Letang could be back by this weekend.

There are reports that Kris Letang could play this Saturday, but nothing is official.

Also, Ryan Whitney did not have any setbacks with playing any games with his surgically repaired foot, only some soreness, and hopes to be fine and continue playing.

Pens face Bruins tonight.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed a nice Holiday break, but if you are a Pens fan, hopefully you did not focus on them. The Pens still have not gotten back on the right track and continue losing and winning and alternating. I don't think I need to discuss the 2-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. There are a lot of excuses, and I have heard them all, but now I want to see results. We can not continue on a downward spiral like this and expect it not to effect us later.
The Bruins are currently on an 8 game winning streak and sit atop the Eastern Conference. They are one of the best teams in the NHL right now and this will be a good test for the Pens.

Notes:
Hal Gill will be back from injury.
Jordan Staal will become youngest player in NHL History to play 200 games tonight.
Sidney Crosby will be playing in his 250th game tonight.
Bissonnette has been sent back down to the Baby Pens

Crosby passes Jagr's All Star vote record.

Yesterday Sidney Crosby passed Jagr's record of 1,020,736 votes for the All Star game set in 2000. Voting continues until January 2nd. Evgeni Malkin is not so far from breaking Jagr's record as well, so Pens fans want to keep it going!

Also, news from over the weekend, Max Talbot inked a two year contract with the Pens. I was absolutely thrilled to hear this news because Talbot is a player that I love to have on the Pens with the energy he brings on and off the ice! Congrats Max!!

Oh, and also, one thing a reader of my blog pointed out to me (Yes, I actually have at least one consistent reader of this blog!) was that I failed to mention the fact that Bob Smizik, a writer for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has retired. In several blogs of mine, I have mentioned that I usually did not care for his writing though I acknowledged that he occasionally wrote some articles that were complimentary of Pens and their fans, but those were rare. So, farewell to Bob Smizik and I might just throw in a little Hooray too!

Pens play Buffalo Sabres tonight.

Well, after a 6-3 victory over Atlanta that did not showcase the Pens' best effort and then a disappointing 7-3 loss to Toronto the Pens will hope for a better performance for Christmas in the two games played before Christmas Eve. The Pens play the Sabres tonight and the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow. The Pens admit that they have not been playing all that well lately and some may suggest that the injuries to many players are starting to affect the team. Fortunately though, Ryan Whitney, who completed his one game conditioning assignment in Wilkes Barre, is supposed to play in his first game this season tomorrow night against the Lightning if all goes well. Also, Dupuis plans to be back tonight against Buffalo. Hopefully, these additions can boost the Pens. As the Pens have been going through a bit of a slump this month, many teams in the Eastern Conference are picking up, leaving the Pens to tumble. The Pens are currently 7th in the Eastern Conference, but not ahead by much. The Pens need to get back on track before they stumble too far.

Due to bad weather, the Pens took a bus to Buffalo for their game tonight, bringing back memories from years ago for many Pens players. However, all agree that this bus trip is a good thing for the team, especially after a disappointing loss to Toronto because everyone is usually more quiet after such a loss. Therefore, the bus will be another way for the Pens to "hang out together. "

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=399475

Pens and Crosby introduce "Little Penguins-Learn to Play Hockey Program."

Sidney Crosby and the Penguins have announced their Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey program for children 4-8 years old. Reebok and Dick's Sporting Goods will provide the equipment for the children and there will be several participating rinks in the Pittsburgh area.
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=398852

Pens face Atlanta Thrashers tonight.

The Pens had hard practices full of drills recently to get them back on track. The Pens hope to put their skills to the test tonight in Atlanta. Atlanta has the worst penalty-killing in the league and if the Pens can improve their power play numbers tonight, they will take every opportunity and use it wisely, hopefully. The Pens were not pleased with their game against the Flyers and they hope that a little break between games and some full practices will be exactly what they have been needing lately.
As reported yesterday, Talbot and Zigomanis will not be playing tonight.

Fleury starting against Atlanta tomorrow night.

Fleury will be in net for the Pens when they visit Atlanta tomorrow night. He has been out since November 15th with an injury.

With Talbot out and Zigomanis as well, the Pens recalled Jeff Taffe and Ryan Stone from the Baby Pens.

Ruslan Fedotenko will be in the lineup and was back at practice today after missing yesterday's practice due to illness.

New Arena name: Consol Energy Center.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=398194


The new Penguins arena will be named the Consol Energy Center. Consol Energy has a 21-year deal for the naming rights of the arena. The new arena is set to open in time for the 2010-2011 hockey season.

Will Crosby break Jagr's All Star vote record?

As of early this morning Sidney Crosby had 793,995 votes for the All Star game. Well former Penguin Jaromir Jagr set the record for votes in 2000 with 1,020,736 votes. Will Crosby be able to overcome that total and overtake Jagr's record? Only Pens fans can decide!
Not to mention, Crosby's teammate, Evgeni Malkin, who is second in voting currently has a chance to overtake Jagr's record also. As of early this morning, Malkin had 715,663 votes.
So keep voting Pens fans!

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=398380

Pens look to come out stronger after 4 days off.

The Pens carry a 1-4 record from the past 5 games into their current break. They hope to get in some good practices and get a little break from the heavy game schedule they have had lately. Hopefully good practices and a little rest make the Pens come back strong for their next game on Thursday against the Atlanta Thrashers. The Pens also hope to have some reprieve from some injured players as well. Fleury is expected to be the starter this Thursday if he does not aggravate his injury in the next few days. Whitney would like to get in a game before Christmas, but there are no guarantees.

I have to talk about the Pens win over the Islanders last Thursday. It was a great game when obviously the offense was clicking, winning 9-2! It was great to see Sykora FINALLY get his hat trick in the NHL after 38 two-goal games. Just as great was seeing Dupuis get his first hat trick in the NHL as well. It was a great game for the Pens and well needed after a 3 game losing streak. However, it is not great that it was followed by the Pens falling to the Flyers 6-3 this past Saturday.

Sykora was named 2nd star of the week for last week.

Boucher back tonight, Curry in net against Islanders.

Philippe Boucher will be back in the lineup tonight against the New York Islanders at Mellon arena.
John Curry will be in net. His first action this season was against the Islanders on November 26th when he went in after Sabourin was pulled. He had another game a few games later against the Sabres. Curry just wants to contribute a win tonight, he is well aware of how badly the team needs a win after the losses recently.
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=397428

The Pens have sent Ben Lovejoy back to the Baby Pens today.

The Islanders are in a bit of a losing slump recently just like the Pens. Both teams will be desperate for a win. Joey MacDonald, the goaltender for the Islanders, has not been as dominant as of late so we will have to see if he has gotten back on track or if he is still on shaky ground.
I hope the Pens come out strong and just keep working to create chances. Their chances did not go their way last night in the loss to the Devils, but if they continue to work hard, the chances have to eventually go in the Pens' favor! The power play is where some of these chances need to happen for the Pens as it still struggles.

Crosby and Malkin now 1,2 in All-Star voting.

Thanks to Pens fans voting in a dramatic fashion lately, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin now lead in voting for the Eastern Conference. Pens fans need to continue to keep voting so we don't see these leads slip away! So, text PENS to 81812 or vote online!
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=397191

To vote online: http://fanballoting.nhl.com/?intcmpid=ASFBPIT

Pens face Devils tonight.

The Pens are in New Jersey tonight to take on the Devils at 7:00. The Pens will try to improve on their power play that has been struggling for most of the games they have played this season.
The Pens won the last meeting against New Jersey 4-1 with the help of Crosby's hat trick and 4 point night. The Pens will have to battle hard again and try to break the Devil's tough style of play.

The Pens recalled Jeff Taffe and Tim Wallace from the Baby Pens yesterday.
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=397092

Gill out 2-4 weeks, Pesonen re-assigned.

Defenseman Hal Gill will be out of the lineup for 2 to 4 weeks with a shoulder injury.

Janne Pesonen has been sent back to the Baby Pens.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=397004

Sabres stage comeback to beat Pens.

The Pens have done it numerous times this season, make a comeback and win a game either in regulation time or going into overtime. However, the Pens have also been the team to give up leads as well and that is exactly what happened last night at Mellon Arena. The Pens had a 3-1 lead and ended up losing to the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. A disappointing loss and even more disappointing was not scoring on the 2 minute 5-on-3 the Pens had when they were leading. Getting a goal on that 5-on-3 may have been what the Pens needed to win. Ruslan Fedotenko had a 2 goal night and Kris Letang finally got his first of the season last night, too bad they came in a loss.
The Pens face the New Jersey Devils tomorrow night.

Fleury returns to practice.

Fleury was cleared to practice with the team today, but there is still no timetable for his return.
Fleury's healing is essential due to the fact that his injury is one that could be made worse and prolong his time out of the lineup with a return too early.

Crosby now leads in Eastern Conference All Star Votes

Sidney Crosby has taken over the lead for forwards in the Eastern Conference All Star Voting.
Crosby, as of earlier this morning, had 551,401 votes and Alexei Kovalev of the Montreal Canadiens had 513,842 for second place.
Malkin is also gaining votes and inching nearer to that 4th place.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=396833

Pens host Sabres tonight

Coming from a frustrating loss to Ottawa, the Pens will be looking to rebound tonight against the Buffalo Sabres. The game will be on versus and air at 7:30. The Pens lost the last game against Buffalo this season, giving even more motivation to the Pens to earn a win. The last game was a comeback win for the Sabres, something the Pens have been doing quite a bit this season. However, the Pens have also been the culprit of giving up leads quite a bit as well. Something for the Pens to avoid in the future.
Hal Gill will not play tonight after suffering an undisclosed injury and Ben Lovejoy has been recalled from the Baby Pens to take his spot.
Tyler Kennedy is out 4-6 weeks and Zigomanis will not play tonight either.

Kennedy out and Zigomanis 'probable.'

Both Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis suffered undisclosed injuries in last night's game against the Rangers. It has since been determined that Kennedy will not play tonight against the Hurricanes and Zigomanis is listed as probable.
With these injuries, the Pens decided to call up Chris Minard and Janne Pesonen from the Baby Pens.

Pens fall to Rangers in shootout.

The outcome was the same the last time the Pens visited the New York Rangers this season. A 3-2 shootout loss. The Pens played a stronger game, but could not hold on to their 2-0 lead. Both goaltenders played a strong game, especially Lundqvist who robbed the Pens of many chances that would have almost guaranteed a win. When it came to the shootout though, Sabourin fell short, to say the least. While he has not been bad in the shootout this season, Sabourin could not stop any of the Rangers' shots. It is a frustrating loss, but the Pens will be looking to rebound tonight in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Pens go head to head with Atlantic division leader Rangers.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be in Manhattan tonight to face the New York Rangers at 7:00. The New York Rangers are currently leading the Atlantic Division with 36 points, however they have played 4 more games than the Penguins have. The Pens sit in second place with 31 points.
The Pens are 0-0-1 so far this season against the Rangers, losing a shootout on October 25th.

Kris Letang has reverted back to a stick he used to use, as it was strongly suggested by the coaching staff. “We strongly suggested that he change his stick,” Therrien said with a smile. “Maybe sometimes it’s a matter of confidence.” Letang has not scored a goal in 33 games.

Two-headed monster? Isn't there a better name?

When asked for a nickname for both Malkin and Crosby, Crosby said, "That’s for you guys to decide. I’ve never made a nickname for myself. I’m not going to start now. I’m sure whatever they come up with is fine.”
The "they" he was referring to was that of Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey. The name they have dubbed this duo with is "The two-headed monster." Really? That's the best? Well, these are the announcers that often mistake players during the game as well as saying words that are not even words. I think there could be a much better name out there. Dynamic Duo has been seen across signs in the arena for so long now, but perhaps they need an even better name. I don't have any GREAT ideas, but I will try and think of some!
Whatever the nickname people choose to give them, there is no denying how well the two of them have been playing as of late. They currently lead the NHL in points, Malkin first with 39 points and Crosby second with 34 points and they put on quite a show nearly every game. Nickname or no nickname, I can not wait to see more of what these two magnificent players have to offer!

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395537

Crosby and Malkin closing in on All Star votes?

Since polls have opened for the All Star game, the Montreal Canadiens have represented every leader in the Eastern Conference. Many have been wondering if Montreal fans are tampering somehow to get all these votes. Well, according to NHL. com, Pens fans are not going down without a fight! Crosby and Malkin continue gaining and if we all start voting more, I am sure we can make it happen!!

Article: http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395639

To vote online: http://fanballoting.nhl.com/?intcmpid=ASFBPIT

Staal and Cooke named alternates for December.

Coach Therrien announced at practice today that the two alternate captains for the month of December will be Jordan Staal and Matt Cooke.

Malkin was given the day off today to rest. Boucher is "week to week" and Fleury continues to work with conditioning coach Mike Kadar before practices and Ryan Whitney is getting a skate fitted to his foot that was operated on.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395661


Also, the Pittsburgh Penguins brand ranks number 8 out of 122 teams in professional sports. They were number 20 in 2007. "Turnkey surveyed fans from teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB and asked them to rate local teams in 21 different categories. including entertainment value, commitment to winning, ticket value, likeability of the players and ownership."

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395613

Crosby named NHL first star of the week. Malkin named 2nd star of the month for November.

Crosby was the leading scorer this past week with 9 points (6 goals and 3 assists) making him the NHL's number one star of the week.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395434

Malkin was second among leaders of points for the month of November, registering 23 points. (7 goals, 16 assists) Making him the NHL's second star for the month of November.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395472

Pens to start another road trip.

After a little holiday break, I am back!
The Pens, during my break, had a mix of results. They won last Wednesday against the Islanders 5-3. Oh, and surprise, surprise, it was a comeback win!! Malkin's hat trick seemed to help out quite a bit. This game Crosby and Malkin were excellent playing together!
Then that Friday we lost to the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. The Power play seemed to be the culprit of this loss. Everyone became aware that it needed to improve.
That brings us to the last game, this past Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. The Pens won 4- 1 and Crosby recorded his second career hat trick, his first one at Mellon Arena. The Power play was more effective this game and hopefully the Pens can keep it up.

The Pens will now begin a road trip taking them from New York to play the Rangers, to Carolina for the Hurricanes, and then to Ottawa for a matchup against the Senators before they are home on the 8th to play the Sabres.
As most players say, road trips are important to stay on task and focus on each game. The schedule not only includes this road trip, it also features a number of back to back games, which the Pens just completed their second such sequence this past weekend for the season. The Pens will play back to back games on this upcoming road trip and will have another 3 sequences like that just in the month of December. December may be a tougher month with the schedule, but the Pens seem to be getting more and more on track.