Tickets for games 3 and 4 on sale tomorrow.

Approximately 1,000 tickets for each of the first two home games of the Stanley Cup Final will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., the Pittsburgh Penguins announced today.

These will be for Games 3 and 4 of the Cup Final series between the Penguins and Detroit Red Wings – to be played Tuesday, June 2 and Thursday, June 4 at Mellon Arena. Both games will start at 8 p.m.

- pittsburghpenguins.com
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=424100

Stanley Cup Final will be rematch of last year's.

Almost everyone knew it was going to happen, as soon as the Penguins and Detroit Red Wings took control of their Conference Finals series. Questions have already been asked about how it would feel for the Pens to face the Red Wings again this year; Marian Hossa already asked how it would feel playing against the team he was playing for at this time last season. Now it is official, it will be the Pens against the Red Wings for the second straight year. Detroit beat the Chicago Blackhawks last night in overtime with a score of 2-1 and won the series 4-1. Now these questions take on real meaning. The Pens gained experience from last year's tough loss in the Final to the Red Wings and I am sure this year they are having some feelings that lead towards wanting revenge. As for Marian Hossa, well he said a matter of days ago that it would be "interesting" to play against the Pens in the Finals this season.
Well, we will see Saturday, the day of the first game of this series, what it will be like to face the Red Wings again, to see if last year's experience taught the Pens what they need to do to be more successful. Or if the Red Wings learned last season just exactly how to stop the Penguins. Though, this is not the same Penguins lineup and many have said that last year's lineup was better, but we have many of the same faces who went through the heartbreaking loss last year to Detroit and many of those people will use that as motivation to never feel that pain again. We will see what the result is and see what last year taught us enough to change or if it will be another repeat. One thing I can say for sure, I hate repeats.

Stanley Cup Final opponent could be known tonight.

The Penguins know they are in the Stanley Cup Finals for the second straight year, but their opponent is unknown at this time. However, the team the will face the Pens in the Final could be determined tonight. That is, if the Detroit Red Wings, who lead the Western Conference Finals 3-1, win tonight in Game 5, the Pens will face the Red Wings again. Though, if Chicago pulls off a win tonight, the series will continue.

Pens headed to the Stanley Cup Finals again.

The Pens became the first team since the 1984 Edmonton Oilers to make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals after losing in the finals a year before, with their completion of the sweep against the Hurricanes.
Most fans knew the Pens could do it. However, when they thought that, it was either right after the final or the beginning of this season. The Pens faced a number of struggles to get to this point. The Pens looked like they would not make the Playoffs for a time this season, they fired their coach and brought in a new one and turned the season around and worked hard to earn their #4 seed in the Eastern Conference, coming up from the 10th spot. Then most people said the Pens were lucky to make the playoffs and would not make it far into the playoffs. Well, to be honest, I never really believed those people. I knew that the group of players on the Pens team were determined to change the outcome of last year's run. I knew that the Pens knew what it took to make it far into the playoffs and the hard work and sacrifice that is needed. Yes, I was nervous before each round, and I would be nervous during times in each round (Ok, not so much against the Hurricanes), but I never lost hope in my Pens and I did believe they could come out of each round and make it once again to the Finals. Sure, it's easy to say that now, once it's guaranteed with their sweep last night of the Canes, but I never would have said it earlier out loud because I am superstitious and I would not want to say one thing that can be a jinx.

The Pens overcame adversity this season: a coaching change, injuries, falling behind and a late push to make it to where they are today, and these challenges, among others, helped them achieve their current success. Yes, the Pens last season had gone through some adversity, but now this year's Pens can add some extra motivation to the list going into the Finals: The Pens never want to be in the situation they were in last season's Finals again. Just like the commercial shown earlier this season where Crosby said he never wanted to be in that picture again, a picture from last year's Finals against Detroit, the entire Pens team does not want to be in that situation. We will see if that motivation is enough to achieve their ultimate goal- raising Lord Stanley's Cup.

Eastern Conference Champions.

For the second straight year, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the Eastern Conference Champions and have earned a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Pens completed their series with the Carolina Hurricanes last night with a sweep, winning game 4, 4-1.
Sidney Crosby, changing routine, touched the Prince of Wales trophy after the win last night. It was not that much of a surprise. He didn't touch it last season and we all know the outcome. Crosby, being superstitious, changed his strategy and touched the trophy as well as his teammates to hopefully bring luck and a different outcome to this year's Stanley Cup Finals.

Zigomanis participates in a full practice on Monday.

Yesterday, Mike Zogomanis went through a full practice in the afternoon. He practiced on a line with Eric Godard and Petr Sykora. Though Zigomanis went through a full practice and a rumor says that he could be taken off of IR in a couple days, it is not sure whether he will be considered to be put back in the lineup.

Canes on brink of elimination.

Going into tonight's game 4 in Carolina, the Pens hold a 3-0 lead in the series. That means, of course, that if the Hurricanes don't win tonight, their season is over. Which also means that the Canes will be battling to keep their season alive tonight, so expect their greatest effort. The Canes know what is at stake and therefore have all the reason in the world to bring their best and prove what they can do.
However, the Pens are most certainly aware of this revelation and know they need to come prepared to face the Canes' best effort. The Pens want to finish them off tonight and need to give it their all to come out with a victory as well. The Pens want to make it back to the Stanley Cup Final. They are determined to do so and want to be guaranteed a spot in the Finals as soon as possible.
Two teams battling for something, putting everything they have into a game, to end up with keeping a dream alive. All they need is a win. Let's see if desperation to keep a season alive, or the desperation to return to the Cup Finals all that much sooner for a chance at Lord Stanley's Cup, will prevail. Should be a great game, where opportunities begin... or end.

Pens vs. Canes. Game 2 Tonight.

The Pens seem to be going with the same lineup as they did for game 1, dressing 7 defensemen once again. Well, seeing as the 7th defensemen was Philippe Boucher and he happened to just add a goal and an assist in game 1, even with less than ten minutes of ice time, Dan Bylsma seems to think it is a good plan. If it produces a win like in Game 1, who can argue with it? We will see if the final decision is to dress 7 defensemen again.

The Pens know they did not play their best in Game 1, so they will hopefully come out stronger tonight and keep their momentum. The Pens had a strong first period in Game 1, but did not really keep that strength going into the later periods, luckily Fleury kept us in the game. Therefore, the Pens need to keep the momentum and the pressure up. The Canes have lost game 1 in each of their series so far and have come back to win game 2. Let's stop that trend tonight.

Game 2 a "Whiteout."

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes will be a "whiteout." There will be t-shirts and towels given to fans in attendance.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=423351

Reirden named head coach of Baby Pens.

Todd Reirden has agreed to a multi year contract to be head coach of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. He was serving as interim head coach ever since Bylsma was called up to be coach of the Pens on February 18th.


http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=423313

Status of both Ruutu and Cole unknown.

Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole were both injured in Game 1 last night. Ruutu did not return and it is believed that he could be held off the ice for a few days with a groin injury. Cole was hurt after a collision with Matt Cooke, and what Paul Maurice, the coach of the Hurricanes, described as a "knee-on-knee" hit after the game. Cole returned to the game, but was expected to be reevaluated today. Cole is expected to be back on the ice Wednesday though.

Ryan Malone rooting for the Pens.

I don't find it a surprise that Ryan Malone is rooting for the Pens in the post season. He began his career here and grew up here rooting for the Pens. It should not come as a surprise to anyone that he is rooting for the Pens, even if he did sign the large deal with Tampa Bay. His rights were traded to the Lightning though. While he acknowledges that maybe now he would have waited to see if Hossa signed with the Pens before he did anything, he says he does not regret anything. I shouldn't assume, but I am sure there is a part of Ryan Malone that wishes he were still a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He had great friends here and he had to live through a tough year with the Lightning struggling and now the Pens are in the Eastern Conference Final. I am sure he would still love to be playing for a chance to win the Cup, who wouldn't?
There have even been rumors that Malone has asked to come back to Pittsburgh. I don't know if these rumors are true at all, but who knows?

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=423238

Pens win 3-2, lead series 1-0.

The Pens played a strong first period in which they scored two quick goals and Fleury made some great saves to jump start a 3-2 win over the Canes. Boucher and Satan were goal scorers for the Pens last night, making them their first of the playoffs, and not the players the Canes were worrying about before this series started. However, it has been said so many times how important secondary scoring is in the playoffs. Without secondary scoring last night, who knows what the outcome may have been.

Marc Andre Fleury was spectacular in goal last night, quieting all those critics of his lately, as he made some spectacular saves. He kept the Pens in the game and closed the door late in the game to keep the Canes from tying it up.

Two Carolina Hurricanes players were hurt during the game: Erik Cole and Tuomu Ruutu. Ruutu never returned, but Cole was able to finish.

Pens recall players from WBS.

This past weekend the Pens called up 5 Baby Pens players: forwards Dustin Jeffrey, Christopher Minard and Jeff Taffe; defenseman Ben Lovejoy; and goaltender John Curry. The Baby Pens were recently eliminated from the playoffs.

Pens begin Eastern Conference Finals tonight against Canes.

The Pens take on the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at Mellon Arena, beginning the Eastern Conference Finals. Most say there is no hatred at this point between these two teams, that it may take a little while before animosity between the two teams comes alive. Well, no, the Canes are not our rival the Philadelphia Flyers that we already got rid of, and no they do not offer a rivalry between two players who are battling out for the title to be the best like the Washington Capitals offered us, and we of course got rid of them as well. However, this series does have sibling rivalry, with the likes of both Eric and Jordan Staal. While they play differently, who knows, maybe Jordan will raise his game to another level in this competition. Though, this may be the only evident rivalry at this point in time, besides the Brooks Orpik and Erik Cole one, I have no worries that the Pens and Canes will develop a hatred for one another, that could only come from versing an opponent in the playoffs. That's just how the playoffs work. So, let the series begin!

Next round opponent will be determined tonight.

The Pens have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals but do not know as of yet who they will be playing. That fate will be determined tonight when the Boston Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes in a game 7 matchup. Another exciting series, the Bruins and Hurricanes game tonight should be an exciting matchup.

FSN once again sets new record in ratings.

Well, it may be getting a little old hearing that the Pens-Caps series has broken another record, the record they probably previously set, for the highest rated NHL game on any FSN network, but I am hear to report it once again. Last night's game 7 received a 24.97 rating. However, from 9:15 to 9:30, the game peaked at a 31.4 rating.

The game was the most-watched program in the Pittsburgh market on Wednesday night, beating out CBS’s Criminal Minds (12.7HH), CBS’s CSI: NY (12.3HH), FOX’s American Idol (11.01HH) and ABC’s Lost, season finale (7.4HH).

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=422769

Pens finish off Caps, move onto Eastern Conference Finals.

I did not expect that. Definitely did not expect the outcome of last night's game 7. With a series going to 7 games and when the previous 6 were pretty much all tight games and 3 overtimes, who would have seen a 6-2 Pens win. Who would have seen a 5-0 lead at one point in this game? Well, I didn't, but that's not to say that I was not thrilled when it happened. After Fleury's incredible save on Ovechkin in the first, I felt the confidence building and then after Crosby scored on the power play, even better and then... Craig Adams scored 8 seconds later, and I was ecstatic. The game was swayed in our favor most of the rest of the way and after every goal we scored, I was that much happier. The Pens finished off the Capitals in great fashion last night in their game 7.

This series has been hyped as one of the best because of the two teams and the players and how exciting and tight the games were, but last night must have been a disappointment to those who were looking for one of those game 7s that the winner is not determined until the waning moments of the third period or even an overtime period. However, last night was in no way a disappointment to me or any other Pens fan out there. We saw the Pens solve the young goaltender Varlamov who had been stumping the Pens in some games and eventually he was pulled. No offense to the young goaltender, he did a phenomenal job in the playoffs this year, until, that is, last night, but it was a great feeling to me to see him making his way to the bench after the Pens 4th goal. For the mere fact that it was like an item we could check off a checklist in order to win this series: Solve Varlamov. Check. We did more than that, we took him out of the game. It took us to game 7 to do it, but as long as we did it and in game 7 it happened to feel that much sweeter too.

So, thanks Pens for an exciting series and we'll see who we play next!

FSN sets New Record.

"Monday night's telecast of the 2009 NHL Round Two Game 6 between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins registered a 24.2 average rating, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The telecast, viewed by more than 277,800 households in the Pittsburgh DMA, was the most-watched NHL game ever on FSN Pittsburgh and the highest rated NHL game for any FSN regional sports network.

The game was the most-watched program in the Pittsburgh market on Monday night, beating out such programs as ABC's Dancing with the Stars and CBS's CSI: Miami.
The previous record holder was Saturday's 4-3 overtime Penguins win in Game 5, which recorded a 21.4 average rating. FSN will televise Game 7 on Wednesday."

-pittsburghpostgazette.com

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09132/969580-100.stm

Gonchar skates at optional practice today.

Gonchar skated today at an optional skate, but that does not necessarily mean he is close to game action. Bylsma has said that it is still a day-to-day evaluation.
Gonchar said today, "I have to wait and see how my body reacts to it. It's going to be a game-time decision. I don't want to say anything else. It's too early. I'm waiting until tomorrow and then we'll make a decision."

Pens lose in overtime, force Game 7.

Two games had gone into overtime this series, and the Pens had won both of them. Maybe that made some people confident that we could make it three last night. Perhaps some thought that the Pens could not get that lucky with a series of such tight games, win 3 overtimes in one series. Well, I was neither of those. I try to keep my thoughts positive and never look out to expect any outcome. If I had thought the Pens would win last night in overtime, I would have been even more disappointed than I am and that is hard to imagine. If I had thought that the Pens could not be that lucky to win a third one, then I would have blamed myself for jinxing the Pens and causing them the loss.
Well, the Pens lost in overtime 5-4. They now head back to Washington to play game 7. The Pens out shot the Caps once again and had an advantage in shots after almost every period. The Pens even scored on 2 out of 5 power play chances. It wasn't enough though. Now, all we can do is look to game 7 and concentrate on that game. If both teams weren't desperate before, they sure are now.

Gonchar's status still the same.

Gonchar is still listed as day-to-day with his injury. Most say a game-time decision is Gonchar's status, however, he did not skate today and most reports that I have heard say he will needs weeks to recover. But, this is playoff hockey and who knows? I know we will probably not see Gonchar tonight.

As for the hit that has caused Gonchar's absence, it is tough to see. I knew that no disciplinary action would be taken because it is Ovechkin. Of course, he can say he led with his shoulder, but what hit first: His knee going into Gonchar's knee. That would have been all the proof I needed, but it is now in the past and we have to focus on the present. Which happens to have the Pens ahead in the series 3-2. The best revenge the Pens can have against the Caps and Ovechkin with his hit, is to win.

Good news for the Pens.

Forbes magazine came out with great news for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"The Pittsburgh Penguins have the fastest-growing team brand in the National Hockey League and one of the fastest-growing team brands in all of professional sports, according to a Forbes Magazine analysis published this month. "

"The Forbes analysis values a team’s brand as the 'portion of a team’s overall value that is derived from their name, as opposed to their market and league.' The magazine said the value of Penguins’ brand has grown by 88 percent over the past three seasons. The Penguins will record their 113th straight sellout tonight, and the team recently signed a naming rights deal with Consol Energy for the new Consol Energy Center. The Penguins have the most-visited NHL team website in the United States, set a record for local television ratings on FSN Pittsburgh for the second straight year, and continue to establish new standards for suite sales and sponsorship sales.' "
-pittsburghpenguins.com
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=422360


Also, FSN Pittsburgh recorded a 21.38 rating for Saturday's Pens game vs. the Caps. It is the highest rated game ever on FSN Pittsburgh and the highest rated NHL game on any FSN regional sports network. Friday's game received a 19.26 rating and became the 3rd highest rated game on FSN Pittsburgh.
This shows how exciting the Pens are and how excited the city is with their hockey team!

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=422353

Pens lead series 3-2 going into tonight's contest.

The Caps were down 3-1 last series to the New York Rangers. I don't need to tell anyone who won the series. The Caps have rebounded before and they will be desperate tonight. Hopefully the Pens can match their desperation and come out with a victory. The Pens need to continue their control of the puck and do what has been successful in all of their wins this series. I expect tonight to be an exciting game, as both teams should be desperate.

Once again, the game tonight is a white-out and it is also available on the Big Screen outside.

Malkin steps up and delivers in game 3.

Malkin had come under some criticism for his play in the first two games of the series against the Caps. I even said that Malkin needed to step it up. I knew he could do it and that is what he proved last night. Malkin was a force on the ice every time he went over the boards. He scored the only power play goal for the Pens and it was the goal to pull the Pens in the lead late in the 3rd. Malkin recorded a game-high total of shots with 9 and had nearly 30 minutes of ice time last night (overtime included.) The crowd did not let Malkin's hard work go unnoticed as they had Geno cheers going and MVP chants filling Mellon Arena. He was named number one star of the game and earned that position. He was dominant and and a force to be reckoned with. All he needs to do now is continue to play the way he did last night.

Pens win Game 3 in Overtime.

The Pens avoided slipping into a 3-0 hole with their 3-2 overtime win last night against the Washington Capitals. This game saw some different goal scorers for the Pens. Ruslan Fedotenko had the first goal to put the Pens in a 1-1 tie with the Caps after Ovechkin scored early in the game with an easy goal. The 2nd goal coming late in the 3rd period and on the power play and was scored by Evgeni Malkin, who had a strong game last night and had the crowd erupting in Geno cheers and MVP chants. It looked like Malkin's goal would stand as the winner, but unfortunately, the Caps tied with less than 2 minutes left in the game and it was sent into overtime. However, a little over the halfway mark of overtime, Kris Letang put the puck behind Varlamov and gave the Pens the crucial win. Letang, who was questionable to even play in the game because of a shoulder injury suffered in game 2, became the game hero.

The Pens outshot the Caps and out-performed the Caps most of the game. Though the game was still as close as it was. The Pens power play was not successful until Malkin's power play goal late in the third. So, the power play is still in need of improvement. The Pens need to get to the net and beat Varlamov, which seems to be hard to do. The Pens need to crash the net more. If the Pens keep playing the way they did last night, things look good, and if the power play improves, the Pens would be that much better.

Malkin finalist for Lester B. Pearson Award.

Evgeni Malkin was named one of the finalists for the Lester B. Pearson award which represents the league's "most outstanding player," voted by fellow NHL players. The players up for the Lester B. Pearson award are the same as the Hart trophy finalists. Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin, and Pavel Datsyuk.

Game 3 a "Whiteout!"

Game 3 is once again a "whiteout" and fans attending will be given a white t-shirt courtesy of Verizon Wireless.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=421516

Also, Fans attending games 3 and 4 are invited to "Tailgate on the Terrace." It will take place in the area above Gate 3. It is free to attend, but fans must have a ticket for the game and they will be scanned. There will be food for sale and it will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will last until the game begins. If the weather is bad, this will be cancelled.
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=421526

There will also be a rally for the Pens held at the outdoor screen area beginning at 5:15 tomorrow. Outdoor concessions will be available as well as Iceburgh and face painters.

Pens fall in Game 2, trail series 2-0.

The Pens did score on the power play, twice actually, but they did not win the game. One other thing that needed to improve from game 1 was more scoring from wingers and secondary scoring. That did not happen at all in game 2. Crosby scored all 3 of the Pens' goals. He can not be the only player to contribute. Hopefully, his outstanding performance will motivate his team to do the same in game 3, but it would have been nice to see a little in game 2. Malkin was not the best he can be again. I want Malkin to come out strong and show that he can be better than Ovechkin, who also had a hat trick in last night's game.
The Pens are now home and I hope the Mellon Arena crowd can bring this Pens team to life. The players say they are desperate for a win. I sure hope they are and I hope they play like it tomorrow night at Mellon Arena.

Kris Letang's injury is better than originally expected according to Bylsma and he says it's now just a matter of his strength.

No expected lineup changes for tonight's game.

The Pens do not seem to have any lineup changes from their game 1 lines for Game 2. Bill Guerin may be moved up to the Number 1 Power Play unit to try and generate more offense.

Varlamov, the Caps' goaltender made a spectacular save in Game 1 against Crosby, but the goal by Eaton was one he should have saved. I would love to see the Pens test him even more in tonight's game and see which was a fluke, the spectacular save or the bad goal?

I also want to see Malkin come out stronger tonight. Much of the hype before this series began was about Crosby vs. Ovechkin, but I would love Malkin to come out and prove why he led the league in points this season and shift the focus. He should be motivated against this team and I just hope it comes out tonight!

Pens lose Game 1.

The Penguins lost game 1 to the Caps on Saturday by a score of 3-2. The Pens once again came into trouble with their power play. They went scoreless again on the man advantage, when they were given 5 opportunities. The Pens need to work on being more efficient on the power play and if that means less "pretty" plays and more "dirty" goals, then the Pens need to do it!
Also, another area where the Pens may want to improve on is scoring from their wingers. I mean, we can not rely simply on Mark Eaton anymore. That's right, Mark Eaton has 3 goals. While Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz have a total of 2 between them. Secondary scoring is vital in the playoffs, but when what is supposed to be your primary scoring isn't really contributing, there may be a problem. Of course, Crosby and Malkin are scoring (not so much Malkin the past few games), but their wingers should start adding the goals too.
However, the positive thing about this is that the Pens are not in panic mode. That would be the last thing they need. The Pens need to stick to the game plan, play their game for a full 60 minutes and practice their key points on the power play and wins can come.