Back on the road

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action tonight as they take on the New Jersey Devils on the road. Coming off a 7-4 win over the Washington Capitals last night, the Penguins completed their perfect four-game homestead where they outscored their opponents by a 21-10 margin. They look to continue their push for the playoffs with a victory tonight.

In addition, Sidney Crosby extended his scoring streak to 11 games, but he is still looking for his 400th career goal. He has been on fire and tonight could be the night. Crosby hasn't been the only one playing well as Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin have been on a tear. As a matter of fact, the whole team is doing well with each line putting in work and producing results.

Unfortunately, tonight the Penguins will be without the services of Patric Hornqvist as he suffered a lower-body injury during last night's game. His presence will be missed, especially on the power play. He is a critical part of the lineup and always disrupts the goalie, which allows for the Penguins to capitalize on many plays. As a result of this injury, the Penguins have called up Zach Aston-Resse from Wilkes/Barre Scranton to slot into the open position in the lineup.

Tonight, the Penguins need to get to their game and play a consistent 60-minute game. As the end of the season draws closer to the end, consistency will be key for them. Lets Go Pens!

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Kuhnhackl
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Aston-Reese - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Cole - Oleksiak

DeSmith in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 1 Devils 3

3rd Period
0:00 - This game is over. The Pens fall 3-1 to the Devils and that snaps their four-game winning streak. Also, Crosby's scoring streak comes to an end.

1:41 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:55 - Hall gets around Schultz and has a breakaway chance. DeSmith shuts him down with a pad save.

4:00 - DeSmith with some fantastic saves back-to-back. He has made quite a few highlight reel saves tonight. He showed up to play. The Pens need to step up their game for him.  

7:06 - Sullivan challenges the call. The call stands. Still 3-1 Devils.

7:06 - It looks to #400 for Crosby, but the referees rule it a no goal. During the play, Rust's stick is lifted by Lovejoy as he goes to the front of the net. Rust's stick ends up hitting Kinkaid and he goes down in the blue paint. Crosby ends up getting the loose puck and fires a bad angle shot that goes off Kinkaid's helmet into the net.

10:09 - Zajac scores his second of the night. Damon Severson fires from the point and Zajac reaches up to redirect the puck past DeSmith. 3-1 Devils

11:57 - Devils on their heels a bit. Pens need to tie this one up quick.

13:44 - MALKIN SCORES! What a clinic on passing by the Pens. Hagelin goes to Kessel, who finds Cole, and he puts the puck right on Malkin's stick as he drives down the center. Malkin dekes Kinkaid and backhands one past him. 2-1 Devils

14:53 - Schultz slaps a shot off the glass. Much more jump and energy in the gameplay of the Pens.

19:02 - Not a bad start to the period for the Pens as their first line gets some offensive zone time. Letang got a shot off that flew high over the net.

20:00 - The guys are back for the third period. Hopefully, they found some energy in the locker room to start this third period with. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end a dominating second period by the Devils. They hold the 2-0 lead.

2:10 - A little pushback by the Pens as the period is coming to an end. Guentzel goes across the ice to a wide-open Crosby. He misses the wide open net.

5:07 - Devils are just dominating this period. The Pens haven't had any sustained pressure in the offensive zone. It doesn't even seem like they are playing.

6:00 - Miles Wood gets a step on Dumoulin. Dumoulin decides to hit Wood as he drives to the net. Both players go flying into DeSmith. Everyone looks to be alright.

8:16 - Devils crashing the net and pressuring the Pens every shift. The Pens have to find their energy, something to spark them to push back.

9:30 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

10:33 - Crazy sequence in front of DeSmith. He comes up with two huge saves and Hagelin clears the loose puck. Hearts are racing after that close call.

11:30 - Not the time to be taking a penalty. Guentzel will head to the sin bin for interference. Big penalty kill for the Pens.

11:42 - Guentzel lets go of a hard shot that goes wide.

15:05 - Oleksiak backhands a pass over to Sheahan in the slot. His shot is gloved up by Kinkaid. That was the best scoring chance in a while for the Pens.

16:55 - Blake Coleman scores. Another Pens turnover in the defensive zone. Coleman makes his way to the net and fires a shot that finds a small hole between the blocker and body of DeSmith. 2-0 Devils

17:06 - Pens playing way too much in their own zone. They look asleep right now. All Devils.

19:30 - Travis Zajac scores. DeSmith pokes away the loose puck in front, but Zajac gets the puck. He stickhandles to the front and puts one five-hole. 1-0 Devils

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to ramp up their energy level and put more pucks on net. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That does it for the first period and things are 0-0.

0:44 - Maatta is hit hard into the boards by Ben Lovejoy. He gets up and looks to be alright.

2:45 - Kinkaid fights up a rising shot by Crosby.

3:52 - Letang is set free and the penalty kill is over. DeSmith was great and made two awesome saves to keep things 0-0.

5:52 - Taylor Hall gets behind Letang and drives the net. DeSmith steps up and shuts down Hall. However, Letang ends up taking a slashing penalty.

6:34 - Cole and Stefan Noesen hug it out for a bit after the play and then start to throw some punches. They both fall to the ice and will head to the box.

8:12 - Crosby backhands a pass to Rust driving towards the net. He tries to put the puck right under the crossbar. Kinkaid flashes the glove to deny him.

10:15 - DeSmith makes a solid save even with some traffic in front. He has looked good to start this game.

12:32 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

14:32 - Now the Devils will get a power play chance as Oleksiak is ticketed for interference.

16:26 - That does it for the power play. Aston-Reese had a great chance in front on his first shift, but Keith Kinkaid denies him.

18:26 - Early power play chance for the Pens as Miles Wood takes a seat for hooking.

20:00 - The Pens are back on the road tonight to take on the New Jersey Devils. It's game time! Lets Go Pens! 

Superstar showdown in the Burgh

Downtown Pittsburgh / MF

By: MF, 

It's a rivalry kind of night in Pittsburgh as the Penguins gear up to take on the Washington Capitals. The Penguins are coming off a dominating 5-2 win against the San Jose Sharks, which was in large part due to the incredible comeback performance of Matt Murray.

For tonight's game, there will be some lineup changes. Firstly,  Jean-Sebastien Dea was reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Carter
Rowney will take his slot as he was taken off of the injured reserve list. It looked like the Penguins had regained a forward from the injury list, but Conor Sheary will take Rowney's spot as he suffered a lower-body injury during the game against the Sharks.

Regardless, this game is going to be a high-intensity game. It will be physical and fast. However, the Penguins cannot afford to let Washington knock them off their game. They need to stay focus, play smart, and be consistent. Lets Go Pens!

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Cole - Oleksiak

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 7 Capitals 4

3rd Period
0:00 - ANOTHER WIN FOR THE PENS! THEY PUT UP SEVEN TO BEAT THE CAPITALS 7-4! 

0:52 - Once again the penalty kill gets the job done.

2:52 - Hagelin to the box for hooking. Power play for the Caps.

3:46 - Orlov and Malkin both lose their footing and slide into the boards. Orlov goes head first into the boards but looks to be alright.

6:16 - Another great penalty killing effort by the Pens.

8:16 - Now the Caps get a power play chance as Malkin is called for tripping.

10:00 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT! Crosby comes down the boards and makes a pass to the front of the goal through the legs of Orlov. The puck goes off the skate of Malkin, then Orpik's skate, and past the pad of Grubauer. 7-4 Pens

10:55 - A great chance for the Pens to extend their lead as they will head onto the power play. Madison Bowey is off to the sin bin for tripping.

12:01 - Holtby is done for the night. Philip Grubauer will take over in goal.

12:01 - KESSEL SCORES HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT! Malkin and Kessel rush up the ice. Malkin gains the zone and finds Kessel down the wing. He beats Holtby on the glove side. 6-4 Pens

12:53 - Crosby and Rust get a two-on-one rush. Crosby makes a beautiful saucer pass over to Rust. He just steers the puck wide of the net.

13:52 - RUST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang makes a perfect play to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Letang ends up firing a shot on net that is stopped by the glove of Holtby, but he can't control the rebound. Rust, stationed right in front, gets the rebound and puts it home. 5-4 Pens

15:10 - Nicklas Backstrom takes a seat for high-sticking. Power play for the Pens.

17:00 - Hornqvist heads to the locker room. He was on the receiving end of a hard hit from Brooks Orpik.

17:17 - Some good news, Cole is back on the ice for the Pens after heading to the locker room in the second period after Wilson hit him up high.

18:10 - Ovechkin scores. Kuznetsov feeds a pass across the ice to Ovechkin at his signature spot at the top of the faceoff circle. He puts it over the pad and past the blocker of Murray. 4-4 tie game.

18:19 - Letang and Oshie are set free.

18:59 - MALKIN SCORES! Kessel holds the blue line and chips the puck up to Malkin driving into the zone. Holtby makes a stop on Malkin's first shot. Malkin drives to the rebound and puts it through the open five-hole of Holtby. 4-3 Pens

20:00 - We are back for the third period. The period starts with four-on-four hockey for 1:40. The Pens need to get the lead back right away. Lets Go Pens!


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

0:19 - Oshie and Letang battle on the boards. Oshie ends up cross-checking Letang in the side of the net when Letang is down on the ice. Letang is not happy and the two exchange some words and shoves. Oshie is ticketed with checking and Letang gets a roughing penalty. Four-on-four hockey.

1:24 - Crosby's line holds the offensive zone and keeps the Caps from changing their lines. Holtby finally is able to cover a shot from Rust for a whistle.

5:25 - Orlov finds Wilson in front. He directs the pass towards the net, but Murray gloves up the puck.

5:32 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

6:32 - Cole leaves the bench and heads to the locker room.

7:43 - Wilson leaves his feet to hit Cole up high into the boards. He will go to the box for roughing. Power play time for the Pens.

8:03 - Kuznetsov scores. Wilson gloves down the puck and it is picked up by Kuznetsov in the slot area. He beats Murray. 3-3 tie game.

9:19 - The shots are now 21-19, still in favor of the Pens.

14:51 - Crosby puts a pass right on a silver platter as he puts a pass on the tape of Rust's stick in front of the net. He fires a shot off the goal post.

16:52 - Dmitry Orlov scores. Orlov fires a hard shot from the top of the faceoff circle. It beats a screen Murray, blocker side. 3-2 Pens

19:34 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Down at the goal line, Crosby makes a quick one-touch pass to Hornqvist and he blows a shot past Holtby. 3-1 Pens

20:00 - Time for the second period. The Pens have 1:28 left on their power play and they need to capitalize on it. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That does it for the first period. The Pens will have a power play to start the second and they hold the 2-1 lead.

0:32 - Late power play for the Pens as Stephenson heads to the box for tripping.

1:50 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin drives to the net and goes around Letang to confront Murray. Murray makes the pad save, the puck bounces out, hits Dumoulin's skate, and goes into the net. 2-1 Pens

2:48 - Holtby comes up with big saves on two odd-man rushes by the Pens.

4:10 - HAGELIN SCORES! Christian Djoos tries to pass across the center to his defensive partner, but Hagelin comes flying in to take the puck instead. Hagelin beats Braden Holtby. 2-0 Pens

5:52 - Dumoulin and Letang with some great defensive moves to break up a rush by the Caps.

6:43 - Murray robs Chandler Stephenson on a breakaway. Schultz comes flying back to clean up the rebound chance.

7:13 - Shots are 9-8 in favor of the Pens.

10:59 - Reaves knocks down Alex Ovechkin in front of Murray. They exchange some shoves and words.

11:52 - Letang is hit hard into the boards by Wilson. He looks to be alright.

12:20 - Tom Wilson gets in alone with speed. His shot goes off the glove of Murray and hits the goal post.

14:28 - Solid penalty kill by the Pens. Murray was on point.

16:10 - Murray comes up with a huge save on a shot by Evgeny Kuznetsov.

16:28 - The first power play of the game goes to the Caps as Crosby is ticketed for tripping.

17:49 - KESSEL SCORES! Sheahan throws the puck through the blue paint to the other side of the net where Kessel is stationed. He bats the puck. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Game time! The Pens need to come out with speed and get their game early against the Caps! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins back in action

Amalie Arena - 2018 NHL All-Star Weekend / MF

By: MF, 

Good evening everyone. It has been an eventful weekend with the NHL All-Star festivities, which took place in Tampa. Both Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang represented the Pittsburgh Penguins well.

2018 NHL All-Star lineup for Skills Competition / MF

After a nice break, the Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action tonight at PPG Paints Arena against the San Jose Sharks.

This is a critical part of the season for the Penguins as they push to clinch a playoff spot. They will have to stay focus, play smart, and play a consistent 60-minute game. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Sheary
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Dea - Rust

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Cole - Oleksiak

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 5 Sharks 2

3rd Period
0:00 - Mark that down as a win for the Pens! They beat out the Sharks 5-2 and get a huge two points! Solid win!

1:13 - MALKIN SCORES! HAT TRICK! Rust hits the post and the puck comes back out into the neutral zone. After some passing, Malkin is able to put it in the open net. Crazy sequence. 5-2 Pens

2:50 - The Sharks have an empty net.

6:02 - RUST SCORES FOR THE SECOND TIME TONIGHT! Kuhnhackl makes an unreal pass between his legs and behind him to Rust in the slot. Rust reaches out to gain control of the puck and backhands the puck over the pad of Jones. 4-2 Pens

9:08 - Solid penalty kill by the Pens.

10:12 - The penalty against Burns expires and the Sharks have a power play for 1:04.

11:08 - Letang will now go to the box for tripping. Four-on-four hockey for 56 seconds.

12:12 - Burns makes a return trip to the box for tripping. Power play time for the Pens.

13:59 - MALKIN SCORES FOR THE SECOND TIME TONIGHT! Jones plays the puck behind the net and ends up turning over the puck to Hornqvist. He outlets to Malkin in front and Malkin puts it in the open net. Jones wasn't able to get back in time after the turnover. 3-2 Pens

14:35 - Sheary's redirection rings off the goal post!

15:07 - Lebanc's wrist shot is glove out of the air by Murray.

15:42 - Shots for this period are 2-0 in favor of the Pens. Shots for the game are 35-23 in favor of the Sharks.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to clean up their game and take it to the Sharks. No time to hold back. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period. This one is tied 2-2.

0:04 - MALKIN SCORES! Burns tries to reverse the puck behind the net, but it goes right to Kessel. He finds Malkin all alone in the slot area. Malkin blows one past Jones. 2-2 tie game.

1:25 - Couture scores on the power play. Couture is alone at the side of the net as the puck is slide across the goal mouth to him. He elevates the puck to put it past Murray, who got a piece of the puck before it went into the back of the net. 2-1 Sharks

1:30 - The first penalty ends. Sharks with a normal power play for 1:37.

1:53 - Letang is called for cross-checking. Sharks with a five-on-three power play for 23 seconds.

3:30 - Kessel catches Justin Braun up high. He will take a seat for high-sticking and the Sharks get another power play chance.

3:48 - Power play time expires.

4:41 - Logan Couture looks to have a breakaway, but Letang skates his heart out to get back and sweep the puck away from Couture before he can get a shot off.

5:48 - Power play time for the Pens. Barclay Goodrow will visit the sin bin for roughing against Dumoulin.

6:24 - Sharks are taking it too the Pens right now. They have the momentum.

7:32 - Shots are 28-17 in favor of the Sharks.

10:00 - Burns scores on the power play. Burns wrists a shot from the point, through traffic, and past the blocker of Murray. 1-1 tie game.

10:58 - Schultz to the box for interference. Penalty killing time for the Pens.

11:30 - Hornqvist's wrist shot is gloved up by Jones.

13:14 - Murray shuts down Mikkel Boedker in front with a pad save.

13:30 - Kessel stops right after gaining the blue line and finds Guentzel driving center. Guentzel's shot just goes wide on the blocker side of Jones.

17:06 - Cole is set free and the Pens kill off the penalty successfully.

17:50 - Kevin Lebanc fires a shot from the wing that is stopped by Murray. He holds for a whistle.

18:30 - Solid start to the penalty kill for the Pens as they spend some time in the offensive zone.

19:06 - Now the Pens will be shorthanded as Cole is ticketed for tripping.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to keep playing fast, smart hockey, while also peppering Jones with pucks. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:58 - Crosby outlets a pass off the boards to Kuhnhackl all alone in the slot. Jones stands tall to deny Kuhnhackl.

2:11 - That does it for the power play. The best chance came at the end for Guetnzel and Letang, but Jones shut them down.

4:11 - A power play chance for the Pens as Brent Burns heads to the penalty box for interference on Hornqvist.

4:56 - Sharks with a solid shift in the offensive zone. Karlsson whacks at the loose puck in front but doesn't get much on it. Murray covers for a whistle.

8:10 - Guentzel lays a hard hit on Joakim Ryan behind the Sharks' net.

8:51 - RUST SCORES! Cole pinches up in the play to keep the puck alive. Rust takes the puck and finds Sheahan center. Sheahan draws a few Sharks and that leaves Rust open on the wing. Sheahan dishes a pass to Rust. He drives the net, holds to cross the front of the net, and backhands one through the five-hole of Jones. 1-0 Pens

10:38 - Melker Karlsson swipes the legs right out from under Crosby. He goes down and is not happy with the play. Crosby gives Karlsson a few shoves. They both receive penalties. Karlsson for interference and Crosby for roughing. Four-on-four hockey.

10:45 - Letang rips a shot from the point that rings off the crossbar.

13:13 - Crosby with a hard shot, which is saved by Martin Jones. He gives up a juicy rebound, but the Sharks clear it out of the zone.

16:27 - Murray comes out to cover a loose puck. The Sharks are attacking early. Shots are 5-2 in favor of the Sharks.

17:41 - Sharks with two redirection chances from point shots. Murray makes the necessary saves.

20:00 - The puck has dropped at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens are back in action against the Sharks! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins continue their trip out west

By: MF, 

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins are in San Jose to take on the Sharks. They are coming off a great win against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

Follow tonight's game action here:

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Sheary
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Dea - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Hunwick - Oleksiak

DeSmith in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 1 Sharks 2

3rd Period
0:00 - That does it for this game. The Sharks end up with the 2-1 win over the Pens. The Pens gave it all at the end, but special teams won the game today for the Sharks.

0:17 - Timeout called by the Pens.

0:24 - Crosby puts one through the goal mouth.

0:55 - Guentzel plays some goalie to deny the Sharks an empty net goal.

1:14 - Malkin and Hertl are set free.

1:43 - Dell denies Kessel's quick shot.

2:12 - Empty net for the Pens.

3:14 - Hornqvist and Malkin get into a pushing and shoving match with Justin Braun and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Hertl also gets involved. We will have some four-on-four hockey play as Malkin and Hertl get matching minors.

3:32 - Dell is still holding strong for the Sharks. Not much time left for the Pens.

6:20 - Dumoulin's shot in the high-slot is blocked by Burns.

8:45 - Kessel with a scoring chance in front if turned away by the pad of Dell. Burns gets the rebound and clears.

12:21 - Labanc ends up getting a lead pass as she knocks down Maatta to get a breakaway. DeSmith shuts him down.

12:50 - Shots are 33-27 in favor of the Sharks.

16:35 - Pavelski gets a chance on a slight breakaway, but DeSmith denies him with a pad save.

18:07 - Hertl scores on the power play. Joe Pavelski easily wins the offensive zone faceoff back to Burns. Burns fires a shot-pass, which hits two players in front. Hertl gains control and puts it behind DeSmith. 2-1 Sharks

18:11 - Oleksiak will head to the sin bin for cross-checking, which gives the Sharks a chance on the power play.

19:59 - Sheary is back on the ice for the third period.

20:00 - We are back for the third period of this 1-1 game. The Pens have to get some pucks behind Dell. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That does it for the second period and things are still tied 1-1.

1:48 - Malkin turns over the puck at the blueline and the Sharks get a two-on-one chance. DeSmith gloves up the shot by Hertl.

2:10 - Crosby with a deflection shot that is denied by Dell.

2:32 - A lot of line juggling going on right now as Sheary is out.

5:08 - Sheary blocks a shot that goes off his left hand. He immediately grabs his hand and heads to the locker room.

5:36 - Reaves lays a hard hit on DeMelo. There are some words exchanged after, but the two players are separated by the referees. FYI: Today is Reaves birthday - Happy Birthday!

5:55 - A goalie battle is taking place this period.

9:13 - The first line of the Pens crash the net and Crosby is able to get the puck back in front, but no one is there and the Sharks clear.

10:24 - Tomas Hertl pokes the puck out to the front of the net where Kevin Lebanc quickly whips it on the net. DeSmith closes the pads and puts his glove behind to keep the puck from squirting through.

11:16 - Time expires on the power play for the Pens.

12:58 - Dell robs Crosby once again!

13:05 - Simon is released and the Pens have a power play for 1:49.

13:16 - Hagelin draws an interference penalty on Dylan DeMelo. 11 seconds of four-on-four hockey.

15:05 - Now the Sharks get another power play chance as Simon is ticketed for slashing.

15:48 - That does it for the Pens power play. They had a great chance with the puck in front but were unable to convert.

17:48 - Back to the power play for the Pens as Burns takes a seat for tripping.

20:00 - Time for the second period. The Pens need to clean up their game (turnovers) and continue to pressure Dell. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:42 - Crosby quickly releases a shot from one knee. It goes off the mask of Dell into the netting.

2:16 - Timo Meier scores. Brent Burns finds Meier with speeding down the wing. He fires a hard shot that beats DeSmith glove side. 1-1 tie game.

6:37 - A successful penalty kill by the Pens. DeSmith looked sharped during the kill.

8:37 - Now the Sharks will head onto the power play as the Pens are caught with too many men on the ice.

9:05 - Shots are 6-5 in favor of the Pens.

12:41 - Pens and Sharks had some good scoring chances. Pens power play comes to an end.

14:41 - The Pens have a lot of energy to start this game. They end up getting the first power play of the game as Melker Karlsson sits for cross-checking.

16:42 - SHEARY SCORES! Sheary forces a turnover in the neutral zone and gets the puck in the zone. Simon gets the bouncing puck from behind the net and feeds a pass out to Sheary. Sheary beats Aaron Dell. 1-0 Pens

18:35 - DeSmith with a quality save to start this one.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in San Jose! The Pens need to come out with speed, put pucks on the net early and often. Lets Go Pens! 

UPDATE

By: MF,

Good evening everyone. I wanted to give you all a quick update.

For those that are unaware, I am a recent college graduate. While working to gain experience after college, I work during events at an arena, I do freelance writing, and am starting up my own business. This all keeps me very busy, but I always make time for this website that I started in high school.

I haven't been able to update during the past few games, which is due to my work at the arena. By the time I get home, the third period is underway or the game is already over. I appreciate everyone's patience during these times and I hope you all understand why I am not updating every game anymore.

I hope to continue to grow this website and will strive to make more time for that.

Thank you! 

Battle in Brooklyn

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action to faceoff against the New York Islanders. This is the second of back-to-back games for the Penguins. They lost their first game at PPG Paints Arena last night to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-0. It was a tough loss for the Penguins as their performance was lackluster on all accounts.

On the injury front, there are no updates. The team also didn't arrive in New York until around lunchtime due to the weather, so there was no morning skate.

The Penguins have to turn things around and play more like they did against the Philadelphia Flyers. That was a great way to start 2018 and they need to bring that attitude tonight. Lets Go Pens!

Follow tonight's game action below:

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Sprong
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Sheary - Guentzel - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Sheahan - Reaves

Defense
Maatta - Letang
Cole - Schultz
Hunwick - Oleksiak

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 4 Islanders 0

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-0 WIN! Jarry earns a 31-save shutout tonight. A great night for the netminder and the team has a whole.

0:47 - Jarry with another solid save. I feel like I can't say this enough tonight. He has played a key part of their win tonight.

2:29 - Once again the Pens penalty kill gets the job done. Jarry a huge part of that.

2:44 - Eberle lets go of a quick shot that is stopped by Jarry. No rebound chance.

4:29 - Cole will visit the box for cross-checking and the Islanders get a late power play opportunity.

6:32 - SPRONG SCORES AGAIN! Schultz keeps the puck in the offensive zone and Sprong ends up with the puck. The Islander defenders drift over to Crosby on the wing, which allows for Sprong to carry the puck to the front of the net alone. He elevates the puck over the glove of Halak. 4-0 Pens

7:47 - In front of the net, Mathew Barzal works the puck through his legs and shoots. Jarry puts the pads together to deny him. Great, save.

9:44 - Islanders get a two-on-one rush. Nelson's shot is stopped by both a sliding Schultz and Jarry.

10:14 - Power play time expires.

12:14 - Power play time for the Pens. Scott Mayfield is sent to the box for interference.

13:08 - Pens get pressured in the defensive zone. Kuhnhackl ends up breaking a stick. Jarry holds strong and eventually, the puck is deflected over the glass. After the whistle, Reaves and Brock Nelson exchange some shoves and words.

14:01 - Islanders crash the net, but Jarry kicks out the puck.

15:58 - Jarry has been really good to start this game. Islanders with some scoring chances, but he has shut them down.

18:00 - Pulock snaps a hard shot on net. Jarry stops the puck and gloves up the rebound with traffic in front.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the great work and not let the Islanders have any breathing room. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That does it for the second period. The Pens hold the commanding 3-0 lead.

0:08 - A huge penalty kill for the Pens. Great job.

0:53 - Kessel's penalty time expires. Islanders still have 41 seconds of a power play left to go.

1:31 - Pens call a timeout.

2:08 - Terrible penalty to take. Hagelin is called for cross-checking. Islanders have a five-on-three power play for 1:17.

2:53 - Kessel is ticketed for slashing and the Islanders get a power play chance.

4:10 - CROSBY SCORES! Crosby with some amazing stick work in the offensive zone to find Sprong. Sprong's shot bounces off the goal and boards back out to Crosby. Crosby banks the puck off Halak into the net. 3-0 Pens

4:47 - Another great shift by the Pens. They have been putting the pressure on the Islanders. Solid second period.

10:13 - Jarry with a solid save with traffic in front. He has been great in this game for the Pens.

11:48 - That does it for the power play. Eberle is set free.

13:48 - Jordan Eberle takes a seat for hooking and that gives the Pens another chance on the power play.

15:00 - Kessel makes a 360 swing around the offensive zone. Once behind the net to outlets a pass short side to Guentzel. His shot goes under the pad of Halak but somehow stays out. Close one.

16:30 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel finds Crosby at the faceoff circle. He slips a pass across the ice to Malkin. Malkin goes on one knee to blow a shot past Halak. A beautiful tick-tac-toe play. 2-0 Pens

16:40 - Jarry comes out of the net to play the puck. He rips one off the glass up to Crosby at the far blue line.

17:51 - Now the Pens will get a chance on the power play as Ryan Pulock sits for tripping.

19:19 - SPRONG SCORES! Crosby wins the puck battle on the boards and a two-on-one develops with Sprong. Crosby holds and dishes a perfect saucer pass right to the stick blade of Sprong who directs it past Halak. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and build off their successes in the first. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end. 0-0.

1:23 - Wow! Jarry absolutely robs Casey Cizikas with a pad save. Remember that save.

1:51 - There is some discussing on a possible Islanders penalty as the puck is shot out of the defensive zone and hits the camera. No penalty.

2:06 - Shots are 8-6 in favor of the Pens.

3:10 - Some good puck management by the Pens.

6:49 - Impressive shift by Simon, Crosby, and Sprong. Looked like the Pens were on the power play. Islanders a finally able to clear the puck and get a change.

7:20 - Crosby's backhanded shot is stopped by Jaroslav Halak.

8:57 - Scramble in front of Jarry, but the Pens get ahold of the puck and clear it up ice.

11:38 - Jarry with a big save on a point-blank shot by John Tavares.

13:50 - The fourth line of the Pens has a great shift. They grind it out in the offensive zone and it leads to a scoring chance for Schultz. His shot ends up going wide of the cage.

15:55 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens. Jarry is locked in.

17:41 - Jarry with a huge save with an Islander right in front battling for the loose puck. Jarry covers for a whistle.

17:55 - Islanders get the first power play of the game as Sheary ist ticketed for hooking.

20:00 - Game time! The Pens have to find some confidence and build some momentum. Time to get those critical two points! Lets Go Pens! 

Pittsburgh Penguins travel back to the 1970s

By: MF,

It is a groovy night for some hockey in Pittsburgh! The Penguins are hosting the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG Paints Arena with a 70's theme night taking place.

The Penguins are coming off a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers to start 2018. The win puts the Penguins within two points of taking over the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes currently hold the second wild-card position. You can see the standings here.

Tuesday's game against the Flyers was good for the Penguins as they scored both on the power play and during five-on-five play. However, there were some injuries that occurred. Firstly, Tristan Jarry was unable to finish the game due to an injury to his hand. He did participate in the morning skate today and is ready to go for tonight. That is the only good news for the injury list. Brian Dumoulin and Carter Rowney join the list after suffering injuries during the Flyers' game. Dumoulin is day-to-day with a concussion. As for Rowney, he is out a minimum of four weeks with an upper-body injury.  Lastly, there are no updates on Bryan Rust or Chad Ruhwedel who still have no timelines.

Two points. That is the focus for the Penguins tonight. They need to get take the momentum from the Flyers' game and keep building off that success. This is the first game of a back-to-back situation with the Hurricanes being the opponent right now. Lets Go Pens!

Follow tonight's game action below: 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Sheary
Kessel - Malkin - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Guentzel - Sprong
Kuhnhackl - Sheahan - Reaves

Defense
Hunwick - Letang
Cole - Schultz
Maatta - Oleksiak

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 0 Hurricanes 4

3rd Period
0:00 - This game comes to an end. The Hurricanes get the 4- win and two points. Pens didn't match their play at all. They need to fix that before tomorrow's game against the Islanders.

4:38 - Murray shuts the five-hole to deny Aho of his hat-trick.

7:27 - Aho scores. Aho redirects a shot from the point in front. It goes over the glove of Murray. 4-0 Hurricanes

10:46 - Aho scores. Aho gains the zone and stays out of the reach of Schultz. He turns to the backhand in front and puts the puck through the five-hole of Murray. 3-0 Hurricanes

11:02 - Pens are showing their frustration.

12:15 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

14:15 - Sheary's shot attempt is knocked away by the blocker of Ward. Faulk ends up hitting the puck over the glass. He will get a delay of game penalty. Power play time for the Pens.

17:35 - Solid start to this period for the Pens. They have three shots, not to mention how many have been blocked or missed the net. Pens looking to break the ice and get an early one.

17:56 - Ward finds himself deep in the blue paint. Crosby backhands a put out to Simon in front. Ward denies him down low.

18:33 - Malkin's line generates some offensive in front of Ward. Sheary gets the loose puck and puts it back on net. Ward holds strong and the Hurricanes clear the puck.

20:00 - We are back for the third period. The Pens need to come out with an answer to counter the Hurricanes gameplay. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Pens are down 2-0 to the Hurricanes.

0:12 - Simon wrist shot is turned away by Ward. The best chance of the period for the Pens.

1:47 - Hurricanes are taking it the Pens right now. Murray comes up with two big saves. Pens haven't had a shot on the night since the nine-minute mark of this period. They only have nine total shots on net.

3:07 - Teuvo Teravainen scores. Jaccob Slavin jumps up in the play and goes across the ice to Sebastian Aho. Murray comes out to challenge Aho who slides the puck to the center. Teravainen picks up the loose puck and puts it into the open net. 2-0 Hurricanes

3:30 - Murray covers up the loose puck in front as Skinner is boxed out by Schultz.

5:35 - Pens are having trouble generating shots. Hurricanes are very tight checking and disciplined. They are working well and bottling the Pens up in the defensive zone. Pens have to do something.

8:13 - Another icing by the Pens. They are not in sync with each other. Head Coach Mike Sullivan has shown his displeasure for the guys not hunting down the puck and getting control.

10:28 - The Pens power play chance comes to an end. At the end of the power play, Jordan Staal drove out to poke the puck up to Brock McGinn who was in alone. Murray is able to kick away McGinn's shot.

12:28 - Now Skinner heads to the box for delay of game. The Pens get a critical power play chance.

13:10 - Jeff Skinner scores. Skinner pokes the puck off the stick of Cole. He works around and gets a lane. He snipes one past the glove of Murray. 1-0 Hurricanes

13:45 - Much like the first period. Not many whistles or shots, which are 10-8 in favor of the Hurricanes. The only penalty belongs to the Pens. Side note: The Hurricanes are the least penalized team in the league.

15:46 - Joakim Nordstrom fires a shot just wide of the net.

17:07 - Hunwick and Malkin both get quality scoring chances that are denied by Ward.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to put some pressure on Ward. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That does it for the first period. Things are 0-0.

0:12 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

1:31 - Justin Faulk is left all alone in the slot area. Murray denies his slapper shot. A great save.

2:12 - The first penalty goes to Kessel for slashing. Hurricanes bring out their power play unit.

3:28 - Murray and Ward have been sharp in this period.

4:36 - Trevor van Riemsdyk comes flying down the wing. Murray comes out to the top of the blue circle to cut down the angle and stops van Riemsdyk's scoring chance.

6:02 - Not much to update on. Shots are tied at 3-3. All those shots were quality chances, but quite a few stick infractions by both teams. Referees seemed to have swallowed their whistles for now.

8:38 - Cole fires a shot from the blue line that gets through traffic. Ward gloves it up for a whistle.

9:17 - Ward denies a Pens' scoring chance and the Hurricanes get to the loose puck to get a rush up ice. Murray turns away their chance with a blocker save.

10:58 - It has been awhile since there has been a whistle. Low shot total still as both teams have two apiece.

11:50 - Both these teams have talented puck handlers. It makes for an interesting game.

13:01 - Crosby gets a scoring chance, but the puck is just knocked out of his reach.

15:20 - Hornqvist's shot in front is kicked out by Cam Ward.

16:19 - Shots are 1-1. Decent start for the Pens. Malkin with an unreal move in the defensive zone and is able to get a chance up ice.

20:00 - The game is underway! Pens need to build off their win in Philly and get these critical two points. Lets Go Pens!

A New Year (Game updates - Penguins @ Flyers 1/2/18)

By: MF,

Follow tonight's game action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers below:

Injury update: Justin Schultz and Kris Letang return to the lineup tonight.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel
Guentzel - Sheahan - Sprong
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Cole - Schultz
Maatta - Oleksiak

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 5 Flyers 1

3rd Period
0:00 - PENS WIN 5-1! The Pens start off 2018 with a huge win over the Flyers. Now they need to build off this and keep things going.

1:01 - Really impressive work by the Pens even with injuries that have occurred throughout the game.

3:29 - Great penalty kill by the Pens.

4:04 - Murray robs Filppula in front with a pad save.

5:29 - Back onto the power play for the Flyers. Cole takes a seat for tripping. This is the Flyers fifth power play of the game.

5:56 - OLEKSIAK SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! HIS FIRST GOAL AS A PENGUIN! Crosby slides a backhanded pass to Kessel who fires a shot on one-knee. Neuvirth makes the initial save and Malkin ends up chipping the puck across the goal mouth. Oleksiak steps up to fire the puck in the open net. 5-1 Pens

6:15 - Oleksiak fires a hard shot that Provorov takes off the inside of his skate. He is limping around.

7:41 - Now the Pens get a chance on the power play as Raffl is sighted for interference on Maatta.

11:18 - Schultz fires a shot from the blue line that is blocked down by Neuvirth.

12:03 - Another solid penalty kill for the Pens.

14:03 - Flyers get a power play chance as Kuhnhackl is ticketed for tripping.

14:52 - First fight of the game. Oleksiak drops the gloves against Brandon Manning. He easily wins the fight, but it now icing his hands. Pens need him with Dumoulin still out of this one.

19:50 - Oleksiak is back on the ice after going to the locker room during the second period.

19:59 - Michal Neuvirth takes over in net for the Flyers. As for the Pens, Murray is still in net for the injured Jarry. No updates on the other injuries for the Pens right now.

20:00 - Game on! The Pens have to keep up the hard work and wrap this game up. 20 minutes to go. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Pens have a 4-1 lead over the Flyers.

1:03 - The bench is getting shorter for the Pens. Dumoulin went back to the locker room earlier and now Oleksiak went to join him.

2:00 - Raffl comes down the wing and takes the puck right to the side of the net. Murray holds the post to keep the puck out.

3:04 - Power play time is up for the Flyers.

4:12 - The puck goes off the back post behind Murray. It ends up going out the other end. Close call.

5:04 - Guentzel ends up lifting the puck over the ice in his defensive zone. He will take a seat for delay of game. Flyers get a critical power play.

5:26 - Jarry is headed to the locker room. Murray takes over in net.

6:34 - KUHNHACKL SCORES! Sheahan feeds a backhanded pass to Kuhnhackl in the slot. Provorov is unable to poke the puck away from Kuhnhackl, who gets ahold of the puck and fires it past Elliott. 4-1 Pens

7:16 - Michael Raffl gets a breakaway, but he sends it out the other side. Jakub Voracek gets the puck again and ends up finding Shayne Gostisbehere. Jarry makes the pad save and dives out to cover the rebound. The trainer comes out to check Jarry as he takes off his blocker glove. He looks to be in some discomfort but stays in.

8:11 - SHEARY SCORES! Cole battles on the boards and gets the puck. He chips it up into the neutral zone. Sheary out skates MacDonald to get the puck and is in all alone against Elliott. He doesn't miss. 3-1 Pens

8:20 - Sheary is back on the bench. He has been absent since early in this period.

8:51 - REAVES SCORES! Reaves fights behind the net with Ivan Provorov for the puck. He gets it out front. Reaves then goes to the front of the net and battles for position. Reaves ends up finding the puck and puts it five-hole on Elliott. 2-1 Pens

9:31 - Jordan Weal scores. Radko Gudas fires a shot from the blue line. Weal screens Jarry and gets a piece of the Gudas shot to redirect it past Jarry. 1-1 tie game.

10:25 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin sits at the blue line and goes across the ice to Kessel. Kessel gains the zone and passes over to Crosby who is driving down the center. Crosby goes back to Kessel. He quickly releases the puck and it blows past Elliott. 1-0 Pens

10:51 - Pens are getting their first power play of the game as Konecny is called for tripping. The crowd strongly disagrees with the call...shocking.

10:53 - Dumoulin is back.

11:49 - Jarry has been solid for the Pens. Very impressive.

13:17 - Dumoulin takes a puck up high. It hits him on the side of the helmet. One could hear that puck hit his helmet. He skates off and heads to the locker room.

13:22 - Andrew MacDonald backhands a hard shot. Jarry kicks out the pad to deny him.

14:32 - Guentzel finds Sprong open in the slot. His shot goes just wide of the net.

17:13 - To show the importance of Letang being in the lineup. His first game back and he leads the Pens in ice time. He is a beast.

18:07 - A very successful penalty kill for the Pens. They kept the Flyers from setting up in the offensive zone. The best scoring chance on that power play was Guentzel's chance. Elliott denied with a pad save.

20:00 - Second period time. The Pens have 1:53 left to kill off the Letang penalty. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period. Things are 0-0.

0:07 - A late penalty by Kris Letang for high sticking. Flyers get a power play.

0:34 - Kessel lets go of a quick shot on the wing. Elliott gloves up the puck.

1:58 - Reaves and Wayne Simmonds have exchange words and hugs in front of the Pens' net. The usual behavior.

2:52 - Shots are 9-4 in favor of the Flyers. The Pens are starting to get shots through.

4:05 - Good transition through the neutral zone for the Pens, which leads to a scoring chance for Kessel. Elliott denies him.

6:50 - Pens are getting outshot 6-2, but a solid start to this one. Pens can build off this start. Jarry is locked in.

8:38 - The Flyers get a two-on-one chance. They are unable to develop the play and end up losing the puck in the process.

9:31 - Shot number two for the Pens goes to Hornqvist, who gets a chance at the side of the net. Brian Elliot holds to keep the puck out.

11:57 - Travis Konecny gets the puck on net, but Jarry is able to kick it out. Pens end up icing the puck.

13:25 - Shots are 2-1 in favor of the Flyers.

16:29 - Physical. The Pens establishing their physical game early.

19:30 - Valtteri Filppula's wrist shot rings off the crossbar.

20:00 - The puck has dropped and the first game of 2018 is underway for the Pens. They need to get things back on track and get these two points. Lets Go Pens!