-1 Pens! Byfuglien nails Downie into the boards after the goal and Downie jumps him as a result. Both end up penalties. Dirty play after the goal by Byfuglien. 4 on 4 hockey.

2:58- The Pens kill it and Downie, serving the extra penalty, is released.

4:58- Comeau ends up taking two penalties, which gives the Jets a PP. Bogosian in the box for roughing.

8:39- Jets kill the first PP, but Pens still have a regular PP for 1:32.

9:07- The Pens will get a 5 on 3 PP opportunity! Frolik is called for hooking.

10:39- Clitsome takes an interference penalty. The Pens PP gets another crack at it!

11:54- Scheifele takes a whack at Flower and he dishes one back! Then a scum ensues! Despres and Kane drop the gloves, but Despres ends up being taken down. Despres and Kane both get misconduct penalties on top of fighting. Flower and Scheifele both end up with slashing penalties.

13:10- SUTTER SCORES!! Bortuzzo pokes the puck away from a Jet in the neutral zone, which sends Sutter flying down the center! Sutter snipes one past Pavelec! 2-1 Pens!

15:49- Pens kill their 31st straight penalty! Letang is set free and the Pens get back to work. Flower was doing an amazing job on the PK with a huge screening effort by the Jets on their PP.

17:49- The Jets will now get their first PP of the game as Tanger is sent to the box for holding.

17:48- Kane goes to the net with great speed, but he is poked checked by the Flower! What a poke check!

18:24- The Pens start the second period being way more physical and this game has gotten a bit chippy.

19:48- The Pens PP comes to an end and this game is still tied at one.

20:00- The second period has started! The Pens need to bring it to the Jets and not play a purely defensive game! The Pens have a 13 second PP! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and this game is tied up 1-1!

1:48- Downie starts messing with Byfuglien, which draws a too many men on the ice penalty. #1 PP in the NHL time!

2:15- Byfuglien fires a rocket shot and Flower comes up with a huge save to stop the goal! Just unreal!

4:03- Ring the bell! Bortuzzo and Wheeler go at it! It was a good, spirited battle. Bortuzzo ends up with the take down.

6:46- The Jets are creating some chances, but Flower denies them once again.

8:44- DESPRES SCORES! The Pens win the corner battles in the offensive zone! Despres fires a shot from the point and it flies past a screened Pavelec! His first in 71 games! 1-1 tie game!

10:24- Ladd Scores! The Pens give the Jets way too much time in their own zone. Ladd is able to redirect the puck at the front between the legs of Flower. 1-0 Jets

13:14- Kuni lays a pass up to Sid, who is flying down the slot and gets a piece of the puck to direct it to the net. Pavelec just makes the save with his left pad!

14:30- Shots are 5-2 in favor of the Jets. Flower makes three back to back saves on some tough shots and covers for a faceoff.

17:11- The Jets do a nice job of pinning the Pens in the defensive zone. The tired Pens finally clear the puck for a change. Jets are trying bad angle shots to start against the Flower.

19:07- Flower stops an early shot by Kane! Flower had to fight off that shot.

20:00- The puck has dropped in Winnipeg! The Pens need to stay focus and bring it to the Jets for the full 60 minutes! Lets Go Pens!