It's Time!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins need a little bit of luck tonight as they face the Ottawa Senators in enemy territory. This game is one major game for the Penguins, they can clinch a postseason berth with a regulation win tonight. The Senators are the only team in the Eastern Conference looking from the outside in and are only two points behind the Penguins, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings. Though the Senators are at a disadvantage, as they do not hold a tiebreaker against the three teams they trail. They need to win their remaining games and have one of the other three teams earn less than three points. Saying this game is important, is rather an understatement for the Penguins.

As I said earlier, with a win tonight the Penguins in regulation will allow them to clinch a playoff berth for the ninth consecutive season. Only the Red Wings hold a longer active streak (23 years). Also, a win tonight would give the Penguins 20 road wins for the eighth consecutive season (aside from the 2012-13 season). Even though they lost last Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers, they outshot them 47-20, a +27 shot differential. That is the second highest total this season (+29 at the New Jersey Devils on January 30). The last five games for them have been less than desirable and they seemed to be on the bad end of most things. Saying they have had some bad luck is only touching the surface and they haven't always dealt with that in a positive way. Usually a team's five-on-five shooting percentage plus save percentage will hover around 1000. However, the Penguins have a 891 total the past five game, which indicates bad luck among other things. If there was ever a time and game to turn things around, it would be tonight!

There is a sense of struggle on the offense side of things. They have had trouble putting the puck in the back of the net and not because of the opposing team's goaltender. As for the Senators goalie, Andrew Hammond or as they call him "The Hamburglar" is 17-1-2 with a 1.86 goals-against-average (GAA) and a .939 save percentage (SVP). To crack him, the Penguins have the necessary firepower and that starts with the Captain Sidney Crosby. He is in the top five in the National Hockey League (NHL) when it comes to points per 60 minutes, assists per 60 minutes and first assists. Crosby is still leading the NHL in points at 81 with Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) and John Tavares (New York Islanders) are tied for second with 80, Jakub Voracek (Philadelphia Flyers) sits in third with 79. Another big guy is Evgeni Malkin, who has been a driving force behind plays this entire season. In addition to the Penguins top centers, Brandon Sutter has four goals in his last eight games. He has climbed in goals by season with the Penguins, going from 13 goals (2013-14 season) to 19 this season.

However, it all doesn't fall on the offense alone. Defense has to step up their game and help pull the team up from their slump. Kris Letang is still out of the lineup with concussion symptoms. Letang has done some light bike exercise and there is a possibility of him being ready for the playoffs. So there is some good news. There is nothing new on Christian Ehrhoff. That means the Penguins defense will have ramped up minutes and every guy will have extra work added to their workload each game. Ben Lovejoy has racked up the most minutes on the ice, since Letang's injury. He has done well and has a very lethal shot. They need to use him more for that, it turned out well the last time they did. Ian Cole is another guy, who has been a more recent acquisition for the Penguins and has done well. He has an assist in four consecutive games, which is a career-long streak. During this span, Cole has assisted on five of the Penguins' 10 goals.

It's no secret that the Penguins have struggled at points in the season and when they slump it's a major catastrophe. The Penguins have to come with speed and play with passion tonight! Time to clinch a playoff berth! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole
Pouliot, Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 Senators 4

Overtime
0:00- The Sens win it in overtime 4-3. Horrible way to blow a lead and Fleury was unreal. Sucks the Pens couldn't get it done for him. The Sens are only one point behind the Pens. At least we got a point.

2:16- Stone Scores. The Sens take it the Pens, who back up. Stone puts it in. 4-3 Sens

3:19- Fleury makes some unreal saves. The Pens kill off the Sens power-play.

5:00- The Sens have a power-play for 1:32 to start this overtime! The Pens have to survive and come back with some passion! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to overtime.

0:28- The Sens get a late power-play as the Pens are called for too many men-on-the ice.

1:48- Hoffman Scores. The Sens with the faceoff and Hoffman fires it over the glove of Fleury. 3-3 tie game.

2:04- Sens with an empty net.

2:55- Thank goodness for Fleury...that is all I can say. Holding down the fort.

5:09- We are in the eye of the storm!

7:24- That is it for the Pens power-play, but that may be for the better.

7:44- Malkin is robbed by Hammond.

9:24- Condra high-sticks Martin on a play and skates to the box. Power-play for the Pens.

10:19- The Pens are not in attacking mode, but defending mode. They need to get more time in the offensive zone and give Fleury/their defense a break. Pens playing with five defense.

13:38- Crosby finds Chorney at the blue line, who lets go of a wicked shot that rings off the goal post!

15:17- Crosby continues to fly and his line crash the net. Nice change of pace there.

17:48- Fleury makes a spectator save to direct the puck up into the netting. Sens are peppering the net and the Pens look to be in deep trouble.

19:26- Stone Scores. The Pens turnover the puck in the slot area and Stone makes them pay. 3-2 Pens.

20:00- The third period is underway! Now is the time to fight and take the Sens down! Time to wrap things up Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens still have the lead 3-1 over the Sens!

0:38- No more power-play time for the Pens as Ryan is released.

1:02- Pouliot heads to the Pens locker room. Not sure why, but will update when I can.

2:38- Ryan takes a seat for tripping and a power-play opportunity for the Pens, but that doesn't always end in the Pens favor.

5:19- Sens score a shorthanded goal. A centering pass goes off of Pouliot's stick and the Sens start up ice. Pageau tries a cross-ice pass, but it goes off Pouliot's skate into the open net. 3-1 Pens.

5:56- Methot skates to the sin bin for cross-checking and it's power-play time for the Pens.

7:37- Bennett is now on Malkin's line replacing Comeau. His hard work is paying off and he is doing good in this game.

9:40- The Sens are a different team from the one that played in the first period. The Pens are weathering a storm during the second period. Fleury is holding down the fort.

12:03- Fleury is shutting the door in the faces of the Sens over and over again!

15:11- Fleury is dealing with an Sens barrage and making it look easy! He is engaged in this one and playing a solid game. "The Flower" is in beast mode!

16:29- Lovejoy is set free and gets a breakaway chance and Hammond makes a pad save on Lovejoy's backhanded shot!

18:38- Now Lovejoy is called for cross-checking and the Sens get a power-play chance. The Pens bring out their penalty killers.

19:12- Lovejoy turns over the puck and the Sens go across to Karlsson, who is absolutely robbed by the glove of Fleury!

20:00- We are back for the second period! The Pens have to pick up where they left off in the first period and keep the Sens on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the 3-0 lead! What a great first period by the Pens and a passionate showing!

0:34- The Pens power-play comes to an end.

0:47- Malkin is taken hard into the boards by Methot and is shaken up after the hit. He gets up and continues on the power-play.

2:34- The Pens will get a power-play chance. Wiercioch to the box for high-sticking Crosby, who has been flying.

3:10- Fleury makes a nice save on Macarthur after the Pens turn over the puck.

5:04- HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby slaps a sicken backhander on net, which Hammond gets a piece of with his glove! The puck goes behind Hammond and Hornqvist gets the garbage! 3-0 Pens!

6:02- Hammond gets a piece to rob Malkin!

6:29- Malkin comes off the bench and feeds one to Comeau. He puts it wide!

8:08- Solid start by the Pens and Fleury. The Pens are showing their passion in this one.

9:41- An excellent penalty kill for the Pens and Lapierre is set free.

11:41- Fleury bails out Chorney after he turned over the puck in front of the net. Lapierre ends up with a high-sticking penalty. Penalty kill time for the Pens.

12:06- Turris fires a tricky shot that Fleury gets a piece of.

14:44- BENNETT SCORES! Cole makes a great play to get the puck up to Bennett and Sutter up front! Bennett puts the loose puck in the open net!

15:43- Fleury makes a huge save on Legwand's shot.

19:50- CROSBY SCORES! What a way to start a game! The Senators win the opening faceoff, but Martin intercepts and goes to Hornqvist. Hornqvist feeds a pass to Crosby on the rush and rifles one past Hammond! 1-0 Pens! 

20:00- The puck has dropped in Ottawa! Big game for the Pens! They have to come out with speed and a fire! Lets Go Pens! 

Now or Never!

By: MF,

Things are not looking good for the Pittsburgh Penguins right now. They have been unable get further the distance between them and other playoff hunting teams. The Ottawa Senators have pulled within three points of the Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers will look to push them further into the abyss. Today in Philadelphia, the Penguins have come out with a fire under their butts and get those precious two points. Five is the magic number to clinch a playoff berth. They go into this game with a 11-3-2 record in their last 16 games at Philadelphia, dating back to January 13, 2009. Also, the Penguins are only one win shy of 20 road wins for the eighth consecutive season (excluding the shortened season).

The woes continue for the Penguins and it starts with the offense. Yesterday's game started out promising and Sidney Crosby was flying throughout the game. Crosby leads the National Hockey League (NHL) in points with 81. He is second on the team with 27 goals and is riding a five game point streak (three goals and four assists). Crosby also has 31 career goals against the Flyers, which is his most versus any NHL team. Things will be a bit easier for our Captain, as Evgeni Malkin will be back in the lineup and he is a much needed guy. Though the rest of the forwards/lines must step up and help out the two star players. Patric Hornqvist has 15 points (nine goals and six assists) over his last 15 games. Brandon Sutter has reached the 30 point mark, this season (18 goals and 12 assists), for just the third time of his career. Nick Spaling has 130 hits, which is more than triple his previous career high of 43 in 2011-12. The offense will have to step up their game and put even more points on the board. It's crunch time!

In addition, the defense has not had the best of luck. Down two big guys in Kris Letang and Christian Ehrhoff. That doesn't mean they can slack off at any time. Last game, Derrick Pouliot was having a rough one. He was on the ice for four of the goals and didn't help the situation on the ice. Look for him to have a big game and turn things around! Ben Lovejoy has been getting big minutes lately and he scored his first goal, since rejoining the Penguins. Another new addition, Ian Cole ranks second on the team with five points (one goal and four assists) since March 26th.

Injury update: Steve Downie will not play, due to an upper body injury.

This is a monstrous game for the Penguins and they have to play with some passion! Time to bring out the reserves and take it to the Flyers! Lets Go Pens!

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

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Pouliot
Cole, Chorney

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Flyers 4

3rd Period
0:00- The Flyers end up with the 4-1 win. The Pens will have to search their hearts and come out a different team on Tuesday. It's not over yet, but they have to change it up.

0:09- Del Zotto scores on the power-play. Del Zotto comes in unchallenged and puts it through the five-hole. 4-1 Flyers.

0:38- Regular Flyers power-play.

0:43- Hornqvist joins Bennett for goalie interference. 5 on 3 power-play

0:51- Empty net for the Pens

2:38- A nice way to end this game as Bennett goes off for goalie interference.

2:46- Turnovers are the death of teams.

4:55- White Scores. The Pens don't clear the puck and it bounces around in their zone. White beats Greiss. 3-1 Flyers.

7:23- Comeau holds the puck and draws out Mason. He puts the puck through the blue paint and over to Malkin. He has a wide open net, but it goes off the post.

10:19- The Flyers have had a few chances on their past few rushes.

12:20- Both teams are back to full strength.

14:20- Bennett gets a tripping penalty. Kunitz rifles one off the post for a touch up call. Voracek jumps him and disagreements happen. Voracek gets a 10-minute misconduct and Giroux goes for roughing. 4 on 4 hockey.

15:58- Turnover and B. Schenn goes the other way. He is one-on-one with Pouliot and stickhandles around him. Greiss comes up with the save.

20:00- The third period is underway! The Pens HAVE to turn things around, be disciplined and get traffic in front of Mason! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Flyers have the 2-1 lead.

0:13- Spaling gets a slight breakaway, but fires it over the net.

1:51- Kunitz with a hard shot that is directed into the netting.

3:54- Too many turnovers for the Pens right now and Mason is coming up big. The Pens have to keep pushing.

7:40- B. Schenn scores on the power-play. B. Schenn directs the puck to the net and it pops up. It goes right over Greiss and into the net. 2-1 Flyers.

7:58- Comeau is called for hooking and the Pens bring out their penalty kill unit. Not a good thing for the Pens, they must hold them off.

8:15- Greiss holds off a wrap-around chance.

9:57- Giroux fires a wrister high over the glove side of Greiss.

10:08- The Pens power-play is killed.

12:08- The Flyers get two great scoring chances on net, but the Pens end up with a power-play opportunity. Streit sits for interference.

14:54- Cole had a great shift and it wasn't an easy one.

17:21- Malkin just pushes the puck wide of the net! Great work on the forecheck by the second line of the Pens.

18:14- The Flyers come out with more jump in their step. The Pens have to match their first period effort.

19:23- Del Zotto fires one off the goal post.

20:00- Time for the second period! The Pens have to stay on track and not engage the Flyers in extra activities! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and this game is tied at 1-1.

0:39- Voracek Scores on the power-play. Voracek just snaps a one-timer right past the blocker of Greiss. 1-1 tie game.

1:29- Winnik goes to the box for cross-checking and the Flyers get a power-play chance.

1:40- Sutter is denied twice by Mason! Unreal chance by Sutter!

3:35- SUTTER SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! Perron passes up to Sutter at the side of the net! Sutter fires a hard shot that goes under the down goal stick of Mason, into the net! 1-0 Pens!

4:25- Hornqvist camps in front of Mason and creates havoc. Pouliot just can't jam home the loose puck. Nice job on the power-play.

5:24- Kunitz tips the puck up to Comeau, who goes right to the net. Mason saves, but Raffl heads to the box for hooking. Pens to the power-play.

5:59- Shots are 12-2 in favor the Pens. They have come out with some vigor and look good. They need to sustain this type of play.

7:35- Bennett puts the puck at the toe of Mason. Sutter and Winnik crash the net.

8:40- Our Captain is back on the ice. The Pens are outshooting the Flyers 8-1.

9:08- Crosby looks to be ok on the bench now.

10:37- Perron and Hornqvist are tripped up in front by Mason. Crosby goes to the bench and is having his arm looked at.

14:09- Spaling battles and gets the puck towards the net. Adams finds the rebound, but his backhanded is gloved up by Mason.

16:33- Malkin snaps a pass across ice to Perron and his shot is stopped by Mason.

17:38- Sutter pushes the puck wide in front!

20:00- Here we go! The Pens have to come out with a fire and play with some passion! Lets Go Pens! 

Playoffs are near and the number is five!

By: MF,

The regular season is coming to a close and the Pittsburgh Penguins only need five points to clinch a playoff berth. That means that every game counts and they need to get to work starting today. The Penguins are on the road and that starts with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets are out of the playoffs, but are all finally healthy and been on a roll as of late. Only one win shy of 20 road game wins for the Penguins, which would make it eighth consecutive times for them.

Offense is key, but the Penguins are missing half of the two-headed monster. Evgeni Malkin was a last minute scratch for Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He commented saying, he wasn't ready for the game tonight, but maybe for Sunday's game in Philadelphia. That will put more weight on the shoulders of Sidney Crosby, who has 19 points (five goals and 14 assists) in 13 career contests against the Blue Jackets. In two of those games, he was held scoreless and the Penguins have a 10-0-1 record when he records a point. Crosby achieved a career milestone during last Wednesday's game, where he recorded his 300th career goal and is one of 18 active skaters with 300 career goals. He became the fifth player in franchise history to achieve this milestone and he is still looking to add to that total. However, Crosby won't be alone. He will be able to call on the other lines and get contributions from everyone on the ice. Guys like, Patric Hornqvist who has 14 points (nine goals and five assists) over his last 14 games. During that span, the team has gone 9-4-1. Another guy coming up big is Chris Kunitz, who recorded 200 hits in a season for just the second time in his career, the other time was in 2008-09 with 206 hits.

A game is not won with offense alone, but defense will be key. The Penguins have been playing with only five defenseman, which has put them on edge and tired the remaining guys out. Ben Lovejoy has skated for over 27 minutes in back-to-back games that accounts for two of his highest time-on-ice (TOI) totals in his career. Also, Ian Cole has stepped up his game and his having a career year. He has tied his previous season totals in goals (five), assists (eight), points (13) and hits (68). He is a +15, which is a +2 from last season and ties a career high set in the 2013-14 season. It's great to see a new addition, adding to the blueline prowess of the Penguins. The goaltenders have been called on even more lately, since the defense has gone down a man. Marc-Andre Fleury is 7-2-1 in his career when he faces the Blue Jackets and has never loss in regulation at Columbus.

Good news for all! The Penguins were finally able to call up a blueliner from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. That man is Taylor Chorney! Now the Penguins can have a full lineup of players.

The Penguins have to come out with speed and get on the board early. Crashing the net and putting shots on the Blue Jackets' netminder is key! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Pouliot, Scuderi
Cole, Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 Blue Jackets 5

3rd Period
0:00- Pens fall to the Blue Jackets 5-3. Huge question mark hangs over them. Hopefully, they come out with a fire tomorrow and get back on track.

0:56- Foligno Scores. Empty net goal. Hat trick for him. 5-3 Blue Jackets.

1:19- Empty net for the Pens!

1:26- Bennett with a chance on the backhand!

3:13- Hornqvist is pushed into the net/Bobrovsky. Foligno goes after Hornqvist. Disagreements all around. No calls.

4:42- Scuderi makes a nice play to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

5:21- The Pens power-play comes to an end and they are still down a goal.

7:30- Hornqvist is sucker punched by Johnson and get a power-play as a result.

7:51- Hornqvist fires a hard shot that is gloved up by Bobrovsky!

9:50- LOVEJOY SCORES! The Pens go crazy in the Blue Jackets' zone! Kunitz was everywhere battling! Lovejoy gets the puck and fires a rocket shot from the blue line! It blows past Bobrovsky! 4-3 Blue Jackets.

10:31- Blue Jackets Score. The Pens and Blue Jackets crash the net. The ref never blows the whistle and somehow the puck stays in play. It goes in. 4-3 Blue Jackets.

13:14- Foligno Scores. Pouliot turns over the puck and the Blue Jackets get two men on a rush alone. Fleury makes the first save, but Foligno is let wide open. 3-2 Blue Jackets take the lead.

14:44- The Pens kill it.

14:59- Fleury flashes the pad to make a huge save on Johnson's shot!

16:44- Downie back to the box, this time for holding. Horrible time for a penalty.

18:01- Pouliot is not playing well defensively today. Looks a bit loss and not his confident self, he has been in the last few games.

20:00- We are back for the third period! The Pens have to come up with a new fire and put the Blue Jackets back on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to an end and this game is all tied up at two.

1:25- Calvert Scores. Calvert hits the post, gets the rebound and throws it on net. Unsure of what Scuderi and Pouliot were doing on that shift. 2-2 tie game.

3:35- Foligno Scores. Perron turns over the puck in the Pens zone. Two Blue Jackets get behind the defense alone in front. Foligno puts it in. 2-1 Pens.

3:45- Fleury makes three unreal pad saves, one after another.

5:13- Fleury comes up with a huge shoulder save after Scuderi turned over the puck in the center.

5:51- The Pens are getting more chances on net.

6:25- Crosby is flying all over the ice. Setting up plays and getting back to play defensively.

8:53- SUTTER SCORES! Downie goes to the blue paint and takes Johnson with him! Johnson ties up Bobrobsky! Sutter fires the puck on net, through traffic and it finds it way in! 2-0 Pens!

12:32- Tired group of guys on the ice for the Pens and the Blue Jackets get sustained pressure in the defensive zone. The Pens finally get the puck up ice.

14:26- The Pens are doing a good job of close checking the Blue Jackets.

17:40- Chroney carries the puck down the right side and shoots towards the toe off Bobrovsky. Smart play.

19:54- The Pens power-play is over.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens have a six second power-play to start! They need to keep up the hard work and pressure! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:38- Shots are 15-12 in favor in the Pens.

1:55- Late in this period, the Pens will get a power-play. Dubinsky to the sin bin for tripping.

2:32- Winnik has been playing a smart offensive/defensive game. Also, good at getting into shooting lanes on the penalty kill.

5:08- Another great penalty kill by the Pens. Martin was very aggressive in checking players off the puck. He did a great job of checking Dubinsky off the puck.

7:08- The Pens are called for too many men-on-the-ice. Blue Jackets power-play.

7:15- Pouliot snaps a pass up to a fast skating Crosby. Crosby and Comeau get a give and go going! Comeau gets the puck to Crosby who directs to towards the net. Bobrovsky with the pad save.

9:19- The Pens survive the Blue Jackets power-play.

9:40- The Blue Jackets dominate in the Pens zone on the power-play. Two defensemen sticks break, while blocking shots. Fleury coming up big. Shots 12-9 in favor of the Blue Jackets.

11:19- Downie will head to the box for goalie interference.

11:39- CROSBY SCORES! Cole pinches to win a puck battle on the boards and gets the puck to Hornqvist, at the side! He makes a little pass to Crosby in the slot and he doesn't miss! 1-0 Pens!

12:52- The Blue Jackets turn over the puck in their own zone. Adams backhand is directed to the corner by the pad of Bobrovsky.

13:48- Fleury has been working hard and looks sharp. He made a real nice save in close on Hartnell.

16:17- The Pens power-play comes to an end. Great offensive zone pressure for the Pens on that power-play.

16:30- Crosby fires a slapper that hits the goal post. What a shot!

18:17- Winnik drives down the center and is hooked up. Comeau tries to jam on the loose puck, bu Bobrovsky denies. The Pens will get a power-play chance as Connauton sits for hooking.

19:48- Fleury working early in his one.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Columbus! The Pens need to come out with speed and put the Blue Jackets on their heels! Lets Go Pens! 

Pennsylvania versus West New Jersey!

By: MF, 

It's another rivalry night at Consol as the Pittsburgh Penguins go into battle against the Philadelphia Flyers. When these two teams come together, it's never a friendly meeting. The Penguins are looking to get closer to locking up a playoff berth, while the Flyers have been officially eliminated from the playoffs. Tonight will be another tough and dirty game, hopefully the Penguins come out with the win and two much needed points.

The Penguins have to stick to their game and get on the board. The Flyers get an edge on the Penguins when they take them off track. They have to stay focused and try to stay out of the box. Evgeni Malkin has points in 25 of his last 29 games against the Flyers. He does well when he doesn't like the Flyers get under his skin. The Penguins will have to engage every line on every shift to keep the Flyers on their heels. Daniel Winnik has four points in his last five games, but that is in large part to playing on the first line with Sidney Crosby. Another key is the fourth line centered by Maxim Lapierre, who won 13 of 14 faceoffs during last Sunday's game against the San Jose Sharks. He also had 4:22 minutes of shorthanded time, which was his second-highest total this season.

A big focus tonight for the Flyers will be the Penguins defense, which is down to only five guys. The defense has to step up with a man down. All the guys minutes jumped up during last Sunday's game by almost nine minutes each, give or take a guy. Ian Cole was able to establish a new career high with his 12th point of the season (five goals and seven assists). A young guy stepping up for the Penguins and gaining confidence with every game, that guy is Derrick Pouliot. Four of Pouliots seven career goals have come on the power-play. He is ranked third with a 2:24 power-play, time-on-ice per game among rookie defensemen.

The Penguins will have to come out ready and with speed to start this game. They have to get on the board early and not engage in the Flyers side-business. If they can stay focused and keep to their systems, they will get the two points! Lets Go Pens!

Injury update: No news on Kris Letang. Christian Ehrhoff skated during the morning skate. Malkin will be out of the lineup tonight due to an injury. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Martin
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Flyers 4

3rd Period
0:00- That is it for this game. The Pens fall to the Flyers 4-1. Definitely missing Letang and Malkin. They have two days to rest and regroup.

1:36- Fleury makes a save on Giroux.

3:39- The Pens are having a difficult time transiting out of their zone. Letang helped with that...missing him big time.

5:06- The Pens have had a couple of chances on net, but they are lacking energy/fight in this game.

14:26- Colaiacovo Scores. Fleury makes two big saves, but the Pens are unable to clear the puck. Colaiacovo fires one over the shoulder of Fleury through traffic. 4-1 Flyers.

14:37- Kunitz and Rinaldo are released from their prisons.

14:49- Crosby backhands one that goes off Mason.

16:37- Some 4 on 4 hockey time as Rinaldo and Kunitz sit in the box.

19:05- B. Schenn Scores on the power-play. Voracek passes across the ice to B. Schenn, who is at the side of the net behind Lovejoy. Fleury has no chance as Schenn directs the puck in. 3-1 Flyers.

19:50- Martin is on the bench to start this period and looks to be fine.

20:00- 20 minutes of regulation left to go! The Pens have to start peppering Mason with shots and drive to the net! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:01- Martin takes a shot to the helmet as the period ends. He skates away and looks to be fine. Hope he is ok.

1:03- Downie sits again, this time for tripping.

1:58- Mark that down as another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

3:58- Perron will now keep the sin bin's seat warm as he is called for interference. Flyers to the power-play.

4:19- Crosby fires a high rising shot that goes off the corner of the goal.

7:17- B. Schenn scores. The Flyers come in three strong, the puck bounces around. Schenn finds the puck as he drives down the center. He rifles one into the net. 2-1 Flyers.

8:01- The Pens crash the net, but just can't get the puck behind Mason.

8:45- Chris "The Tank" Kunitz lays a punishing hit on Schultz and the plexi-glass can't handle it. The glass pops out and the crew gets to work on fixing it.

11:11- Huge penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was sharped and Scuderi laid down his body to block shots.

13:11- Downie is sent to the box for roughing. It was nowhere near a penalty, but he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt on calls. Penalty killers come over the boards for the Pens.

14:10- Penalty time is up and Sutter is set free. Great penalty kill by the Pens, didn't give the Flyers a chance to set-up.

16:10- Sutter throws the puck over the glass in the defensive zone. He gets a delay of game penalty and the Flyers get a power-play opportunity.

16:36- The Pens power-play comes to an end. Way too many passes on that one.

18:36- Power-play time for the Pens. Winnik draws a slashing penalty on Schultz.

19:25- Kunitz is robbed by Mason!

20:00- We are back for the second period! The Pens have to come out with more speed and get back in the lead! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period comes to an end and this game is all tied up at one.

0:48- The last few minutes have been in the Flyers favor. Fleury has been sharped and kept them in this one.

2:43- Lacavalier Scores. Lacavalier pushes Spaling off the faceoff to win it. Bellemare finds Lacavalier at center and he puts it in. 1-1 tie game.

4:09- The Pens kill off the Flyers' power-play. Fleury made two amazing saves on the penalty kill and held down the fort.

6:09- Spaling takes a seat in the box for cross-checking and the Pens bring out their penalty killers.

8:29- The Pens first line throws the puck on net a few times, Mason is up to the task. Great offensive zone time for them.

9:31- The Flyers are able to kill off the Pens power-play.

11:31- Time for a Pens power-play as Rinaldo skates to the box for tripping.

13:42- Fleury has made a few solid saves to start this game.

16:18- CROSBY SCORES HIS 300TH CAREER GOAL! Cole fires from the point and Crosby picks up the loose puck to put it past Mason! 1-0 Pens!

17:49- Cole fires a shot from the point and the Pens crash. Flyers clear and end up icing the puck.

18:13- Crosby sends a pass to Hornqivst, who goes up to Winnik. Winnik pushes the puck wide of the net!

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol! Time to buckle up and get ready for this one! The Pens have to stay focus and get on the Flyers early! Lets Go Pens! 

A win for Letang!

By: MF, 

It's the second day of back-to-back home games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. They were able to dispatch the Arizona Coyotes in a 3-2 win, yesterday afternoon. However, this was not without losing something. Defenseman Kris Letang was hit by Coyotes Shane Doan. He went flying backwards into the corner boards and hit the back of his head. He was helped off the ice and looked to be completely out of it. He went to the hospital after that. Letang was released today from the hospital and has a concussion. Mike Johnston stated that they will take things day-to-day and see how he reacts and recovers from the concussion. It was a scary thing to watch and I wish Letang a speedy recovery. He is the leader of defense and has had a Norris trophy season. I hope he can come back before the start of the playoffs, but wish him to recover fully before he even thinks of coming back.

Tonight, the Penguins face the San Jose Sharks and they will have to step up their game without Letang in the lineup. They will play with five defensemen and if needed, Daniel Winnik will fall back to the defense, if needed. This puts a heavier weight on the defense and goalie to hold down the fort. That means the Penguins' offense will have to step up their game and keep the puck deep in the Sharks' zone, taken the pressure of the defense. As a team, the Penguins are 17-6-4 against Western Conference teams this season.

Two-headed monster time. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby will be called upon to get the Penguins going and put the Sharks on their heels. Malkin has 3.42 points per 60 minutes, which puts him first in the National Hockey League (NHL). He also has a team high 28 goals and averages 1.09 points per game, which is second in the NHL. As for Crosby, has had three plus points in 12 of 70 games this season (17.1%). Crosby leads the NHL in points with 78 that is two points ahead of second place Jake Voracek (Philadelphia Flyers). He is one of just five Eastern Conference players to average at least a point-per-game, against Western Conference teams. In addition, Crosby is only one goal shy of 300 in his career.

The Penguins are fortunate enough to have an explosive offense, which means they are getting contributes from everyone in the lineup. Winnik scored his ninth goal of the season during yesterday's game and it gave him a career high 31 points. Another guy putting up numbers is Steve Downie. Downie has five goals in his last nine home games. He has some big numbers when the Penguins are at Consol, so look for him to get on the scoreboard. The Penguins had 46 shots during the game yesterday and it was their second highest shot total, this season. They have to continue to get shots on net and the more the better their chances are of getting one to go in. After that, usually, the flood gates open for them.

Without the services of Letang, the Penguins will be down a valuable defenseman. They need to come out with speed and get on the board early. The Penguins have to take pressure of the defense early that way, they don't have to battle late in the game, when they will be tired. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Martin
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 3 Sharks 2 SO

Shootout
THE PENS GET THE 3-2 SHOOTOUT WIN! HARD FOUGHT GAME FOR THE PENS AND THEY KEPT AT IT! AMAZING JOB BY THE PENALTY KILLERS, FLEURY AND THEY END UP WITH THE TWO POINTS!

Couture hits the goal post!

CROSBY SCORES!

Karlsson goes wide!

PERRON SCORES!


OT Period
0:00- We are going to a shootout! No matter what happens...just an amazing job by the penalty killers.

1:01- What an amazing job, so far by the Pens penalty killers.

2:48- The Pens penalty kill is working hard and Fleury has made some saves to keep the Pens in it.

3:40- Hornqvist gets a four-minute high sticking major. Sharks with a 4 on 3 power-play for the rest of this overtime.

3:58- Fleury makes a pad save on Thornton.

5:00- Are you ready for some extra hockey? Come on Pens, get time to kick it into high gear and get the win! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- 60 minutes of regulation wasn't enough and this 2-2 game is headed to overtime.

1:52- Spaling is set free! Great penalty kill by the Pens!

2:46- Winnik lays down to block a shot. Lapierre gets the loose puck and battles to get it out to the neutral zone.

3:52- Another Shark power-play. Spaling skates to the box for holding.

4:15- The Pens have generated some rebound chances, but the Sharks defense is doing a good job of clearing them before the Pens can get to them.

4:40- The Sharks are back to full strength.

6:40- Power-play time for the Pens as Wingels sits down for high-sticking on Pouliot.

8:12- Things are still all tied up. The next one will be a big one as time whines down.

10:57- Awesome work by the Pens penalty killers. Crosby is set free and the Pens held the Sharks to only two shots during that power-play chance.

12:57- Crosby heads to the box for tripping. Power-play for the Sharks.

14:30- Crosby enters the zone and carries the puck straight to the net. Stalock covers the puck.

16:15- Both teams are fully engaged in this one now.

20:00- The third period is underway! The Pens have to get more sustained offensive zone pressure and put the Sharks back on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and this game is all tied up at two.

1:09- Crosby crashes the net to look for a rebound chance. Stalock makes sure there is no rebound chance.

3:30- The Sharks offense has come on during the second period. The Pens have been more on the defensive.

4:22- Couture Scores on the power-play. The Sharks break into the zone with a two-on-one and Martin is caught flatfooted. Couture gets in alone and doesn't miss. 2-2 tie game.

5:05- Lovejoy is now in the sin bin for cross-checking. Sharks back onto the power-play.

6:54- The Pens come up with a successful penalty kill and held the Sharks to zero shots on their power-play.

8:54- The Sharks will now have a power-play opportunity. Lapierre sits for hooking.

10:35- Malkin crashes the net, but Stalock keeps the puck out.

13:16- Smith Scores. Braun fires from the point and the puck is tipped by Smith. It goes by Fleury, who is screened and didn't see it. 2-1 Pens.

15:46- Fleury makes a solid save as Couture crashes the net.

18:16- Quite a few whistles to start this game. Hard to get into a rhythm with all the stoppages.

20:00- Time for the second! The Pens have to keep up the hard work, play smart and take it to the Sharks! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the 2-0 lead over the Sharks!

1:35- Pouliot has been looking confident and carrying the puck well out of the Pens' zone. He gets better every game.

3:14- Fleury has been sharp in the net against the few shots he has faced. The Pens are doing a great job of clearing the puck out and not giving the Sharks chances on rebounds.

4:32- Some good back and forth hockey. No real chances for either team in the last couple of minutes.

7:08- Comeau almost gets a breakaway, but is called for off-sides.

9:25- The Pens have some jump in their step. Looking good in the first period.

11:56- KUNITZ SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! Pouliot passes over to Crosby, who is all alone on the other side of the ice! Crosby feeds a beautiful pass to Kunitz, flying to the side of the net. Kunitz elevates the puck over Stalock's pad! 2-0 Pens!

12:19- The Pens will get the first power-play as Fedun sits for hooking.

12:52- HORNQVIST SCORES! Winnik wins the battle behind the net and feeds the puck out front! Stalock makes the first save, but Hornqvist gets to the loose puck and finds the back of the net! 1-0 Pens!

14:56- Fleury makes a nice pad save with the Sharks on the rush.

17:05- Cole fires a rocket shot that is deflected and it rings off the post!

17:12- Not too many shots for either team to start this one.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens have to come out with speed and get on the board early! Let's get the win for Letang! Lets Go Pens! 

Fired up and ready to get a win!

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at Consol, to take on the Arizona Coyotes, after a short little road trip to Carolina. The Penguins are coming off some hard loses and look to be lost on the ice. Tonight they will get back the services of Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist. Hopefully, they can spark the Penguins into action. It has been missing in all their games. The Penguins are 8-3-3 on their first back-to-back games. Not to mention, they have four wins in their last six meetings against the Coyotes. During that time, the Penguins have killed off 26 of 27 Coyote power-plays.

Having both those guys back will help fire up the offense. It will also take some of the weight off of Sidney Crosby's shoulders. The Penguin Captain goes into this game with 75 league-leading points (24 goals and 51 assists). He even has a 1.90 points-per-game average, which is tops in the National Hockey League (NHL). Crosby is also one of just five Eastern Conference players to average at least a point-per-game against Western Conference teams. Crosby has had multi-point efforts in four of nine career games against the Coyotes. Now the top team lines of the Penguins are not the only ones putting up some big numbers. Guys like Brandon Sutter and Steve Downie are contributing every game. Sutter has tied his second-highest career total of 17 goals, for the second time in his career. His highest career total is 21 and he could very well tie or surpass that. Downie is a big guy on the scoreboard when it comes to home games. He has four goals in his last eight home games. That is good for a guy, who is seen as only an enforcer.

The offense can't do their job without a solid defense to back them up. Ian Cole was able to finally notch his first goal in a Penguin uniform, last Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has proved to be a great addition to the defense and has five goals on the season, which only puts him behind Kris Letang (who has 11). In between the pipes will be Thomas Greiss, this will be his first start against his former team, since becoming a Penguin.

The Penguins be without the services for David Perron, who is out due to an illness. They will have to come out with speed and jump in their step. The Penguins have to get ahead first and stay in front of the Coyotes! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Martin, Letang
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 3 Coyotes 2

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS WIN 3-2! THEY STUCK WITH THINGS! HARD FOUGHT GAME AND THEY CAME OUT ON TOP OF THINGS! GREISS WAS SOLID IN NET! A MUCH NEEDED TWO POINTS!

0:40- Big save by Greiss!

1:51- Rieder Scores. The Pens miss coverage and Rieder who comes flying down the side. He puts one in an open net. 3-2 Pens!

2:10- Coyotes have an empty net.

4:27- Kunitz is flying on the forecheck. Looking much better in this game then the last few games.

6:36- The Coyotes are back to full strength.

8:35- Riot ensues in the blue paint and bodies are everywhere. The referees get it under control. The goal is review and ruled a good goal.

8:36- CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! The Pens cycle the puck and Pouliot fires from the half boards! Crosby is deep in the blue paint! The puck goes off his stick and leg into the net! 3-1 Pens!

9:26- Sutter is high-sticked again and is bleeding. Stone with a four-minute power-play. Sutter to the locker room.

10:41- DOWNIE SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! Crosby comes flying into the zone and backs everyone up! Crosby makes a backwards pass to Downie, who rips one over the pad of Smith! 2-1 Pens!

11:42- Campbell is off for high sticking Sutter. The Pens get a power-play

12:44- WINNIK SCORES! HIS FIRST AS A PENGUIN! Smith makes a save on a shot from the point! Winnik finds the rebound and finds the back of the net! 1-1 tie game!

15:08- Dahlbeck Scores. Dahlbeck fires a hard shot from the point, through traffic and it blows past Greiss. 1-0 Coyotes.

17:07- Greiss has made some big saves for the Pens. Very solid between the pipes.

17:49- Malkin gets a piece of the puck in the slot to direct it towards the net. Smith makes the save. If Malkin had gotten all of the puck, it would be 1-0 Pens.

20:00- The third period is underway! The Pens need to keep up the hard work and get this win for Letang! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Still scoreless after two.

0:05- Crosby sneaks onto the ice and fires a shot from the center slot! Smith just gets a pad on it.

2:39- The Pens power-play comes to an end.

3:29- Downie and Doan drop the gloves and it was a spirited fight! Downie sticking up for Letang!

4:03- Kunitz accidentally high sticks a referee in the face. The referee is bleeding badly and heads to the locker room.

4:39- McGinn is called for slashing and the Pens have a power-play chance.  

4:45- Letang is down on the ice after a hit from Doan. He was sent flying backwards into the boards and hits his head. The doctor and trainer come out to attend to him. He skates off the ice slowly with help from Scuderi an Downie. Letang heads to the locker room and Fleury follows.

5:10- 18 second power-play for the Coyotes.

6:51- Kunitz just misses a chance on the Coyotes' doorstep. The Coyotes get a chance on the rush, but the play is broken up. Kunitz gets a hooking penalty. 4 on 4 hockey for 1:39.

7:10- The Pens get an amazing amount of time in the offensive zone. Stone ends up with a delay of game penalty. Power-play time for the Pens!

10:18- Greiss gloves up Szwarz's shot. He has been solid in the net.

12:16- Malkin throws the puck in front, but Downie just can't get enough on it.

14:43- The Coyotes kill the Pens power-play. Only two scoring chances on the power-play, too much passing for the Pens.

16:43- Power-play opportunity for the Pens as Moore is called for tripping on Lapierre.

17:45- The Coyotes have become a little more physical. They are forechecking more to get turnovers, but the Pens are starting to counter.

20:00- Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the speed and not let Smith breath! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

1:47- The Pens come up with a huge kill. Greiss was solid, making huge saves. Winnik was a beast on the penalty kill. Great job all around.

6:15- Now the Coyotes will have a power-play for 4:24. They can score as many times as they want on this one, as it's a major penalty.

6:47- Comeau ends up with a major boarding penalty and is done for the game. 4 on 3 for 31 seconds.

7:03- The Pens are leading the Coyotes in shots 13-6.

8:15- Hornqvist will head to the box for hooking, but Doan gets an even up penalty. So 4 on 4 hockey time.

8:26- Nice move by Martin to break up the Coyotes play.

8:39- Crosby's backhander is denied by Smith.

8:54- Crosby finds Hornqvist, who has set up camp in the blue paint. Smith denies with the pad and then a scramble ensues for the loose puck.

9:19- The Pens are crashing the net at every chance. Way more engaged in this game and Smith is having to battle with the traffic in front!

13:53- Smith makes a big save on Malkin's shot! Good to see Malkin getting right into things. 

15:13- Both teams are made whole again! 

17:13- We will get some 4 on 4 hockey. Lapierre and Crombeen both sit for roughing. 

17:20- Lapierre makes a curling drag and Smith makes the first save. The ref ends up blowing the whistle and Lapierre can't get the rebound before then. 

18:50- Greiss with a good save to start this one. 

20:00- The puck has dropped to start this game! The Pens have to come out with a fire under them and get in front early! Lets Go Pens! 

Snap it!

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to end their short road trip tonight in Arizona. The Penguins will be battling the Arizona Coyotes and really need a win. They have lost their last four games and need the points, as the playoffs are looming. It's crunch time and every team is battling for a better position, this is a time when every point counts. The Penguins need a win not only for the points, but to get them out of losing funk they have been in. They have won four of their last six contests against the Coyotes, dating back to January 27, 2007.

To get the win tonight, the Penguins have to ignite their offense. Lately, they have been struggling to get points on the scoreboard, since Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist have been injured. Though they have plenty of talent, they just haven't been able to put pucks in the net often enough. This will have to be overcome and quickly. A key to that is the power-play, which did end up scoring last game. The Penguins are 24-4-1 when they score a power-play goal. When they get a chance on the power-play, they must take advantage of the opportunity. Also, Sidney Crosby will have to show his star power and use his skills to set up plays. He has 24 points (nine goals and 15 assists) against the Western Conference this season (22 games), which leads the Penguins. Crosby has been leading not only among the Penguins, but the entire National Hockey League (NHL). He has 23 goals (tied for second in the NHL), 49 assists (tied fore second), 72 points (tied for second) and has a 1.09 points per game average (first). Look for him to get things going and light a fire under the rest of the guys.

Now we can't talk about getting a win, without mentioning the defense and the offensive power they possess. A major guy leading the charge is the Masterton Trophy Nominee, Kris Letang. He had a total of seven shots during their last game (versus the Dallas Stars), which tied a season high for him. Letang is achieving many career highs this season and having an unreal season. He has 53 points, 42 assists and 11 goals, which are all career highs for him. Letang is having a Norris Trophy winning season and he is a guy to look too when the offense is struggling. This goes without saying that the reason the defense feels comfortable stepping up into plays is, the amazing work of their netminder Marc-Andre Fleury. He is also having a phenomenal season and reaching new career highs. When it comes to the Western Conference, Fleury has allowed two or fewer goals in 12 of 18 games against the West (8-3-1 record). Having him hold down the fort early will ensure the Penguins get a chance to put a few chances on goal. Not to mention the saying, "defenses win Championships."

In addition, tonight's game will mark Steve Downie's 400th career game (Tampa Bay Lightning, 214; Philadelphia Flyers, 89; Colorado, 33; and Penguins 63 games played). A good way to celebrate is to get a win and snap this four game losing streak! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 3 Coyotes 1

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS GET THE 3-1 WIN AGAINST THE COYOTES! THEY SNAP THEIR FOUR GAME LOSING STREAK! FLEURY HELD DOWN THE FORT! THE OFFENSE WAS ABLE TO GET GOING AND THEY GET A MUCH NEEDED TWO POINTS! 

0:12- CROSBY SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Crosby pressures and sends the puck down the ice into the empty net! 3-1 Pens!

0:57- Fleury flashes the glove! What a save!

1:00- Smith comes out. Coyotes with empty net!

1:52- The Pens are keeping the Coyotes from pulling their goalie!

3:47- Fleury makes a huge save on Arcobello up front. Pens with a huge penalty kill.

5:41- Letang will visit the box and the Coyotes get a power-play. Only four defense guys for the Pens.

6:32- The Coyotes are starting to pressure the Pens and pin them in their own zone.

8:52- Crombeen fires through traffic and Fleury directs the shot to the corner.

11:09- Downie is robbed by the glove of Smith!

13:32- Fleury has been called upon early in this period, keeping the Pens in the lead.

16:38- Power-play for the Pens comes to an end.

17:30- Perron's center pass is picked off by Rieder in front of the Pens net. Fleury robs Rieder!

18:38- The Pens get power-play #4 as Crosby draws a tripping penalty.

20:00- Intermission ends and it's time for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and not let up on the Coyotes! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to an end and the Pens have the 2-1 lead over the Coyotes.

0:39- Solid penalty kill by the Pens. Fleury with some strong saves to keep the Pens in the lead.

2:39- Coyote power-play time. Perron for tripping.

5:10- Things have turned around and the Pens are continuing to pressure. They need to get more breathing room with only having five defenders.

7:39- WINNIK SCORES! Crosby wins the offensive zone faceoff and gets it back to Letang! Letang rips the bouncing puck down the center, Winnik gets a piece and it beats Smith! Winnik's first goal in a Penguin uniform! 2-1 Pens!

8:21- Letang gets a line and fires on net. Smith gloves it up.

11:13- SUTTER SCORES A POWER-PLAY GOAL! Smith goes behind the net and tries to clear the puck down the ice! It bounces off of Sutter's back and into the wide open net! 1-1 tie game! Thank you Smith!

12:13- Now the Pens will get a power-play. Vitale goes for tripping.  

13:02- Crosby finds Perron at the blue line. Perron rifles one just wide of the net! Delayed penalty situation.

15:00- Comeau and Crosby get a 2 on 1 chance. Comeau tries for the pass, but Crosby is unable to get a stick on it.

15:39- Crosby sets up Perron, who is crashing the net. Smith with the pad save!

16:24- The Pens have a lot more energy in this period. Look like they had a coming too in the locker room.

20:00- Time for the second period! The Pens need to find some offensive and shoot every chance they get! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00- First period comes to an end and the Pens are down 1-0 to the Coyotes.

1:00- Found out that Ehrhoff isn't playing. Not explanation why, but the Pens have no one to replace him. Only 20 players made the trip.

2:11- Haven't seen Ehrhoff in a long time. Defensive pairs have been mixed up and Letang/Martin are getting extra minutes.

4:59- Crosby fires one from the point with Perron up front. Smith makes a save with his blocker.

6:47- Both teams are made whole.

8:47- Some 4 on 4 hockey. Doan and Adams get matching penalties.

10:42- Zero shots registered for the Pens...I thought I saw a couple, but apparently not.

13:18- The first unit of the Pens power-play got some good zone time. Better looking then the first one, but they are unable to score.

15:18- Crosby has a breakaway chance, but is held up by Ekman-Larsson, he goes to the box. Another chance for the Pens power-play.

15:19- The Pens notch a successful penalty kill. At least they are getting the job done.

17:19- Well now the Coyotes will be looking for a power-play goal. Bennett heads to the sin bin for holding.

17:22- Not what the Pens were looking for on the power-play.

18:26- Rieder Scores. The Pens turnover the puck at their own blue line. Letang is tired and can't catch up to Rieder, who puts one in the net. (Letang was out for about 1:30) 1-0 Coyotes.

19:22- Nice opening shift by the Pens. Crosby draws a penalty. Stone sits in the box for holding and now time for the power-play.

20:00- Game on! The Pens have to come out with some jump in their step and pressure the Coyotes early! We don't want to be playing caught up later in the game! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins have more Stars than Dallas!

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins look to end their short road trip tonight, with a win against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Penguins have fallen into a little losing streak as they lost their last three games. They need a win to bring back to Pittsburgh and start a new winning streak. It will be good for them to get a victory without the services of Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist. This kind of win will only help them as the playoffs loom ahead. The Penguins are going into this contest having won eight of their last 11 games against the Stars. They are also averaging a 2.44 goals-against average this month. This matches their production during the month of October and puts them seventh in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Getting production from the offense will be key. The last two few games, they haven't lacked in chances on net. They have lacked on having a finishing touch to get some points on the board. In addition, there has been a problem of staying disciplined in the game, which their last game they had improved. All the lines will have to contribute with two key guys missing from the offense and getting that finishing touch on their chances will make determine if they come out with the win. Last Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils, every Penguin skater recorded a shot for just the second time this season. Guys like Chris Kunitz will be looked upon to produce. Kunitz has 10 points (five goals and five assists) in his last nine games versus the Stars. During that stretch, the Penguins are 5-1-1 in the seven games that he recorded a point. Another player to look at is Craig Adams. The fourth line is where things get going and the next line comes out to score. One can't take the Penguins' fourth line to lightly. Adams has nine goals against in five-on-five situations, which is the fifth lowest total in the NHL.

However a game is not won without the stability and strength of the defense. The Penguins have a healthy defensive lineup (knock on wood). The Penguins have only allowed 125 even-strength goals, which puts them sixth in the NHL. That is do in large part to having a solid defense and great goalie. The Penguins have the luxury of having Kris Letang and Paul Martin has their shutdown pair. They have both great defensive sense, but can carry the puck well to create scoring chances. This gives them a added edge, so that the offense is not totally alone when it comes to scoring. A guy on the backhand that has a wicked shot from the point is Christian Ehrhoff. Since returning from his injury (playing in three games), Ehrhoff has recorded 14 shots, four hits, two blocked shots and has spent a total of 22:26 on the ice for each game. Having him back has taken the weight of the shoulders of the top defensive unit and giving the defense a chance to jump up in plays more. Though the defense is confident and can set up when needed, a large amount of that confidence stems from the goalies. Both Marc-Andre Fleury and Thomas Greiss have been unreal between the pipes. Recently, Greiss has been given the chance to get into more games, which leaves Fleury to rest up for the playoffs. Some teams don't have this luxury, this late in the season. Greiss has a 1.56 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage in his last five appearances. With these numbers, the Penguins can feel comfortable giving the "Flower" a rest more often and having him fresh for the Stanley Cup run.

Now the Penguins are in Dallas to face the Stars tonight. They held an optional skate this morning and 14 players took part in it. Nothing special happened and no new injury update information. Tonight's game will be about getting to second and third chance opportunities. The Penguins have to focus on getting traffic to the net and finishing their chances, otherwise this game will end like the last three. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Martin, Letang
Ehrhoff, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Stars 2

3rd Period
0:00- The Pens fall for the fourth stretch time as the Stars get the 2-1 win. The Pens started to come on halfway through the second period, but couldn't get the win in the end. Good effort in the end.

1:33- Empty net for the Pens.

1:59- Downie goes down hard on the ice and the trainers attend to him. He is able to skate off on his own.

3:31- The referees are going to let the teams decide this one...I mean unless a someone is thrown into the crowd.

5:17- Both teams are back to full strength.

6:28- Crosby is all over the ice right now.

7:17- Finally a penalty is killed. Perron and a Star take a seat. Some 4 on 4 hockey.

7:32- The referees are letting everything go. Nasty battles in front of Lehtonen as the Pens crash the net!

8:43- The Pens power-play expires, some good chances on net. They just need to keep up the pressure.

10:43- Crosby drives to the net, draws a penalty and ends up in the net! Jokipakka in the box for holding.

12:28- The Pens are starting to get some offensive zone time and chances on net!

14:30- Sceviour gets the jump on Ehrhoff and Lovejoy comes over to cut down the angle. Fleury is able to get a shoulder on Sceviour's shot!

16:21- A little stagnate start for the Pens after having to kill a penalty. Some good shifts in the last few minutes.

18:00- A successful penalty kill for the Pens!

20:00- We are headed into the third period! The Pens penalty kill as Downie is in the box for slashing! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period horn sounds and the Stars have the 2-1 lead.

2:21- Fleury continuing to make the necessary saves to keep the Pens within one.

4:15- Winnik with a unreal scoring chance, point blank range!

6:34- LETANG SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! Crosby finds Letang, who just rips a quick shot towards the net! It goes through traffic and past Kunitz, who was screening Lehtonen! 2-1 Stars.

6:42- Spezza goes for tripping and the Pens have a power-play chance.

8:18- Letang is set free.

10:18- The Pens need something to get them going...well this doesn't help. Letang goes to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct.

12:29- The Pens come up with a huge penalty kill.

14:29- Now the Stars will get a power-play chance. Comeau goes for roughing and a huge penalty kill for the Pens.

14:44- The Pens give up another odd man rush. Stars with a 2 on 1, but too many passes by the Stars.

16:23- Benn Scores. Benn is left all alone in front and Fleury makes the first save, but Benn stuffs home the rebound. 2-0 Stars.

17:46- Ritchie Scores. Ritchie tries to get a pass to Horcoff in front. Bennett ends up putting the puck through the five-hole of his own goaltender. 1-0 Stars.

18:25- Fleury makes another great glove save. The best part of the first and beginning of this period for the Pens has been Fleury...hands down.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens have to come with speed and take it to Dallas! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and this game is scoreless. The #Pens are lucky to still have this game at zero. Not a great start.

0:08- Letang and McKenzie have a big altercation behind the Stars' net. Letang tried to get away, but wasn't able. Then he gave in.

0:58- Not a great first period for Kunitz. He has been turning over pucks left and right.

1:49- The Stars are back to full strength.

3:49- Another power-play opportunity for the Pens. Demers heads to the sin bin for tripping. Not sure if I should be excited about a power-play, given what the last one was like.

4:34- The Pens successful kill the Stars power-play. They are even able to register four shots...more then the power-play.

6:34- Comeau will go to the box for interference and the Stars get a power-play chance.

6:47- Ehrhoff fires a hard shot on net and Crosby just fans on the rebound shot!

9:03- Horrible power-play for the Pens. It comes to an end with zero shots registered. They were just giving up on shooting and looking for pretty plays. Bad all around.

11:03- A power play for the Pens as Eakin takes a seat for holding. The first power-play for the Pens since Sunday.

13:22- Jokipakka gets a chance all alone, but Fleury denies him twice! The Pens need to wake up and slow the Stars down.

14:34- The Stars have great speed to start and are pressuring the Pens. Not the best start for the Pens, they need to pick things up more.

16:29- Kunitz is having a tough start with a few turnovers.

18:36- Fleury makes a few solid saves early. Tempers raise after. 

20:00- The puck has dropped at the American Airlines Center! The Pens battle the Dallas Stars! Put them on their heels Pens! Lets Go Pens!