St. Patrick's Day Battle

St. Patrick's Day celebration (btw: non-alcoholic drink)  / MF

By: MF, 

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I hope you have had an enjoyable day and are ready for some Pittsburgh Penguins hockey! The Penguins are starting a road trip tonight against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. They will go into this game and have a chance of hitting the big 40 mark in the wins category with a win today. It would be the eighth consecutive season for the Penguins, excluding 2012-13 season when the schedule was shortened (*cough more like the National Hockey League (NHL) couldn't get their act together *cough). The last time the Penguins faced the Devils, they came out with an overtime (2-1) win, which snapped a five game losing streak at the Devils' home arena. This road series could be just what the Penguins are looking for as they lost back-to-back games last weekend. They have only eight regulation losses on the road, which is the fewest in the NHL. Their last 12 games on the road, they are 8-2-2 and have a 1.83 team goals-against-average (GAA).

Warm-up time / MF

The team's offense has been on fire recently, but that all came to a halt over the last two games. They have unfortunately lost two key players during this road trip. Both Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist didn't make the trip with the team (more details to follow). They will have to use the guys they have, which are still lethal. Captain Sidney Crosby has 13 points (four goals and nine assists) in the last 10 games, going back to the 21st of February. This is the third most in the NHL during that span. Crosby is tied for the most in the NHL with three goals against the Devils. He also has 71 points and is tied for second in points, along with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom (NHL points rates). Crosby is a huge factor in developing plays. Another key guy, which is on the first line with Crosby, is David Perron. He achieved 40 points for the fifth time in his career (17 goals and 23 assists). Perron is on pace to record 20 goals, 27 assists and 47 points. That is unreal for a guy joining the team late in the season and clicking right into the Penguins lineup. Also, Chris Kunitz has an active six-game point streak against the Devils, which amounts to two goals and four assists.  I would also have to mention one of our road leaders, Blake Comeau. Comeau has three goals, three assists and six points in six games, since February 21.

Luckily the Penguins are healthy (fingers crossed) on defense right now. They will have to stay sharp and hold down the fort. The offense will have new lines and be working things out, so the defense has to stay consistent. Thomas Greiss will be in the net, which will give Marc-Andre Fleury a nice rest. Greiss has had a good few games and it's great the Penguins can rely on him. Fleury needs the rest as the playoffs are nearing.

On the injury front, Malkin's injury will keep him out for at least a week and at most 10-12 days. As for Hornqvist, it looks to be about a week. It will be good to get these two guys back in the lineup.

It's a St. Patrick's Day game and the Penguins are ready to top the Devils! Lets Go Pens!

Warm-ups / MF

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz, Crosby, Perron
Bennet, Sutter, Comeau
Winnik, Spaling, Downie
Ebbett, Lapierre, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 0 Devils 2

3rd Period
0:00- The Pens fall for the 3rd straight time with a 2-0 loss against the Devils. The Pens did everything, but score. The officiating was frustrating

0:48- Henrique Scores. Henrique scores an empty netter.

1:00- Letang is tripped up on the play and no call.

1:33- Empty net for the Pens.

1:56- The Pens have been doing unreal stuff in the offensive zone!

4:42- Crosby has been setting up some big plays, but just need the finishing touches. He is really bringing it.

6:51- Comeau, Crosby and Letang work hard. Comeau snaps one, but Schneider makes the save. Great work by those guys!

8:59- Crosby gets another chance on a redirect attempt off of Letang's slapper.

9:50- Crosby slaps a hard one on net, Schneider with the save. Just a sick release by the Captain!

11:07- Greiss makes a nice glove save on Zubrus.

12:02- Downie shots, Spaling goes for the rebound and so does Bennett! Keep looking for those second and third chances!

13:06- The Pens successful kill another Devils power-play.

15:06- Another Devils power-play. Winnik sits in the sin bin for slashing.

16:19- Nice start by the Pens. Comeau with a few chances, looks really good.

20:00- Another 20 minutes are on the board and time for the Pens to push back! Have to get to the second chances and pester Schneider! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:17- Downie is cross-checked in the slot area. He is bent over in pain on the bench.

1:33- The Pens have been crashing the net, but Schneider has been sharp. They are just missing a finishing touch on their chances.

3:35- Josefson Scores. The Devils get another 2 on 1 chance and this time they make the Pens pay. Josefson rips one past the blocker of Greiss. 1-0 Devils.

4:27- The last few minutes have been nothing special. Both teams get the puck in the zone and then it's clear. This cycle continues on and on.

5:51- Back and forth hockey going on right now.

7:43- Great penalty kill by the Pens and Perron is set free!

9:43- Devils will get a power-play chance as Perron sits for holding.

10:38- Now the Devils are getting some extend pressure. The Pens are getting tired and the Devils were able to get a second unit on.

12:44- Kunitz and Downie team up and get right in the face of Schneider.

15:43- Ruutu receives a pass from behind the net and is right on the doorstep. Greiss comes out to make the save!

16:34- The teams are made whole again. Couple of good chances for the Pens on turnovers by the Devils.

18:34- Winnik goes for embellishment and Fraser for tripping. 4 on 4 hockey time.

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens need to finish their opportunities and get on the board first! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and this game is scoreless!

1:02: Great rush by the Pens! Lovejoy's slap shot is saved, Winnik tries to put home the rebound, bu Schneider is up for both challenges.

1:22- Only one shot in the last seven minutes of play. This game has become more of a close checking game.

3:29- Solid start for the Devils, who have been pressuring the Pens. Greiss stepped up to the plate and the Pens are starting to get their footing back.

5:41- The Pens are getting some more offensive zone time as the period progresses.

8:36- Crosby takes a perfect pass from Kunitz and gets in one-on-one with Schneider, who robs Crosby with a pad save!

10:52- Devils getting a lot of chances and shots. The Pens are having trouble leaving their zone and sustaining any offensive zone pressure.

12:44- The Pens are playing with fire as Greiss is holding back the Devils...for now.

15:25- The Devils get a 2 on 1 chance. Zubrus holds the puck and Greiss makes the pad save. Greiss looks in the zone.

18:14- Greiss with a few good saves to start this one. Looks sharp in net, early in this one. 

20:00- The puck has dropped and this game is on! The Pens have to come out with speed and put the Devils on their heels early! Lets Go Pens! 

Let's clip some Wings!

By: MF,

Yet another back-to-back game schedule and the Pittsburgh Penguins are less than whole...no surprise there. Yesterday, the Penguins faced off against the Boston Bruins. Things were looking up, Christian Ehrhoff was back in the lineup and the team was whole. It was the healthiest they have been in a long time. Well at least during warm-ups. After warm-ups, Sidney Crosby didn't reappear from the locker room and was a last minute scratch. He was replaced with Craig Adams, but it didn't stop there. Not long into the first period, Evgeni Malkin went down after a hit. He went to the locker room, came back and then stayed out for the next two periods. They ended losing the game 2-1, but Thomas Greiss was on point. He stopped 28 of 29 shots and had a .966 save percentage. The Penguins  just couldn't put the finishing touch on their scoring chances.

A day later and the Penguins are gearing up to face-off against the Detroit Red Wings. The Penguins could hit the big 40 mark in the wins category with a win today. It would be the eighth consecutive season for the Penguins, excluding 2012-13 season when the schedule was shortened (*cough more like the National Hockey League (NHL) couldn't get their act together *cough). They have a good chance of achieving the 40 win mark. The Penguins are 15-3-3 against Atlantic Division teams, this season, which is the most wins (against the Atlantic) in the NHL. Their last eight games versus the Red Wings, they have gone 5-1-2.

With an offense, who may be out their two top centers, the Penguins have to take advantage on the power-play. They are 24-3-1 when they record a power-play goal. If they get the chance, they need to do their best of capitalizing on it. That means putting pucks on net. No fancy plays, just simple ones. Getting the puck to the net and traffic in front. They can't afford to be fancy with the two-headed monster missing.

The Penguins defense will have a bigger weight on their shoulders. They will have to step into plays to help out the offense, which won't be a problem. The Penguins defense is used to doing such things and is very good at their jobs. Look for guys like Kris Letang, Paul Martin and Ehrhoff to get plays going up the ice.They will factor into the Penguins scoring chances and give them some energy, which could be lacking. In addition, Marc-Andre Fleury will have to hold down the fort. With the season he is having that will be no problem and his numbers against the Atlantic Division are great. He is 12-1-2, has a 1.86  goals-against-average, .935 save percentage and two shutouts.

Now let's talk injuries and updates. Andrew Ebbett was called up from Wilkes-Barre Scranton. In his last 10 games in the American Hockey League (AHL), he has six goals, seven assists and 13 points. As for the Crosby and Malkin, Mike Johnston stated that Malkin will not play today. Malkin has a lower-body injury, but Johnston doesn't think it will be long-term. Crosby will be a game-time decision. He wasn't feeling well yesterday and after warm-ups went to see the doctors.

The Penguins will have to put shots on net and get traffic in front. Get to the fore-check early and get ahead before any type of fatigue sets in. Lets Go Pens!   

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Sutter, Comeau
Bennett, Spaling, Downie
Winnik, Lapierre, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Red Wings 5

3rd Period
0:00- The Pens fall to the Red Wings 5-1. Not the best game for the Pens and they let their emotions get to them. Discipline was lacking. Then when they started to get something going they would do something not so smart. Not a good weekend for the Pens.

2:02- Time is the enemy of the Pens.

4:08- Crosby and Perron get a 2 on 1 chance, but Perron is unable to finish Crosby's pass.

6:12- Pens power-play ends.

7:54- Hornqvist has a lot of trouble getting to the bench and ends up heading right down the runway.

8:12- Zetterberg sits and the Pens head onto the power-play.

10:49- PERRON SCORES! The Pens get to the fore-check! Crosby gets some time behind the net and puts the puck right in Perron's wheelhouse! Perron rifles one past Mrazek! 5-1 Red Wings.

14:23- Downie is back in the box and gets a 10-minute misconduct.

15:25- Afternoon games are the Pens friends...never turn out good.

17:01- Red Wings make it 5-0. The puck is deflected by a group of two Pens and one Red Wing past Greiss. Horrible.

20:00- Well it's time for the third period and the Pens need to at least get a goal! Come on guys, snap out of it! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The horn sounds on the second period as the Red Wings extend their lead to 4-0 and the Pens lose Letang (game misconduct) in the process.

1:16- Another unsuccessful power-play for the Pens.

3:16- Ericsson will head to the box and the Pens get a power-play chance.

3:55- Pens can't capitalize on the power-play.

5:55- Pens power-play time as the Red Wings get a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty.

7:48- I am no way blaming the refs for the Pens being down. I still lay blame on them, but the refs are getting a bit out of hand with some calls, like the Letang and Kunitz calls.

9:09- Mrazek decides to take a nap in the crease once the Pens start buzzing around the net. Refs blow the whistle. Letang ends up with a unsportsmanlike conduct and then a game misconduct. Apparently, he mouthed off too much. Just weird calls...just no reason for Letang being thrown out.

10:13- Ehrhoff scores a goal and the ref behind the goal calls a goal. The refs get together, since Mrazek is unhappy. They change it to no goal for goalie interference.

10:47- Smith sets for tripping and the Pens get a power-play.

12:16- Zetterberg Scores. Sutter turns over the puck in the Pens zone. Fleury is left out to dry and Zetterberg scores at the backdoor. Break down on that play. Fleury is replaced by Greiss. 4-0 Red Wings.

13:42- Perron is back.

16:10- Perron limps his way to the bench and ends up heading down the runway with the trainer.

16:37- Some solid chances for the Pens, but Mrazek makes the saves. Nice offensive pressure by the Pens.

17:21- The Pens are back to full strength. Downie and Kunitz still serving their misconduct penalties.

18:12- 48 second power play for Red Wings (5 on 4).

19:21- Zidlicky Scores on the power-play. Zidlicky rips one up high, no chance for Fleury. 3-0 Red Wings.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens have to kill off a 5 on 3 power-play for 1:48 to start! Kunitz ended the period getting another minor and a 10-minute misconduct!  Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Red Wings lead 2-0. The Pens started to meltdown at the end.

0:12- Now Sutter goes for tripping. 5 on 3 Red Wings power play for 1:31.

0:42- Comeau goes down hard and hits his head. Martin and Abdelkader start to fight and Kunitz jumps in. A scrum ensues. Kunitz in the box and the Red Wings get a power-play.

1:54- Pulkkinen Scores. The Red Wings get an odd man rush, which leads to some zone time. They cycle the puck and Pulkkinen is able to slap a hard one past Fleury. Well placed shot. 2-0 Red Wings

3:25- Tatar lays a huge hit on Perron and he is not happy with it.

7:19- A misunderstanding happens in the corner of the Pens zone. Downie ends up getting a 10-minute misconduct.

8:01- Zetterberg and Hornqvist collide at center ice. Zetterberg skates slowly to the bench and is hunched over.

9:25- Martin rips a shot from the point and Crosby makes a beautiful redirect in mid-air. Mrazek makes the save.

11:48- Nice solid save by Fleury. He looked a little shaken up after the save, but stays in.

14:24- Sutter and Kunitz get unreal chances on net, but can't finish them.

16:34- Fleury makes a solid save with traffic in front of him, but the puck bounes up over him. Letang stuffs it back up the pad of Fleury. Ref blows the whistle. 

17:24- Both teams are made whole again as Perron and Quincey are released. 

18:39- Zidlicky Scores. Fleury is screened and Zidlicky fires from the point. Goes glove side into the net. 1-0 Red Wings.

19:24- Some 4 on 4 hockey. Perron and Quincey both in the box.  

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens have to get on the fore-check early and leave the Red Wings in the dust! Lets Go Pens! 

Back for some home cooking!

By: MF,

Welcome back to Pittsburgh! The Penguins are finally back from their four game road trip out West. They went 2-1-1 and earned five out of eight points during the trip. Not a complete success, but they had some solid games. The Penguins played some close checking games and even got back-to-back wins. Now the Penguins will host the Edmonton Oilers at Consol Energy Center tonight. The last time these teams met was on February 4th, where the Penguins shutout the Oilers. A major point in their wins is when they get on the board early and have an early lead. The Penguins have only entered the third period trailing 16 times this season. That ties them with the Washington Capitals for the fewest in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Getting a win tonight starts with the offense. Though the Penguins have had trouble with their offense, but most of the problems dealt with injuries. They are starting to find the groove again, like they had at the beginning of the season. Of course, the first line has been unreal. That line is centered by Sidney Crosby with David Perron and Patric Hornqvist. All these guys are getting on the scoreboard and making a huge impact. Crosby comes into this game with four assists in his last two games. Not only that, our Captain has one goal, five assists and six points in his last three games against the Oilers. Another key piece in the first line is Perron, who was traded to the Penguins from the Oilers. Perron has 18 points (10 goals and eight assists) in 28 games with the Penguins. In his 38 games with the Oilers, prior, he had 19 points (five goals and 14 assists).

However, the Penguins defense is the shining star in all this. The Penguins have a 2.36 goals-against average (GAA), which places him fourth in the NHL. The last time they came in fourth was 1997-98 with a 2.29 GAA. Since 1997-98, they haven't cracked the top ten except once in 2010-11, when the ranked seventh with a 2.39 GAA. The Penguins are only 0.4 behind the New York Rangers in this category. This all due to the amazing defenders they have. Defenders like Kris Letang, who leads all NHL defenseman with 51 points. Letang has been able to step into plays thanks to having confidence in his defensive partner and goaltender. Paul Martin and Letang have become an elite pairing. Another player showing confidence on defense is Derrick Pouliot. Pouliot is a young defenseman and has been gaining more and more confidence with every game. It's showing how his defensive work is improving along with his offensive ability.

None of this is possible without having Marc-Andre Fleury in the net. In his last two games, Fleury is 1-0-1 with a 0.47 GAA, .984 save percentage and one shutout. His nine shutouts are the most by any goalie since 2011-12. He has been the team's MVP as he is having a career high season. Fleury is in the top ten of each goalie category. Statistics don't lie and all one has to do is watch Fleury in his natural habitat, to see what a phenomenal goalie he is. I am proud to+ have been as a goaltender and would argue with anyone who doubts him.

At the morning skate and everyone was accounted for, even Christian Ehrhoff. Mike Johnston said he has been cleared to play, but Johnston wants to get him into a full practice with contact before putting him back in the lineup. Also, tonight's game will be the first home game for Ben Lovejoy and Ian Cole since the Penguins acquired him.

The Penguins have to come out with speed and get on the scoreboard early! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Geno, Comeau
Winnik, Sutter, Bennett
Spaling, Lapierre, Downie

Defense
Martin, Letang
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 6 Oilers 4

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS GET THE 6-4 WIN OVER THE OILERS! GREAT START THEN THEY HIT A ROUGH PATCH, BUT COME BACK STRONG! WELCOME BACK HOME GUYS! LETS GO PENS! 

0:24- Power-play ends.

2:24- Geno is tripped up by Lander. The Pens get a late power-play.

2:30- Oilers have an empty net.

4:16- HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby stops on a dime and feeds a perfect pass to Hornqvist! Hornqvist snaps it on net and Bachman has no chance! 6-4 Pens!

5:22- DOWNIE SCORES! Downie drives down the center as Lapierre crosses the middle! Lapierre fires one and Downie jams home the rebound! 5-4 Pens!

9:56- Roy Scores. Pouliot turns over the puck in front of Fleury. Lovejoy and Pouliot are unable to clear the loose puck and Roy makes them pay. 4-4 tie game.

15:09- B.Pouliot Scores on the power-play. Fleury is without a stick and Lovejoy decides to retrieve the stick. Oilers take advantage and B.Pouliot pulls the Oilers within one. 4-3 Pens.

16:20- Hooking penalty for Downie and Oilers get the power-play.

20:00- Time to start the third period! The Pens have to push the Oilers back during this period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to a close and the Pens have the 4-2 lead over the Oilers!

1:22- Letang and Nugent-Hopkins exchange shoves. Letang goes for cross-checking while Nugent-Hopkins sits for high-sticking. 4 on 4 hockey.

2:16- Crosby and Perron are a thing of beauty...and then Hornqvist is aggravating the goalie. Just an awesome line combination.

4:47- Eberle Scores. The Oilers get a four on two chance. Fleury makes the initial save, but the puck is loose in front. Four white jerseys collapse on the net and Eberle puts it in. 4-2 Pens.

5:39- Crosby finds himself all alone on the wing, but is shot is whacked high and wide. Such a hard shot by the Captain.

7:53- Lander Scores on the power-play. The Pens are slow to get to the loose puck. Fleury seemed to have it, but Lander is able to jam it in. 4-1 Pens

8:58- Oilers will bring out their power-play unit.

9:22- Even with the lead, the Pens are still applying pressure and Fleury is coming up big when he is called upon.

15:48- Letang with a glorious chance on the doorstep. Bachman lays down to make the save.

18:54- Scrivens is chased out of the goal and the Oilers replace him with Bachman.

18:55- CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! The Pens cycle and Crosby slaps a rocket shot, glove side past Scrivens! Just a beautiful slap shot by the Captain! Letang and Malkin each record an assist! 4-0 Pens!

19:31- An early power-play for the Pens. Roy sits for tripping up Kunitz.

20:00- The guys are back for some more hockey! Second period is underway! The Pens can't let up! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends with the Pens taking the 3-0 lead over the Oilers!

1:05- DING! DING! Cole and Hendricks drop the gloves and scrap it out! Cole in his first Pens home game and first fight in a Pens uniform! He got solid punches in the beginning.

1:20- Fleury makes a solid save. The first quality chance for the Oilers.

2:13- When the Oilers do get the puck in the offensive zone, they are unable to keep it in the zone for an extended period of time. The Pens are doing a good job of clearing them out.

3:39- A successful Pens penalty kill. They are now two for two.

5:39- Some more penalty kill time for the Pens. Kunitz takes a seat for slashing.

6:17- PERRON SCORES! Crosby assess his options behind the net and outlets to Perron in front with Hornqvist! Perron snaps a quick shot into the net, glove side! 3-0 Pens!

7:03- The first period has been controlled by the Pens.

10:21- SUTTER SCORES AGAIN! Downie's shot is saved by the pads of Scrivens, but Sutter gets his stick on the puck first! He nets the rebound! 2-0 Pens!

11:47- The power-play is killed off by the Oilers. The Pens had some good tires, but the Oilers were able to block most of their attempts.

13:47- Now the Pens will get a power-play. Klinkhammer makes his way to the box for cross-checking.

14:39- The Pens come up with a very successful penalty kill!

15:44- SUTTER SCORES A SHORTY! Lovejoy and Winnik battle on the side boards! Sutter joins in and creates a turnover! Sutter gets a breakaway, he freezes Scrivens and goes to the backhand! 1-0 Pens!

16:39- The Oilers will get the first power-play of the game as Spaling is called for interference. The Pens bring out their penalty kill unit.

17:52- Sutter comes flying to the side of the net, but his shot hits the crossbar.

19:15- Crosby breaks down the wing and fires one up high. 

20:00- We are back in Pittsburgh! The Pens have to get on the scoreboard early and keep the Oilers on their toes! Lets Go Pens!

Shark infested waters are no problem for the Penguins!

By: MF,

The last of the Night Owl Club games will be tonight! The Pittsburgh Penguins will finish up their four game road trip tonight against the San Jose Sharks. It will be the first time these two teams have met this season. The Penguins head into this game with only eight road losses in regulation, which ties them with the Anaheim Ducks for the fewest in the National Hockey League (NHL). They also have a 7-2 record against the Pacific Division, this year. On top of that, the Penguins are tied for the second-lowest, in goals-against average at 2.38.

A big reason for their success is the contributions from everyone on the roster, not just the superstars. The Penguins are lucky enough to have talented wingers and centers. Guys like Brandon Sutter, who centers the third line of the Penguins. He has won at least 50% of his face-offs in ten consecutive games, which is a key in getting set up plays. A big factor into the scoring has been the Penguins first line of David Perron, Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist. These guys have been clicking. Perron goes into this game with four points (two goals and two assists) in his last three games versus the Sharks. However, the big star one the line lately has been Hornqvist. In his last seven games, he has seven goals, two assists and nine points. Let's not forget that Hornqvist has scored the game-winning-goal in back-to-back games. First against the Ducks last Friday and then the LA Kings last Saturday. He has been on fire and really coming into his own. Look for the first line to get the game going early, but don't forget the second line, which has also been on point.

Now let's move on to the ever deadly defense of the Penguins. I could write an entire piece on each defensive player, that is how good they have been lately. Kris Letang is the only defenseman in the NHL to have 40 assists on the season. All this is lead by the goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury. He is having a phenomenal season and giving the Penguins confidence every game that they can win. Even when the other team has more shots or is taking it them, Fleury has held down the fort. He did it against the Kings last Saturday and not only did the Penguins, Fleury earned his ninth shutout of the season. Thus, putting him further in the lead of the most shutouts in the NHL. He tied a team record for the most shutouts in a season, which hasn't happened since 1998-1999. He continues to extend his career high in that category. This gives Fleury a shutout average of 5.7 games in 2014-2015. Prior to this season, Fleury average a shutout every 19 games. This is only one part of his game, Fleury has 30 wins on the season (6th in NHL), 2.16 goals-against-average (5th in the NHL) and .924 save percentage (8th in the NHL). This is truly a Vezina Trophy season for the "Flower." I am proud to call him our netminder!

Onto the game at hand. Everyone was present for the team's morning skate, including Christian Ehrhoff who has missed 16 of the last 17 games due to concussion symptoms. Nothing else was a change. Lineup will be game time. They will have to come out with speed and get shots on net. They can't rely on Fleury every time. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Geno, Comeau
Winnik, Sutter, Bennett
Spaling, Lapierre, Downie

Defense
Martin, Letang
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Sharks 2 SO

Shootout
The Pens fall to the Sharks 2-1 in a shootout loss. Tough loss after they worked really hard in the first and at the end of the third. At least we got a point out of it.

Niemi denies Downie with a pad save.

Wingels scores.

Bennett misses a wide open net shot.

Hertl goes wide!

Sutter is stopped by Niemi.

Thornton rings one off the post!

Kunitz is stopped by the pad.

Burns goes wide!

Malkin stopped.

Fleury with glove save on Marleau!

LETANG SCORES!

Karlsson scores.

Crosby is denied.

Couture is stopped!

Perron is stopped.

Pavelski no go!


Overtime
0:00- We are going to a shootout!

0:05- Pouliot hits the goal post!

1:41- A lot of odd-man rushes for both teams.

2:30- Sutter and Comeau to a 2 on 1 chance, but Comeau's shot goes high and wide!

3:33- The Pens power-play comes to an end.

5:00- Let's end this overtime early and with a Pens win! The Pens have a 1:34 power-play to start! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- Regulation wasn't enough and this 1-1 tie game is headed to overtime!

0:26- Wingels goes for delay of game. The Pens have a power-play.

1:36- Niemi is the only reason the Pens haven't taken the lead. Just being peppered with shots.

2:47- Niemi is holding down the fort for the Sharks as the Pens are making a late surge.

3:35- Some amazing zone time by the Pens second line. Malkin was stick handling in a phone booth. He back hands one and Niemi makes the save.

4:47- Hertl and Kunitz are released and the game is back to full strength.

6:47- Hertl and Kunitz have a bear hug fight. Both skate over to the boxes for roughing and we will get some 4 on 4 hockey.

7:13- The Pens come up with a great penalty kill. Scuderi was blocking shots and getting beating up by it.

9:13- Huge penalty kill for the Pens as Downie is sent to the sin bin for holding the stick.

9:29- Fleury with a solid shoulder save.

10:37- The Pens have stepped up their game and pin the Sharks down for a bit. Niemi scrambling in the net. Keep up the pressure boys!

12:38- CROSBY SCORES! Crosby gets going and flies past the Sharks! He rips his magic backhand past Niemi! Mark San Jose off the Crosby no goal list! 1-0 Pens!

14:40- Pouliot stick handles his way through the center all the way to the net. The puck is knocked off his stick before he can get a quality shot off.

16:25- Hornqvist rifles one that just goes wide of the net!

20:00- One more period of regulation left for the Pens! They will have to get traffic in front of Niemi and force him to cough up some rebounds! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Sharks still lead 1-0.

1:01- Niemi robs Comeau with a solid glove save.

1:15- Crosby gets a few chances on net. He really wants that goal. Sharks ice the puck out of desperation.

1:46- Crosby gets some speed down the wing, but his pass to Bennett is broken up.

2:12- Martin was on the bench during the power-play. I wouldn't dream of sitting him. He is great at controlling the puck and calming things down.

3:00- We are back to full strength hockey.

5:00- Some 4 on 4 hockey as Vlasic and Perron get off-setting holding penalties.

5:53- The Pens power-play ends. Way too many passes and not enough shots.

7:53- Pavelski will head to the box for slashing and the Pens get their second power-play of the night.

9:39- Both teams are trading scoring chances and the goalies are stepping up.

11:07- Pouliot gains more confidence every game.

14:20- That power-play comes to an end without any success.

16:20- Now a power-play for the Pens as Thornton sits for roughing.

17:18- Fleury with some great saves to start this period. Locked into this game.

20:00- The puck has dropped on the second period! The Pens have to get traffic in front of Niemi and rattle his cage! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Sharks have the 1-0 lead.

0:56- Nieto Scores. The Sharks win the fore-check battle behind the net. Tierney outlets it to Nieto in the slot. He puts one in to give the Sharks the 1-0 lead.

1:00- The Pens kill off the Sharks power-play.

3:00- Scuderi is now taking a seat for cross-checking. Second power-play chance for the Sharks.

4:11- Lovejoy fires from the point and Kunitz bats at the rebound. Niemi with the save and holds strong as Malkin tries to jam it in.

6:37- The Pens are out-shooting the Sharks 9-4.

8:49- Crosby picks up a Shark turnover and rips one from center. Niemi with the outstretched pad save.

10:33- The Pens with a solid penalty kill effort. Scuderi fires a rocket from the point, which is gobbled up by Niemi.

12:33- The Sharks will get the first power-play of the game as Downie heads to the box for tripping. The Pens bring out their penalty kill.

14:58- Winnik gets the puck behind the Sharks defense, but Niemi makes a strong pad save. The Sharks clear the rebound chance.

16:23- Crosby outlets a pass to Scuderi up top. Niemi sees it all the way and makes the glove save.

17:30- Niemi makes a glove save on a wrister by Bennett.

18:12- Malkin gets a look at a rebound beside the net, but is cancelled out by a Shark.

20:00- The last of the late night games has started! The Pens have to come out with speed and pin the Sharks down early! Lets Go Pens!

The Penguins will take the crown from the Kings tonight!

By: MF,

Tonight is the second day of back-to-back California games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. They got a big 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks last night. The Penguins will look to continue that success tonight against the LA Kings. The team goes into this contest with seven wins in the last nine games versus the Kings, which goes back to November 1, 2006. This is the second time they have faced the Kings this season. They ended up getting the 3-0 win against them.

Last night, the Penguins had an explosive offensive game. Patric Hornqvist got on the board, which gave him 20 goals on the season. This is only the fifth time in his career that he has achieved such a feat. Hornqvist will most likely factor into the scoring tonight. He has six points (one goal and five assists) in his last three games against the Kings. He was also a combined plus-five in those games. Another player who is on fire is Evgeni Malkin, who is lighting up the National Hockey League (NHL). He now has 67 points (28 goals and 39 assists), which ties him with Alex Ovechkin, John Tavares and Nick Backstrom for first in the league. A key to getting a play going is winning face-off. Brandon Sutter has been phenomenal in the circle lately, as he has won at least 50% of his draws in nine consecutive games.

Now it's not all up to the offense to win games, but the defense plays a major role. The Penguins are lucky enough to have a guy like Kris Letang in their lineup. A guy having a Norris Trophy worthy season. Letang leads all defensemen in the league in points (50) and assists (40). He is also in the top ten in time-on-ice per game (25:45), shot attempts (+236) and shot attempt against per 60 minutes (34.26). Not to mention, the talent of the young defensemen, Derrick Pouliot. He has been playing like no other and has two points (one goal and one assist) in his last three games. Look for both those guys to jump up into offensive plays tonight for the Penguins.

Hopefully the Penguins can put together back-to-back wins tonight! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Geno, Comeau
Winnik, Sutter, Bennett
Spaling, Lapierre, Downie

Defense
Martin, Letang
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play

Overtime
0:00- THE PENS WIN 1-0 IN OVERTIME! FLEURY EARNS HIS 9TH, LEAGUE LEADING SHUTOUT! WHAT A GAME BY FLEURY AND THE PENS FIND A WAY TO GET THE TWO POINTS! 

3:21- HORNQVIST SCORES! Hornqvist battles behind the net to get the puck in the slot area! Martin forces a turnover and Hornqvist rifles it home! 1-0 Pens!

5:00- Five more minutes of hockey! Overtime is underway! The Pens have to get shots on net early on! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- I hope everyone is still awake! This game is headed to overtime!

1:00- Playoff hockey feel in this one.

2:31- I have run out of ways to express the show Fleury has been putting on tonight. The only reason the Pens are still in this one.

4:54- Nolan and Letang are released.

6:04- Crosby is poke checked by Quick!

7:11- Nolan and Letang get tangled up/exchange words in front of the Pens bench. Nolan had previous hit Letang into the boards. They end up in their respective boxes. 4 on 4 hockey.

9:54- Fleury with two amazing saves! One with the stick/blocker and then the outstretched pad!

10:51- Sutter and Scuderi get a chance right on Quick's doorstep.

12:24- Martin dishes out a classic hip check in the defensive zone to deny the Kings entry.

15:16- The Kings look like they got the first goal, but it's waved off. Brown is called for goalie interference.

17:35- A more physical game now. The Pens are now dishing some hits out themselves.

20:00- Let the third period begin! The Pens have to get more shots on net this period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period comes to an end and this one is still scoreless.

1:23- The Kings crash the net and Fleury holds strong. He even losses his glove on the play.

4:18- Another good kill by the Pens. The Kings are shooting at every chance they get, but the Pens seem to be waiting for a pretty goal. They need to get shots on net!

6:18- Sekera takes a seat for high-sticking and a huge power-play chance for the Pens in this scoreless game.

8:09- The Pens ice the puck once again.

9:37- A huge kill for the Pens as Cole is released.

11:37- The Kings are getting more physical. Some words and shoves are exchanged. Cole ends up in the box for interference and the Kings get a power-play.

13:24- Malkin tries a backhanded on the short side, but Quick was ready.

15:15- Now the Pens power-play is zero for three tonight.

17:15- Pens power-play time as Downie is held up by McNabb.

18:17- Brown gets a chance on are rebound shot, but Fleury shuts the door.

20:00- Time for the second period! The Pens have to get more offensive zone time and shots on net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- The horn sounds on the first period and this game is scoreless.

1:51- Letang is robbed by Quick!

2:52- Crosby undresses Doughty...that was special there. Crosby rifles one, but it hits the goal post!

4:49- Kings kill off another Pens power-play. They had some good looks at the net, but Quick was on it.

6:49- Another power-play chance for the Pens as Greene goes back to the box for roughing.

8:46- Cole jumps into the Pens 2 on 1 chance. He fires a shot over the net!

10:49- Fleury is on his game early in this one.

12:04- A successful penalty kill for the Pens and that was thanks to Fleury. He is standing tall in the net.

14:04- Kunitz to the box for holding the stick. The Pens head onto the penalty kill.

16:41- Killed off and the Pens power-play didn't record a point.

18:41- The Pens will get the first power-play of the game as Greene sits for holding. 

19:35- Fleury with a solid save on Gaborik's shot. 

20:00- The puck has dropped at the Staples Center! The Pens look to become true Kings! Lets Go Pens!

The Penguins look to fight off the Ducks!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are enjoying 85 degree weather and sandy beaches, this weekend as they are in California. They will be making a swing through the state to take on both the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings. Tonight the Penguins will be facing off against the Ducks at the Honda Center. Some career milestones will be achieved tonight. Chris Kunitz will appear in his 400th game with the Penguins tonight! He has amassed 317 points (142 goals and 175 assists) of his 509 career points (233 goals and 286 assists) in 399 games with the Penguins. Amazing achievement for a hard working guy...Congrats Kuni! Ben Lovejoy will also play in his 100th game with the team tonight! That is a way to welcome back Lovejoy (his second game since being traded back).

Onto tonight's game, Pittsburgh has won seven of their last nine games against the Ducks going back to October 6, 2007. Not to mention, the Penguins lead the National Hockey League (NHL) in team goals-per-game average (since February 21st). With five games played they have 3.80 goals-per-game average, while the Tampa Bay Lightning have a 3.60. Third place goes to the Boston Bruins with a 3.50 goals-per-game advantage only playing four games.

The Penguins suffered a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Wednesday night, snapping a four game winning streak. They had a hard time getting on the scoreboard and looked to be lacking any fire. It was a lackluster performance after having a great four game winning streak. The key to getting back on track is getting the offense on the board. During Wednesday night's game, the only guy to get on the board was Evgeni Malkin. He came into the third period with a fire under his butt and was a beast on the ice. He leads the NHL with the highest percentage of games with at least one point at 72.4%. Malkin is also riding a six game point streak, which is his fourth point streak of six or more games this season. Not to mention, no other player has had more than a two, six-game point streak this season. He is truly on a whole other level. One can bet that Malkin will come out with speed and a lot of energy. Another key to getting the offense going is Sidney Crosby. Crosby has eight points (five goals and three assists) during his active five-game point streak versus the Ducks. In eight career games against the Ducks, he has points in seven.

A team can't win games with offense alone, they have to have a strong defensive core. Leading the Penguins' defensive core is Kris Letang. Letang is having a phenomenal season and doesn't look to be stopping anytime soon. Not only is he strong defensively, he has a great offensive presence. This has to do with his talent to stickhandle in a phone booth and his graceful skating ability. He is approaching career highs in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, power play percentage, and time-on-ice per game. This is truly a Norris Trophy season and he deserves it.

In addition, everyone was present and accounted for at the morning skate today. Mike Johnston stated that Thomas Greiss would start in net tonight. This means that Marc-Andre Fleury will start tomorrow night versus the LA Kings.

Another late one for Pittsburgh Nation! We will all become part of the Night Owl Club! Hopefully, the Penguins award us with a big win! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Geno, Comeau
Winnik, Sutter, Bennett
Spaling, Lapierre, Adams

Defense
Martin, Letang
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 5 Ducks 2

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS GET A HUGE 5-2 WIN OVER THE LEAGUE LEADING DUCKS! GREAT, HARD WORKING GAME FOR THE PENS! SOLID EFFORT BY GREISS IN NET! LA KINGS, HERE WE COME! LETS GO PENS!

0:10- CROSBY SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Crosby knocks the puck out of thin air and spins around a Duck! He is hooked/interfered with, but still manages to put the puck in! 5-2 Pens!

0:13- The Pens power-play ends.

1:11- Ducks get an offensive zone face-off and pull their goalie.

2:13- Fowler sits for hooking. Crosby had a chance at the empty net, but was hooked up.

2:32- The Ducks now have an empty net!

3:07- Greiss has bounced back a bit as he has made some nice saves as the period whines down.

4:19- The Ducks are not going down without a fight! Third period numbers aren't good for Greiss, but hopefully the Pens can help me overcome them.

6:52- Perry Scores. Perry goes down to one-knee and puts one in the open net. 4-2 Pens

7:56- That is all she wrote for the Pens power-play.

9:56- Power-play chance for the Pens!

10:56- Fleischmann Scores. Fleischmann comes flying into the offensive zone and fires a wrist shot. Greiss gets a piece of it, but it pops up and over him into the net. 4-1 Pens.

13:27- Malkin now has a seven game point streak and is tied with Ovechkin for the most points in the NHL!

16:31- The Ducks pin the Pens in their own zone for well over a minute. Greiss comes up big and Pens ice the puck. They call a timeout.

17:34- Amazing right elbow save by Greiss!

17:57- MALKIN SCORES! Kunitz in on the fore-check to get the puck. Kunitz and Comeau exchange passes! Kunitz goes to Malkin who rifles one! It trickles over the goal line! 4-0 Pens!

20:00- One more period of regulation hockey left to go! The Pens need to keep up the good work and not let up! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period comes to a close and what a great period by the Pens! They take the 3-0 lead over the Ducks!

1:03- HORNQVIST SCORES! As the Pens cycle the puck, Cole fires a shot from the point! Hornqvist gets a piece of it up front! 3-0 Pens!

1:07- The Pens power-play has been killed off.

3:07- Despres will now head to the box for a two-handed slash on Malkin. Power play opportunity for the Pens.

4:32- The Pens penalty kill is engaged into beast mode.

6:32- Hornqvist will now go to the box for slashing. Ducks to the power-play.

8:07- HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby wins the face-off and gets the puck deep! Perron outlets to to Hornqvist at the side of the net! He sneaks in a bad-angle shot! 2-0 Pens!

10:09- COMEAU SCORES! Pouliot stick handles through the neutral zone and enters the offensive zone! He drops the puck off for Comeau, who blasts a rocket shot past the glove of Andersen! 1-0 Pens

11:29- Lapierre and Adams go to the front as Spaling comes down the wing. Spaling fires a shot off the crossbar!

13:52- 3 on 1 chance for the Pens with Malkin driving down the center. He goes to one-knee for a shot that goes wide!

15:06- Another successful kill for the Pens. Greiss with a few good saves and Sutter had a shorthanded chance. The penalty kill was doing work.

17:06- The Pens with too many men on the ice. Ducks to the power-play.

20:00- We are back for the second period! The Pens need to pepper the net with shots and look for rebounds! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- The horn sounds on the first period and this game is scoreless.

0:49- First Pens power-play is killed off by the Ducks.

2:49- Now a power-play chance for the Pens as Perry is called for tripping.

4:01- Comeau sends a rocket shot just wide of the net!

5:47- The Ducks get a 3 on 1 chance led by Getzlaf, but Letang speeds back to confront Getzlaf and take away their chance.

7:13- Greiss comes up with a big save on a shot by Getzlaf.

9:35- It has been a nice start for the Pens and they have been getting to the front of the net.

12:00- Mark that down as a successful penalty kill for the Pens. Very aggressive and Winnik made some really good plays.

14:00- A power-play for the Ducks as Scuderi is called for tripping.

16:14- Both teams are back to full strength.

17:22- The Pens crash the net. Sutter, Spaling and Pouliot battle for the loose puck.

18:14- Some 4 on 4 hockey early in this game.

19:28- Good opening shift by the Crosby line.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Honda Center! The Pens battle against the Anaheim Ducks tonight! Welcome to the Night Owl Club! Lets Go Pens!

An Avalanche of wins for the Penguins! Can they continue?

Welcome back Ben Lovejoy / Pittsburgh Penguins 

By: MF,

It has been a wild two days for the Pittsburgh Penguins since their 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. They have bounced back from an earlier slump to put together a four-game win streak. However, the Penguins have made a few new changes to the roster since Sunday and they were not light ones. Their defense has been shaken up and they have lost two young, talented players.

It was announced yesterday, that the Penguins had acquired veteran defensemen Ian Cole from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Robert Bortuzzo and a 2016 seventh-round draft pick. Bortuzzo was known for his tough defensive work and it will be a sad loss for the team. The Penguins also traded Simon Despres to the Anaheim Ducks for former Penguins defensemen Ben Lovejoy. Despres was known for his hard hits, while still being able to jump up in offensive plays. He reminded me of a young Kris Letang. His loss hit hard for the fans. Lovejoy comes to the team with 99 hits, which puts him second among the Penguins defensemen, only behind Letang with 107. While Ian Cole is a +16, which is second, only behind Paul Martin with +20. Only time will tell, if this is the right move by the Penguins or will they suffer in the long-run.

Ian Cole at practice / Pittsburgh Penguins 

We can get stuck in the past and debate all day about the trades, but tonight we focus on the Penguins taking on the Colorado Avalanche. They start a four game road trip out to the west tonight. They come into this contest with six wins in their last seven games against the Avalanche, dating back to December 3, 2009. As I stated earlier, the Penguins are riding a four-game win streak. During those four games, the Penguins have scored 18 goals to their opponents nine; have tallied 122 shots to their opponents 107; capitalized on six of 18 power-play opportunities; and killed off 11 of 13 penalties.  

A big part of their success in recent games it the success of their special teams. Their power-play, which was having trouble, finally is starting to click on all cylinders. They have scored a power-play goal in four consecutive games. Each game they seem to get better and better. Such a successful power-play starts with the two-headed monster of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. In their last four games they have an combined 16 points (five goals and 11 assists). Malkin has made such an impact that he was named the National Hockey League's (NHL) third Star of the week for the first week of March.

Pens goal celebration / Pittsburgh Penguins 

In addition, the Penguins have the fortune of getting production from their other players as well. Guys like Blake Comeau who is tied with Chris Kuntiz for game-winning-goal leaders among the Penguins with five. He scored the only goal in their 1-0 overtime win against the Avalanche, this season. He has been clicking well on Malkin's line and look for him to come up big tonight. Another key guy is the third line center, Brandon Sutter. He has five points (two goals and three assists) in his last eight games. The Penguins have to spread out the offensive production to their other lines, so their top two lines don't get tired out before playoffs.

They not only have a offensive on fire, but the defense for the Penguins has been going above and beyond. Even though they have lost two young, talented guys they still have a solid group of guys. Letang leads all NHL defensemen in points with 49 (10 goals and 39 assists). Talk about a Norris Trophy candidate. Letang has been phenomenal and so has his defensive partner, Martin. Martin has been a +11 since February 1st, which ranks him third in the NHL. Those two guys are the nightmare for any team's top unit. The Penguins have also been getting contribution from their younger guys on defense like Derrick Pouliot. He has notched two goals this season, which both have been game winners. He scored the game winner during Sunday's games versus the Blue Jackets. The Penguins defense is able to jump up in plays and feel comfortable doing so, because of the amazing work of netminder Marc-Andre Fleury. He is only one win shy of 30, which would be the seventh time in his career, he has achieved such a feat.

The Penguins have the momentum to get another win tonight and start out their Western Conference trip on the right foot. Putting together wins on the road will help them in getting a better seed before the playoffs. It's a late night game, but the Pittsburgh Nation is ready! Lets Go Pens!

A quick injury update: Christian Ehrhoff was at practice today, but it doesn't look like he will play tonight.  

Fleury with the glove save / Pittsburgh Penguins 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Geno, Comeau
Winnik, Sutter, Downie
Spaling, Lapierre, Bennett

Defense
Martin, Letang
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Avalanche 3

3rd Period
0:00- The Pens are unable to come back as the Avs get the 3-1 win and snap the Pens four-game winning streak. Slow start and they never recovered

1:35- Hornqvist with a chance up front, but can't get a stick on it.

2:27- Empty net for the Pens!

3:46- The Avs score, but the referees wave it off right away for goalie interference on Fleury.

5:03- Landeskog Scores. Landeskog comes flying into the Pens' zone and undresses Pouliot. He blasts one past the blocker of Fleury. 3-1 Avs.

6:48- Perron is battling hard in front of the Avs net!

7:37- Malkin's game is on a whole other level. He is engaged in beast mode right now!

10:15- MALKIN SCORES! Mitchell turns over the puck to Malkin who speeds into the Avs zone! Malkin skates to the center and his first shot is blocked! He gets the puck back and snaps his second shot past Varlamov! 2-1 Avs.

11:44- Fleury makes a save on a shot by Duchene.

13:40- Mark that down as a successful penalty kill for the Pens.

15:40- Pouliot heads to the box for interference and the Avs get a power-play chance.

16:26- The Pens are finally getting some sustained pressure. The Pens fourth line with good forechecking and puck possession in the offensive zone.

18:51- Nice start to the period by Malkin's line. Got a few chances on net and had some sustained offensive pressure.

20:00- Third period time! The Pens have to come out with more life in their game and get in the face of Varlamov! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The Avs have the 2-0 over the Pens after two periods.

1:06- Avs ice the puck and the Pens get an offensive zone face-off chance.

3:31- The Pens look sluggish and need to pick up their game if they want to get into this one. Varlamov is sharp, but the Pens have to get in his face and get a dirty one.

5:31- Mackinnon Scores. Hejda gets plenty of room and snaps a shot on net. Letang and Mackinnon drive battle behind Fleury. The puck goes off Mackinnon's skate and into the net. 2-0 Avs.

7:16- Even with the Pens struggling to get their offense going, the pairing of Lovejoy and Pouliot looks to be a good one. They are working well together and Pouliot continues to gain confidence.

8:33- The Pens are having trouble connecting the first pass out of the defensive zone. This is leading to turnovers and icing calls. They need to clean it up.

11:53- Power-play for the Pens comes to an end.

13:53- Now the Pens will head onto the power-play as Hejda is called for holding.

14:13- Last couple of shifts have been much better for the Pens. Varlamov holding down the fort for the Avs.

15:08- Lovejoy with a shot from the blue line, which is gloved up by Varlamov.

16:12- Perron and Hornqvist get a 2 on 1 chance. Perron makes a beautiful pass over to Hornqvist, but Varlamov robs him with the pad.

18:13- Way too many turnovers for the Pens to start this period. Not a good start for them in this second period.

19:47- Iginla Scores on the power-play. Iginla gets some room as he crosses the blue line and fires a slap shot, right past the blocker of Fleury. 1-0 Avs

20:00- The Pens are back for the second period and have to kill off a Avs power-play for another 1:24! Take it to them! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- That is it for the first period and this game is scoreless.

0:10- Fleury with amazing glove save!

0:39- Some offensive zone time for the Pens and they get a chance to cycle the puck, but Comeau ends up taking a tripping penalty. Another power-play chance for the Avs.

2:13- Not the most exciting hockey to start. Maybe it will pick up in the next two periods.

4:09- Mark that down as a successful kill. Fleury with a save, at the end of the Avs power-play, on Barrie. Unreal save.

4:52- Winnik gets a short-handed chance, but Varlamov gets a piece of the puck to direct it up into the netting.

6:09- When the Pens finally get some zone time, Comeau is called for interference and the Avs get the first power-play of the game.

6:55- Crosby steals the puck and passes across the center to Perron. Perron is robbed by Varlamov. Best chance for the Pens, so far.

8:59- Kunitz snaps one, but Varlamov makes the easy save.

10:01- The Pens are having trouble getting into the offensive zone and stepping up. Avs are breaking up most of their attempts in the neutral zone.

12:06- The Avs forwards have some good speed coming into the Pens' zone. The Pens are having some trouble dealing with their speed.

13:25- Barrie comes in late to snap a shot on net, but Fleury stands tall to make the glove save.

15:46- Not much flow to start this game. There have been a lot of whistles in the beginning of this contest.

18:33- Fleury comes out to challenge Mackinnon and makes the save.

20:00- Let the Western Conference trip begin! It's a late night game, but the Pittsburgh Nation is ready! Get to work early Pens! Lets Go Pens!

March Hockey Madness Begins!

By: MF,

Crosby celebrates / Pittsburgh Penguins

We are now entering the last full month of regular season hockey! The Pittsburgh Penguins finished February with a huge win against the Washington Capitals in enemy territory. It was a hard fought win and the Penguins have been able to put some solid wins together and it's time to start March off on the right foot. That starts with the Columbus Blue Jackets who are in town to take on the Penguins. The Penguins are going into this contest with only two regulation losses in their last 14 games versus the Blue Jackets, which dates back to October 21, 2006. The key to the Penguins recent success has been their consistency, offense striking on the scoreboard often, solid defense, and success of their special teams.

To start off, the Penguins offense has been clicking and putting up some big numbers. The two-headed monster of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been lighting the lamp often and contributing to many of the team's goals. Both have active point streaks, Crosby has a three game point streak (one goal and three assists) and Malkin's is four games (three goals and five assists). Since February 20th, both have jumped up in the league points race. Crosby has gone from 7th in the National Hockey League (NHL) with than 58 points to fifth with 62 points. While Malkin has gone from 15th in the NHL with 54 points to seventh with 61 points. They are hitting a new stride and the Penguins are benefiting from it. They are not the only ones putting up some big statistics. Patric Hornqvist is currently riding a three game goal scoring streak (four goals). He is only one goal away from 20 on the season, which would be the fifth time in his career he has achieved this.

Spaling and Sutter crash the net / Pittsburgh Penguins

Another strong point for the Penguins is their special teams. This season, they have had three instances where they have scored both a power-play goal and a shorthanded goal. It happened on October 9th against the Anaheim Ducks, December 15th against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and February 25th against the Washington Capitals. Special teams will be big in today's game. The penalty kill has been on top of things and was amazing Wednesday night against the Capitals. A big factor was Brandon Sutter. Not only is he a good defending forward, he knows how to score shorthanded goals. He has accounted for six of the Penguins' 11 shorthanded goals (54.5%), since he joined the team in 2012-2013. A new key player on the penalty kill will be a new acquisition, Daniel Winnik. He leads the NHL in shorthanded time-on-the-ice with 3:27 minutes. He is a +15, which puts him first among the Penguin forwards and is first among Penguin forwards with 50 blocked shots. I am interested to see what he brings to the team. As for the power-play has been putting pucks in the net and taking advantage of their opportunities. Look for them to get on the board tonight.

Letang defends / Pittsburgh Penguins

Now this all would mean nothing if it wasn't for the Penguins solid defense. They have been the rock for the team and that is headed by the netminder, Marc-Andre Fleury. He has been phenomenal in the net and has been like a brick wall in critical times. The defense has great talent from the young guys and veterans, it's a good mesh. One of those veteran players is Rob Scuderi, who will play in his 700th career game today. Scuderi will be able to play after his skate was hit by a puck Wednesday night during the Capitals' game. He had a few days off and was able to skate at Saturday's practice. He says he is fine and ready to go. Good news!

It's time for the Penguins to start of March with a big win and keep the momentum going in their favor! Come out with speed and get on the board early, Penguins! Lets Go Pens!    

Pouliot digs in / Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Geno, Comeau
Winnik, Sutter, Downie
Spaling, Lapierre, Bennett

Defense
Martin, Letang
Pouliot, Bortuzzo
Scuderi, Despres

Fleury in the net! 

Play By Play
PENS 5 Blue Jackets 3

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS WIN 5-3 AGAINST THE BLUE JACKETS! GREAT, SOLID WIN FOR THE PENS! AN AWESOME WAY TO START MARCH! 4 WINS IN A ROW! KEEP IT UP BOYS!

0:12- Blue Jackets with an empty net!

0:53- Foligno Scores. Foligno uses Bortuzzo as a screen between the legs and past Fleury. 5-3 Pens

1:15- Time is almost done.

3:29- The Pens fail to score on the five-minute major.

4:13- Letang fires a beautiful wrist shot that rings off the goal post!

6:33- Pouliot has done a great job in this one. He is making a great case for a more permanent spot on the roster leading into the playoffs.

8:29- Despres is hit from behind and into the boards by Tropp. Despres heads to the locker room as he is bleeding. Tropp receives a five-minute major and is ejected.

10:56- As the game whines down, the Blue Jackets are not going down without a fight. The Pens are taking a more defensive approach, but still jumping up on some offensive plays.

12:32- The Pens power play comes to an end.

14:23- Johansen Scores a shorthanded goal. Pouliot can't hold in the puck and Johansen gets behind him. He puts one up high to give the Blue Jackets two. 5-2 Pens.

14:32- Johnson takes a cross-checking penalty and the Pens head onto the power play.

17:08- Another successful penalty kill for the Pens!

18:36- Johansen lands a big hit on Winnik at the Pens' blue line.

19:08- Now the Blue Jackets will get a power play chance as Kunitz sits for high sticking.

19:41- DOWNIE SCORES! Winnik sets up Downie who wrist a wicked shot past the blocker of McElhinney! 5-1 Pens!

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens have to keep working hard and not let the Blue Jackets get back into this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends with the Pens leading the Blue Jackets 4-1!

1:25- Crosby and Malkin are tied for points lead among the Penguins. Nothing like having them fight for the lead!

2:40- POULIOT SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby puts the puck to the net and McElhinney gets a piece of it! Pouliot comes down the wing and puts in the rebound! 4-1 Pens!

3:07- Back to the power play for the Pens.

4:24- Malkin is stripped of the puck at the Pens' blue line, but takes the puck right back!

8:56- The power play is killed by the Blue Jackets. Wennberg gets a chance coming out of the box, but Fleury says NO with a pad save!

10:56- The Pens will get another power play as Wennberg sits for delay of game.

11:24- Fleury with a shoulder save on Johansen, who on the short side with a great opportunity.

13:01- Letang assisted on the Pens last two goals, which gives him 49 points! He now leads the NHL in points by a defenseman!

13:12- Mark that down as a successful kill.

15:12- The Pens will now have to kill a penalty as Despres goes back to the box for holding.

15:40- MALKIN SCORES AGAIN AND THIS TIME ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang feeds the puck to Malkin, while down on one knee! Malkin snaps it past McElhinney with Hornqvist stationed up front! 3-1 Pens!

17:26- 1:51 power play still left for the Pens!

17:26- PERRON SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Perron looks for a pass at the side of the net and tries to go to the slot area! It's goes off Johnson and past McElhinney! 2-1 Pens take the lead!

17:34- Crosby is highsticked by Tyutin. 5 on 3 for 53 seconds.

18:40- The Pens will get their first power play of the game as Wisniewski is called for delay of game.

18:41- Crosby gets a lead pass from Letang, but is poke checked by McElhinney at the last minute!

19:05- Hornqvist gets in all alone on the wing, but is robbed by the glove of McElhinney!

20:00- Second period is underway! Time for the Pens to pick up where Malkin left off! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and things are tied up at one.

1:05- MALKIN SCORES! Malkin goes charging into the offensive zone and takes the puck to the net! He stickhandles in a phone booth to do so! He blows a backhander past a screened McElhinney! Kunitz with the screen! 1-1 tie game!

1:16- Both teams are back to full strength!

2:19- Back to 4 on 4 hockey for 1:03.

2:27- Wisniewski Scores on the power play. Hartnell screens Fleury who losses sight of Wisniewski. He is able to snap one into the net. 1-0 Blue Jackets.

2:58- Martin joins Despres for hooking. 4 on 3 for 1:41.

3:17- Despres and Foligno start to fight, but the refs break it up right away. Despres sits for boarding after a huge hit on Johansen and Foligno for roughing. 4 on 4 hockey.

4:18- McElhinney has been engaged to start this period. The Pens have had some good chances towards the end of this period.

7:46- Crosby lets go of a hard slapper that is blocked by Wisniewski. He goes down and has trouble getting back to the Blue Jackets' bench.

10:17- Pouliot with some great stick work as he jumps up into the play.

10:52- Malkin feeds the puck to the front of the net as Comeau rushes to the net. McElhinney gets a piece Comeau's backhander with his glove!

12:12- Good start for both teams. Good back and forth hockey.

14:36- Johansen and Atkinson get a two-on-one against Letang. Johansen dishes to Atkinson, who is stunned by the pad of Fleury! Amazing save!

15:12- Letang with a slapper from the point, but it gets blocked.

17:30- Crosby with a chance and Perron goes to the front of the net, but couldn't connect.

20:00- It's time for the Pens to start of March with a bang! They have to come out with speed and take it to the Blue Jackets! Lets Go Pens!