Time to finish this series in five

By: MF,

A huge day for Pittsburgh hockey as the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare for Game 5 against the New York Rangers at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins have a 3-1 series lead over the Rangers and can eliminate them with a win, today, to move onto the Second Round of the National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs. The Penguins are 9-3 all-time when they lead a series 3-1.

However, it will not be an easy task as the Rangers will be in desperation mode with their season and chance of winning the Stanley Cup at stake. Memories of last season come to mind as the Penguins were in the same situation last year, but that ended with the Rangers winning three in a row to move on and end the Penguins playoff run. This was a learning experience for those Penguin players that still remain. Captain Sidney Crosby’s biggest takeaway from that series was to make sure that the team’s desperation level is where it needs to be for today’s game. As for Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS), the past is in the past. He wants the team looking forward. HCMS stated that this group is completely different and they are not going to let old ghost haunt them.

The Penguins have been getting able to win with a great netminder to back the team up. Matt Murray has been exceptional the last two games. He became the youngest goalie in Penguins history to start and win a playoff game. Murray also became the Penguins first rookie goalie to record a postseason shutout. With this two postseason wins he joins Les Binley (four wins in 1970) and Frank Pietrangelo (two wins in 1991) as goalies in Penguins history to win their first two playoff starts. Murray did admit to having nerves at the start of each game, but it has helped him to have veteran teammate Marc-Andre Fleury around to help him through such times.

With Murray holding down the fort in net, the Penguins offense has been doing their part. For starters, Evgeni Malkin is getting his groove back. In Thursday’s game, Malkin had a four-point net (2^nd career four-point playoff game). Under HCMS, the power play is 23.6% with Malkin. Malkin also joined the top five Pittsburgh all-time playoff goal scorers coming in fifth with 44 goals. Crosby holds third with 46 goals and of course, Mario Lemieux sits at the top with 76 goals. In addition, the Penguins are getting production from their other lines. Conor Sheary scored his first NHL playoff goal in Game four while Eric Fehr’s game-winning-goal in the same game was the first of his NHL playoff career.

The Penguins will have to stay focus, play smart, put pucks on net, and keep the pressure on the Rangers. They have to meet the desperation level of the Rangers and put them down early. Time to finish this series in five! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Fehr

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rust

Defense

Maatta-Letang

Dumoulin-Daley

Cole-Lovejoy

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 6 Rangers 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS HAVE WON 6-3 AND ELIMINATED THE RANGERS! WE ARE MOVING ONTO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE 2016 PLAYOFFS! WHAT A SERIES WIN AND A WAY TO PUT THIS ONE BEHIND US! WE WANT THE CUP! 

3:29 - First line for the Pens get some offensive zone time, which was the most they have had this period.

6:28 - Rangers are dumping the puck in or trying to skate with the puck into the zone, but the Pens are clearing well. For the times they don't clear, Murray is there to hold off the pucks.

8:46 - The Pens are playing defense right now. Murray is having to make some huge saves as the Rangers are throwing everything at the net.

11:19 - Murray with another big save on a knuckler by Yandle and saves the second chance.

11:57 - The Pens get a 3 on 2 chance, but Giradi makes a sliding play to break up the play.

12:54 - Murray with a huge save on Kreider. The Rangers are getting some quality chances on net.

14:00 - Rangers out shooting the Pens 9-1 in the third.

14:22 - Diaz scores on the power play. Diaz fires from the point again and is able to put this one past Murray. 6-3 Pens

14:57 - Murray makes a huge on a shot from Diaz at the point with Nash in front.

15:02 - Kessel sits in the box as Murray is called for tripping and the Rangers head onto the power play. Another huge penalty kill for the Pens.

15:14 - Murray holds strong as Hayes cuts across the goal mouth trying to put one in.

16:51 - The Pens defense is doing a good job of keeping the Rangers from getting quality chances. Rangers don't seem to have the same jump in their step as the first period.

19:58 - Raanta will replace Lundqvist for the third period.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure as the Rangers will be beyond desperate! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens have the 6-2 lead over the Rangers!

0:58 - RUST SCORES! Malkin forces a turnover! Malkin and Rust get a 2 on 1 chance! Malkin goes over to Rust who puts one past the glove of Lundqvist! 6-2 Pens

1:28 - Consol is full of energy and this crowd is going nuts. Taunting Lundqvist, cheering, and having fun. Great energy for the Pens.

2:06 - Crosby has been all over the ice today.

3:42 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby fights off M.Staal and gets a pass across to Sheary in the slot area! Sheary fires a laser shot past the glove of Lundqvist! 5-2 Pens

3:54 - The Pens kill it! Murray was huge in net and the defense in front was on it.

5:54 - Rangers to the power play as Sheary sits for high-sticking.

6:46 - Zuccarello is stopped point blank by Murray. The Pens collapse and Murray is able to cover the loose puck.

7:34 - Rangers kill off the Pens power play.

8:50 - Crosby rings one off the post!

9:34 - Moore heads to the box and the Pens onto the power play.

10:34 - CULLEN SCORES! The Pens lift the puck out of their zone and Rust goes flying down the ice! He battles and the Ranger coughs up the puck! Cullen follows to pick up the loose puck and fire it past Lundqvist! 4-2 Pens

11:12 - Murray with a solid pad save on a deflected shot.

14:39 - RUST SCORES! Cullen goes back to Daley who is cutting across! Daley makes a shot/pass to Rust at the side of the net! Rust puts it in the open net! 3-2 Pens

16:35 - Daley with a shot that is loose in the blue paint. Crosby tries to get a stick on it, but Rangers fall down along with Lundqvist to protect the net. What a close one for the Pens.

17:11 - Malkin fires a shot while falling down that is saved by Lundqvist.

19:33 - Kreider rips a quick shot on net, but Murray's glove is faster. He holds for the whistle.

20:00 - Second period is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed and take control of this one! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and this one is tied 2-2.

1:03 - Shots are 14-10 in favor of the Rangers. However, the Pens are starting to take control.

2:44 - Letang and Nash are released. Both teams back to full strength.

3:35 - Crosby with two great chances. One hits the post and the other is stopped by Lundqvist. Sheary and Crosby are clicking well.

4:44 - We will get some 4 on 4 hockey as Letang and Nash get matching minors for slashing.

5:18 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens! Murray was solid.

7:18 - Now the Rangers will get a chance on the power play as Malkin heads to the sin bin for tripping. Huge penalty kill for the Pens.

8:21 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby finds Kessel entering the zone with speed! Kessel is in alone and snipes one top shelf! 2-2 tie game

9:18 - Skjei sits for boarding and the Pens will get the first power play of the game.

9:25 - Rangers score. Murray makes the first save on a Ranger shot, but the puck is loose in front. Hornqvist comes crashing with his guy, but the puck bounces off his skate and into the net. 2-1 Rangers

10:10 - HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin passes behind the net over to Kessel then goes to the far post! Kessel finds Hagelin, who directs the puck past the toe of Lundqvist! 1-1 tie game

10:28 - Sheary does some good defensive work to keep the Rangers from forming an odd-man situation.

12:49 - Kuhnhackl gets a quality chance on Lundqvist, but is unable to put it past the netminder.

13:09 - Starting to see a bit of a push by the Pens. They get some time in the offensive zone, which they haven't really see much of yet.

15:33 - Pens are on their heels, but they need to weather the storm. Nothing new for them. They need to gather themselves and push back.

17:24 - The start of this one has been all Rangers. They have come to play and with speed. Pens need to bounce back.

18:58 - Nash scores. Girardi fires from the blue line and Nash is able to get a stick on it to deflect it past Murray. 1-0 Rangers

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens have to put the pressure on the Rangers early and match the desperation level of the Rangers! Time to finish this in five! Lets Go Pens! 

Series lead at stake in the Big Apple

By: MF,

We are in the Big Apple at Madison Square Garden (MSG) to watch Game 3 in the first round of the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers.

On the injury front, Marc-Andre Fleury (concussion) has been ruled out for this one. However, Matt Murray (upper-body) is an option per Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS). UPDATE: Matt Murray will be starting in the net for the Penguins tonight. For the Rangers, Ryan McDonaugh will be back in the lineup since breaking his hand.

The series is currently tied at one a piece and the Penguins look to steal a win on the road tonight. The Penguins are 23-11 all-time in Game 3 on the road and have won 15 of their last 24 visits to MSG (both regular season and playoffs). This season they swept the Rangers at MSG, winning both road games, making it a first since 2012 for Pittsburgh.

The offense is going to be key against the Rangers as Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best netminders in the NHL. Phil Kessel has had success this series as he scored two goals on Saturday. He has been picking his game up lately. Also, the team has received a boost with the return of Evgeni Malkin. Malkin returned in Game 2 after missing 16 straight. He was not happy with his performance in that game and believed that his play wasn’t at 100%. However, Malkin is feeling much better heading into tonight’s game. This year, Malkin has four points (one goal and three assists) in two games played against the Rangers.

With the Penguins having plenty of offensive power, they must also focus on playing smart hockey. They have to be ready to play defensive hockey and keep Murray’s crease empty. They need to pressure often and not give the Rangers any room. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz-Crosby-Hornqvist

Sheary-Malkin-Fehr

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rust

Defense

Maatta-Letang

Dumoulin-Daley

Cole-Lovejoy

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 3 Rangers 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-1 WIN OVER THE RANGERS IN GAME 3! MURRAY WAS SOLID IN THE NET! THE GUYS STEP THINGS UP TO TAKE BACK CONTROL OF THE GAME! THEY LEAD THE SERIES 2-1!

0:12 - LETANG SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Letang with great defensive work to get the puck and puts it in the empty net! 3-1 Pens

1:22 - Empty net for the Rangers.

3:52 - Stalberg goings flying into Lundqvist. The netminder is shaken up on the play, but remains in the game.

5:05 - Bodies are flying all over the ice. Mostly the Pens doing the flying, but they are bouncing right back up and keep pressuring.

5:32 - Fehr with some good defensive work to keep the Rangers from setting up in the Pens' zone.

6:28 - Kessel gets a chance with only one Ranger defender back. He gets two shots off, but they go wide. Quality chance.

7:29 - Murray makes two quick pad saves and the Pens are able to clear. Rangers re-enter the zone and Murray comes up with a save on Yandle.

8:54 - Nash lays a hard hit on Fehr in front of the benches. Fehr bounces right back up to get involved in the play.

11:10 - Things are getting more physical, which is saying something since the whole game has been physical especially the Rangers play.

12:32 - The first line gets some good offensive zone time and get a chance or two on net.

15:42 - CULLEN SCORES! Cullen gets the loose puck as Yandle and Boyle run into each other at the blue line! Cullen is in all alone and puts it through the five-hole of Lundqvist! 2-1 Pens

16:18 - Sheary uses his speed to get to a loose puck on the boards in the offensive zone. Lundqvist stays in net. Sheary fires one, but Lundqvist makes the necessary save.

17:55 - E. Staal gets a pass up ice, but his slapper is sit into the netting by the stick of Malkin. Nice defensive work.

20:00 - Third period is underway! The Pens need to keep pressuring, get traffic in front, and play smart! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and things are tied at one.

0:43 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel makes a shot/pass to Crosby, who is at the side of the net! Crosby deflects the puck with his stick past Lundqvist! 1-1 tie game

1:01 - Late power play chance for the Pens as M. Staal is called for hooking.

1:46 - Lines are being mixed up for the Pens. Sheary and Kunitz have switched spots.

2:57 - Rangers get some extended zone time, but the Pens are finally able to clear.

4:50 - Kessel with a shot that is kicked out by Lundqvist. Murray makes his own pad save at the other end.

5:59 - Letang jumps up to keep the play alive in the offensive zone and pivots to backhand one on net! Lundqvist with the save. Good chances for the Pens.

6:54 - Bodies are flying everywhere as both teams are dealing out some big hits.

8:57 - The Pens are starting to come on a bit in the second. Need to keep pressuring.

10:03 - The penalty kill for the Pens is on it as they kill another Ranger power play. Nice work by Murray on that one.

12:03 - Malkin is nabbed for tripping and the Pens will have to kill off another Ranger power play.

12:05 - The Pens get some sustained pressure in the offensive zone and they do a good job of cycling. Nice work after having a bad start to this period.

14:42 - Successful penalty kill once again for the Pens. They need to get some offense going and put traffic in front of Lundqvist.

16:42 - Now the Rangers will head onto the power play as Daley is sent to the box for roughing after a scrum ensues in front of Murray.

17:38 - Kreider is set free and the Pens power play comes to an end.

19:21 - Nash scores a shorthanded goal. Klein throws the puck up the ice and Nash picks it up. He flies by the defense and rifles one past Murray. 1-0 Rangers

19:38 - Another power play opportunity for the Pens as Kreider is called for boarding

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure, get traffic in front, and not the Rangers have any room! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end with things scoreless.

0:49 - Kreider gets a chance down the wing and has a step on the Pens. Murray gets a piece of it!

3:02 - Letang and Kunitz sit for the Pens. Hayes and Stalberg sit for the Rangers. Scrum ensued between them all in front of the benches. No manpower lost for either team.

4:04 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Bonino did a great job to get a scoring chance for Hagelin. The penalty killers were on it and did an unreal job to kill off the Ranger power play.

7:04 - The Rangers ended up scoring on the power play, but the Pens use their coach's challenge. The referees rule the play offsides and the goal doesn't count. The Rangers still have a power play for over three minutes.

7:18 - Now the Rangers will have a power play for 3:28.

7:50 - Sheary is sent to the box for high-sticking and it will be a double minor. 4 on 4 hockey for 32 seconds.

9:18 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as M. Staal sits for tripping.

9:50 - Good start for both teams. It's currently a battle of the goalies. Both Murray and Lundqvist are making huge saves.

12:01 - Murray is making alert and solid saves to start this one. Good to see him getting into this one and getting the rust off...if there was any to begin with.

13:57 - Murray comes out to cut down the angle and makes a huge save. The Pens head down to the other end where Lundqvist makes a big save.

16:56 - The Pens are buzzing around the Rangers' net. Sheary does some great stick work to keep the puck alive and to get some chances. Lundqvist is finally able to cover for the whistle. 

18:49 - Murray makes a solid glove save to start off. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped at MSG! The Pens have to play smart, get traffic in front, and keep up the pressure! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins look to vote Senators out of Office

By: MF,

The magic number is three as the Pittsburgh Penguins look to clinch home-ice advantage heading into the 2016 NHL Playoffs. A win tonight would be a significant step towards that goal. They will have to get past the Ottawa Senators tonight for those points. Even though the Senators were eliminated from the playoffs, they can still put a damper on things for the Penguins.

Even with the team battling injuries to some key players, the Penguins are finally clicking under the director of Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS). Since his take over on December 14, 2015, they are 31-15-5. Overall they are 12 for their last 13 games and have won 20 road games for the ninth consecutive season, excluding the 2012-13 shortened season. Currently, the team is riding a six-game win streak and have won six-straight on the road. This is a team that is getting help from the whole lineup, and everyone is invested in the systems set up by HCMS.

During their six-game win streak, the Penguins have 19 players that have a point, 14 have a goal, and eight have five-plus points. They are also averaging 38.7 shots per game. The Penguins are putting shots on net and getting rewarded for it. No one is on fire more than Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, who are leading the way. Crosby has two goals, four assists, and six points during the streak and earned his 600th National Hockey League (NHL) career assist. As for Letang, he has two goals, seven assists, and nine points during the same span.

The defense has been a key to the Penguins winning. They have the confidence to jump up on rushes and give the Penguins numbers on plays. A big reason for that is the great work by the netminders. Matt Murray has been holding down the fort lately as Marc-Andre Fleury is currently out with a concussion. Murray has gone 3-0-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average this week, which is why the NHL named him the third star of the week. He also earned his first NHL shutout, and his shutout sequence lasted for 122:05. Murray is even riding his five-game winning streak going into tonight's game.

The Penguins need to continue to play their game, pressure and stay focused. If they keep playing the way they have been, then the Senators should be worried along with the rest of the NHL. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr
Sheary - Sundqvist - Bennett

Defense
Daley - Letang
Dumoulin - Lovejoy
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Senators 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS EXTEND THEIR WINNING STREAK TO SEVEN GAMES WITH A 5-3 COMEBACK WIN OVER THE SENATORS! GREAT TEAM EFFORT AND MURRAY HELD DOWN THE FORT WHEN IT COUNTED! 

0:06 - CROSBY SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Letang starts up ice passes over to Crosby who puts it in the empty net! 5-3 Pens

1:50 - Sens have an empty net.

3:12 - Kunitz with a chance!

5:57 - HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin rips a backhanded from the side (hard angle to score from) past the left pad of Hammond! Pens take over the lead 4-3!

9:05 - Murray is caught out of his net and leaves behind a wide open net. Letang comes in big time to prevent a goal. Part-time goalie.

9:36 - Sheary takes a stick blade to the face on a follow through. He heads straight to the locker room as a result. No call on the play.

11:32 - What a great penalty kill by the Pens as Fehr is set free. Unreal job.

12:00 - Five-on-three is killed off as Sundqvist is released. Murray was unreal and the penalty killers were amazing. 28 second power play remaining for the Senators.

13:32 - Not good at all as Fehr is called for elbowing, which gives the Senators a five-on-three power play for 1:32.

14:00 - Now the Senators will get another crack at the power play as Sundqvist is found guilty of high-sticking. Penalty kill time for the Pens.

15:41 - HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin drives down the center and gets the puck around a Senator to put it past Hammond! Things are tied up at three.

17:19 - Good kill by the Pens. Great work by Murray.

19:19 - Penalty killers are called out for the Pens as Letang is off to the box for tripping.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the third period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and take over the lead! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds with the Pens trailing the Senators 3-2.

2:29 - The Pens have gotten their legs moving and are starting to play like they have been for the past six games.

4:47 - CROSBY SCORES! The Pens win the offensive zone faceoff! Letang fires from the blue line, but it's blocked! The puck bounces around the slot area! Crosby picks up at the side and puts it behind Hammond! 3-2 Senators

7:23 - Another successful penalty kill for the Senators.

9:23 - Pens are headed back onto the power play as Robinson makes a return visit to the box.

10:44 - Zibanejad gets a breakaway, but Murray shuts him down! Things are starting to open up.

11:22 - Cullen and Kuhnhackl get a two-on-one chance, but Cullen fires wide!

12:12 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Hornqvist battles behind the net and brings the puck to the front! Hammond makes the first stop, but Hornqvist keeps whacking at the loose puck! It bounces up over the skate of Hammond! 3-1 Senators

12:21 - Senators kill off the Pens power play. Hammond was solid for them in the net. Schultz is back from the locker room.

14:21 - Now a chance for the Pens on the power play as Robinson takes a seat for boarding. His his on Schultz was hard. Schultz heads to the locker room.

15:13 - The Pens need to get moving, play physical, work it deep, shoot the puck, and play their system of hockey if they want to get back into this one.

16:27 - Smith scores. This is not good. Smith comes flying in and fires a hard shot over the shoulder of Murray. 3-0 Senators

17:39 - Hoffman scores. Hoffman fires from the side and it bounces off the stick of Murray, then the arm, and ends up in the back of the net. 2-0 Senators

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to step up offensively, which usually happens during this period! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and the Senators have the 1-0 lead over the Pens.

0:08 - Crosby rings one off the goal post! Now shots are at seven for the Pens.

0:41 - Cullen is able to hunt down the puck and get behind the Senators' defense, but Hammond robs him of a goal.

1:21 - Only four shots so far for the Pens, which is the lowest they have had in a period.

2:10 - Still not much offense for the Pens right now as the Senators are commanding more time in the offensive zone.

4:28 - Murray makes two great saves up front as a result of Dumoulin's stick breaking in front.

6:02 - Kessel makes a great pass play over to Hagelin coming down the wing. He goes over to Schultz who is driving the center. Hammond makes the save.

7:45 - The Senators are getting some quality offensive zone time and the Pens have been more on the defense.

8:17 - Karlsson scores. The Pens lose a defensive zone faceoff. Karlsson tries for a cross-ice pass, but it bounces off Hornqvist and it goes past Murray. 1-0 Senators

10:56 - Not the most exciting start we have seen this season. Though the Pens have proven they are more of a second period team.

14:02 - Good pace to start this game. 

16:28 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens as Lovejoy is set free. 

18:28 - The first power play of the game will go to the Senators as Lovejoy sits for hooking. Murray made two great saves to start this one. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is underway! The Pens need to stick to their systems and play smart! Lets Go Pens!  

Lazy Sunday

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are celebrating fan appreciation night as they host the Philadelphia Flyers in their last home game of the regular season!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz – Crosby – Hornqvist

Hagelin – Bonino – Kessel

Kuhnhackl – Cullen – Rust

Sheary – Fehr – Bennett 

Defense

Daley - Letang

Pouliot - Lovejoy

Cole - Schultz 

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 6 Flyers 2

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS GET THE 6-2 WIN OVER THE FLYERS IN THEIR LAST HOME GAME OF THE 2015-16 REGULAR SEASON! SIX GAME WINNING STREAK! GREAT WORK ONCE AGAIN! 

0:07 - Another sucessful penalty kill by the Pens!

1:39 - FEHR SCORES A SHORTHANDED EMPTY NET GOAL! Cullen and Fehr get a 2 on 1 chance! Cullen makes the pass over the Fehr who doesn't miss! 6-2 Pens!

2:00 - Flyers have an empty net.

2:07 - Flyers will now get a power play chance as Bonino sits for hooking.

3:47 - Simmonds knocks the puck out of the air with a high stick. It bounces off the back of the net behind the crossbar, off the back of Murray, and into the net. The referee waves it off for the high stick by Simmonds. No goal.

4:42 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end.

6:42 - Gostisbehere will head to the box for holding, sending the Pens onto the power play.

7:47 - Things are starting to get out of hand. Kessel gets a slash on the hands after the play.

9:02 - Simmonds puts his stick under the mask of Murray and no call by the ref. Very dirty play.

10:17 - FEHR SCORES! McDonald is falling as Kuhnhackl is going in for the hit and the puck is coughed up! Cullen makes a pirouette play to get the puck to Fehr in the slot! Fehr puts it past Mason! 5-2 Pens

11:56 - Voracek scores. Voracek gets a stick on a shot in front and deflects it past the shoulder of Murray. 4-2 Pens

15:46 - HAGELIN SCORES! Letang fires from the blue line and Bonino redirects the puck to the side! Hagelin gets a stick on it while on his belly to put it in the open net! Hard work pays off! 4-1 Pens

17:24 - Glad to Letang back on the ice and looking alright after the Simmonds hit.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to keep pressuring and playing smart hockey! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:41 - Simmonds scores. Simmonds toe drags and fires one over the shoulder of Murray. 3-1 Pens

1:21 - Murray makes three unreal saves as the scramble ensues in front. Kessel keeps track and helps out defensively.

3:11 - Letang takes a hard elbow/forearm to the head from Simmonds. No call. He seems to be ok, but he is flexing his jaw on the bench.

4:39 - The Pens are still controlling this one. The defense is doing a solid job of jumping up into plays, but not without someone to cover. Not giving the Flyers any odd man chances.

6:30 - Crosby gets a chance at the side, but his shot goes over of the net. I don't think Mason touched that one.

9:26 - HORNQVIST SCORES! HIS FIRST GOAL AGAINST THE FLYERS! Hornqvist gets the puck back as he pressures the Flyers in their zone! His first shot is blocked at center, but he gets the rebound and rifles one past Mason! 3-0 Pens

11:24 - The puck bounces up in the air and Kessel bats it out of air towards the net. Mason had to makes the save. Great hand-eye coordination.

12:09 - Hornqvist gets back to break up a breakaway chance for Voracek and gets his stick in the way. Murray takes care of the rest.

13:07 - Schultz rifles a shot from the point that finds its way through traffic and Mason makes the pad save.

15:19 - The defense of the Pens does a great job of forcing the Flyers offsides.

17:26 - A Flyer is without a stick and Sheary is able to get the puck to Sundqvist right on the doorstep! Mason just gets a piece of the shot.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and stay out of the box! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends with the Pens leading 2-0!

3:14 - BENNETT SCORES! Sheary comes into the zone with two guys covering him! He protects the puck against the back checker, holds, and makes a pass across to Bennett! Bennett finishes the play off! 2-0 Pens

4:22 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel fires a shot that is redirected by Crosby right in front, but Mason makes the save! Crosby gets the rebound and bangs it home as he falls down! 1-0 Pens

4:57 - Now time for a Pens power play as Simmonds heads to the sin bin for hooking.

6:29 - Shots are now 10-4 in favor of the Pens. Not many shots getting to the goalies right now.

8:02 - The Flyers get a cycle going in the offensive zone. Kuhnhackl comes up with two huge blocks and the Pens are able to clear the puck. Kuhnhackl is hunched over the bench though.

11:08 - Nice puck movement by the Pens and they are getting chances, but Mason is doing a good job of controlling things with the glove.

13:57 - Shots are 9-4 in favor of the Pens.

15:39 - Successful kill for the Pens as Cole is set free.

16:21 - Murray does a great job of shutting down two quality chances by the Flyers. Also, the Pens did a solid job of boxing out Flyer players.

17:39 - The first power play of the game will go to the Flyers as Cole is sent off for interference. 

17:51 - Still no shots registered for the Flyers. 

19:36 - Crosby gets a early chance, but Mason lays out to make the save.

20:00 - The puck has been dropped at Consol! Let the battle begin! The Pens have to come out with speed and not let the Flyers control the tempo! Lets Go Pens! 

Every point matters!

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at Consol Energy Center after a weekend of winning (Saturday at Detroit Red Wings and Sunday at New York Rangers) to battle the Buffalo Sabres. The Penguins are 8-1 in their last nine games and have won their last eight games versus the Sabres.

Tonight, the Penguins will once again be without the services of two strong defensemen. Brian Dumoulin is still day-to-day, and Olli Maatta is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The team will have to play smart and not skip out on their defensive duties as a team. Even though they have been coming out with wins, Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS) is not liking the slow starts. He wants to turn that around tonight and set the tone to start the game. This will also help the defense as it will give them a little breathing room instead of getting hammered at the beginning.

At the morning skate, the lines stayed the same, but the power-play saw some change. It will be interesting to see if any of the tweaks produce results. Also, tonight Marc-Andre Fleury will be getting a night off, and Matt Murray will get the nod. He is 4-2-1 on the season with a .935 save percentage and a 1.85 goals-against average.

On offense, Phil Kessel has been heating up and is the third star of the week for the National Hockey League (NHL). He has reached 50 points in the season for the eighth straight season and achieved his first five-point game in his career during Saturday’s game against the Red Wings. He also reached 300 NHL career assists. Furthermore, Sidney Crosby is leading the way for the team and scored the overtime goal to give the Penguins the win against the New York Rangers on Sunday. It was the eighth overtime winning goal for Crosby, which puts him in fourth in team history books. It was also his eighth game-winning goal on the season, which ties him for second in the NHL. Crosby’s numbers against the Sabres are nothing to joke about as he has notched 14 goals, 34 assists, and 48 points in 30 career games against them. Look for him to be a key in the Penguins getting the win.

As for the defense, Kris Letang and Trevor Daley have been leading the way with the defense suffering major injuries. Letang recorded 61:37 minutes on the ice and three points over the weekend. While Daley recorded 55:53 minutes on ice and two points during the same span. The team is 40-18-7 with Letang in the lineup and are 27-14-5 when Daley plays. To say the least, they are key to the Penguins success.

The Penguins have to get on the board early, play smart, and keep up the pressure. They cannot afford to lay back as the end of the season is approaching, and every point matters. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz – Crosby – Hornqvist

Hagelin – Bonino – Kessel

Kuhnhackl – Cullen – Rust

Sheary – Fehr – Bennett 

Defense

Daley - Letang

Pouliot - Lovejoy

Cole - Schultz 

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 5 Sabres 4 SO

Shootout
THE PENS GET THE 5-4 SHOOTOUT WIN OVER THE SABRES! GREAT EFFORT BY THE GUYS! LETANG WAS A BEAST ON DEFENSE! MURRAY WAS UNREAL IN NET! WHAT A COMEBACK! TWO POINTS! 

KESSEL SCORES! 

Murray gets a piece of Eichel's shot with his glove to direct it wide!

LETANG SCORES! FIVE-HOLE! 

Murray makes the save on O'Reilly!

Crosby is denied.


Overtime
0:00 - Well now a shootout will decide things.

0:28 - Murray makes a huge save on Eichel who had a breakaway chance!

0:38 - Hagelin fires one that is gloved up by Johnson.

1:17 - Letang with a great defensive play and he is very tired.

2:47 - Sabres control once again, but Murray is up to the task!

3:55 - Sabres get a 2 on 1 chance, but Murray shuts them down!

5:00 - Overtime is underway! The Pens need to use their speed and skill to end this one early! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime as things are still tied at four.

1:33 - The Pens get some extended time in the offensive zone, but can't put one in. Sabres go the other way and Murray makes a huge save.

3:29 - Couple of tired players on the ice for the Pens as Cole ices the puck.

5:16 - Letang joins the rush, but his shot ends up breaking his stick. Nice thought though.

7:49 - The shooting mindset for the Pens seems to have gone away a bit as they are looking for the perfect play instead.

10:12 - Murray is going to have to stay sharp as the period whines down and things stay tied.

12:05 - The goalies are in a heated battle right now as both teams push.

14:00 - Kessel comes flying down the wing with a jump on the defense, but Johnson comes out to cut down the angle and rob Kessel!

14:37 - Sheary makes an unreal pass from the corner, while battling for the puck, to Bennett. Johnson is just able to get the pad out for the save.

17:20 - Murray makes an incredible glove save as Gionta outlets a pass from behind the net to Foligno in front. Murray shuts it down!

17:47 - Bogosian scores on the power play. Larssson makes a pass through the center of the Pens' zone to Bogosian, who doesn't miss. 4-4 tie game

19:34 - Lovejoy is off to the box for holding. Penalty kill time for the Pens.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the third! The Pens need to keep up the hard work and not let up on the Sabres! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to a close and the Pens gain the 4-3 lead over the Sabres!

0:05 - Sabres power play ends.

0:48 - BONINO SCORES A SHORTY! Hagelin goes behind the net to force Johnson to play the puck! Hagelin gains control and passes to Bonino in front! Bonino puts it in the wide open net! 4-3 Pens

1:13 - KUHNHACKL SCORES A SHORTY! Letang sends the puck up! Cullen and Kuhnhackl get a 2 on 1 chance! Cullen waits for Ristolainen to turn over his stick! When he does, he passes over to Kuhnhackl who puts it in! 3-3 tie game

2:05 - Now the Sabres are getting a power play as Fehr is called for tripping. Big penalty kill for the Pens.

3:46 - Sabres kill off the Pens' power play. Kessel had the best chance, but Johnson robs him.

5:46 - Pens head onto the power play as Fasching sits for hooking.

7:36 - Bennett has a open net chance after Johnson bobbles the puck when he comes out to play it, but it is blocked.

10:41 - Hornqvist rings one off the crossbar! The Pens are getting more physical and hammering the Sabres.

14:05 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby is knocked down, but stays with it to keep the puck in the offensive zone! Sheary comes up with the bouncing puck and blows a shot past Johnson! 3-2 Sabres

16:44 - Great shift by the first line of the Pens following the goal. Johnson holds strong, but the Pens are starting to pressure more.

18:32 - LOVEJOY SCORES! The Pens get a three-man rush as Lovejoy jumps into the play! Rust makes a great cross pass to Lovejoy, who puts one past Johnson! 3-1 Sabres

19:08 - Kunitz and Ristolianen are set free.

20:00 - Time for the second period! We still have 52 seconds of 4 on 4 hockey! The Pens need to wake up, get traffic in front of Johnson, and get some goals on the board! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds and the Pens are down 3-0 to the Sabres.

0:59 - McCabe scores. McCabe comes flying in all alone to receive a pass and put it past Murray. 3-0 Sabres

1:08 - Now time for some 4 on 4 hockey as Kunitz and Ristolainen sit for roughing.

1:32 - Shot mentally starting to take over the Pens as they are down by two.

2:41 - The Pens are not getting enough traffic on offense. When they do, Johnson on been on them. They have to get traffic in front and create second chances.

5:34 - Gorges is set free and the Pens power play is over.

5:55 - O'Reilly scores a shorthanded goal. Legwand gets the first shot that tickles through the five-hole of Murray, but Daley is able to save the day. However, the puck goes off Kessel's stick and back to the front of the net. O'Reilly puts in the loose puck. 2-0 Sabres

7:34 - Back onto the power play for the Pens as Gorges takes a seat for holding.

7:59 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end. Bonino gets a great chance in front, but isn't able to get it past Johnson.

9:59 - Now the Pens will get a crack at the power play as Fasching is sent to the box for hooking.

10:34 - Moulson scores on the power play. Moulson gets the big rebound off Murray's pad save and is able to control to put it into the open net. 1-0 Sabres

12:17 - The first power play will go to the Sabres as Hagelin takes a seat for hooking.

12:47 - Great fore-check by the Pens and it leading to a chance for Bennett up front, but Johnson is able to make a pad save.

13:50 - Crosby is once again feeling it tonight both on offense and defense. He is playing a strong defensive game.

16:05 - Rust gets a rush up the wing and fires one. Johnson makes the save. Letang also gets a chance on net.

17:52 - Sabres try to force the issue early. Murray makes a solid save and holds for the whistle.

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens need to come out and get on the board early, play smart, and keep up the pressure! Every point matters! Lets Go Pens! 

Stars Collide

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action for a second day in a row as they face off against the Washington Capitals. The Penguins are coming off a huge 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, which allowed them to move into the third position of Metropolitan Division.

The Penguins have won five straight games, which is the longest under Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS). He has really installed some good values into the team and they are starting to put together solid wins at the perfect time. They are 14-3-2 in their last 19 games at Consol Energy Center and 9-2-1 this season when they dawn their third jersey. Also, since December 21, 2015 they are averaging 3.74 goals per game at home. It's nice to see their hard work paying off and them putting some space in between them and the other teams hunting for a playoff spot.

The offense has been on firing even without the services of Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins are getting points from all their lines and everyone is working hard. Sidney Crosby, of course, is leading the way for them. He is currently riding a 11-game point streak where he has tallied up six goals, 12 assists, and 18 points. Crosby also is third in points in the National Hockey League (NHL). Crosby is not the only one putting up some solid points. Carl Hagelin has 10 points (four goals and six assists) over this last 10 games played and that includes four game-winning-goals at home. It's great to see him fitting right in to the line-ups.

On defense, Kris Letang is leading the charge. Since January 1st, he has 1.06 points per game. Trevor Daley is also putting some good shots on net and creates some great plays. The entire defense is clicking and playing smarter. They are starting to come into their own as we close in on playoffs.

Tonight, the Penguins have to stay focused for the entire 60 minute game, play smart, stay out of the box, and keep attacking. This won't be an easy game and they can't let up. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Hagelin
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust
Sheary - Sundqvist - Fehr

Defense
Maatta - Letang
Dumoulin - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 6 Capitals 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 6-2 WIN OVER THE CAPITALS! WHAT A GAME AND WAY TO STICK WITH THINGS! THE PENS WERE AMAZING! FLEURY WAS SOLID IN THE NET! PENS MOVE INTO 2ND PLACE OF THE METRO!

0:53 - Pens kill it!

2:53 - Hagelin to the box for interference and the Capitals get a power play.

2:59 - Pens defending their lead well!

4:21 - Pens power play ends.

6:55 - SCHULTZ SCORES A POWER PLAY GOAL! HIS FIRST AS A PENGUIN! Daley puts the puck right in Schultz's wheelhouse and he rifles one past Grubauer! 6-2 Pens

7:18 - Three minute major power play for the Pens. Rust is back on the bench!

8:18 - Weber drills Rust into the boards from behind. A very dirty hit. Kuhnhackl comes to his defense. 4 on 4 hockey as Weber and Kuhnhackl get two minutes and a game misconduct each.

12:32 - Ovechkin nails Dumoulin with a hard hit. Dumoulin needs help up and ends up going to the locker room.

12:42 - KUNITZ SCORES! Kunitz blows one past Holtby and chases him out of the net! Grubauer replaces him! 5-2 Pens

14:26 - Schultz rings one off the post! He had Holtby beat!

14:58 - The crowd is hassling Holtby with the chant of his name. Crowd is fired up!

16:14 - CULLEN SCORES! Cullen receives a stretch pass and is all alone! He fires it at the shoulder of Holtby! It bounces up over this shoulder and into the net! 4-2 Pens

19:49 - Things are even once again...man power wise.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the third period! The Pens have to stick with things and keep playing smart hockey! The Pens start with an eight second power play! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That is it for the second period! The Pens have the 3-2 lead over the Capitals!

1:52 - High sticking penalty will go to Williams and the Pens get the power play chance.

4:03 - KUHNHACKL SCORES! Cullen crosses over the middle on the offensive zone and passes off to the wing! Kuhnhackl goes to one-knee to rip one past Holtby! 3-2 Pens

4:48 - Burakovsky Scores. Burakovsky sneaks behind the coverage and its a breakaway. He puts it past Fleury. 2-2 tie game

4:55 - The power play ends.

5:34 - Things are getting heated and physical. Crosby toe drags for a goal, but the ref looses sight as he goes behind the net, so no goal. Horrible call. Then a scrum ensues. We have two in the box and the Capitals have four. Pens power play continues.

6:55 - Power play time for the Pens.

9:39 - 4 on 2 rush for the Pens, but Kessel's pass is intercepted.

12:05 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens as Cole is set free.

14:05 - Now the Capitals are headed onto the power play as Cole sits in the box for holding the stick.

14:39 - Capitals are starting to bring more heat after breaking the ice with their first goal.

18:42 - Chimera Scores! Chimera gets a edge on Pens defense, Fleury comes out with the poke check. The puck bounces up and goes of Chimera's helmet into the goal. 2-1 Pens

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and play smart! They cannot let the Capitals have any chances! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds and the Pens have the 2-0 lead over the Capitals!

1:08 - Capitals have been very physical towards the end of the first.

2:31 - The Pens can't capitalize on their power play and Oshie is set free.

4:31 - Another power play chance for the Pens as T.J. Oshie heads to the box for tripping.

6:03 - Capitals kill off the Pens power play.

8:03 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Winnik sits for interference.

9:58 - DALEY SCORES! The Pens come up with the puck after a board battle in the offensive zone and Crosby makes a side pass to Daley, who is flying into the zone! He backhands one past Holtby! 2-0 Pens

11:30 - RUST SCORES! Rust gets behind the the Capitals defense and receives a pass right on his stick! He holds and puts it around the outstretched pad of Holtby! 1-0 Pens

11:36 - The Pens have started to get some shots on Holtby, but the Capitals still control the game.

13:47 - Fleury makes an unreal glove save, while on his stomach. He is busy earlier. The Pens need to bounce back.

16:53 - Fleury is on his game early. The Capitals come out with speed and get quality shots on net. Slow start for the Pens, who did play yesterday.

20:00 - The puck has dropped! The Pens have to stay focused for the entire game, play smart, stay out of the box, and keep attacking! Lets Go Pens!-

Penguins look to celebrate Pittsburgh's bicentennial with win

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins need to continue to collect points and put some distance between them and those teams on the outside looking in. They will have to stay focused and play smart for the entire 60 minute game. Lets Go Pens!

Below is a play-by-play of the game for you!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Simon - Cullen - Rust
Kuhnhackl - Fehr - Sheary

Defense
Maatta - Letang
Dumoulin - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Hurricanes 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-2 W OVER THE CANES! WAY TO COME BACK AND GET THOSE BIG POINTS! MURRAY STEPPED UP! CELEBRATING 200 YEARS FOR PITTSBURGH!

1:36 - Pens with the good penalty kill.

3:36 - The Pens need to stay out of the box. They are giving the Hurricanes too many chances to get back into it. Hornqvist is off for tripping.

3:45 - The Hurricanes kill off the short Pens power play.

4:17 - Daley is out of the box and 32 second power play for the Pens.

5:45 - Now Staal will make his way to the box for goalie interference. 4 on 4 hockey for 1:28.

6:17 - Dang another Pens penalty. Daley is called for holding and the Hurricanes head onto the power play.

6:40 - BONINO SCORES! Hagelin puts the puck over the goal, but Kessel picks up the loose puck! He puts it to the rushing Bonino who directs it past Lack! 4-2 Pens

7:38 - Some good defensive work by the Pens to keep the Hurricanes at bay. Guys know their roles and responsibilities.

10:12 - Rask is released from his prison and the Hurricanes are able to survive the Pens power play chance.

10:50 - Hagelin is set free and Pens have a regular power play for 38 seconds.

12:12 - Well this game has seen a lot of 4 on 4 hockey. It will once again as Rask is called for interference on Bonino. 1:22 of 4 on 4.

12:50 - Another power play chance for the Hurricanes as Hagelin heads off for hooking. Big penalty kill for the Pens.

14:00 - Good start to this period for the Pens. They need to be careful as the Hurricanes need this win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Desperate teams are dangerous ones.

17:03 - Nice push by the first line of the Pens. Hornqvist tries to bank one off of Lack, but Lack was able to get back in time.

18:07 - The Hurricanes are able to kill off the Pens man-advantage.

19:53 - Regular 5 on 4 power play for 1:46.

20:00 - One last period of regulation to go! The Pens start the period with a 4 on 3 power play for 14 seconds! They need to take advantage and play smart! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to a close and the Pens have taken the lead 3-2 over the Hurricanes!

0:07 - An bad penalty for the Hurricanes as Hanifin is headed to the box for interference. The Pens get a 4 on 3 power play for rest of period.

1:46 - More 4 on 4 hockey. Murphy is called for tripping, but Hagelin also gets two for embellishment.

2:01 - CROSBY SCORES! The Pens battle on the boards to get the puck loose! Cole makes a shot / pass to Crosby at the side! Crosby goes down to one knee to redirect the shot across his body past Lack! 3-2 Pens

4:54 - The first penalties expire. Rush fresh out of the box gets the puck behind the Hurricanes defense, but his shot goes wide.

5:06 - The Hurricanes will get another crack at the power play as Bonino is called for holding the stick (of another player). 4 on 3 for 11 seconds then a regular Hurricanes power play if they don't score in the 11 second span.

6:54 - Staal and Rust look like they were about to drop the gloves, but things are broken up before that can happen. Each get matching minors and we get some 4 on 4 hockey.

7:44 - KESSEL SCORES! Cullen makes a pass up ice to Cole who pushes the Hurricanes back! Cole goes to Hagelin in front and he kicks the puck over to the wing! Kessel comes in and puts the puck in the open net! 2-2 tie game

8:53 - Staal is denied on his wrap around chance by Murray.

11:13 - Murray comes up with a solid glove save and Dumoulin does a nice job of boxing out guys for Murray.

14:47 - Letang takes a shot up high and is shaken up. He seems to be ok, but still feeling the effects of the block.

16:12 - Nice start for the Pens aside from the one rush by the Hurricanes.

18:26 - Maatta and Letang jump up on a play and get caught, giving the Hurricanes a 2 on 1 chance. Crosby gets back to defend and goes down to block any shot or pass attempt.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to pressure the Hurricanes in their own zone, get traffic in front of Lack, and put pucks on net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds with the Hurricanes holding the lead 2-1 over the Pens.

0:09 - The penalty kill for the Pens is successful.

2:09 - The Hurricanes are rewarded the first power play of the game as Rust is called for boarding.

5:28 - Murray makes a great save on Gerbe as he has a breakaway chance. He is starting to settle in.

6:07 - CROSBY SCORES! Crosby starts from his own blue line and carries done the ice, goes around Slavin! Then he makes a power more to protect the puck from Hainsey, while turning his shot to the backhand as he goes across the blue paint! Lack has no chance! 2-1 Hurricanes

9:54 - There is more of an offensive push by the Pens and they are getting some good zone time. They just need to get traffic in front to put one past Lack.

12:31 - The Pens first line gets some time in the offensive zone and keep the Hurricanes pinned, but are unable to get anything past Lack.

14:46 - Nash Scores. The Pens get sloppy again and turnover the puck in the offensive zone. The Hurricanes cycle and Nash gets the puck up front. He puts it past Murray. 2-0 Pens

16:28 - The Hurricanes have come out flying tonight.

19:17 - D. Giuseppe Scores. The first shot for the Hurricanes ends up being a goal. Kunitz turns over the puck in front and D. Giuseppe makes him pay. 1-0 Canes

20:00 - Puck drop at Consol and it's game on! The Pens need to come out and get on the board early! Get those much needed points! Lets Go Pens! 

Islanders visit Pittsburgh

By: MF,

The New York Islanders are in town to battle the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins are looking to put some distance between them and the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings. Those two teams will also play tonight.

The Penguins have to come out with speed, control the game, and play a complete 60 minute game. Lets Go Pens!

Here is a play by play of the game! Make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@PensHockeyShow).

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Simon - Cullen - Rust
Kuhnhackl - Fehr - Sheary

Defense
Maatta - Letang
Dumoulin - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 2 Islanders 1 SO

Shootout
THE PENS COME OUT WITH THE 2-1 SHOOTOUT WIN! WHAT A GREAT WIN FOR THE GUYS AND A HARD FOUGHT ONE! FLEURY  WAS ONCE AGAIN AMAZING IN NET! A MUCH NEEDED TWO POINTS!

Tavares is denied entry by Fleury!

Kessel denied.

Okposo stopped by Fleury!

Letang Scores!

Nielson denied by Fleury!

Crosby stopped by glove of Berube.


Overtime
0:00 - What a overtime! Still not enough. Headed to a shootout.

0:32 - Two on one chance with Crosby and Kunitz! Kunitz misses a wide open net!

1:23 - Kessel circles, but Berube makes the pad save.

2:10 - Nothing like three on three overtime hockey. Chances all over the place. Goalies holding strong.

3:19 - Bonino robbed by Berube.

3:42 - Fleury with a big save on Nielson's backhand shot.

5:00 - Time to open things up as the puck drops on overtime! The Pens need to play smart, but don't need to be too defensive! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime as things are tied at one still.

2:23 - Things have open up and this game seems to have more energy to it.

3:44 - Rust rifles one that is deflected by Cullen, but it rings off the goal post. Things are heating up.

5:25 - Okposo Scores on the power play. The puck bounces around in front and Fleury goes down and is tangled up with Letang. Okposo slips one under Fleury. 1-1 tie game.

6:43 - Penalty killing team for the Pens as Bonino sits for slashing. Huge kill for the Pens.

7:55 - Great board play by the Pens in the offensive zone. The third line is working hard and being physical.

11:07 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

13:07 - Hickey breaks Crosby stick in half and the Pens will head onto the power play.

14:18 - Some hard battles going on in front of the net.

16:12 - Both teams are back to full strength.

18:12 - Some 4 on 4 hockey time.

20:00 - Puck drop on the third period! The Pens need to stay on their game and get another goal to give them some breathing room! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Pens still hold the 1-0 lead over the Islanders.

2:15 - Power play comes to an end for the Pens. They are still playing a all-around solid game. Good to see them playing a consistent game right now.

4:15 - Time for a Pens power play as Kunitz is hauled down.

5:24 - Such a presence by the Pens and they are playing some smart hockey.

7:50 - The Pens hold the Islanders in their own zone for about two minutes. Great offensive dominance by the Pens. Berube keeps things at one for the Pens.

10:07 - This game is a fast pace one. The Pens are doing a good job of keeping up the pressure, but still playing smart defensively. Fleury is once again on his game.

13:34 - Rust is back on the ice and looks good. He battles in front of the net to create a scoring chance, but Berube denies him.

16:17 - Crosby rips a wrister that is gloved up by Berube. The Islanders have come on during this period, but the Pens are playing well defensively.

17:52 - Fleury makes two solid saves to start this period. Nice work by the netminder.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep playing smart and keep up the pressure! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

2:14 - Rust gets hit by Boychuk and is shaken up. He is hunting on the bench and heads to the locker room.

4:09 - KUNITZ SCORES! The Pens cycle the puck and keep the Islanders pinned in their own zone! Dumoulin fires from the blue line and Kunitz redirects up front! 1-0 Pens

5:22 - The Pens survive and are back to full strength.

7:22 - Islanders will head back onto the power play as Kuhnhackl is sent to the sin bin.

8:16 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end and things are still scoreless.

10:16 - Now time for the Pens to get a chance on the power play as Strait sits for tripping.

12:13 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens as Crosby is set free.

12:58 - Fehr with a shorthanded chance, but Berube makes a hard save.

14:13 - The first power play of the game will go to the Islanders as Crosby is called for hooking.

15:44 - The Pens have had a few good shifts in a role. Good start so far for them.

18:10 - Crosby has two good looks on net. Shots are redirected a bit wide.

19:28 - Fleury makes a solid save on a Islanders' two on one chance.

20:00 - It's hockey night in Pittsburgh! The puck has dropped and the Pens need to come out with speed and get the offense going! Lets Go Pens!