Pens face off against Blackhawks tonight.

The Pens are in Chicago tonight to take on the Blackhawks and they will do so without Sidney Crosby. He will miss his second straight game, but Chris Kunitz will be in the lineup tonight. The Pens will need a strong game to get a win over the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks play a similar "aggressive" style that Bylsma has been instilling in the Pens. Though, the Blackhawks have been using this style much longer. The Pens will need a strong performance from everyone and hopefully will come out victorious. If the Pens are well aware of the situation they are in, they will make sure they play a strong game!

Crosby misses practice today.

Crosby wanted to give his injury a rest and says he will see how it feels tomorrow to determine whether or not he will play in tomorrow night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
It is also believed that Chris Minard has been placed on waivers.

Whitney gone to Anaheim, Kunitz and Tangradi join Pens.

Ryan Whitney has been traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Left Winger Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi.
For info on the two acquisitions:
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=411184

Now, I know Whitney has not been performing to the best of his abilities since he came back from injury this season, but I get too attached to players and I will miss Whitney. That's just how I am. I do see potential in trades and I expected Whitney to be traded, so this is no real surprise. I wish Whitney the best of luck with his career and I am sure he will get back to playing like he did when he was at his best for the Pens. Let's hope Kunitz can be the help on wing we need.

Crosby and Whitney out for tonight's game.

Sidney Crosby will stay out of the lineup tonight with a sore groin. He's hoping it will improve quickly. He is listed as day-to-day.
Ryan Whitney went home to deal with family matters. As of right now, he may join the team in Chicago for Friday night's game against the Blackhawks.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=410996

The Pens have also called up Janne Pesonen from the Baby Pens.

Pens face Islanders tonight.

The Penguins will face the worst team in the NHL tonight, the Islanders, but that doesn't mean it is an easy win. The Pens lost to the Islanders in a shootout not all that long ago. The Pens need to play better and play with the same system they would use against any team. I expect to see that tonight. After all, Bylsma is all about being "aggressive."
The Islanders have been without their number one goaltender, Dipietro, for most of the season. Their backups have not fared all that well, except against the Pens. The Pens will need to create traffic and get to the net tonight. The Pens need to come out strong and build a good game and hopefully a lead.
Crosby left practice early, it is believed due to a groin injury, but he is "probable" for tonight's game.
Kris Letang will be back in the lineup tonight.
Marc Andre Fleury will be in net tonight, despite letting 5 goals on 20 shots in his last appearance and being pulled.

Trade talks heat up.

Many reports are saying that the Pens are exploring two options. There is also a rumor going around about a 3-way deal, between the Avalanche, Kings, and Pens. I hear that is unlikely though. No names are being mentioned much anymore though I have named a few in past posts. There is so much news and teams being thrown around that I have decided to wait until something happens before I believe it. The time around the trade deadline is filled with a ton of calls and maybes, so who knows what definitely will happen.

Gonchar's return a boost.

Sergei Gonchar's return was highly anticipated by many Pens fans. The wait was also too long for Pens fans, but we finally have him back in the lineup and he has been getting points in every game. The power play was lackluster in yesterday's game, but Gonchar seems to be faring pretty well for just coming back after missing the whole season and I hope he continues to improve and aid our mediocre play. I sure did miss him!

Pens fall to Capitals.

After two great 5-4 wins over Montreal and Philadelphia, the Pens fell to the Washington Capitals on Sunday, 5-2. The Power play was dismal as it went 1 for 8. I guess I should be happy that we won one of the games this weekend, but the Pens need to put in a better effort into all their games. The season is almost over and we are not moving from 10th place. We have to win more games and hey, maybe we can actually get 3 wins in a row. Maybe that's asking too much. The Pens do seem to be a little more spirited under Bylsma, but let's see that spirit turn into a long win streak, because that is what we need!

Pens host Canadiens tonight.

The Penguins play the Montreal Canadiens tonight at 7:00 p.m. Bylsma had the opportunity of operating his first game day skate and, like practice yesterday, it was a little longer than usual and had more speed than usual as well.
Nothing new here: The Pens need to win in order to get back the hopes of ending the season in the top 8. This could be said for every remaining game. The Pens have gotten themselves into a predicament where every game is practically a must-win.

Reirden taking over as interim coach of Baby Pens.

Todd Reirden has been named interim head coach of the Baby Penguins. He has been an assistant coach since August. No decision has been made about who the assistant coach will be.
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=409863

Bylsma looking for more "aggressive" play.

The Pens had their first practice under their new coach Dan Bylsma today. It lasted several hours and had the feeling of a mini training camp to most. There was not too much change, the Pens worked on many aspects of their game and Bylsma stressed that he wants it to be more aggressive. He wants the Pens to overwhelm the other team with speed and skill. Hopefully this practice and Bylsma will be what the Pens need to get back into the playoff picture. It seems all there is left to do is hope. We'll see tomorrow night against Montreal.

Dallas and Tampa Bay to have scouts at Thursday's game.

With the trade deadline only weeks away, rumors are heating up. Especially with the Pens doing poorly this season. The Dallas Stars are supposed to have a scout in attendance Thursday night. News of a scout from the Tampa Bay Lightning is heating up the trade rumor that the Pens could be going after Martin St. Louis. I, myself, never look too closely at trade rumors. Talks come and go and trades are mostly unpredictable. I sort of dread this time until the trade deadline. I wonder who will go or come and I get too attached to players. I understand trades are a part of the business, but sometimes it is tough to see some players go.

Pens lose to Islanders in shootout.

The Pens lost in Bylsma's debut today in a shootout, 3-2 to the New York Islanders. No one was expecting miracles with the first game for a new coach, at least I hope no one was. This was another disappointing loss, simply because it was a loss and we lost a badly needed extra point. The Islanders were hungry for a win, but the Pens should have been too. We did play with more energy than some games though I was not lucky enough to see the third period and on because of work, so I can not divulge more on the Pens play this afternoon. Therefore, it would not really be fair for me to say much on the way the Pens played. I am just hoping for a win Thursday night against Montreal. We need all the wins we can get with 24 games left in the season to make it to the playoffs.

Therrien fired, Bylsma replaces him as interim coach.

It was announced Sunday that Michel Therrien was fired as head coach of the Pens and will be replaced by Baby Pens head coach Dan Bylsma as interim coach. Some speculation of this possibility had been floating around since the Pens have fallen in the standings and had lost consistency, but it was still a surprise to most. Therrien said he was "shocked" when it took place and that he "did not see it coming."
I myself thought this was a possibility because of our bad play this season, but since we seemed to be turning it around (until the disgusting 6-2 loss to Toronto on Saturday) it did come as a bit of a surprise to me. I am not sure a coaching change will turn this season around. A coach is not responsible for the way the players go out and play. He can do anything he can to motivate them and help them, but the players have to act themselves. Hopefully, the act of firing the coach will be enough of a message to get this season back on track and keep it there. Therrien believes this team can make it to the playoffs, but I'll believe it when I see the Pens playing like they want to get there and desperate to get there.

Fedotenko could play Saturday.

Fedotenko alternated with Caputi today in practice, maybe being a sign that Fedotenko could return Saturday. If he does, Caputi would most likely be sent down to the Baby Pens.
Crosby did not practice today, still feeling effects of illness, but expects to be in the lineup Saturday.

Apparently, Boucher has asked for a trade. He is obviously not happy that he has not been playing. Right now he has a groin injury.
A lot of calls are coming in for Talbot.
Another rumor is that the Pens are in talks with the Lightning for Marty St. Louis. The Lightning are interested in Talbot, Whitney and Alex Goligoski and Dustin Jeffrey, currently in the AHL. These are just the 4 players that the Lightning are looking at.

Pens pull off great win against Sharks.

The Pens came out strong and kept the momentum throughout the game last night against San Jose. The Pens won in a shootout 2-1. Fleury was great in net, turning aside 36 shots. Bill Thomas got his first goal as Penguin to get us into the shootout. Crosby scored the only shootout goal to give the Pens a victory.
Even after San Jose scored in the third, the Pens seemed to come out stronger and battling. This was a great win for the Pens and hopefully leads to more. If we treat every game like last night's and approach it in the same manner, the Pens can't do that badly!

Tough test against Sharks.

The Pens will face the San Jose Sharks tonight. No break from their most recent game and loss against Detroit, the Pens face another one of the best teams in the league with the Sharks. The Pens know that the first goal is important to get in most games, but with the Sharks it is almost vital. The Pens can not have a weak period like most games this season and they must come out prepared to battle in this game if they want the victory. The Pens have to create chances and make good on them against the Sharks! Creating chances against the Sharks will be a tough task, but it will be crucial for a victory.

Gonchar cleared to play.

Sergei Gonchar has been cleared to play after recovering from shoulder surgery. He will not be in the lineup tonight against the Sharks though. Therrien says it is up to Gonchar when he will return. Gonchar will see how it feels and make that decision. He wants his timing to be ready and he does want to make sure that he will not hurt his shoulder again.

Max Talbot turns 25 today and would love a victory as a gift. His mom also asked him to score a goal in tonight's game! Happy Birthday Max!

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=408793

Canadiens interested in Whitney?

The Montreal Canadiens seem to be interested in Ryan Whitney. What they would be willing to give up to get him is not known. There has been a lot of trade talk consisting Ryan Whitney. There seems to be a lot of teams interested in Whitney as well. I never know what to think about trade rumors, some seem to be so off the wall, but then no one was expecting the Pens to land Hossa at last season's trade deadline. Trades are usually just so unpredictable.
However, I really don't think we should deal Whitney. I know that so far he has not been that great, but he just came back from his injury that caused him to miss the first half of the season and I do believe that he is a vital part to our team.

Gonchar to meet with doctor tomorrow.

Sergei Gonchar says he has been feeling better with his injury and hopes that the prognosis the doctors give him tomorrow will be just as good.

The Penguins say that Fedotenko has yet to be cleared for contact, so much for the story that was out about him possibly playing tomorrow night. He was still wearing the red 'no contact' jersey today at practice.

Zigomanis is ahead of his recovery time from his surgery. The estimated time was 4-6 months. He has not idea when he will return, but the Pens would most likely have to make it deep into the playoffs before Zigomanis probably returns to the lineup. If that does not happen, Zigomanis said he really wants to come back to the Pens. He is a free agent after this season.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=408688

Fedotenko could play Wednesday, Gonchar close to returning.

It is believed that Ruslan Fedotenko has been cleared to play and will be a game-time decision for Wednesday's game.
Also, some have heard that Gonchar is less than 10 days away from returning to the lineup.

Curry named Reebok/AHL player of the week.

Wilkes Barre Scranton Baby Pens goaltender, John Curry was named the player of the week for last week as he had a perfect record going 3-0-0 in his appearances. He stopped 80 of 84 shots and continued his personal win streak to 8 games.
Congrats to Curry and the Baby Pens!

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=408526

Pens fall to Detroit.

The Pens suffered a disappointing loss to the Detroit Red Wings at Mellon Arena yesterday afternoon. The outcome was 3-0 and a lack of effort. Coming off of two great wins, the Pens failed to carry on the success with a win against Detroit. Once again the same old is being said that the Pens need to get on a winning streak and continue it. Once again it is being said that the Pens need to play better if they want to have any hope to make it to the playoffs. I agree with all of this, how can you not when it is the truth? The Pens don't get a break either as they face the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night. Maybe they'll fight for a win in that one.

Pens stage comeback to beat Lightning!

The Pens got exactly what they needed last night, a win, but they did it in a dramatic fashion that showed we are not ready to go down without a fight. The Pens were going into the 3rd period down 3-0. Evgeni Malkin was not going to take another loss, so he pretty much took the game into his own hands. Malkin ended the night with 2 goals and an assist. Oh yeah, one of those goals was the game winner in overtime. The Pens pulled it together in the third and it worked to their benefit as they come out victorious in a 4-3 overtime win. Hopefully such a dramatic win can fuel the Pens to more victories, say the one tomorrow night against Columbus perhaps. That would be nice.

Satan scratched tonight.

Miroslav Satan will be a healthy scratch tonight. Satan has 2 goals in the past 21 games. I am somewhat disappointed with Satan's play, but then again, the whole team is struggling. Satan just does not seem to play all that physically most of the time. He could add some grit to his game and polish up on those scoring abilities.
Luca Caputi is expected to be on a line with Jordan Staal and Petr Sykora tonight. Caputi scored his first NHL goal last night on his first shift against Montreal. I know there has been a ton of hype from fans about Caputi and I must say that I liked what I saw from Caputi last night. Maybe it was the adrenaline from being in his first NHL game, but Caputi had some great energy in last night's game. Caputi is expected to stay up here until Fedotenko returns from his injury, which is believed to be next week, but if he plays well, there may be a chance Caputi could stay longer! If he continues to play like he did last night, I would love to have him stay up here.

Pens face off against Tampa Bay tonight.

The Pens will play the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight and this game has become a must-win situation. That is, if the Pens are looking to make the playoffs. Our next few games are against some tough teams to beat and the Pens will need to scrounge up all the points they need from now til the end of the season. The Pens are not in a great spot to make the playoffs and that is unacceptable to me. One season after the Pens make it to the Stanley Cup Final they are struggling to make it to the top 8 in the East more than midway through the season and are doubtful to make it in the playoffs. And to think, people said that the Pens would be back in the final this season to win it. Well, maybe someone should tell the Pens they have to win regularly during the regular season to make it to the playoffs and get their chance to claim Lord Stanley's Cup.

Pens take on Canadiens tonight.

The Penguins will play the Montreal Canadiens tonight and after two disappointing losses this weekend, the Pens will look to claim a win. Nearly everyone from the Pens, even the coaches have been saying that this is like the playoffs now. Well, I hope we start acting like that and play with desperation to win. The Pens need to focus on getting into the playoffs because the track we are going down does not lead to the playoffs.

Yesterday, Gonchar was deemed capable of handling contact during practice, taking a big step towards recovery. Some say he is just weeks from returning, but we'll see how his shoulder feels after he handles some contact.

Malkin given "A" permanently, Orpik until Gonchar returns.

The rotation of the "A" is over and Evgeni Malkin has been named a permanent alternate captain and Brooks Orpik will wear the other "A" until Sergei Gonchar returns from injury.

Kennedy suspended for 1 game.

Tyler Kennedy got a one game suspension for his fight against Luke Schenn in Saturday's game. Kennedy was suspended per Rule 70.2 which states: “A player who has entered the game on a legal line change... who starts an altercation may be subject to discipline ...”.

As a result of Kennedy's suspension, Luca Caputi was called up from the Baby Pens to participate in tonight's game against the Montreal Canadiens.