Time to put a cap on the Caps

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF, 

As everyone winds down from the Kentucky Derby, hockey nation ramps up as the Pittsburgh Penguins could eliminate the Washington Capitals in the Second Round of the NHL Playoffs tonight in Washington. The Penguins hold the commanding 3-1 series lead and this game is going to be a crazy one.

 In Game Four, the Penguins were without the services of their best player, and the best player in the world, Sidney Crosby. They still got the job done, showing their depth in scoring. The win was also in large part due to the efforts of Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been the MVP for the Penguins in these playoffs. Now the Capitals have their back against the walls and a cornered animal is a dangerous one. The Penguins will have to keep their focus on playing their style of hockey, not letting the Capitals get under their skin, and play a smart defensive game. Lets Go Pens!

Follow all the action here:

Conor Sheary and SIDNEY CROSBY are back in the lineup for the Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - Bonino - Rust
Hagelin - Cullen - Kuhnhackl

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Caps 4

3rd Period
0:00 - The Caps take Game 5 with a 4-2 win over the Pens. The Pens still hold a series lead 3-2 as things shift back to Pittsburgh. The Pens will finish things on Monday in Pittsburgh.

2:24 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:59 - Sheary is back on the ice.

4:50 - Just heard that Sheary is bleeding from the nose on the bench. Not sure what happened, but he is staying on the bench.

7:29 - Crosby blasts a shot from the point that is kicked out by Holtby.

10:19 - Fleury with an unreal amount of saves with bodies in front. The puck was bouncing all over the place. The Pens need to turn this around and get to attacking. Caps have had them on their heels for this entire period.

12:13 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin stick handles through traffic and past Hainsey. He gets to the slot area and is able to whip one past the glove of Fleury. 4-2 Caps

12:36 - Kuznetsov scores. Hagelin turns over the puck at the blue line. Carlson gets the puck and sends it bouncing around in the Pens' zone. Kuznetsov finally gets the puck and puts it short side. 3-2 Caps

13:20 - Holtby making elite caliber goalie saves for the Caps right now. The Pens need to keep peppering the net and get traffic in front. They can beat Holtby.

14:07 - The Pens cannot allow the Caps to pressure them. They need to put the pressure on the Caps and Holtby. Suffocate them in their own zone.

16:28 - Bonino is robbed by Holtby.

17:11 - Backstrom scores. Backstrom comes flying into the zone and receives the puck. He finds a shooting lane and is able to put a shot under the glove of Fleury. 2-2 tie game

18:22 - Ovechkin lets go of a rocket shot that goes off the goal post.

19:51 - Crosby wins the faceoff and heads right to the net. Holtby with the save on Crosby's shot.

20:00 - The third period is underway! Time to finish this series Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That is the end of the second period and the Pens hold the 2-1 lead!

2:01 - Another penalty killed off by the Pens. Fleury was once again on it.

4:01 - Power play chance for the Caps. Dumoulin loses an edge and falls thus tripping up Williams. He is penalized for tripping.

4:48 - Turnover by the Pens in the neutral zone and Williams recovers for the Caps. However, the play is broken up for a shot can be taken.

7:21 - Shattenkirk gives Kunitz some attention with two hits into the boards. One was a bit questionable, but nothing is called and Kunitz looks to be okay.

9:45 - Fleury with a smart poke check to keep Ovechkin from finding a rebound chance and Hainsey blocks him out also. Great teamwork.

10:42 - A good job by the Pens to shut down the Caps before they can enter the zone or even set up. They need to keep up the good work.

15:40 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Tic-tac-toe passing my the Pens on the power play! Malkin is able to get the puck across the front of the net over to Kessel at the side! Kessel goes to one knee to rip a shot past the blocker of Holtby! 2-1 Pens

16:28 - Schmidt will visit the box for holding and the Pens get a huge power play chance.

17:06 - The Caps with sustained offensive zone time and Fleury comes up with some big saves to keep this one tied. The Pens are finally able to clear and get a change.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to limit the Caps chances, play smart, and never let up on Holtby! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first-period horn sounds and this game is tied 1-1.

0:29 - Burakovsky scores. Burakovsky toe drags around the stick of Cullen and rips a shot that beats Fleury blocker side. 1-1 tie game

2:24 - Rust is able to get a pass over to Maatta who is trailing on a rush. Holtby deflects Maatta's shot out wide with his blocker.

4:08 - The Pens kill off the Cole tripping minor. Fleury was mimicking a wall once again. He has been unreal, which is nothing new.

6:08 - Not a good time for the Pens to take a penalty, but nonetheless they will have to kill one off. Cole will take a seat for tripping.

9:36 - HAGELIN SCORES! Sheary enters the zone and fires a shot that goes wide! Hainsey pinches to keep get the puck to Bonino who slides it out to Hagelin driving center! Hagelin wrist one past Holtby, off the goal post, and into the net! 1-0 Pens

11:55 - That will be the end of power play time for the Pens.

12:29 - Holtby comes up big for the Caps as he is able to deny Crosby on a redirection in the slot area.

13:55 - Wilson is running around looking for players to hit. He takes Daley out from behind and sets his sights on Guentzel at the benches. He will head to the box for charging on Guentzel. Power play time for the Pens.

14:59 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was great on that penalty kill. He has locked into this game already.

16:59 - Not the greatest start for the Pens. The Caps will get the first power play of the game as Malkin heads to the box for hooking.

17:59 - The Caps come out laying big hits in the offensive zone. Fleury makes a pad save in front as the Caps get some zone time.

20:00 - Time for Game Five! The Pens just need to stick to their game, play smart, and finish this series tonight! Lets Go Pens! 

The sweetest revenge is a Penguin win

By: MF,

PPG Paints Arena / MF

PPG Paints Arena and the city of Pittsburgh are filled with anger, sadness, and desire heading into Game Four against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.

The Penguins not only lost Game Three, they lost Sidney Crosby for this game due to a concussion. Crosby was slashed in the back of the head/neck area by Alex Ovechkin and was sent falling. As he was falling, Crosby was hit in the head by Matt Niskanen as the defenseman had his arms/stick raised high. It was a sickening hit and that would send Crosby to the locker room. Everyone is filled with an array of emotions. Many have brought up the idea of, 'if you can't beat them, hurt them.' Whether one believes it was intentional or accidental, it's sad for the entire sport to see Crosby go down. Anyone that truly understands hockey knows how much he means to the sport and what an incredible season he has had. Hopefully, he will be back in the lineup soon.

In another injury news, Conor Sheary will also be out of the lineup due to a concussion. This was a result of some friendly fire in Game Three. Patric Hornqvist accidental collided with Sheary on a play. It was a hard hit and very unfortunate. He is in the same boat as Crosby at this point.

The sweetest revenge for the Penguins will be getting a win and taking this series in Washington. Time to raise above. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel
Guentzel - Bonino - Rust
Hagelin - Cullen - Hornqvist
Wilson - Rowney - Kuhnhackl

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Caps 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN OVER THE CAPS AND TAKE A 3-1 SERIES LEAD! THAT GAME BELONG TO FLEURY! WHAT A PERFORMANCE! THE SWEETEST REVENGE IS INDEED A PENGUIN WIN! NOW ONTO WASHINGTON TO FINISH THIS SERIES! 
0:51 - Caps call a timeout and empty their net.

1:52 - Oshie takes a seat for high sticking and the Pens are getting a power play!

1:55 - Empty net for the Caps.

4:26 - Cole lays a hard hit on T. Wilson and the crowd shows their approval!

5:27 - The Pens get a rush, but their scoring chance rings off the goal post!

7:39 - A more defensive approach by the Pens as the Caps are surging a bit. Fleury has been a wall. The Pens need to put more pressure on the Caps. They are playing on their heels and that is not a good thing.

8:54 - Guentzel gets a stick to the face on a play and goes to the bench bleeding. No call was made. Referees missed that one.

10:50 - Fleury tracks Eller across the center and makes an outstretched pad save twice on Eller!

10:59 - Maatta and T. Wilson are set free.

12:59 - Matching minors for Maatta (interference) and T. Wilson (holding) will give us some four-on-four action.

14:44 - Rust with some hassle to get an icing waved off! Great effort by him.

16:44 - Rust is back on the Pens bench!

17:19 - Things are back to even strength for both teams.

18:00 - Now the Pens are on the power play for 42 seconds.

19:19 - We will now get some four-on-four hockey for 1:19. Ovechkin will take a seat for slashing. He took a whack at the chest of Rust who goes down. Rust heads to the locker room.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the start of the third period! The Pens still have two minutes remaining on the penalty kill! Get the kill done and finish this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period and the Pens still hold the lead 3-2!

1:01 - The Caps ring a shot off the crossbar! Fleury gives it some love afterward.

2:00 - Caps are getting a four-minute power play as Cullen takes a seat for high sticking on Williams. He drew a little blood hence the double minor.

2:16 - Hornqvist sticks with the play and is finally able to clear the puck. Nice work.

3:31 - Kessel gets behind the defense and is all alone in front. Holtby sits on the puck to make the stop.

4:24 - All is made even once again as the Pens kill off another Caps power play.

6:24 - The Caps are getting another power play. Cole has a seat for closing his head over the puck, Kunitz for roughing, and T. Wilson for roughing.

7:50 - T. Wilson walks right on in to get a shot up front. Fleury holds strong to deny him. The Pens need to pick up their defensive play and match the Caps desperation play.

8:36 - SCHULTZ SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! The Pens win the offensive zone faceoff to keep the puck in the zone! Schultz gets the puck and fires a laser shot from the blue line that blows past Holtby! 3-2 Pens

9:15 - A huge PP for the Pens right now. Great opportunity for them to turn things around as the Caps have all the momentum right now. Carlson is the guilty party as he heads to the box for roughing.

11:27 - Schmidt scores. The Pens did not learn from the first Caps goal as they turnover the puck once again. Schmidt gets the puck and quickly releases a shot that beats Fleury glove side. Lots of traffic in front of Fleury. 2-2 tie game

12:39 - Kuznetsov scores. The horrible turnovers finally caught up to the Pens. Kuznetsov gets the puck under control with some time and space in the offensive zone. He fires a shot from the faceoff circle that beats Fleury blocker side. 2-1 Pens

13:42 - Guentzel's goal is his eighth goal in nine playoff games.

13:53 - Oshie with a quality scoring chance that is turned away by Fleury.

16:09 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Guentzel backhands the puck to center that goes off the skate of Orlov and past Holtby! Guentzel will be rewarded the goal! What puck luck! 2-0 Pens

18:50 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. They held the Caps to only two shots.

20:00 - Back for the second period and the Pens will have to kill off a Caps power play for 1:10 to start! Get the kill and keep up the pressure guys! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to a close and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead.

0:04 - Fleury with another save just as the period comes to an end. He has been a brick wall.

0:50 - Now the Caps will get a power play chance as Dumoulin is penalized for hooking. A huge penalty kill for the Pens.

1:15 - Fleury with two unreal saves in front as the puck is loose up front. He is the best player on the ice for the Pens.

2:11 - Caps get a two-on-one chance. Eller carries the puck and is able to slide a pass over to Burakovsky. Fleury slides across to deny Burakovsky!

4:54 - Another power play for the Pens comes to an end. Eller is set free.

6:54 - Pens draw another penalty as Eller holds up Hagelin. Pens bring out their power play unit.

7:55 - Fleury with a sliding save on Wilson. What a save!

8:11 - Johannsson fires a shot that just goes wide of the net. Kessel lost a skate blade and has trouble getting to the bench.

8:49 - That will bring an end to the Pens power play. Hornqvist is back out on the ice.

11:49 - Ovechkin will head to the box for interference and the Pens head onto the power play.

11:57 - Hornqvist blocks a shot from Orpik and he is in some pain as he heads to the bench. He stays on the bench but is in pain.

12:28 - Solid start for the Pens, showing they are full of depth.

14:31 - Ovechkin looks to get his own one-on-one chance, but Schultz doesn't allow it. He separates Ovechkin from the puck and clears it up ice.

15:21 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Perfect tape-to-tape passing for the Pens as they exit their own zone! Maatta gets the puck up to Hornqvist, who is all alone against Holtby! He roofs one over the glove of Holtby! 1-0 Pens

16:49 - Schultz with a drive on the net that is gloved up by Holtby.

17:19 - Oshie leaves a pass for Orlov. Orlov's shot is stopped by Fleury.

18:27 - The Caps have seven defense once again for this game. Niskanen finally touches the puck and the crowd lets him know they feel.

19:04 - Kunitz gets the puck as he trails on a rush. He fires from the blue line and just misses the net.

20:00 - Game time! The Pens need to come out with speed, use the crowd to energize them, and take control early! Lets Go Pens! 

Round Two, Game Three shifts to the City of Champions

By: MF,

Downtown Pittsburgh / Photo credit to Shelly (@MsSunshinePlz) - reader

The Second Round Playoff series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals has shifted to Pittsburgh with the Penguins holding a 2-0 series lead.

The Capitals have been pushed into a corner and they will be for deadly because of it as they will be fighting to get back into this series. Luckily for the Penguins, Game Three is in Pittsburgh and they have been dominant at home all season long.

A critical part of their wins has been none other than Marc-Andre Fleury. In the last three games, Fleury has made 166 saves on 122 shots, holds 2.00 goals against average (GAA), and .951 save percentage (SVP). In these playoffs, he has a .936 SVP and .967 SVP at home. His best playoff save percentage was .933 in 2008. The net isn't something that the Penguins have to worry about if anything it's they have yet to play a full complete game but they have managed to get the win regardless. They have stated that they still have another gear they have yet to reach. Tonight would be a perfect night to kick things into that gear and put the Capitals on the edge of the elimination cliff.

PPG Paints Arena / MF

This game will have to be one of the best the Penguins have played. They need to come out with speed, play smart, and handle momentum shifts accordingly. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - Bonino - Rust
Hagelin - Cullen - Kuhnhackl

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Caps 3 OT

Overtime
The Caps get the 3-2 win in overtime, but the Pens shouldn't be sad. They fought and forced overtime. They showed they are never out of a game even when they can't get a break. One game that is all it is. The Pens look to win the series.

16:12 - Shattenkirk scores on the power play. Shattenkirk fires a hard shot that beats a screened Fleury. 3-2 Caps

17:20 - Johansson has a breakaway chance, but he is held up a bit by Daley. Daley will be penalized. Caps to the power play.

18:02 - The Caps get some quality offensive zone time. The Pens are finally able to clear.

18:57 - Kessel fires a shot that just goes wide. Holtby may have gotten a piece of it.

20:00 - The first overtime has started! This Pens team has a heart like to no other team! Show the Caps why you are Champions! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens have forced overtime making this game 2-2.

1:05 - SCHULTZ SCORES! Schultz fires from the point with Guentzel and Hornqvist in front of Holtby! The puck is deflected by Oshie's stick past Holtby! 2-2 tie game

1:34 - Pens call a timeout and empty their net once again.

1:53 - MALKIN SCORES! Kessel puts the puck right in the wheelhouse of Malkin who snipes one short-side on Holtby! 2-1 Caps

3:12 - The Pens have an empty net.

5:33 - Sad to see the score like this after all that Fleury has done to keep this game close, which it still is. The Pens have gotten some quality chances and pressured, but one can tell there is uneasiness due to the unknown condition of Crosby.

10:14 - Kuznetsov scores. Caps get a three-on-two chance. Kuznetsov is left wide open at the side of the net. He holds the puck and waits for Fleury do go down as he shifts across the net. Kuznetsov puts one over him into the net. 2-0 Caps

10:44 - Daley wrists a shot that goes high over the net!

12:16 - Penalty time is up.

14:16 - Well the Caps are getting another power play chance. Malkin takes a seat for boarding, Kunitz for interference, and Wilson for charging.

15:18 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury has been tremendous.

16:25 - Cullen gets a breakaway chance, but he is hooked up by Shattenkirk. No call.

17:18 - Fleury makes a diving glove save on Johansson's shot. He looked to have a wide-open net.

17:33 - Maatta receives a cross-checking penalty and the Pens bring out the penalty killers.

19:59 - No Sheary or Crosby on the bench.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to keep pressuring and get traffic in front of Holtby! Get it done! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Caps still hold the 1-0 lead.

0:37 - Fleury makes a save with his stick while falling back right at the goal line! What a save! Hornqvist comes in to bat the puck away!

2:02 - Holtby robs Bonino in front.

2:40 - Nothing comes of the power play chance.

4:40 - Kuznetsov heads right back to the box this time for holding. Pens to the power play again.

5:51 - Pens power play time comes to an end.

7:51 - Kuznetsov receives a tripping penalty and the Pens will head back onto the power play. Hopefully, they do a better job this time.

8:32 - Kessel and Malkin get a two-on-one chance, but Malkin is unable to handle Kessel's pass.

11:48 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens. They were doing a better job five-on-five.

13:48 - Power play time for the Pens as Orpik heads to the sin bin for holding.

14:32 - Nice surge by the Pens. They are getting to pucks and putting getting quality scoring chances.

17:04 - Fleury with three back-to-back saves in front.Just fantastic.

17:36 - Hornqvist collides with Sheary. Sheary goes down and is attended to by the athletic trainer. Sheary heads to the locker room holding a towel to his face.

18:55 - Kunitz looks to have a goal that ties up the game. The goal is reviewed and ruled a good goal. The Caps challenge and the goal is called back for goalie interference. Pens not getting a break.  

20:00 - Time for the second period! Crosby is not on the bench to start, but the Pens need to forge ahead! Put the Caps in their place! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and the Caps have the 1-0 lead.

1:55 - Rust gets in all alone as the Caps are changing. Holtby robs him.

5:49 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury with a huge save in front.

6:54 - Caps still have a minute left on a regular power play.

6:55 - Backstrom scores. Backstrom throws the puck on net with traffic in front of Fleury and it makes its way into the net. 1-0 Caps

7:49 - Five-on-three power play for the Caps for 1:17 as Rust is called for delay of game.

8:32 - Now a power play to the Caps. Hagelin takes a seat for slashing.

9:36 - That will bring an end to the Pens power play.

9:44 - Sheary stickhandles through traffic to get a shot off in the slot, but Holtby makes the save. A rebound chance goes off the goal post. Rust then has a wide open net. He backhands the puck, but the stick blade of Winnik stops the puck. Unreal.

11:27 - Pens back on the power play for 1:51.

11:31 - Fleury with a pad save on Backstrom in front!

13:27 - Now we will get some four-on-four for two minutes hockey as Malkin heads to the box for closing his hand on the puck.

14:36 - Niskanen with a cross-check to the head of Crosby in front of the net. Crosby is down on the ice and hurt. The trainer comes out. Crosby skates off to the locker room. Niskanen gets a 5-minute major and a game misconduct. Pens to the power play.

14:41 - Holtby with a huge poke check to deny Guentzel.

16:33 - Solid start for the Pens. Karl Alzner is back in the lineup for the Caps.

20:00 - It's playoff hockey night in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to come out with speed and use this home crowd to take control early! Lets Go Pens! 

Setting the tone before heading to Pittsburgh

Crosby and Malkin / MF

By: MF,

Back in action for Game Two between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals! The Penguins took Game One with a 3-2 win and look to head back to Pittsburgh with a 2-0 series lead. While the Capitals have other ideas.

One can expect this game to be a bit more physical and chippy as the Capitals peppering the net on Thursday night, but were only able to break through for two goals. Marc-Andre Fleury will be getting more traffic and bodies in front of him, which will make his job even harder and that is saying something as Game One was a rough one.

As for the Penguins, they need to get to their speed game earlier and keep the pressure on the Capitals. They cannot afford to sit back on their heels like previously and expect to come out with the win every night. The Penguins will have some help in that department as Carl Hagelin is back in the lineup and he will replace Scott Wilson. This game will set the tone as the series will shift to Pittsburgh after tonight. Lets Go Pens!

Downtown Pittsburgh / MF

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Hornqvist
Rust - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Bonino - Sheary
Kunitz - Cullen - Kuhnhackl

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 6 Caps 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 6-2 WIN OVER THE CAPS AND TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD HEADING TO PITTSBURGH! NOT A COMPLETE GAME FOR THE PENS, BUT THEY RESPONSE AND GET THE JOB DONE! FLEURY WAS UNBELIEVABLE ONCE AGAIN! 

0:42 - GUENTZEL SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! 6-2 Pens

1:38 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

2:21 - Ovechkin's shot goes off the side of Hainsey's head (ear). He goes down and is in a lot of pain. The play is whistled dead. He is able to skate off under his own power and heads down the runway to the locker room.

2:24 - Empty net for the Caps.

2:51 - Another post for the Caps.

3:38 - Kuhnahackl gets a delay of game penalty. He is shaken up on the play and will head to the box. Kessel serves the penalty.

5:54 - Schmidt fires a shot from the point that rings off the goal post. The puck rebounds to Johansson who has a wide open net. He throws the puck into Fleury instead.

7:22 - A successful penalty kill for the Caps.

9:22 - Power play chance for the Pens as Wilson will get two for roughing. He also receives a 10-minute misconduct penalty. He will be unavailable to the Caps unless they force overtime.

11:37 - Geno ends up getting the fifth Pens goal as the puck went off his skate.

13:35 - Great response by the Pens as the Caps were getting some chances and it looked as if things would start to look like the first period.

14:29 - Cole's goal was initially waved off for goalie interference, but the Pens challenge. It was obviously a good goal. Good challenge!

14:29 - COLE SCORES! Malkin creates a screen in front of Grubauer and Cole puts the puck on net! Cole's shot beats Grubauer blocker side! 5-2 Pens

16:16 - Backstrom scores. Ovechkin comes flying into the offensive zone and Fleury turns aside his shot. Backstrom gets to the rebound first and is able to put it past Fleury before he can recover. 4-2 Pens

17:41 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel circles around walks in, and puts a shot five-hole! 4-1 Pens

18:28 - Shattenkirk flips the puck over the glass and will receive a delay of game penalty. The Pens head onto the power play.

19:59 - Grubauer replaces Holtby to start this period.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens need to keep pressuring the Caps and Holtby! They cannot allow them any time or space to get back into this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn signals the end of the second period and the Pens hold the 3-1 lead!

1:52 - The Pens have found their speed and desire later in the second. The score shows that. Now the test is whether they can keep up the pressure or do they end up sitting back?

3:46 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Crosby blocks a shot and dives out to propel the puck towards Guentzel! Guentzel and Rust then get a two-on-one chance! Guentzel holds and blows the puck past the glove shoulder of Holtby! 3-1 Pens

6:56 - KESSEL SCORES! Guentzel gets the puck to Crosby who is flying through the neutral zone! Crosby takes the puck behind him and puts it through his legs to bring the puck to the front of his body! Three Capital players surround Crosby as he enters the zone! Crosby is able to snap the puck over to Kessel who is all alone on the wing! Kessel snipes a shot over the glove shoulder of Holtby! 2-1 Pens

8:15 - That will be the end of power play time for the Pens.

10:15 - Finally a power play chance for the Pens and a great time for them to get one. Orpik will sit for hooking. The Pens need to use this power play to gain some momentum.

12:00 - Probably the best shift in the game by Malkin's line. They were able to cycle the puck and get some looks at the net.

13:26 - The Caps are outshooting the Pens 23-6. Things need to change right now.

13:53 - The Pens are better than this, but they are letting the Caps have their way. They are getting beat to pucks and giving up way too many scoring chances.

15:45 - Malkin is released and the Pens kill off another penalty.

17:45 - Malkin will not sit in the sin bin for slashing. Making up for the Caps not getting a power play in Game One as it seems the Caps can do no wrong.

17:51 - Niskanen scores on the power play. Three Pens go to the boards to battle and end up leaving Niskanen all alone in front. Fleury gets a piece of his point-blank shot, but it's not enough. 1-1 tie game

18:45 - CULLEN SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Cullen blocks Shattenkirk's shot at the blue line and gets to the puck! He creates a breakaway chance and Oshie does lift his stick to break the momentum! Cullen recovers and puts it five-hole on Holtby! 1-0 Pens

19:31 - Another power play chance will be awarded to the Caps as Guentzel takes a seat for hooking.

19:50 - Hornqvist is not on the bench to start the second. Sheary takes his spot on Crosby's line.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to come out with a completely different attitude and put the pressure on the Caps this time! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - The first period comes to an end and this one is scoreless.

0:17 - Another solid penalty kill. Amazing effort by Fleury.

2:17 - Terrible time for the Pens to take a penalty. Cole goes to the box for interference and the Caps get a late power play.

3:38 - Hornqvist blocks a shot from Carlson and he goes down in pain. He stays on the bench but eventually heads to the locker room.

4:50 - Backstrom gets time and space on the wing all alone. Fleury comes out to challenge and robs him with a mask save!

6:23 - The Pens take advantage of a Caps turnover to get a quality shot on net. Crosby at the side of the net finds Guentzel in the blue front. Holtby denies his point blank shot.

7:24 - Two-on-one chance for the Caps and Eller decides to hold the puck. His shot rings off the goal post!

9:17 - Shots are 8-1 in favor of the Caps. That is concerning.

10:13 - Cullen's line with the best offensive zone pressure so far for the Pens. They got to the forecheck and really were doing some good things. A solid foundation to build off of.

11:58 - A flurry of shots by the Caps. Fleury holds strong and keeps this one scoreless. The Pens are on their heels and something has to give. They need to pressure back.

13:42 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Now they need to get to work offensively as it has been all Caps to start.

14:01 - Great read by Fleury to deny Ovechkin. Though Ovechkin is always in the same place on the power play, so Fleury used that knowledge efficiently.

15:42 - Daley will now head to the box for hooking and that sends the Caps on the power play. Regardless of whether one believes that was a good call it was coming sooner or later. In my opinion, it was the right call. Now the Pens have a huge penalty kill ahead of them.

16:42 - The "HBK" line has been reunited. Solid start for the Caps and they have tested Fleury.

18:31 - Fleury with a solid save on a shot through traffic by Schmidt. The Caps getting their defense involved on plays.

19:47 - Hope to see Malkin wake up during this game. He had a terrible Game One performance and it would be a perfect time for him to get to his game.

20:00 - The puck has been dropped in Washington! The Pens need to come out with speed, take control of this game early and keep it! Lets Go Pens!

How will they be remembered?

By: MF,

A battle of National Hockey League (NHL) super powers is set to take place during the Second Round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals will once again face off in the postseason. Two powerhouses that have talented, deep rosters; superstar Captains; and a drive to win games like no other. This is an ideal storyline for the NHL, while the fans are a bit wearier. Whoever wins this series is assumed to go on to win the Stanley Cup. This is the 10^th time they will meet in the postseason. In the previous nine matchups, the Penguins have been the victor in eight. In four of those matchups, the Penguins have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. Of the four Championship wins for the Penguins, they have had to go through the Capitals.

Both teams finished the regular season with great numbers. The Capitals finished with 118 points and 55 wins, capturing the President’s Trophy for the second-straight year. As for the Penguins, they ended the season a close second with 111 points and 50 wins. Then came the First Round of the Playoffs. The Capitals ended up facing the Toronto Maple Leafs (the 8^th place team in the Eastern Conference). The Maple Leafs gave the Capitals a run for their money, but the Capitals would turn things around to get the series win in six games. While the Penguins ended up advancing in five games after a dominating series against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Even with a dominating performance against the Blue Jackets, there are things the Penguins need to improve on going into this series. The most important improvement is their starts. They were outplayed by the Blue Jackets when the puck dropped every game of the series. The Penguins were fortunate in having Marc-Andre Fleury, who was brilliant during the First Round. In this series, they must not play with fire as the Capitals are strong offensively.

In Game One, the Penguins did improve on their starts. They came out with speed and ended up holding the Capitals to only a single shot in the first 10 minutes of the game. However, the Capitals would take over the momentum towards the end and Marc-Andre Fleury was the saving grace. He even got a little help from Jake Guentzel, who made a stretched leg save right at the goal line. It was a bit of a crazy ending to the period for the Penguins after having a strong defensive start to the game. The key is that the Penguins need to continue to have solid starts in this series.

Marc-Andre Fleury / MF

The Penguins must also focus on their puck management game and how they handle momentum shifts. In the Blue Jackets series, the Penguins would find themselves on their heels during games and usually when they held the lead. They would sit back on their heels and give the Blue Jackets a chance to get back into the game. The same thing came to pass during Thursday’s game against the Capitals and fortunate the Penguins were still able to grab the win. Once again, the Penguins had some trouble handling the momentum shifts during the game especially after they held the 2-0 lead allowing the Capitals to get back into the game and tie things up. Then the Penguins retook the lead and sat back as the Capitals pressuring towards the end. Fleury was outstanding in the third period as the Capitals were peppering the net with shots and throwing everything they could on the net. Fleury was playing desperate hockey and never gave up on a play, which would lead to the Penguins holding onto the lead and getting the win in the end. This will be critical as the series progresses. The Penguins must clean this aspect of their game up or the Capitals will take advantage. Playing with fire is not good and it will end up burning the Penguins at some point and may end up being the end of the series for them.

For Game Two, the Penguins must focus on what they did well but also clean up their game. They may have gotten the win in Game One, but they didn’t play a flawless game. In addition, the Penguins will have to focus on special teams as the Capitals are due to get a power play in this next match. It will happen and the Capital power play is a lethal one. It will be critical that the Penguins have a solid penalty kill and build off that momentum rather than the Capitals getting momentum off a successful power play.

Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel celebrate / MF

This series goes beyond that of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Crosby had a spectacular Game One both offensively and defensively and Ovechkin wasn’t far behind. However, these two teams are filled with quality players that make every line a possible threat. I could sit here all day and compare the two Captains or match up lines filled with star power, but that is not what the series is all about. It’s a storyline that has been written quite a few times. The Penguins led by Crosby have shown that they can move forward and capture the prize, but that is the one thing that Ovechkin cannot claim. For all the offensive talent Ovechkin possesses he lacks the thing Crosby has, which is Crosby is a complete player where Ovechkin leaves something to be desired. 

In this battle of super powers want matters is what they are known for when it is all said and done. It’s believed that whoever wins this series will move on to win the Stanley Cup. So that begs the question, which team will be known as Stanley Cup Champions and who will choke? It’s up to the two to decide how they will be remembered. 

Two powerhouses battle in Round Two, Game One

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF,

It's time for the Second Round of the 2017 National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs! Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals faceoff for the 10th time in the postseason. In the previous nine, the Penguins have been the winning team in eight of them.

A storyline of two powerhouses and whoever win this series may very likely go on to win the Stanley Cup.

For tonight's game, there are some changes to the Penguins lineup. Chris Kunitz will be returning to the lineup! Good news as Kunitz is great at getting the other team off their game and shaking up goalies, which will be critical for the Penguins.

The Penguins will have to come out with speed and take control of this game earlier unlike the First Round against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They need to get in Branden Holtby's face and make him feel uncomfortable in net. Time to show the Capitals what the defending Champions are made of! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Caps 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN IN GAME ONE! THEY TAKE A 1-0 SERIES LEAD! GREAT WIN ON THE ROAD! CROSBY AND FLEURY WITH AWESOME PERFORMANCES! 

0:26 - Fleury being hammered with shots and he is coming up big! Wow!

1:38 - The Caps have an empty net.

2:50 - Fleury with some unreal saves as the puck is loose in front. Bodies everywhere as the loose puck is being looked for and finally, the whistle is blown.

4:04 - Schultz with a solid shove to separate a Capital from the puck and breakup a two-on-one.

5:15 - Power play time is over for the Pens. The best chance came at the end for the second unit, but Holtby holds strong. Make no mistake, Holtby has been strong of the Caps.

7:15 - Niskanen will sit for slashing and the Pens head onto the power play. A huge power play opportunity for the Pens.

7:24 - BONINO SCORES! The Pens get the puck up the ice quickly and Wilson gains the line! Wilson slides the puck across to Bonino who finds space between Shattenkirk and Orpik to get in alone! Bonino beats Holtby! 3-2 Pens

9:32 - Pens are playing with fire. They need to get to their game. Someone needs to ignite their passion because the Caps control this game right now.

11:43 - Kuhnhackl is back on the bench.

11:55 - Kuznetsov scores. Niskanen finds Kuznetsov at the side of the net all alone. He puts it in the open net. No chance for Fleury. 2-2 tie game.

12:27 - Kuhnhackl has gone down the runway to the locker room.

13:49 - Malkin not having a great period. He has seemed off since he was hit, not because of a possible injury, just off.

14:33 - There need to be better zone exits by the Pens. They are controlling the puck as they leave their zone instead they are chipping it out. The Caps easily regain control. Not a good strategy.

16:47 - The Caps with the more offensive zone time and Pens look to be on their heels a little bit. Now is the time to turn that around and put the Caps on their heels.

18:18 - Four-on-four hockey play comes to an end.

20:00 - We are back for the third period and things start with 1:42 remaining on the four-on-four! The Pens to capitalize and put the pressure back on the Caps! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Pens hold the 2-1 lead!

0:01 - Fleury with a huge save on Backstrom!

0:18 - Cole finished his check on Johansson into the boards behind the net. A scrum ensues after. Four on four hockey.

1:43 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin is able to get time and space at the half circle. He snipes one over the blocker shoulder of Fleury. 2-1 Pens

3:40 - Fleury gets a piece of Johansson's shot.

4:23 - Fleury being tested this period versus the last. Kessel's shot bounces out of the glove of Holtby, but the Caps are able to clear.

6:21 - Shots are 14-12 in favor of the Pens.

9:58 - Crosby is now tied with Mario Lemieux for the most multi-point playoff games in franchise history at 51.

12:44 - The Pens need to keep their foot on the gas, they can't afford to sit back.

15:35 - Crosby with a great defensive play to deny Ovechkin and then he goes down to the other end and gets his own scoring chance.

17:01 - Kessel is off to the races, but Holtby denies him and he also denies Rust on the rebound chance.

18:56 - CROSBY SCORES! Maatta fires a hard shot that is saved by Holtby, but he is unable to control the rebound as Hornqvist gets in front to create havec! Hornqvist gets the puck and finds Crosby alone at the side of the net! Crosby slides the puck into the open net! 2-0 Pens

19:48 - CROSBY SCORES! Caps turnover the puck in the neutral zone and Hornqvist is able to poke the loose puck up into the offensive zone! Guentzel tracks down the loose puck giving the Pens a two-on-one chance! Guentzel puts the puck right into the wheelhouse of Crosby! He beats Holtby glove side! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to play smart and put the pressure on Holtby! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

1:32 - Caps showing their firepower as Eller fires a hard shot. Fleury gets a piece of it with his shoulder.

1:58 - Solid shift for the fourth line of the Pens to keep the Caps pinned in their own zone.

4:15 - Fleury comes out to make two strong saves. Oshie looks to have an open net, but Guentzel makes a stretching leg save and Fleury is able to get the loose puck to freeze it. Crazy.

4:43 - Caps crash the net and the puck is loose. It bounces off the back of the net, look like it went into the net (not going to lie), but all is well.

5:59 - Ovechkin receives a pass in the center of the offensive zone, but Cole strips him of the puck.

6:50 - Crosby once again finds Hornqvist, this time in the slot. Hornqvist's shot is stirred wide by the quick stick of Carlson.

9:41 - Only one shot for the Capitals. Much better start for the Pens. It would be great for them to get a goal before the period end as a reward for the solid start.

13:48 - Crosby throws the puck to the net and Hornqvist is able to get a stick on it in front. Holtby with a great save and a scrum ensues in front. Hornqvist doing his job in front.

14:22 - Time expires on the power play for the Pens. Kessel had the best chance at the half circle, but his shot went wide.

16:22 - Pens will get the first power play of the game as Ovechkin will head to the box for interference on Hornqvist.

18:12 - Solid start for both teams.

20:00 - Puck drop! This game is officially underway! The Penguins need to take Game One and it will be a great push off point for them! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins look to finish Round One in Pittsburgh

By: MF,

Downtown Pittsburgh View / MF 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at PPG Paints Arena to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game Five. The Penguins are coming off a 5-4 loss in Game Four where the Blue Jackets were able to avoid elimination and force tonight’s game.

That Game was not the best for the Penguins. They struggled to find their game and didn’t have the same fire as the previous games. The Blue Jackets took advantage, however, the Penguins still had a fighting chance even as the game drew to a close. What does that say about the Blue Jackets? They put on their best showing of the series and the Penguins were less than sub par, yet the Penguins still made it a close game.

I think tonight’s game will be different with the Penguins having the home crowd to kick things into gear, energy wise. A win for the home team tonight means we are moving onto Round Two and the Blue Jackets are headed to the golf course. Time to finish this series! Lets Go Pens!

Injury update: Nick Foligno will be out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury. 

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 2
PENGUINS ADVANCE TO ROUND TWO

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS HAVE ELIMINATED THE BLUE JACKETS IN A 5-2 WIN AND ARE HEADED TO ROUND TWO! THANK YOU, FLEURY! HANDSHAKING TIME! SEE YOU LATER CBJ! NEXT UP EITHER WASHINGTON OR TORONTO! 

2:06 - A chance for the Pens and they crash the net. Bobrovsky with the saves.

2:40 - The puck takes a weird bounce off the boards and Rust gets a breakaway chance. Bobrovsky is able to deny him!

3:56 - The Blue Jackets have 48 shots and Fleury has stopped 46 of them. The Pens are playing too much of a defensive game. Fleury holding down the fort. Would be nice to give the guy a break, but doesn't seem like that is happening until after the game.

5:19 - Fleury with a quick stick to keep Saad from getting a shot off.

9:55 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was exceptional on that penalty kill.

11:55 - Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens as Guentzel will have to take a seat for hooking.

13:38 - WILSON SCORES! Daley fires a shot from the top of the face-off circle and Bobrovsky is out to make the save! Wilson sees the rebound and makes a no-look backhanded shot on net that actually goes in! 5-2 Pens

14:29 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin quickly goes to Crosby at the side of the net! Crosby goes to one knee to blow a shot past the glove shoulder of Bobrovsky! 4-2 Pens

16:08 - It looks as though the Blue Jackets had scored, but the goal is waved off for goalie interference as Fleury lays on the ice. Wennberg runs Fleury over and makes contact with his head. Wilson is right on Wennberg, but he could have avoided the netminder. Fleury looks to be ok. Pens to the power play.

16:44 - Fleury with a huge pad save on Gagner!

18:32 - A little line adjusting by Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS). Hornqvist slots into Sheary's spot on Crosby's line. Sheary takes over Hornqvist's spot on Bonino's line.

20:00 - Third-period hockey is underway! The Pens need to take it to the Blue Jackets and not just protect their lead! Pressure, but be smart about it! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period and the Pens still hold the 3-2 lead!

0:08 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

1:46 - Power play time for the Pens for 1:38.

1:50 - Fleury with a huge split save on Johnson. Unreal!

2:08 - A break for the Pens as Dubinsky heads to the box for hooking. Four-on-four for 22 seconds.

3:46 - Another bad penalty for the Pens. Kuhnhackl will head off for tripping.

5:42 - The Pens need to look for a way to get the momentum back in their favor. Fleury keeping them in the lead right now.

6:45 - The puck is loose in the blue paint and Fleury lays down to make a save. Schultz clears the puck.

7:36 - Jenner scores on the power play. Jones gets a chance in front all alone and Fleury makes a shoulder save. The puck bounces up in the air and Jenner is able to whack it out of the air into the net. 3-2 Pens

8:37 - Blue Jackets starting to get some sustained offensive pressure after their goal. Daley takes a holding penalty and that sends the Blue Jackets on the power play for the first time this game. Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens.

10:30 - Karlsson scores. Gagner works the puck to Karlsson who comes to the side of the net. He fires a backhander that is deflected and goes off the shoulder of Fleury into the net. 3-1 Pens

14:10 - Power play time for the Pens comes to an end. They had some quality chances on net but weren't able to finish them.

16:10 - Malkin is slashed on the play by Anderson that Rust scored on and he wasn't happy. Anderson then cross-checks Malkin and will head to the box. Power play time for the Pens.

16:10 - RUST SCORES! Rust's first shot is stopped, but he finds the rebound! He puts the rebound between the post and toe of Bobrovsky! 3-0 Pens!

18:53 - RUST SCORES! Kessel quickly gets the puck to the front of the net! Rust redirects the shot and it's stopped by Bobrovsky! He then tries a backhanded chip shot that finds its way into the net! 2-0 Pens

19:31 - Fleury turns over the puck to Anderson. Fleury redeems himself with two awesome saves on Anderson.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to use their speed against the Blue Jackets and keep pressuring Bobrovsky! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:01 - Quincey fires a heavy shot through traffic, but Fleury battles to get a good view and makes the save!

0:08 - Dubinsky's shot is gloved up by Fleury! The crowd shows their appreciation with a "Fleury" chant.

0:32 - Fleury with a diving save to deny a chance in front. Blue Jackets with a late surge.

1:02 - Scramble in front of Fleury and bodies are everywhere. Bonino with a big defensive play. Schultz finds the puck and clears.

2:40 - Blue Jackets haven't changed their physical approach. Still banging bodies, but it doesn't seem to be doing much for them.

5:20 - Malkin fires a shot high and off the glass. Blue Jackets on their heels.

8:21 - The Pens have turned the momentum in their favor after that power play. Shots are now 10-9 Pens.

10:53 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel the sniper strikes again! Kessel fires a quick shot on net that ends up hitting a Blue Jackets' stick on the way to the net! Bobrovsky has no chance! 1-0 Pens

11:19 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Gagner takes a seat for holding.

13:42 - Bobrovsky gets some help from the goal post!

15:51 - Bobrovsky with a pad save on Kessel and is just able to get his left toe out to deny Rust on the rebound chance. The best chance of the night for the Pens.

16:12 - Another flat start for the Pens, but Fleury has been sharp.

16:50 - Shots 5-1 in favor of the Blue Jackets. Fleury with a solid start.

17:56 - Atkinson with a quality scoring chance on the doorstep that is denied by Fleury.

19:14 - Fleury with a solid save at the side of the net. The puck bounces up and over the shoulder of Fleury, but Maatta whacks the puck out of the way.

20:00 - Puck drop in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to come with speed and take control of the game! Time to finish this series at home! Lets Go Pens! 

Pittsburgh bring out the brooms

By: MF,

Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel celebrate / MF

Bring out the brooms Pittsburgh, because it looks like a sweep is needed!

The Pittsburgh Penguins took a 3-0 series lead with a 5-4 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets Sunday night. The Blue Jackets seemed to give the Penguins everything they had and the Penguins proved to more relentless. Now the Blue Jackets are on the verge of being the first team eliminated in this year's playoffs.

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 4 Blue Jackets 5

3rd Period
0:00 - Blue Jackets take Game Four 5-4. We are headed back to Pittsburgh and the Pens better have some desire.

0:26 - GUENTZEL SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Guentzel snaps one past Bobrovsky! 5-4 Blue Jackets

1:09 - Fleury heads to the bench. Empty net.

1:43 - Terrible penalty by the Pens. Too many men on the ice.

2:28 - Pens have an empty net.

5:55 - Malkin is tripped up in front of the net, but that is called "star treatment." Looked more like a penalty to me.

7:02 - I feel like I have been saying the same thing all game. The Pens are letting the Blue Jackets take command. They have no compete level at least sustained efforts. Just a sad effort as they could easily have this game in hand.

14:11 - Jenner scores. Fleury makes a save on Saad's shot, but Jenner puts in the rebound. Pens let the Blue Jackets do whatever they wanted in their own zone. Fleury was left out to dry. 5-3 Blue Jackets

17:50 - KUHNHACKL SCORES! Rowney works behind the net to get the puck back in front! The puck ends up loose in front and Kuhnhackl comes in to put the puck past Bobrovsky! One goal game once again! 4-3 Blue Jackets

19:33 - Karlsson scores. The puck takes a bounce off the end boards and Karlsson gets to the puck. He backhands a shot off Fleury. 4-2 Blue Jackets

20:00 - We are back for hte third period! The Pens need to pick up where they left off anf finish this series tonight! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period comes to an end and the Pens have come charging back. Blue Jackets lead 3-2.

3:00 - Guentzel and Crosby crash the net. Bobrovsky makes a save on Guentzel. Pens getting things going finally!

3:36 - HAINSEY SCORES AND IT'S HIS FIRST STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF GOAL! Hainsey fires from the half boards through the legs of Rust and Bobrovsky! It bounces off the goal post and into the net! 3-2 Blue Jackets

5:45 - This game isn't about the Blue Jackets having the better skill, but that the Pens have no fire or desire in them right now. Fix that and this game is over.

6:11 - Fleury with a huge save on Gagner at the side of the net.

7:47 - Time on the power play expires for the Pens.

9:23 - Rowney is set free and the Pens have a power play for 1:35.

9:47 - 25 seconds of four-on-four play as Saad will head to the box for high-sticking on Cole.

11:23 - Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens as Rowney takes a seat for hooking.

11:32 - Much better gameplay by Pens since that power play goal.

13:10 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz fires from the point, it goes off Crosby, and then Hornqvist takes a whack at the puck to put it past Bobrovsky! 3-1 Blue Jackets

14:13 - Quincey will take a seat for interference on Malkin. Pens bring out the power play. Perfect chance to turn things around.

15:12 - Nutivaara scores. Jenner's point shot is stopped, but Nutivaara is able to get a stick on the rebound first and put it past Fleury. 3-0 Blue Jackets

15:56 - The Pens have the ability to take control of this game and the lead, but they don't have the same desire as they did in previous games. At least not yet.

18:20 - Crazy scramble in front of Fleury and the Blue Jackets even crash into him. He holds strong.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to response and get to their game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That will bring an end to the first period and the Blue Jackets hold the 2-0 lead.

1:04 - Anderson scores. Andersen comes flying into the zone and everyone heads to the front of the net. Andersen puts it five-hole. 2-0 Blue Jackets

1:36 - Fleury holding down the fort in the first period once again. His used to this by now.

2:20 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens!

4:20 - Cole to the box for high-sticking and the Pens bring out the penalty kill. Foligno solid that one as he was not hit with a high stick.

8:14 - Johnson scores. Johnson fires a shot from the point that goes off Crosby in front and into the net. Nothing Fleury could do on that one. 1-0 Blue Jackets

8:28 - Fleury with a huge diving save. He looks confident and comfortable in the net.

10:14 - Malkin with a steal and has a chance on net. He isn't able to get all of the shot and Bobrovsky makes the pad save.

12:54 - Quincey is making his presence known. It's his first game of the series. He gets in Malkin's face, but Malkin doesn't take the bait. Will they ever learn?

14:23 - This game has started much like the past three. Blue Jackets come out to take control early. That means it should end the save...right?

16:50 - Guentzel is back on the ice. The Blue Jackets home crowd is loud and standing at the moment.

17:41 - That will bring an end to the Pens power play.

18:25 - Quincey hits Guentzel hard into the boards. Easily an interference penalty, but play continues. Guentzel skates to the bench on his own power. Looks shaken up on the bench.

19:41 - First power play of the game goes to the Penguins as Foligno takes a seat for hooking.

20:00 - The puck has dropped on Game Four! Time to get to sweeping! Pens need to come out with speed and finish off the Blue Jackets! Lets Go Pens!