Penguins have the advantage heading into Game Three

Happy Easter / MF

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traveled to Columbus, Ohio to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game Three of the first round. The Penguins have dominated to get the 2-0 series lead coming into tonight’s hockey game and the Blue Jackets don’t have an answer to their star power.

For tonight’s game, the Penguins will not be making any changes. However, the Blue Jackets will be without the services of Matt Calvert. Calvert has been suspended for one game after cross-checking Tom Kuhnhackl in the back of the head in Game Two.

This game will be much like Game One and Two. The Penguins will use their speed, star power, and great goaltending to their advantage. As for the Blue Jackets, they will continue to be physical and try to stir up trouble after the whistles. I wonder how that is going to work out for the third game in a row…

Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Blue Jackets 4 OT

Overtime
THE PENS GET THE 5-4 OVERTIME WIN AND TAKE A 3-0 SERIES LEAD OVER THE BLUE JACKETS! GREAT NIGHT FOR GUENTZEL! WHAT A RESPONSE BY THE PENS TO GET THE WIN! 

6:50 - GUENTZEL SCORES AND GETS THE HAT TRICK! Crosby steals the puck from Savard and spins away from him to get the puck out to Guentzel in front! Guentzel puts the shot short-side on Bobrovsky! 5-4 Pens

7:54 - Schultz rips a shot off the goal post!

8:32 - Crosby finds Cole trailing late on the play. Cole's shot is redirect up and into the netting.

10:54 - Werenski headed back to the locker room. Blue Jackets down a to five defense.

13:03 - Fleury with a huge save and Dubinsky rushes in to get to the rebound first. He fires as Fleury is stretching across the goal line to make a stop. Fleury makes the save with his mask!

13:43 - Solid rebound control by Fleury.

16:11 - Crosby gets in front and his backhanded is deflected wide by Dubinsky.

18:30 - Both teams have had chances to start the overtime. Fleury and Bobrovsky come up big.

20:00 - The first overtime for the Pens in these playoffs has started! The Pens need to keep pressuring the Blue Jackets and make sure to play smart hockey! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime as this one is tied 4-4.

0:14 - Blue Jackets turnover the puck in the neutral zone. Wilson and Hornqvist head the other way. Wilson's first shot is saved and Hornqvist goes for the rebound. He can't stuff it past Bobrovsky.

2:10 - Bobrovsky with a huge save on the short side. Crosby's shot almost beat him there.

4:49 - Dubinsky scores. Fleury makes a pad save on a point shot that goes through traffic. Dubinsky is left alone and is able to get to the rebound chance. He puts it over the shoulder of Fleury. 4-4 tie game

8:00 - Guentzel's shot was a page of Crosby's playbook. He is learning and improving every game. Just wow.

8:12 - GUENTZEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel fires a shot that goes off the end boards and comes back out to Guentzel at the side of the net! He banks a shot off the back pads of Bobrovsky into the net! 4-3 Pens

9:50 - Now the Pens will get another power play chance. Dubinsky heads to the sin bin for cross-checking on Guentzel.

10:15 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

12:15 - Huge penalty kill for the Pens right now as Daley will head to the box for holding.

12:43 - Werenski returns to the ice with a face mask and new stitches. Much respect to him for returning. That has to hurt every time he moves.

14:56 - Cullen finds Daley coming into the play. Bobrovsky just gets a glove on it.

15:48 - The early chances have been in favor of the Blue Jackets. Fleury has been there to keep things even.

17:13 - Andersen backhands a shot on net that is stopped by Fleury. Solid start to the period for Fleury.

19:06 - Pens power play comes to an end. Injury update for the Blue Jackets: Werenski is not on the bench to start this period.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens will have a power play for 54 seconds! Capitalize on that power play and take the lead! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period and things are tied 3-3.

1:06 - Pens are heading right back onto the power play. Foligno sits for interference.

1:47 - Power play time has expired for the Pens.

3:47 - Pens are getting a power play chance as the Blue Jackets get a too many men-on-the-ice penalty.

6:34 - During that scoring play, Werenski deflected Kessel's shot attempt up into his own face. He went down, but the play continued. He skates off bleeding and goes right down the runway.

6:35 - RUST SCORES! The Pens pressure the net and Malkin throws the puck in the blue paint from the bad angle! Saad gets a stick on it and Rust pushes his stick, propelling the puck into the net! 3-3 tie game

8:00 - Crosby with two chances in front and then Sheary gets the rebound. Bobrovsky is able to stop them all. Only a matter of time before one finds the back of the net...again.

9:30 - Fleury with a solid save. The Pens are humming on the ice right now. Now is the time for them to strike and tie things up.

11:06 - Crosby's line dominates in the offensive zone. Daley fires from the point and Bobrovsky is just able to get a piece of the glove on it. Pens starting to take over.

14:39 - RUST SCORES! Dumoulin finds the stick of Rust in front and Rust with a beautiful deflection past Bobrovsky! 3-2 Blue Jackets

17:09 - Crosby's line with the pressure in the offensive zone. Much better start for the Pens.

20:00 - Second period is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed and get things under control! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Blue Jackets have the 3-1 lead.

1:53 - Fleury follows Foligno has he stick handles across the front of the net and makes the save on his shot attempt.

5:42 - It looked like the Pens were going to the power play, but the penalty was call back. No power play.

8:13 - Rust with a redirection shot from Dumoulin. Bobrovsky is able to get a piece of it. Nice chance for the Pens.

9:11 - Fleury with a solid save on Dubinsky. He has settled into this game.

10:46 - A number of turnovers by the Pens is embarrassing. They are giving the Blue Jackets chances to score. Pens need to clean up their game.

12:28 - Bonino is back on the bench for the Pens.

13:50 - Werenski scores on the power play. Werenski snipes one over the shoulder of Fleury and just under the crossbar. 3-1 Blue Jackets

14:21 - The Blue Jackets will get the first power play of the game. Cullen sits for slashing. A sloppy first period for the Pens.

14:58 - Atkinson scores. The Pens with a terrible turnover in front of the net. Fleury comes out with the poke check, but Atkinson is able to get past it. He puts the Blue Jackets backup 2-1.

15:52 - Bonino takes a puck to the face and will head straight to the locker room.

16:18 - Fleury doing snow angels and making saves at the same time. Blue Jackets trying to use the loud crowd to help them.

16:43 - GUENTZEL SCORES! A shot from the point goes off the end boards and Guentzel picks up the puck! His quick release beats Bobrovsky! 1-1 tie game

19:49 - Atkinson scores. Dubinsky wins the opening faceoff and the Blue Jackets get a rush down the ice. Fleury makes the first save on Dubinsky, but Atkinson is able to put in the rebound chance. 1-0 Blue Jackets

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Columbus and here we go! The Pens need to stick to their game and continue their series momentum! Lets Go Pens! 

Maybe it is rocket science

Marc-Andre Fleury / MF

By: MF,

While reading through all the pre-game material, one particular piece caught my eye. The article was titled “Columbus Blue Jackets will Solve Marc-Andre Fleury in Game 2.” The author, Lansing Murphy (Union and Blue), claimed that solving Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins wasn’t rocket science.

Well, maybe it is…as the Penguins dominated once again with a 4-1 win in Game Two over the Blue Jackets. Fleury, nor the Penguins, were solved and the Blue Jackets still have no answer.

Game Two started much like Game One. The Blue Jackets came out and pressured early. Fleury was a wall, and unshakable. Sidney Crosby opened up the game scoring, and his playoff scoring. It began when Sergei Bobrovsky went behind the net to play the puck and decided to ponder the meaning of life. That gave enough time for Conor Sheary to come in and steal the puck. He made an outlet pass to Jake Guentzel who found Crosby all alone at the side of the net. Brandon Dubinsky was no match for Crosby. The first period ended and the Penguins were well on their way to another win.

However, the Blue Jackets did get a little puck luck in the second period. Brandon Saad got a one-on-one chance and his shot ended up being deflected off of Ron Hainsey’s stick and past Fleury. Things were then tied…well, for 51 seconds. Crosby would end up getting the puck to Guentzel who would put the Penguins back into the lead at 2-1. Just as time expired, the Blue Jackets tried to get under the skin of the Penguins. Well, it didn’t work for the hundredth time and Nick Foligno took a penalty. Well now, solving the Penguins wasn’t proving to be an easy task.  

Two headed monster (Crosby and Malkin) / MF

The Penguins would then start the third period on the power play. A second after the power play ended, the two-headed monster of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin would connect to put the Penguins up 3-1. With the game winding down, the Blue Jackets emptied their net to try and get something done. Patric Hornqvist put that hope to rest with an empty net goal. The game seemed over and the Pens were just waiting for time to expire. That is when Matt Calvert decided to be a coward. He cross-checked Tom Kuhnhackl in the back of the neck, which resulted in the stick breaking in half. Then with Kuhnhackl hunched over, Calvert came around for a second time to deliver another hit to the head. There is no room for that type of cheap shot in this hockey league. They will find out that these cheap shots will get them an early exit from the playoffs. That is not being cocky about the Penguins chances, it's just having common knowledge of today’s brand of hockey.

Ian Cole said it best, “We want to be competitive. We want to be physical. We want to play hard. But we’re going to do it between the whistles and stay out of the stuff after the whistles because the game isn’t won after the whistles.”

The Blue Jackets have no answer for the Penguins, Fleury, or the star power they have. Not rocket science? Well, I beg to differ.

Penguins look to add to their Blue Jacket collection

By: MF,

PPG Paints Arena / MF

Another night, another game in Pittsburgh between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins are coming off a 3-1 win in Game One against the Blue Jackets giving them a 1-0 series lead.

Tonight, they are back on the ice at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins are looking to extend their series lead to 2-0 before heading to Columbus, while the Blue Jackets want to tie things before bringing things home.

As for the Penguins lineup for tonight, there are no changes. Matt Murray is ruled out with a lower-body injury and there is no time frame for his return. I think everyone should get used to Marc-Andre Fleury starting and Tristian Jarry backing him up. Fleury is coming off an amazing opening performance.

The Penguins need to build off the momentum from Game One and stick to their speed game. The Blue Jackets will try to get them off their game and take advantage. However, the Penguins must continue to move forward and not let the Blue Jackets get in their heads that will be critical in getting the win. Lets Go Pens!

Follow all the game action here:

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 4 Blue Jackets 1

3rd Period
0:00 - #PENS GET THE 4-1 WIN AND TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD! FLEURY WAS AMAZING AND THE PENS SPEED WON OVER THE CBJ PHYSICAL GAME PLAY!

0:34 - Calvert breaks his stick while cross-checking Kuhnhackl. He will be penalized. Pens to the power play.

2:20 - Empty net for the Blue Jackets.

3:21 - Daley loses his stick as Hartnell gains the blue line. He separates Hartnell from the puck with a solid push.

5:56 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

7:56 - Schultz will head to the sin bin for interference. Blue Jackets get another power play chance. Huge penalty kill for the Pens. They can't let any momentum go in the Blue Jackets favor.

9:18 - Saad takes advantage of a Penguins turnover to get his own breakaway chance. Fleury shuts him down and the crowd starts a 'Fleury' chant!

12:19 - Malkin gets a breakaway chance and is in all alone. Bobrovsky makes a kick save on his shot. Blue Jackets on the ropes right now.

17:59 - MALKIN SCORES! Malkin gets the puck at the side of the net and rips a shot off! It sneaks past Bobrovsky! 3-1 Pens

18:00 - Pens power play comes to an end.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens will start on the power play as Dubinsky sits for roughing! They need to take advantage of it! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to an end and the Pens extend their lead to 2-1! Scrum ensues after the whistle is blown and looked like the end of the game, not a period!

0:01 - Blue Jackets come on with a flurry of shots and crash the net as the period is coming to an end. Fleury with huge saves and big shot blocking.

0:26 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

2:26 - The first power play chance of the game will go to the Blue Jackets. Dumoulin will seat for holding. Not the best call, especially after all the high sticks that were no called. Pens with a big kill ahead.

5:34 - Back to normal game play action and the Pens still hold the 2-1 lead.

7:34 - We will get to see some four-on-four hockey. Hainsey sits for holding and Foligno for holding the stick penalties.

9:10 - Great response by the Pens after the Blue Jackets scored. Deflated the Blue Jackets momentum.

12:09 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Crosby and Guentzel get a two-on-one chance! Crosby goes across to Guentzel and he snaps one on it! It goes off the goal post and into the net! 2-1 Pens

13:00 - Saad scores. The Blue Jackets get a three-on-two rush and Saad holds onto the puck. He finally releases a hard shot that is deflected by the stick of Hainsey and over the shoulder of Fleury. 1-1 tie game

13:33 - Rowney with a few solid hits. Throwing his weight around and the crowd goes wild.

14:50 - Fleury is razor sharp right now. The Pens need to pressure Bobrovsky as the Blue Jackets are doing to Fleury.

16:18 - Crosby's line with some great offensive zone time. Then as Blue Jackets are changing Fleury gets the puck up ice to give the Pens a chance. Crosby has a chance at the side of the net, but Bobrovsky makes the save.

19:36 - Fleury with two huge saves on Atkinson to start this one. Fleury was ready to start this period.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to get to their speed game and take note from the second period of Game Two! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be the end of the first period and the Pens have the 1-0 lead!

2:44 - Blue Jackets get some extend offensive zone time and the Pens are finally able to take control. They get the puck out of the zone.

4:41 - Kuhnhackl gets a chance in front on the rust. Bobrovsky with the big save and holds for the whistle.

5:48 - Cole rifles a shot that is saved by the toe of Bobrovsky and Bonino just misses the rebound chance.

8:06 - Fleury comes out with the poke check to deny Foligno.

8:41 - Schultz fires a shot from the blue line that just goes wide!

11:29 - CROSBY SCORES! Bobrovsky tries to play the puck behind the net and Sheary steals the puck outlets to Guentzel! He finds Crosby wide open and he puts it in the open net! 1-0 Pens

13:16 - Blue Jackets pressuring the Pens. Deja vu of the first period of Game One. Fleury standing strong in the net.

15:15 - Fleury with two big saves in front with traffic in his way. Solid start and the crowd shows their appreciation.

19:30 - Blue Jackets turn over the puck and Crosby goes the other way with Guentzel on the wing. Crosby tries to get the puck to Guentzel, but Jones just gets a stick on the puck first.

20:00 - It's Playoff Hockey Night in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to build on their momentum from Game One! Time to take Game Two! Lets Go Pens! 

Flower Blooms

By: MF,

Fleury / MF

As Game One between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets was drawing near all seemed to be set for the Penguins. That changed quickly and without warning right before puck drop. The news came in that Matt Murray would not be in the lineup and Marc-Andre Fleury would be starting with Tristan Jarry backing him up. Many non-Pittsburghers thought the news was worrisome and wondered how the Penguins would response. However, Pittsburghers knew that Fleury could handle the situation and so did the Penguins. There was no worry or uncertainty coming from the hometown bench. It seemed that people had forgotten that Fleury is a veteran goaltender and has plenty of experience. The crowd immediately showed their support with a ‘Fleury’ chant erupting in PPG Paints Arena. Fleury did not disappoint.  

The first period belonged to the Blue Jackets as they had the 16-3 shot advantage. The Penguins did not have a shot on net for the last 15 minutes of the period. The Blue Jackets dominated the Penguins as the got them off their game. The Penguins didn’t play their speed game and tried to match the Blue Jackets in hits. Fleury shined as he was pressured the entire first period. He didn’t have much rest but looked confident and strong in the net. This would be a critical performance going into the locker room for the Penguins.

Then came the second period and the Penguins came out with a different mindset. I think Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS) gave them quite the pep talk. This period was completely different as the Penguins got to their speed game and put the Blue Jackets on their heels. Evgeni Malkin’s line came up big. Bryan Rust opened the scoring with Malkin and Kessel assisting on the goal. Afterward, Phil Kessel showed watch a natural sniper he was putting the Penguins up 2-0 on the power play. Nick Bonino finished up the period putting the Penguins up 3-0 heading into the locker room. It was just the period the Penguins needed outshooting the Blue Jackets 16-4 and Fleury gave them that opportunity.

Rust and Kessel celebrate a goal / MF

More of the same followed for the Penguins in the third period. Another critical part of the Penguins was not getting involved in after whistle scrums. However, the Blue Jackets started to surge about midway through the third. Matt Calvert opened up the scoring for the Penguins. Then the Penguins were on their heels afterward, which was the first time for them since the first period. Fleury once again stepped up to hold down the fort. The Penguins would end up taking Game One with a 3-1 win. They ended up outshooting the Blue Jackets 32-29 when it was all said and down.

Fleury was the star of the game and it was a feel-good moment for everyone.

Fleury stated after the game, “It was fun…it’s been a while. I was a little nervous in the beginning, maybe for not expecting it…At the end, it was a great feeling, a fun game to win.”

HCMS expressed his feelings saying, “He’s a great competitor. He’s a good pro. And he’s a great teammate. That speaks volumes of his character. It was a difficult year for him, no question, but he’s such a good person and pro, he handled it as well as anyone.”

In addition, Fleury made is 101^st postseason appearance with the Penguins and tied him with Tome Barrasso for the most in Penguins’ club history. He also is only two shy of the team record for playoffs wins at 54.

On a side note, Sidney Crosby had a quiet night on the scoreboard but had a great all-around game. Crosby showed that he can still get work down even if he doesn’t get on the scoreboard.

The Penguins have the 1-0 series lead over the Blue Jackets! 

First Round, First Game of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs

By: MF, 

PPG Paints Arena / MF

Game time for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets! Last minute goalie change for the Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury will be starting and Tristan Jarry will be backing him up. Matt Murray was uncomfortable during warm-ups and left early. An update will be given after the game, so stay tuned for more.

Now onto tonight's game. Sidney Crosby's line will start the game against Brandon Dubinsky's line.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary
Rust - Malkin - Kessel
Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rowney

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Blue Jackets 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS TAKE GAME ONE WITH A 3-1 WIN OVER THE BLUE JACKETS! WHAT A GAME FOR FLEURY! GREAT START TO THE PLAYOFFS! 

1:27 - Empty net once again for the Blue Jackets.

1:56 - Bobrovsky is back in the net as a faceoff is taken in the neutral zone.

2:24 - Fleury dives out to get a glove on Hartnell's attempt to bring the puck to the front. It is knocked loose, but he denies Hartnell once again! What a performance by him. Blue Jackets have an empty net.

4:24 - Blue Jackets with more jump in their play. Pens trying to weather the storm.

6:00 - Time for the Pens to get back to pressuring the Blue Jackets. They have started to sit back on their heels and the Blue Jackets have some momentum after that goal. Pens need to shut them down.

7:19 - Calvart scores. The Pens turnover the puck in the defensive zone. Calvart ends up in the slot all alone with the puck and puts it just over the glove of Fleury. 3-1 Pens

7:56 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury with some solid saves and good work by the defense to clean up any loose pucks in front.

9:56 - The Blue Jackets are heading onto their second power play of the game as Rowney sits for hooking. Their first came in the last two minutes of the first period.

10:01 - Fleury with good use of his glove. Made a glove save on Jenner's shot through traffic. Crowd has been giving him lots of love and showing their appreciation.

12:14 - Savard is released from the box and the Pens power play comes to an end.

13:34 - Crosby gets to the slot area and lets go of a wicked backhanded shot. It just goes wide.

14:14 - Another power play opportunity for the Pens as Savard will visit the box again this time for interference.

16:45 - Cole lays a hard hit on Savard behind the Pens' net.

19:50 - Rust is back on the ice to start this period. Good news for the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to build on what they did during the second period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens hold the 3-0 lead over the Blue Jackets!

0:22 - Rust collides with Johnson behind the net. He heads to the locker room.

1:12 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens. The best chance was saved by Johnson who clear the loose puck out of the blue paint with Wilson on the doorstep.

3:12 - Power play time once again for the Pens. Savard sits for roughing. Scrum ensues after the call, but the Pens avoid taking a penalty.

3:15 - Bonino and Hornqvist get a two-on-one chance. Bonino holds and fires. They crash the net and the puck bounces out. Schultz come flying into the zone to fire on wide!

3:35 - BONINO SCORES! Hornqvist fires on net and Bonino goes to the front of the net! He finds the rebound and puts it past Bobrovsky! 3-0 Pens

6:09 - Bit of a disagreement behind the Fleury after the whistle is blown. Nothing results from it.

6:18 - The Pens shut down the Blue Jackets in the defensive zone and get a rush up ice. Guentzel carries the puck with Sheary off to the races with him. Guentzel just shoots the puck over the open net.

7:28 - So far, Crosby has been quite on the scoreboard, however his defensive play has been great. Quietly getting things done...well as quiet as Crosby can be when he on the ice.

9:47 - Pens have gotten to their fast style of play this period and it has benefited them. They are fortune to have Fleury in net as he kept things scoreless in the first.

13:44 - Kessel gets behind the defense and has a breakaway chance, but Bobrovsky makes a blocker save on him!

14:01 - Much better period for the Pens. They have gotten to their speed game this period. Now they need to keep it going.

16:15 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel snips a shot from the left circle over the glove shoulder of Bobrovsky! Sniper Kessel strikes! 2-0 Pens

17:02 - Now the Pens are getting a chance on the power play. Calvert trips up Kessel and will have a seat in the sin bin.

18:45 - RUST SCORES! Malkin gains the blue line with Rust and Kessel driving to the net! Malkin tries to make a pass over to Kessel and it comes off his skate to Rust! Rust takes control and snaps a shot past the blocker of Bobrovsky! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to get their speed game and take control of this game! No more sitting back on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - First period horn sounds and things are scoreless all thanks to Fleury.

0:10 - Johnson rifles one that goes wide of the net as Fleury came out to challenge and cut down the angle.

0:21 - Successful penalty kill. Fleury was unreal in net.

2:21 - First penalty goes to Maatta for hooking and the Blue Jackets head onto the power play. Huge penalty kill ahead.

4:07 - Pens only have three shots so far this period. Blue Jackets have taken over control for the most part. However, the Pens do have 18 hits. They need to get to their speed game.

4:50 - Blue Jackets laying hits on everyone. Crosby and Malkin getting the most attention, but they are laying the body on anyone they can.

6:25 - Referees miss a tripping call as Crosby had the edge on the Blue Jacket defense after gaining control of a turnover by them.

8:00 - Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS) just told Pierre McGuire that Murray has suffered a lower-body injury. That is all we get for now.

8:04 - Fleury gloves up a shot by Atkinson. A bit of a disagree happens after the whistle. The crowd starts chanting 'Fleury.' He has been solid as the Blue Jackets have possessed the puck more at this time.

9:11 - Malkin with a drive that is directed over the net by Savard. Blue Jackets ice the puck as the Malkin's line was pressuring them.

10:20 - Blue Jackets doing a good job of getting their desired matchup of Dubinsky's line versus Crosby's line.

12:30 - Werenski has a wide open chance on net, but Fleury slides over to make the stop. Crowd shows their appreciation.

12:54 - Saad goes to the back of the net and throws the puck in front. The puck bounces off a skate and is loose in the blue paint. Crosby with a great defensive effort to tie up a Blue Jacket and get the puck out of harms way.

13:20 - Kessel gets a shot in front, but is unable to jam it past Bobrovsky.

14:14 - Both teams have had chances on net. Neither team has taken control of this one yet. First goal will be key in this game.

17:07 - The crowd at PPG Paints Arena has been loud and engaged to start. Crosby's line with a chance on net. 'Lets Go Pens' chant erupts. 

20:00 - HERE WE GO! FIRST ROUND, FIRST GAME OF THE 2017 NHL PLAYOFFS! The Pens need to come out with speed and pressure the Blue Jackets early! The road to the Stanley Cup begins now! Lets Go Pens! 

Pittsburgh Penguins' speed versus Columbus Blue Jackets' physicality

By: MF,

The first round of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs starts today and the defending Stanley Cup Champions, Pittsburgh Penguins will face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was in 2014. The Penguins eliminated them in six games and were later defeated by the New York Rangers in the second round. Many changes have been made since then to both teams. The Penguins are coming off a solid season and look to repeat their 2016 Playoff success. The Blue Jackets also had a great season finishing with a franchise record of 108 points. They look to continue that success with their first postseason series win.

Battle. That will be what this series will all be about. Every time these teams met they battle it out. The Blue Jackets play a hard, physical game, while the Penguins prefer to play fast. The Blue Jackets will be focused on getting the Penguins off their style of play. Now the Penguins must stick to their game and no get involved with after-whistle scrums. That will be key as special teams will come into effect. Of course, it would be better to have the power play on the ice rather than the penalty kill.

As for the speed game, the Penguins will be getting back a key player in Evgeni Malkin who will return to the lineup tonight after missing the final 13 regular-season games due to a shoulder injury. The top trio of the Penguins will be ready to make their playoff debut as a line. Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, and Conor Sheary combined for a total 44 points (19 goals and 25 assists) in their 11 complete games they played together. The Penguins have great depth and fire power. Malkin’s return will help take the pressure of Crosby, which will open things up for the team.

On defense, the Penguins will have to adjust without Kris Letang. No one person can replace Letang, but the Penguins should be able to pick up some of the slack as Trevor Daley and Olli Maatta are available once again. Letang is known to have the most time on ice minutes logged among the Penguins, so the rest of the defense will have to split their time wisely. No good to have anyone getting tired out, the playoffs are a marathon not a sprint race. Someone that has stepped up in Letang’s absence has been Justin Schultz. He has slotted in nicely and really showed the league how overlooked he has been. Look for him to take over some of Letang’s responsibilities, such as quarterbacking the power play.

Now let’s not forget one of the most important positions out there, the goalie. The head to head matchup will be Matt Murray and Sergei Bobrovsky. Both goaltenders are coming off great seasons. Here are some stats:

                            Murray                                                       Bobrovsky

• ·         Record: 32-10-14                                                          Record: 32-10-14
• ·         Goals-against-average (GAA): 2.41                             GAA: 2.06
• ·         Save percentage (SV%): .923                                       SV%: .931

It will be a good matchup and the Penguins do have one trick up their sleeve as veteran goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury will be on hand.

Injury front for both teams:

                 Pittsburgh Penguins                                                              Columbus Blue Jackets

• ·         Carl Hagelin (lower-body)                                                                David Clarkson (back)
• ·         *Chris Kunitz (lower-body)                                                              Ryan Murray (hand)
• ·         *Kris Letang (herniated disc)                                                           Lukas Sedlak (upper-body)
•                                                                                                                Zach Werenski (upper-body)

NHL Bracket Challenge

By: MF,

The Pens Hockey Show has a league for the 2017 NHL Bracket Challenge! Make sure to go join the league. See where you stand when it's all said and done!

Here is the link to join and create your own bracket: The Pens Hockey Show NHL Bracket League

The Pens Hockey Show official bracket / MF

Last Saturday of the 2016-17 Regular Season

By: MF, 

Hey everyone, I hope you having a great start to the weekend. We are only two games away from the end of the regular season! After that we can all focus on playoffs, which will be another wild ride it seems.

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins are in Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs, who are still fighting to keep their spot and haven't quite clinched playoff berth. So they will come out with some desperation and drive tonight.

The Penguins already clinched a playoff spot and have won home ice advantage, but this doesn't mean they won't bring their 'A' game. They want to go into the playoffs on a positive note! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Kessel
Wilson - Rowney - Archibald
Sestito - Porter - Simon

Defense
Hainsey - Schultz
Cole - Daley
Streit - Gaunce

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 3 Maple Leafs 5

3rd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of this game. The Maple Leafs battle to get the 5-3 win over the Pens and they clinch a playoff spot. The 2017 Playoffs are all decided now.

0:03 - Matthews scores an empty netter. Matthews throws the puck down the ice and puts it in the empty net. 5-3 Maple Leafs

0:48 - Crosby denied by McElhinney. Best save of the night for him.

1:21 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:48 - Brown scores. Gardiner throws a puck towards the net and Brown redirects it past Fleury. 4-3 Maple Leafs

4:19 - The crowd is alive once again. What a game this has been.

5:30 - Kapanen scores. Hunwick with a backwards pass to Kapanen who finds way inside of the defense. He puts it in the open net. 3-3 tie game

6:24 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

8:24 - Streit takes a seat in the sin bin and the Pens bring out their penalty killing unit.

9:10 - Fleury with a blocker save through traffic!

13:09 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Guentzel throws a puck towards the front of the net and it goes off the skate of Gardiner (Maple Leaf) through the five-hole of McElhinney! 3-2 Pens

13:34 - Guentzel and Cullen with golden scoring chances. McElhinney is able to deny them both. The Pens are starting to surge.

16:20 - Fleury making some snow angels once again!

17:34 - Fleury with some solid saves to start this period.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens need to stick to their game and keep Fleury's vision open! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:00 - Fleury with some multitasking going on as he is saving goals while making snow angels!

3:22 - Penalty time is over for Hunwick. McElhinney looking better in the net and had some good saves to deny the Pens on their power play chance.

5:22 - Power play time for the Pens once again. Hunwick sits for high sticking. Not the correct call. Kinda of makes up for the tripping call at the start of the game.

7:10 - Wilson with a between the legs shot attempt. Great move and chance on net. McElhinney makes the pad save.

9:12 - Maple Leafs surge has calmed down, along with the crowd.

12:05 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Jake finds Crosby alone in the slot! Crosby goes down to one-knee to put the puck in the open net! 2-2 tie game

13:19 - Now the Pens are getting a power play chance as Zaitsev will take a seat for delay of game for playing the puck over the glass.

14:03 - Maple Leafs with a huge surge and the crowd is going wild. The Pens need to turn the momentum their way.

16:30 - Bozak scores on the power play. Nylander fakes a shot and slides a pass across center to Bozak who is all alone at the side of the net. He directs the puck into the open net. 2-1 Maple Leafs

17:58 - McElhinney replaces Andersen.

17:59 - Andersen is at the top of the blue circle and watching the puck. Sestito comes across the front of the net and makes contact with Andersen's head. He goes down right away and is being attended too. He skates off on his own and heads to the locker room. Sestito sits for goalie interference.

18:58 - Miscommunication between Fleury and Daley. Fleury has his stick lifted as he tries to play the puck behind the net. However, Fleury gets back in time to make the necessary save.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to pressure Andersen and stick to their game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and this game is tied 1-1.

1:09 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

3:09 - Archibald is called for tripping and the Maple Leafs get a power play chance. Not a good call by the referees as the player wasn't tripped, but he just slid and fell on his own.

5:06 - Daley and Kapanen have a battle in the corner that turned into a shoving match. Watch for that to heat up as the game continues.

8:18 - Fleury gets some help on a save from Streit and Gaunce as a flying van Riemsdyk tires a wrap around shot. The Leafs are putting on the pressure.

11:17 - A quick side note about Kessel's goal. He was getting booed the whole time after. He was all smiles though, just loving it.

12:05 - A lead pass is received by JVR and he gets a one-on-one against Fleury. Fleury puts down the paddle to deny him!

13:20 - van Riemsdyk scores. van Riemsdyk (JVR) gets a little ahead of Daley and is able to fire a rocket of a shot past Fleury. What a release. The Pens challenge for offsides, but it's ruled a good goal. 1-1 tie game

13:49 - KESSEL SCORES! Kessel gets the loose puck and stick handles to open ice in the offensive zone! He snaps a shot past the blocker of Andersen! 1-0 Pens

15:01 - Not many shots so far, but those shots that have gotten through have been quality chances. Fleury and Andersen have been up to the task.

17:51 - Fleury and Andersen each with an early save, giving them a chance to feel the puck a bit.

20:00 - Puck drop and this game is underway! The Pens have a bit of a different lineup, but that shouldn't slow them down! Lets Go Pens!