Time to respond

By: MF,

It’s time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to respond after an embarrassing 7-1 loss to the Washington Capitals Wednesday night. They had a team meeting to discuss and express their feelings of the loss. After the meeting, the two words that were repeated during interviews was mindset and consistency.

They will need to put those words to work tonight against the New York Islanders. Phil Kessel was the lone goal during the loss to the Capitals. He has one goal and three assists in his last four games. The Penguins will need their other stars up front to respond and the defense to have the back of the goalie. Sidney Crosby has been on fire, since coming back from a concussion, but he was frustrated in the last game as he was held scoreless, along with Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins have to turn that frustration into motivation. As for defense, they need to back up their goaltender. Last game, both Matt Murray and Marc-Andre Fleury were left out to dry on multiple occasions. The Penguins need to limit turnovers, space, and get to the rebound/loose pucks first.

The Penguins will have to pick up tonight, but they may be missing some key players. Patric Hornqvist is day-to-day with a concussion and didn’t participate in the team’s morning skate. He is not expected to be in the lineup tonight. Chris Kunitz is a game-time decision as he suffered a lower-body injury.

The Islanders are 1-3-3 in November but have scored 40 goals in 16 games. They may be struggling to get ones in the win column, but they know how to score some goals when they are clicking. It will be critical for the Penguins to shut down lanes, limit space, and keep the Islanders pinned in their own zone. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Hagelin-Crosby-Sheary

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Wilson-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Isles 2 OT

Overtime
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 OVERTIME WIN OVER THE ISLES! THE PENS HAD A GOOD START, BUT TOOK THEIR FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL! THEY DIDN'T LET THAT GET THEM OFF TRACK! THEY TOOK THE GAME OVER AND ENDED UP GETTING THE WIN! GREAT WAY TO RESPOND IN THE THIRD! 

3:36 - LETANG SCORES! Crosby fakes a shot and tricks Nielson! Prince comes out to challenge Crosby, who passes the puck over to Letang at the side! Malkin screens up front and Letang fires right into the open net by the red line! What a pass and shot combination! 3-2 Pens

4:16 - Kessel tries to take a lead pass up ice, but the play is broken up by Leddy.

5:00 - The Pens and Isles need some more time to decide this 2-2 tie game! End this game early and with a win guys! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - This game is going to overtime as things are still tied 2-2.

2:33 - Cullen with a great chance, but it goes off the skate of Halak and through the blue paint. The Pens are starting to push more as the period whines down.

3:08 - The puck bounces around in front of Halak. Crosby and Sheary crash the net, but the puck somehow stays out.

6:31 - Cullen's shot is blocked in front and Wilson gets a stick on the loose puck. Halak gloves it up for the whistle.

7:05 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens. Good kill for the Isles.

9:05 - Power play time for the Pens as Ladd sits for holding.

10:59 - Not much to report on in the last few minutes. Some up and down hockey, but nothing to note.

15:50 - Boychuk sucker punches Sheary in the face and doesn't receive a penalty. That kind of thing should be a quick call.

17:12 - Hamonic throws the puck on net and it skips off the leg of Murray.

19:29 - Sheary and Hagelin get a two-on-one chance. Sheary's shot is kicked away by Halak, but Hagelin gets to the rebound. He has a wide open net, but his shot goes off the goal post.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure, put pucks on net, and play smart defensively! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and things are tied at two a piece.

1:05 - There was some good puck movement during that power play, but the Pens are unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

3:05 - The Pens will get their fourth power play of the game as Lee sits for hooking.

3:48 - Schultz drives one from the blue line that goes high and wide of the net.

6:05 - DALEY SCORES! Kessel ends up winning the battle on the boards to outlet a pass to Daley at center! He rifles a shot past the blocker of Halak, it goes off the goal post, and into the net. 2-2 tie game.

7:58 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. The puck ends up loose in front and everyone crashes the net. Murray scoops up the puck.

9:58 - Daley is back on the ice as the Pens are called for too many men on the ice. They will have to kill off a Isles' power play.

11:57 - That will bring an end to the Pens power play. They are still looking to tie things up.

13:33 - Daley has not been out at all this period. I just noticed this.

13:57 - Ladd high sticks Letang and goes to the box. Power play for the Pens.

15:11 - Malkin's line pins the Isles in their own zone for an extended period of time. Nice work after the Isles have been buzzing.

17:26 - Beauvillier scores. The Pens turnover the puck right in front of their own net and Beauvillier gets a one-on-one against Murray. He holds and backhands one over the outstretched pad of Murray. 2-1 Isles

18:09 - Nielson scores on the power play. Nielson receives a pass right on his stick and snaps one that goes right under the arm of Murray on the blocker side. 1-1 tie game.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens will start the period on the penalty kill as Malkin will be in the box! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead over the Isles! A scramble ensues after the period ends and Malkin will get a penalty.

2:01 - Murray makes a quick save as the puck makes a weird bounce.

4:11 - Dumoulin is back on the ice.

4:41 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang fires a shot from the point and it ends up bouncing to the side area! Crosby comes flying in and goes to one knee to put it in the wide open net! 1-0 Pens

5:21 - Another power play chance for the Pens as Nielson heads to the box for hooking.

6:15 - Some good puck movement by the Pens and they brought up the intensity. They are also blocking quite a few shots and keep the pressure on them.

9:37 - Malkin with a chance down the wing, but he is tied up a bit by Hickey, which allows Halak to get the paddle down for the save.

10:53 - Not much of a power play for the Pens as they didn't get things set-up.

12:53 - Strome goes flying down the center and he cross-checks Mattaa right into Murray. He will head to the box for goalie interference as the Pens bring out their power play unit.

16:40 - Lee takes a forearm to the head of Dumoulin as his head of tucked in as he was battling with Chimera. He heads down the Pens runway.

16:51 - Beauvillier gets on the inside of the Pens defense, but his shot goes off the side of the net.

18:28 - Some great offensive zone time for the Malkin line. The puck ends up loose in front of the net and Daley crashes, but Halak comes up with a save.

20:00 - It's time for the Pens to respond! Game time against the Isles! Need to limit the Isles space, time, and keep them pinned in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!  

Stanley Cup Champions are finally in Washington, D.C.

By: MF,

Tonight is going to prove to be another tough rivalry night for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they are in Washington, D.C. to take on the Washington Capitals. The Penguins have gone 10-3-2 to start the season and the Capitals are 9-4-2. 

This is the second time the two teams have met this season. The Penguins came out with the win in the first game, which was the home opener for the Penguins, in a 4-3 shootout. These two teams always prove to be an interesting game and a tough one. 

Last time, Sidney Crosby was not in the lineup due to a concussion. He will be in the lineup tonight and he has been on fire. Crosby has points in eight of nine of his appearances. He has 10 goals, which leads the Eastern Conference and second in the NHL. These numbers could be higher as he missed the first six games of the season. Crosby has been great for the team and has opened up options. He draws attention and that allows other guys to get going with some open room. Look for him to be big on the scoreboard, but also making plays that lead to chances. Also, the Penguins will have Matt Murray between the pipes and that will give them some stability on the backend. 

The Penguins will have to look out for the Capitals setting up the one timers for their star shooters, including Alex Ovechkin. However, the Penguins know how to limit his time and space. They just need to stick to their game and not let the Capitals get them off their game. 

The Capitals are coming off a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in overtime last night. The Penguins need to take advantage and use their speed to wear down the Capitals early. The Capitals won’t be able to match the Penguins tempo for the full 60-minute game. Lets Go Pens! 

On the injury front, Derrick Pouliot (lower body) practiced with the team and was wearing the yellow “no contact” jersey. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Sestito-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Capitals 7

3rd Period
0:00 - The Caps get the 7-1 win over the Pens. It was one of the worse games for the Pens to start this season. It was a bad overall game and one can't blame goalies this time. Time to move onto the next game.

1:50 - Pens will get a power play for the rest of this game as Wilson sits for interference.

3:02 - Backstrom scores. Backstrom gets some time and space on the wing. He snaps one between the arm and leg of Fleury (glove side). 7-1 Caps

3:31 - KESSEL SCORES! Schultz fires a rocket on net that Bonino redirects past Holtby in front! Kessel finds the loose puck in the blue paint and puts it into the net. 6-1 Caps

3:57 - Not much time left in this one for the Pens. Looks like the best they can hope for is to spoil Holtby's night by scoring at least one.

7:21 - The Pens are falling to pieces tonight. They are not playing their game and look like a completely different team. I have to give credit to the Caps, who are skating very well.

9:34 - Ovechkin scores. Dumoulin falls down in the offensive zone and turns over the puck. Ovechkin out skates Letang to wrap one around the out-stretched leg of Fleury. 6-0 Caps

10:59 - Crosby snaps the puck on net and it takes an odd bounce to find Malkin in front. Somehow Oshie is able to get a pad on Malkin's shot.

14:21 - Caps now have a regular power play for 1:32.

14:22 - Williams scores on the power play. Just before the five-on-three power play expires, Oshie finds Williams in the slot. Williams snaps one past Fleury. 5-0 Caps

14:49 - Things have gotten worse for the Pens as Dumoulin is called for delay of game. Caps with a five-one-three power play for 31 seconds.

16:12 - Letang joins Sestito in the box for closing his hand over the puck on the ice. Caps to the power play.

16:26 - Caps have the Pens back on their heels. Unreal amount of offensive zone time for the Caps.

19:59 - Sestito was given a misconduct penalty at the end of the second period. He will start this period in the box.

20:00 - Time for the third period! It will take a lot for the Pens to get back into this one, but they would be the team to do it! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:26 - Pens come up with a successful penalty kill.

1:45 - Ovechkin rifles a shot that rings off the crossbar.

2:20 - Hagelin with a short handed chance that is saved by Holtby.

2:26 - This is getting out of hand. Sheary is called for tripping and the Caps are right back on the power play.

3:41 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

5:41 - Malkin heads back to the box for hooking. Caps bring out their power play unit and Ovechkin is back out on the ice.

5:50 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end.

6:48 - Pens now have a power play for 58 seconds.

7:50 - Cole takes a stick up high from Kuzentsov, who will head to the box. Four-on-four play for 1:02 before the Pens get a power play chance.

8:48 - Ovechkin gets a the puck and makes a move to go around Letang. Letang's stick is caught up and Ovechkin ends up going down hard. He heads to the locker room. Letang to the box for tripping. Caps to the power play.

10:06 - Oshie has a chance at getting a breakaway, but Dumoulin comes in to stick the puck away. Great defensive work by him.

11:53 - The Pens kill off the power play and Crosby is set free. Fleury made a big save on an Ovechkin shot with his mask.

13:53 - Now Crosby heads to the box for slashing and the Caps will get a power play opportunity. Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens.

13:57 - Caps are the buzzing team and the Pens are falling flat. They are giving up scoring chances, odd-man rushes, and giving them way too much space/time.

14:41 - Orlov scores. Another odd-man rush for the Caps and Orlov puts one under the blocker of Fleury. 4-0 Caps

15:50 - The Caps with a great three-man rush into the offensive zone. Schmidt snaps one on net that Fleury gets a piece of, but the puck starts to tickle behind him towards the goal line. Daley gets to the puck first and bats it away.

16:34 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

18:00 - Looks more like a power play for the Capitals. Fleury with a huge stretching save to keep things as they are.

18:34 - Pens to the power play as Williams sits for hooking.

19:00 - Ovechkin gets the puck and looks like he will get a one-on-one chance. However, Daley is solid and sticks the puck away from Ovechkin.

19:06 - Both teams are back to full strength.

19:08 - Fleury with a quick pad save. Great save.

19:59 - Fleury is in the net for the second. Murray is on the bench. 1:14 left on the four-on-four.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have to step up their game, put pucks on net, and clean up their defensive work! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to a close and the Caps have the 2-0 lead over the Pens.

0:07 - Oshie scores on the power play. Fleury makes the initial save on Ovehckin's shot. Oshie and Backstrom are left wide open at the side of the net. Oshie puts in the rebound. 3-0 Caps

0:24 - Alzner gets a feed from Ovechkin. Murray makes the save and Alzner jostles with him. Malkin comes and to defend Murray. Murray losses his helmet in the scramble and gets hit in the face by Malkin's stick. He heads to the locker room and Fleury comes in. Malkin will head to the box. Caps with four-on-three power play.

0:42 - Matching minors and we will get some four-on-four hockey. Orlov and Kessel.

0:45 - Johansson gets a chance at a wide open net as Murray dives down. Johannsson fires his shot over the net.

2:30 - Backstrom scores. The Caps start up ice and Backstrom gets the puck as he enters the offensive zone. He uses Dumoulin as a screen and sneaks one past Murray. 2-0 Caps

4:06 - Dumoulin puts a perfect shot on net, Holtby tries to hold the puck, but it bounces around the blue paint. Hornqvist crashes the net, but the net is dislodged.

4:31 - Holtby makes a great save as he dives back to stop the puck with his stick. Malkin goes into the blue paint and kicks the puck into the net. Goal is reviewed and it's announced as a no goal.

7:36 - Schultz blasts a hard shot on net that is grabbed up by Holtby.

11:12 - Caps with a successful penalty kill as Connolly is released.

12:28 - Oshie scores a shorthanded goal. Malkin tries to make a pass to Letang in a small area, but Oshie breaks up the pass and send Beagle down the ice. Beagle has the advantage on Letang and has a one-on-one chance with Murray. Murray makes the first save, but Oshie is able to put in the rebound. 1-0 Caps

13:12 - Connolly will head to the sin bin for checking on Crosby. The Pens head onto the power play.

14:14 - Orlov fires a shot from the blue line that is redirect up front by Wilson. Murray is able to track the puck, even with the direction change, and makes a pad save.

16:05 - Oshie finds Backstrom at the side of the net, but Dumoulin doesn't allow him to get a shot off. Caps with some chances, but Murray and the defense are up to the task.

17:33 - Good start by the Pens and they have some jump in their game. Some solid puck movement.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Washington! The Pens need to use their speed and wear down the Caps early! Lets Go Pens! 

Crosby vs McDavid Part One

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at home after a long road trip out in California and they are hosting the Edmonton Oilers. The Penguins are currently 8-2-2, so far this season and their home record is 5-0-1. While the Oilers are 9-3-1 on the season and have a road record of 5-1-1.

This game goes beyond two teams, all eyes will be on Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. Crosby is the veteran and McDavid the rookie. McDavid calls Crosby is ideal and he has been deemed the next “Great One” for the league. He currently leads the Oilers with 14 points and the most striking thing about his game is his speed. He can make it look like a player is standing still, even when they are skating their hardest. Tonight, he faces off against the 2016 Stanley Cup Champions and Crosby, who has a resume that speaks for itself.

Crosby has been on fire even with missing the beginning of the season due to a concussion. He has eight goals and 10 points in six games. He has scored in six of the seven games he has played. Crosby has been a force on the ice and picking up where he left off last season. He has silenced the critics and is blazing a new trail in the NHL. Crosby isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and he is making it known.

As for the rest of the team, Tom Sestito has been reassigned to Wilkes-Barre Scranton. Also, Steve Olesky and Chad Ruhwedel were recalled. They will be on the scratched list for tonight’s game, along with Tom Kuhnhackl. Derrick Pouliot will also be out with a lower-body injury.

Tonight is a game where two powerhouses face-off, but their play alone will not be enough. Their teams will have to back them up and the Penguins are ready to get a win tonight. They just need to play their game, use their skill, and shut down McDavid. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Hagelin - Crosby - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - Bonino - Rust
Wilson - Cullen - Fehr

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Oilers 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-3 WIN OVER THE OILERS! CROSBY COMES OUT WITH THE WIN! GREAT TEAM EFFORT AND MURRAY STRONG IN THE NET WHEN IT COUNTED! AWESOME COME BACK FOR THEM! 

1:11 - Oilers have an empty net.

1:42 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby and Hornqvist go to work on the boards! The puck outlets to Sheary at the side of the net! Talbot saves the first shot and Pouliot tries to clear the puck! It bounces off his stick and into the net! 4-3 Pens

2:17 - Another good penalty kill for the Pens. One of the best penalty kill efforts by the Pens this season.

3:09 - What an amazing effort by Cullen. He kept control of the puck in the Oilers' zone and battled hard for possession.

3:32 - Now the Oilers will head onto the power play for 1:10.

4:17 - Pens are caught with too many men on the ice. 45 seconds of 4-on-4 hockey.

5:32 - Dumoulin gets a stick to the face from Maroon, who will be heading to the box. The Pens will head onto the power play.

6:14 - Pens working hard to get their fore-checking going. Third line does some good work down below (behind Talbot).

8:33 - McDavid's speed is unreal. The Pens need to limit his room and mobility.

11:51 - Great movement by the Pens and their second line. Malkin rips one on net that goes wide and Kessel is denied by Talbot.

14:27 - MALKIN SCORES! Murray makes a huge save and this sends the Pens the other way with a rush! Kessel goes across the ice to Malkin, who directs a pass past Talbot with one hand! 3-3 tie game

17:43 - Still back and forth hockey going on right now. Neither team showing signs of tiredness.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to capitalize on their chances and put them behind Talbot! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Pens have closed the gap. 3-2 Oilers

2:42 - Pens are getting quite a few chances, but just aren't converting like the Oilers have been.

3:41 - Kunitz, Malkin, and Kessel have a three-on-one chance. Kunitz holds and slides a pass across for Malkin to direct in. However the puck just goes past Malkin's stick.

5:59 - A lot of up and down hockey, much like the first period.

7:53 - HAGELIN SCORES! The Pens take advantage of the tired Oilers defense! Crosby goes to Daley, who makes a pass across the center to Hagelin! The puck bounces off Hornqvist skate, but Hagelin gets a piece of the puck to put if past Talbot! 3-2 Oilers

9:50 - Sekera blasts a slap shot from the point, but Murray is out on his angle to glove up the shot.

12:25 - Pens haven't been able to establish offensive zone time. There are just trading chances with the Oilers and the Oilers have taken advantage of their opportunities.

16:40 - Eberle scores. The Oilers get an odd-man break after the Pens were denied on their chance. Eberle holds to wrap it around the out-stretched pad of Murray and puts it into the net. 3-1 Oilers

16:46 - The Pens get a four-on-one chance, but Talbot denies Hornqvist on the rush.

18:03 - Oilers having trouble clearing the puck out of their zone, cleanly. Pens create chaos in front of Talbot.

19:00 - That is end of the power play for the Pens. At the end of the power play, the Pens crashed the net and had a wide open chance, but the puck somehow stays out of the net.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have a minute remaining on the power play to start! Take advantage of the power play and take that momentum to grow a lead over the Oilers! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Pens trail the Oilers 2-1.

1:00 - Late power play chance for the Pens as Benning hooked up Crosby.

2:42 - Maroon scores. McDavid uses his speed to get around Dumoulin and he backhands a pass across the ice. Letang is unable to block the pass and Maroon directs the pass behind Murray. 2-1 Oilers

3:08 - Fast pace to this game with not many whistles.

5:37 - Eberle scores. The Oilers turn the play around and start up ice. McDavid puts a pass right on the stick of Eberle, who is in behind the defense. Eberle goes above the glove shoulder of Murray. 1-1 tie game

7:07 - Shots are 6-5 in favor of the Oilers.

8:01 - Murray in perfect position to make a save on Eberle in front.

8:59 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end. A lot of passing, but not many shots on that power play effort.

10:59 - Nurse will now visit the box for interference and the Pens will head onto the power play.

11:39 - That will end the penalty kill for the Pens. The Oilers registered zero shots on that power play.

13:39 - First power play of the game will go to the Oilers as Letang is called for hooking. Pens bring out their penalty killers.

14:17 - The Pens are getting their fore-checking game going. Great start to this one.

16:34 - Murray denies Eberle up front in the blue paint.

18:03 - SHEARY SCORES! Rust with a great takeaway and he fires the puck over to Sheary who is flying down the wing! He gets time and space to let go of a rocket shot, which beats Talbot! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - It's Hockey Night in Pittsburgh! Crosby vs McDavid! Puck drop and here we go! Lets Go Pens! 

Late night battle in Anaheim

By: MF,

Good evening everyone and what a late night game this one will be, at least for those on the East coast. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in California for a back-to-back game series and first up is the Anaheim Ducks.

This 10:30pm (eastern) will be the first start for Matt Murray between the pipes this season. He was previously sidelined due to a hand injury. It is the perfect time for Murray to start and give Marc-Andre Fleury a much-needed break after starting in the first eight games for the Penguins. Fleury has been a rock for the Penguins and now Murray will have to set into that role.

The Penguins will also get Kris Letang back into the lineup after missing five games due to an upper-body injury. He has been sorely missed on defense for the Penguins and it will be great to get him back into the lineup. Letang is a great two-way player and he will add more depth to the backend.

In addition, the Penguins are looking to celebrate this special day with a win for Matt Cullen who turns 40 today. The boys celebrated before the game at the morning skate with Cullen getting a towel full of shaving cream to the face by none other #29. Cullen made his NHL debut with the Ducks against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 28, 1997. He has 19 points and is a +6 in 24 games against the Ducks.

It has been a great start for the offense and many guys are red hot for the Penguins. Sidney Crosby, no surprise, has four goals and one assist in his three games back from a concussion. While, Phil Kessel is riding a three-game point streak with one goal and five assists. Evgeni Malkin has three goals and one assist in his past two games.

On special teams, the Penguins are 9 for 34 (26.5%) on the power play. Their penalty kill is 30 for 38 (78.9%). The power play has picked up since the return of Crosby and been clicking lately. Though the penalty kill is suffering due to the loss to Letang and the power play could also use his offensive skill at the blue line.

As for the Ducks, they are coming off a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings, last night. They will also be without the services of Ryan Getzlaf and Nick Ritchie who are both suffering from upper-body injuries. The Penguins will have to take advantage of the Ducks having played last night and them missing to key players. They will have to play smart, stay disciplined, and stick to their game. Lets Go Pens!

On a side note, the Penguins announced that they acquired a 2017 fifth-round draft pick from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Mike Condon.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Bonino - Rust

Sestito - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Ducks 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 5-1 DOMINATING WIN OVER THE DUCKS! IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST COMPLETE GAME FOR THE PENS THIS SEASON! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! 

3:23 - Murray shuts the down on Rakell in front.

3:57 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens as Vatanen is set free.

5:57 - Vatanen heads over to the penalty box for hooking on Wilson. Another power play chance for the Pens.

7:04 - The Pens have looked great tonight. With Letang back, the defensive end of things are definitely improved, which has allowed the offense to focus on putting pucks behind Gibson.

12:40 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby strips a Duck of the puck at the blue line to get a play going! Hagelin with a backward pass from behind the net to Crosby in front, Crosby puts a pass to the right wing! Hornqvist pops up to take the pass and direct it behind Gibson! 5-1 Pens

17:15 - Wilson is awarded a penalty shot. He tries to go blocker side, Gibson gets a piece, but the post saves the day.

17:16 - Wilson gets a breakaway chance, but he is hauled down on the play. He crashes into Gibson, who is in some pain after the play. He appears to be ok and stays in net.

18:33 - LETANG SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! WELCOME BACK TANGER! Schultz comes flying down the win with Letang driving down center! Schultz makes a perfect pass on net that Letang is able to direct past Gibson! 4-1 Pens

18:52 - The 4-on-4 comes to an end and the Pens have a 52 second power play opportunity.

20:00 - We are back for the third period with some 4-on-4 hockey for 1:06! The Pens need to stay focused and keep to their game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period, which was dominated by the Pens. They have the 3-1 lead over the Ducks.

0:02 - Kesler is called for tripping on Daley and we will have some 4-on-4 hockey for 1:08.

0:54 - A little misunderstanding takes place on the ice in front of the benches. Malkin will get two minutes for interference and another two for roughing, while Cogliano sits for embellishment. Ducks will get a late power play.

3:18 - RUST SCORES HIS FIRST OF THE SEASON! The Pens put the puck right on net and crash! The puck slides out from behind Gibson in the blue paint! Rust gets his stick on the puck first to put it over the red line! 3-1 Pens

5:57 - It's officially midnight here on the east coast. The Pens working hard and getting some good chances.

8:21 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

10:21 - Boll and Sestito drop the gloves. Sestito held his own during that little exchange. Sestito will get an extra 2 minute roughing penalty. Ducks go to work o the power play.

10:25 - Hagelin and Wilson have switched spots.

12:32 - Pens pressure Gibson right now. Ducks still in this because of him.

13:27 - Rust with a wrap around chance, but Gibson with the save.

15:10 - The Ducks crash the net and Murray ends up falling back to cover a loose puck that gets behind him. It pops out and Daley gets there first to clear it. That was way too close.

17:21 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end.

19:21 - Now the Pens will get a power play chance as Vermette heads to the sin bin for holding on Malkin.

19:34 - Crosby wrist one on net, but Gibson makes a diving same to keep the puck out of the net.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to stick to their game, stay out of the box, and limit chances for the Ducks! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds and the Pens have the 2-1 lead over the Ducks.

0:23 - Late 2-on-1 chance for the Pens. Crosby holds and he fires a shot that just goes over the net. Very close.

3:04 - Ducks have more jump to their game after the power play goal. Kesler fires a shot that just goes wide.

4:11 - Fowler scores on the power play. Fowler lets go of a laser shot from the point that goes five-hole on Murray. It was a rocket shot. 2-1 Pens

5:12 - First power play of the game will go to the Ducks as Kunitz sits for slashing.

5:24 - Bieksa rings a shot off the goal post.

8:01 - Rakell with a quick shot in the slot area that goes under the pad of Murray and sits in the blue paint. Luckily Cole gets there first to clear the puck out of harms way.

9:35 - The Ducks challenge citing Sestito was offsides. The review is inconclusive and the goal remains.

9:36 - THE BIRTHDAY BOY SCORES, MATT CULLEN! Fehr with a high-chip pass up to Sestito who is entering the offensive zone! He makes a nifty spin-o-rama move and outlets to Cullen! Cullen fires a hard shot past Gibson! 2-0 Pens

12:19 - MALKIN SCORES! Kunitz makes a play at the blue line to keep the puck in the zone and finds Kessel coming into the zone! Kessel with a cross ice pass right into the wheelhouse of Malkin! Malkin puts the puck right under the pad of Gibson! 1-0 Pens

13:27 - Ducks with the control to start his one. The Pens just need something to jump start them.

14:42 - Shots are 5-1 in favor of the Ducks. Murray is showing no rust.

18:06 - the Ducks getting some quality scoring chances. Murray has been up to the challenge.

19:08 - Murray with a solid save to start this game as Manson jumped up on the play to get a shot off.

20:00 - The puck has finally dropped in Anaheim! The Pens need to come out with speed, stay disciplined, and stick to their game! Lets Go Pens!

Penguins find themselves on the wrong side of Pennsylvania

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves on the other side of the Pennsylvania in enemy territory for tonight’s game as they are set to take on the Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins have proven they can get the job done at Wells Fargo Center, but it won’t be an easy feat. When these two teams face-off they are anything but cordial.

In the net, the Penguins will have Marc-Andre Fleury for his eighth straight start, which is his third-longest streak to start a season. His career high being 11 in the 2006-2007 season. Fleury will look to finish out October strong as the month draws to a close. He is 5-2-1 and is career starts over the season have been great in October. Last season, he went 6-4-0; 2014-15 he went 6-2-0; and in 2013-14 he went 9-2-0, which makes his career record 26-10-1 in October.

The Penguins are getting career numbers from their netminder and the team has responded with their own surge. Sidney Crosby has two goals and two assists in his first two games of the season after missing a few games due to a concussion. With Crosby in the lineup, options have opened up and the Penguins power play has picked up. The power play was at a 20% success rate before Crosby’s return on October 25^th. Since then, they have amped up their efforts and now have a 25% success rate. The steady increase is promising.

Another thing that the Penguins can take advantage of is how the Flyers have allowed the first goal in seven straight games. This is the perfect chance for the Penguins to get an early lead and put up some goals so that they are not working out of a hole for the rest of the game. The Flyers will instead be working to get out of that same hole and will be easily worn down. This game is going to be a physical and grueling game, so the Penguins need to get on the board early, play smart, and stay disciplined. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Bonino - Rust

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Mattaa - Daley

Dumoulin - Cole

Warsofsky - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Flyers 4

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS BATTLED TO GET THE 5-4 WIN OVER THE FLYERS! CROSBY AND MALKIN SHOWED THE CITY OF PHILLY JUST HOW GOOD THEY ARE! FLEURY WAS SIMPLY AMAZING IN NET! ONTO THE NEXT GAME! 

1:36 - Flyers have an empty net.

3:27 - The Pens are allowing way too many shots on net. Fleury has been solid between the pipes, but he is only human. Pens need to tighten things up.

5:13 - Crosby uses his speed and protects the puck against Streit. Crosby is able to elevate the on-edge puck with one hand. Neuvirth with the save and then the rebound is loose. Neuvirth ends up covering it eventually.

6:11 - That will be the end of the Pens power play. Flyers did a good job on the penalty kill.

8:11 - A power play opportunity for the Pens as Voracek is off to the sin bin for hooking.

11:27 - MALKIN SCORES! HIS 300TH CAREER GOAL! Maatta fires a shot from the boards that goes off the leg of Manning! It bounces to Malkin who is setting all alone at the side of the net! He guides the puck into the open net! 5-4 Pens

14:53 - The Pens need to step up their offensive game. Fleury is pulling out all the stops as he is getting hammered right now. The Pens need to answer his effort.

15:32 - Flyers get a 2-on-2 rush, but they have the jump on the defense. VandeVelde crashes the net, but Fleury comes out with the poke check to break up his play. Raffl tries to put in the rebound, but that is a no go.

16:52 - Simmonds finds some time and space down the wing. Fleury comes out to cut down the angle and makes the save.

18:00 - Two solid saves by Fleury with one being deflected up front.

18:25 - Provorov blasts a slap shot from the blue line that rings off the goal post.

18:49 - Successful penalty kill effort by the Pens.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens have to kill off a Flyers' power play to start! They need to come out with speed and stick to their game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and this game is now tied 4-4.

0:49 - Now the Flyers will head onto a late power play as Wilson is called for tripping. Huge penalty kill for the Pens.

1:22 - A flurry of action after things were tied up. Fleury with some good saves as the Flyers get a burst of speed. Rust's wrap around chance is stopped by Neuvirth.

4:32 - Voracek scores on a penalty shot. Voracek is able to wrap the puck around the out stretched pad of Fleury into the net. 4-4 tie game.

4:33 - Voracek is held up on a breakaway chance by Dumoulin and he will get a penalty shot on Fleury.

5:47 - Fleury with two amazing saves as the Flyers have a spark of life after the Giroux goal.

6:44 - Giroux scores. Giroux is all alone with plenty of space. He rips one past the glove of Fleury. The Pens challenge for offsides, but the referees rule the review inconclusive and the goal stands. 4-3 Pens

7:02 - Hagelin and Streit will both go to the box. Hagelin for embellishment and Streit for hooking. Flyers still on the power play.

8:43 - Even with the lead, the Pens need to watch themselves. It's never a good time to take a penalty. Cole heads back to the box for holding and the Flyers head onto the power play.

10:12 - MALKIN SCORES! Couturier tries to make a blind, backwards pass to get the puck out of the zone, but Kunitz ends up getting to the loose puck! He passes to Kessel, who snaps it over to Malkin in front! Malkin directs the puck past Neuvirth! 4-2 Pens

12:44 - Cole is set free. Great penalty kill by the Pens and Fleury was solid in net.

14:44 - The Flyers hot power play will get a chance to tie things up as Cole is called for holding.

15:06 - Kunitz with a great tie up to deny the Flyers a wide open net goal. Great teamwork by Fleury and Kunitz.

16:00 - Quite a few whistles to start this period and it's making it hard for either team to get something going.

19:59 - Neuvirth is now in the net for the Flyers.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the second period! The Pens need to stay focused and play their style of hockey! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to a close! It was a roller coaster of a period and the Pens come out with the 3-2 lead over the Flyers.

1:11 - Konecny gets around Warsofsky and fires a shot that is kicked out by Fleury.

3:21 - CULLEN SCORES! Cullen with a beautiful wrap around shot that he stuffs past the left pad of Mason! 3-2 Pens

3:33 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel passes to Hornqvist at the side of the net! He makes a quick pass to Crosby at the hash marks! Crosby snaps a quick shot past Mason. 2-2 tie game

3:45 - First power play of the game will go to the Pens as Provorov sits for hooking.

4:18 - CROSBY SCORES! Crosby and Hornqvist with a give and go as they enter the offensive zone! Crosby receives the pass at a sharp angle (by the red line). He snaps one on his forehand over the blocker shoulder of Mason! 2-1 Flyers

4:34 - Giroux is back on the ice.

5:35 - Crosby comes flying down the wing and backhands one on net. Mason with the save. Crosby was pushed into the boards by Provorov after the save. Things are heating up.

6:58 - Simmonds scores. The Flyers keep the Pens pinned and are firing everything on net. Fleury is caught out to take down an angle. Simmonds is open and puts it in the net. 2-0 Flyers

7:33 - Flyers with two hard shots on net. One is saved by Fleury and the other goes wide. The momentum is in their favor. The Pens need to get their legs moving.

10:12 - Voracek scores. The Flyers keep up the pressure in the Pens' zone. Voracek has space and fires from the blue line while using Cole as a screen. Fleury gets a piece with his glove, but it still tickles into the net. 1-0 Flyers

10:19 - Fleury with a pad save while he was falling backwards.

10:47 - Hornqvist lays a hard hit on Giroux who seems to fall into the boards awkwardly. He is in pain on the bench and heads to the locker room.

11:46 - Not the best start for the Pens as they haven't had many chances in the offensive zone. Schultz fires from the blue line and that shot is gloved up by Mason. Good idea to get shots on net.

14:31 - It didn't take long for the "Crosby sucks" chants to get going. He seems to thrive on that though.

16:24 - Two scoring chances to start this game. Mason and Fleury with the saves.

20:00 - The Pens are in enemy territory! They need to play smart, stick to their game, and stay disciplined! Lets Go Pens!  

Tired Islanders face off against energized Penguins

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to host the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena. This is the second game for the Islanders in a back-to-back situation. They are coming off a loss to the Montreal Canadiens (3-2) last night. This is the perfect setting for the Pens as they will be facing a tired Islanders team.

On the injury front, the Penguins will be without the services of Kris Letang (upper body) and Conor Sheary (eye). Letang practiced with the team during the morning skate and is much closer to returning to the lineup.

Tonight’s game will be the eighth straight start for Marc-Andre Fleury. He has been a rock for the team in net and kept them in many games to allow the Penguins a chance to get the win. Matt Murray will back him up tonight. The Penguins also have more options up front and on the power-play with the return of Sidney Crosby. Crosby did score his first goal this season in his first game of the season against the Florida Panthers, Tuesday night. The Penguins also capitalized on the power play against the Panthers. Having Crosby back on the ice gives the whole team a boost.

The Penguins look to take advantage of playing on home ice as they are 4-0-1 this season at PPG Paints Arena. They need to come out with speed and pressure the Islanders early. This will wear them down early and allow for the Penguins to use their fresh legs against the Islanders to get ahead. Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Bonino - Rust

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Maatta - Daley

Dumoulin - Cole

Warsofsky - Schultz

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 4 Islanders 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-2 WIN OVER THE ISLES! ANOTHER GREAT HOME WIN AND THE PENS WITH A STRONG THIRD PERIOD! FLEURY WAS AMAZING ONCE AGAIN! 

1:24 - Islanders have an empty net.

1:53 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin finds Kessel in the slot area! Kessel holds and rips one past Halak! 4-2 Pens

2:08 - Ladd hits Hagelin hard from behind into the boards. Hagelin heads straight to the locker room and the Pens get a power play

2:25 - CROBY SCORES! Crosby lays a hard hit on Boychuk who ends up dropping his stick! Crosby goes to the front of the net, stops the Pens shot, and turns the puck to his forehand to put it past Halak! 3-2 Pens

4:22 - Prince scores on the power play. Fleury comes out to play the puck behind the net and the puck takes an odd bounce. Prince catches Fleury out and puts it in the open net. 2-2 game.

5:33 - Malkin will head back to the box for tripping. Islanders with a critical power play. Huge kill ahead for the Pens.

7:12 - MALKIN SCORES! Kunitz finds Kessel up ice! Kessel stops at the blue line and feeds a pass to Malkin flying by! Malkin stops, turns the puck to his forehand, and uses Seidenberg as a screen to put the puck through the five-hole of Halak! 2-1 Pens

9:23 - Crosby holds the blue line with a chip pass to Wilson in the slot. Wilson is hounded by two Islanders. Seidenberg gets away with a slashing call. Halak is able to make the save and hold for the whistle.

10:46 - Kunitz slaps one that Halak makes a save up high. After that Hornqvist with a redirected shot chance. The crowd is getting back into the game.

12:23 - Wilson gets behind the defense and has a little space. Halak with the pad save. The Pens are starting to get more chances.

12:42 - Kessel's shot down low is kicked away by Halak.

14:46 - Watching Crosby play is never boring. He creates another chance and almost puts it past Halak. Nice work down low.

16:00 - Penalty is over as Kunitz comes back onto the ice.

17:07 - Pens are now on the penalty kill as the Islanders have a power play for 1:07.

18:00 - Bad penalty for Kunitz to take. He will sit for tripping and some more 4-on-4 hockey for 53 seconds.

18:07 - Now the Pens have a power play for one minute.

19:07 - Strome is off for high-sticking on Daley. 4-on-4 hockey for one minute.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to kill off the Islanders power play for 1:53! After they must put the pressure on Halak! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and this game is tied 1-1.

0:07 - Malkin gets a late holding penalty. Islanders with power play for seven seconds and will finish their power play in the third.

0:36 - Islanders have not been afraid to match the Pens speed. It has been a fast pace hockey game. We will see if they hold this up in the third after playing last night.

2:16 - Fleury with some solid saves and the Pens kill off the power play.

4:16 - Back onto the penalty kill for the Pens as Fleury takes a penalty and Kuhnhackl will serve the penalty.

4:47 - Hamonic scores. The Pens miss an opportunity at one end and the Islanders get their own rush. Prince passes across the ice to a wide open Hamonic, who put it past the blocker of Fleury. 1-1 tie game

5:21 - Malkin and Kessel get some time in the offensive zone, but nothing comes of it. Pens doing a better job of dumping in pucks behind the Islanders.

8:14 - The Pens need to clamp down and limit the Islanders' scoring chances. They are leaving to much room for them.

11:11 - Momentum has shifted a bit to the Islanders side as they Penguins are trying to ride the surge by the Islanders. Fleury has been a wall.

12:56 - Successfully penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury with another huge save on a point blank shot as the Islanders power play expires. He is holding the Pens lead and keeping them in this game.

13:39 - Fleury with another huge save. He is keeping the Islanders at bay.

14:56 - Cizikas gets behind the defense, but is hooked up by Warsofsky on his way to the net. Fleury grabs his shot out of the air and the Islanders will head onto the power play.

16:31 - Another icing call. Quite a few to start this period.

19:24 - Daley with a wrist shot in front, but Halak with the save. Great start for the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and trap the Islanders in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - Pens have the 1-0 lead after one period of play! First period was all about the Pens and Fleury!

1:28 - That will be it for the power play. The Pens first unit had complete control, but couldn't get it past Halak. Solid power play effort.

3:28 - Another power play opportunity for the Pens as Cizikas is off to the sin bin for holding.

4:55 - Both teams now have more open ice to work with. Up and down hockey with chances at both ends of the ice right now.

6:30 - Prince gets behind the defense and is all alone with a 1-on-1 against Fleury. Fleury does a scorpion move as Prince dekes. The goal post saved the day for the Pens.

7:07 - Islanders have had a hard time getting the puck out of their zone clearly to start this game.

8:50 - Crosby with a scoring opportunity up front, but Halak is just able to get the save. He doesn't look like he is rusty at all.

11:47 - Some good chances for the Pens on the power play, but they are unable to capitalize. Islanders back to full strength.

12:47 - Crosby and Malkin get a 2-on-1 chance. Crosby goes to Malkin, but he fanned on the shot. Pens with a power play now for 1:06.

13:37 - The Pens penalty kill ends up drawing a penalty as Clutterbuck is found guilty of goalie interference. 4-on-4 for 54 seconds.

14:27 - Hagelin gets a burst of speed and gets behind the Islanders. Halak is able to make the save, but it almost slip past him.

14:43 - Now the Islanders get a chance on the power play as Daley heads to the box for high-sticking.

15:38 - Solid puck movement by the Pens, who have come out with a buzz to start this one. 

19:14 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel passes across to Crosby at the side of the net! As Halak is going East to West, Crosby slides the puck to Hornqivst in the blue paint! Hornqvist puts it in the open net! 1-0 Pens

19:35 - First power play of the game goes to the Pens as Tavares sits for hooking. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens need to come out with speed and take it to the Islanders early! Wear them down! Lets Go Pens! 

Welcome back Sidney CRRRRRRROSBY!

By: MF,

Hockey fights cancer tonight at PPG Paints Arena as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Florida Panthers. The team and arena will be wearing some special gear, while the league looks to raise awareness for cancer research.

The fans received some good news today as Sidney Crosby will be returning to the lineup. This will be his first game back for the 2016-2017 season. It’s good to see the Captain back on the ice and potentially lighting the lamp in Pittsburgh. Also, Matt Murray will be back in the lineup. He will be backing up Marc-Andre Fleury. Good to see the Penguins injury list becoming smaller.

However, not everyone is off the injury list. Kris Letang took part in the morning skate but wore the yellow “no contact” jersey. Derrick Pouliot was absent from the skate. While, Connor Sheary saw a doctor on Monday for his eye injury and is set to get re-evaluated in a week.

Now back to the game at hand. It will mark Brian Dumoulin’s 100^th NHL career game! He is the first player from Maine to win a Stanley Cup (this surprised me). He has been off to a great start this season. Dumoulin is currently first on the team for total minutes on ice (16-17 season) with 130:36 total minutes. He is 2^nd on the team in TOI/GM at 21:46. He has earned his stop and has developed into great defensemen. Look for his responsibilities to grow with Letang out of the lineup.

The Penguins will have to play a smart game against the Panthers, who are 3-1-1 to start the season. A key area will be special teams. The Penguins penalty kill is at 80% (20/25), while the power play is falling short at 20% (5/25). With Crosby back, this should open up the options on the power play for the Penguins to capitalize. They need to come out with speed, put pucks on net, and follow up on loose pucks. Lets Go Pens!  

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Rust

Hagelin - Bonino- Rust

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Maatta - Warsofsky

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 3 Panthers 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN OVER THE PANTHERS! THEY CAME BACK TO GET THE WIN AND FOUGHT HARD FOR IT! GREAT WORK GUYS AND TAKE THIS FEELING INTO THE NEXT GAME! 

0:15 - Reimer is on the bench. Panthers with an empty net.

2:41 - Malkin finds Kunitz and Kessel alone behind the Panthers defense. Kessel tries to go five-hole, but Reimer makes the stop.

4:24 - Panthers having trouble getting the puck past the neutral zone as the Pens keep them down in their own end of the ice.

5:27 - Malkin battling at the blue line to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Panthers eventually get the puck out, but Malkin with some hard battling.

6:36 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens as Malkin is released from the sin bin.

8:36 - Malkin called for tripping and the Panthers get a power play. Huge penalty kill for the Pens right now.

10:18 - FEHR SCORES! Kuhnhackl with speed a burst of speed down the wing and he leaves the Panthers behind. He makes a beautiful dish pass to Fehr! Fehr directs the puck right under the pad of Reimer! 3-2 Pens

11:17 - Pens with a great pace to their game right now. You can feel the momentum on their side as they keep pressure in the offensive zone on the Panthers.

14:24 - HAGELIN SCORES! Bonino with some solid work at the defensive blue line to set up a two-on-one chance! Hagelin holds with Rust waiting at the side! Hagelin wrist one, blocker side, past Reimer! 2-2 tie game

16:29 - Kessel blows a shot past Reimer, but he doesn't beat the post. It rings as the puck bounces off it.

18:24 - Fleury with two solid saves to start this period.

19:50 - Daley is back for the third period.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to pressure Reimer and keep pucks on net! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds. The Pens cut the Panthers lead in half 2-1, thanks to Crosby on the power play.

2:10 - Lots of whistles and faceoffs these last few minutes. Daley is still in the locker room.

4:45 - Rust with a chance on the doorstep, but Reimer holds for the whistle.

6:00 - Daley heads back down the runway to the locker room.

6:19 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! The Pens win the battle on the boards! Malkin outlets a perfect pass to Crosby in the slot! Crosby wrist a laser shot past Reimer! Welcome back Sidney CRRRRRROSBY! 2-1 Panthers

6:25 - Daley takes a stick up high from McKegg in front of the Pens net. He heads to the locker room, but returns after the TV timeout ends. Pens head onto the power play.

8:44 - Panthers successful kill the Pens power play chance. They had majority of puck control during that Pens power play.

10:44 - Pens will now get an opportunity on the power play as Jagr heads to the penalty box.

11:19 - Dumoulin is back on the bench for the Pens.

13:52 - Pysyk scores. Shane passes over to Pysyk who is flying down the center. Pysyk with a hard redirection to put it past Fleury. 2-0 Panthers

15:21 - Malkin with a quick move to get past Ekblad at the blue line and he finds Kunitz open on the wing. Kunitz fires a hard shot that is stopped by Reimer.

17:43 - The "HBK" line gets to work. Bonino with a chance down low, but Reimer comes up with the save.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have to stay out of the box and get their four lines cycling this period! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

1:10 - Dumo heads to the bench hunched over and then off to the locker room. Possible puck deflection into his face area.

1:58 - Smith scores on the power play. Fleury makes the initial save, but Smith gets in behind to put in the rebound. 1-0 Panthers

2:18 - Undisciplined play for the Pens once again. Dumoulin to the box for high sticking.

3:56 - Hornqvist gets some ice in the offensive zone and fires on net. Crosby and Hornqvist crash the net for the loose puck. Panthers are able to clear.

7:37 - Crosby comes flying down the wing and does a little "in and out" stick maneuver to get around Ekblad. His shot jut goes wide.

9:46 - Good penalty kill for the Pens and Daley is set free.

11:46 - Another power play chance for the Panthers as the Pens receive a stick infraction penalty, once again. Daley sits for tripping.

12:41 - Kessel takes a shift with Malkin and Kunitz as Bonino and Hagelin were tried after the penalty kill. They get some good looks on net.

13:40 - Fleury with a beautiful glove save on Harper's shot as the Pens failed to clear at the end of the penalty kill. Hornqvist is set free.

15:40 - Hornqvist receives the first penalty of the game. He will sit for hooking as the Panthers bring out their power play unit.

15:43 - Yandle with the first shot on net for the Panthers. Fleury with the glove save.

16:14 - Crosby with some good shifts. Laid a hit and did some great defensive work. Panthers still have zero shots on net.

18:52 - Kunitz fires a shot that is saved, but the rebound is loose. The Pens are unable to put it in. Rust with some good net front work.

20:00 - It's Hockey Fights Cancer night at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens look to send the Panthers back to Florida with a loss! Lets Go Pens! 

Road jersey debut

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Montreal, Canada to battle the Montreal Canadiens. This is the second game in a back-to-back set for the Penguins. They are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche last night.

The Penguins are looking ahead to tonight's game and not letting last night's loss affect them. Marc-Andre Fleury will make his fourth consecutive start this season. He has been a fort for the Penguins and has been making some unreal saves. It's good to see him off to a great start.

Fleury isn't the other Penguin on fire as Phil Kessel has scored a power-play goal in consecutive games. While Matt Cullen is showing that he can still put up some points as he has one goal and two assists in his past two games.

On the injury front, two big names will be missing from tonight's game. Sidney Crosby will once again be out and the Canadiens will be without Carey Price, who is suffering from the flu.

Without Price in the net for the Canadiens, the Penguins need to attack the net often and make sure to pounce on second/third chance opportunities. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Wilson - Malkin - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Kunitz - Cullen - Sheary
Kuhnhackl - Fehr - Rust

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Cole - Daley
Maatta - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Habs 4 Pens 0

3rd Period
0:00 - That is it for this game and the Habs shutout the Pens 4-0 in their home opener. Fleury was solid, but the rest of the team let him down a bit. All thoughts turn to the welfare of Letang and Sheary.

1:32 - Fleury with another bid save as he stretches across to make the pad save. He has been solid and carried the team during this game. Score doesn't reflect his play.

2:47 - Pens power play comes to an end.

4:47 - Delay of game penalty for Beaulieu. Pens to the power play.

6:16 - Desharnais scores. Fleury makes some unreal saves as the Habs get some chance, but they don't let up. Desharnais finally puts one in. 4-0 Habs

10:19 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

12:00 - Also the Pens are without Letang as he went to the locker room holding his left leg.

12:19 - This game is a game of penalties. The Pens get the latest. This time for too many men on the ice. Habs bring out their power play unit.

15:29 - Radulov scores on the power play. Radulov skates across the center and put one past Fleury as Gallagher is right on top of Fleury. Sullivan challenges for goalie interference, but the referees deem it a good goal. 3-0 Habs

15:43 - A lot of up and down hockey as all the penalties are served.

15:44 - Habs with short power play for 18 seconds.

16:18 - 4-on-4 hockey now for 33 seconds.

16:33 - Fehr is out and Pens get a short power play for 14 seconds.

17:26 - Schultz is the first to be released. 3-on-3 play for 53 seconds.

17:33 - Wow more penalties. Letang to the box for slashing.

17:45 - Pacioretty is called for tripping also. 3-on-3 for 17 seconds. Pacioretty is helped down to the locker room.

18:19 - Now Weber is off to the box for tripping. 4-on-3 Habs power play for 53 seconds.

18:34 - Melt down for the Pens as Fehr is called for boarding. Habs with a 5-on-3 power play again for 1:07.

19:27 - Another bad penalty for the Pens. Schultz sits for tripping and Habs have a 4-on-3 power play and then 5-on-3 for 51 seconds.

20:00 - The third period is underway with some 4-on-4 hockey for 1:24! The Pens need to tie things up early and put the pressure on Montoya! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That is it for the second period. The Habs extend their lead to 2-0 over the Pens.

0:35 - The Pens power play is no more as Malkin is called for hooking. 4-on-4 hockey for 1:59.

0:36 - Late power play for the Pens once again. Flynn off to the box for high sticking.

1:48 - Fleury with another solid glove save. Maatta is caught up ice and Habs take advantage. Fleury has other ideas.

3:58 - Solid penalty kill by the Pens. They didn't allow Habs to set up and kept them passing around looking for an open lane.

5:58 - Bad penalty by Letang as he is caught holding the stick (of an opponent). Habs head onto the power play and the Pens have a huge penalty kill ahead of them, while they are missing a key defensemen in Letang.

7:53 - Desharnais scores. The Habs battle down low in the corner and end up winning the battle. Desharnais is left all alone a the side and receives the puck. He buries it. 2-0 Habs

8:58 - Time expires on the Pens power play and Radulov is set free from the sin bin.

10:27 - Fleury stacks the pads to shut down Byron.

10:49 - Bonino's penalty time expires and the Pens have 1:48 left on the Radulov penalty.

12:49 - No power play for the Pens as Bonino is sent to the box for playing the puck with his hand in the face-off circle. 4-on-4 hockey time.

12:58 - Sheary goes down on the ice and is in distress. He gets up and goes right to the locker room with a cut on his face. He took a hard hit under the visor from a high stick by Radulov. Pens to the power play.

13:33 - Montoya has been the only reason that the Habs till hold the lead. The Pens have been pressuring and have come alive this period.

15:20 - Habs get a 2-on-1 rush and Gallagher fires a wrist shot. Fleury flashes the glove to deny him.

16:16 - Kuhnhackl goes crashing into the net and Montoya losses his stick in the scramble. Habs are able to clear.

19:24 - Pens power play concludes and the Habs are back to full strength.

20:00 - The Pens are back out on the ice for the second period! They have a 36 second power play to start and they need to capitalize on it! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and the Habs hold the 1-0 lead over the Pens.

1:24 - Late power play chance for the Pens as Radulov sits for interference.

3:14 - Another unreal save by Fleury as he stretches out the pad to deny a short side shot.

4:01 - Fleury has shut the door late in this period. He has been a brick wall even after playing last night also.

5:15 - Miscommunication between Montoya and the Habs' defense as he comes out to play the puck. It leads to Cullen with a chance in the slot, but Montoya gets back in time for the save.

5:59 - Pens have had some good scoring chances, but Montoya has bested them at every turn. However, the Pens need to take advantage of rebounds and crash the net.

7:29 - Kuhnhackl with another blocked shot from a hard shot. He is a blocking machine...doesn't seem human blocking those hard shots by the Habs.

8:08 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end. Lack luster power play. Pens look slow.

10:08 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Pacioretty sits for holding on Bonino.

10:18 - Not the most exciting or fast pace game right now. Quite a few whistles, which have broken up the game. Pens need to show some fire.

13:24 - Kunhnhackl is back on the ice and looks to be no worse for wear.

14:57 - Kuhnhackl is shook up after blocking a shot and hobbles to the bench.

16:01 - Kunitz gets an excellent chance off the rust, but Montoya kicks the puck out to the corner.

18:26 - Wilson, Hornqvist, and Malkin crash the Habs net as the puck is loose in the blue paint. Montoya gets the pad out to keep the puck out.

19:37 - Pacioretty scores. The Pens are caught sleeping on the first shift of the game and Pacioretty takes advantage to put one past Fleury. 1-0 Habs

20:00 - Puck drop in Montreal! The Pens are looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season! They just have to come out and take it to the Habs! Lets Go Pens!