Zigomanis not likely to return.

Many were hoping that Zigomanis could have been resigned and with news coming of the Craig Adams deal yesterday, many people's hopes were dashed. Though, still as of yesterday, there were some encouraging rumors still coming out about the possibility of signing Zigomanis. Now though, it appears by resigning Craig Adams, the Pens have made their choice and have gone with the cheaper option. Therefore, Zigomanis will not be returning to the Pens. The Pens would have liked to sign Zigomanis, but the cap-space is limited for the Pens and that leaves them in tough situations. I understand the money issue, but I would rather have Zigomanis than Adams. Zigomanis was a face-off specialist and when he was injured this past season, that is when the Pens woes began. This will be a loss for the Pens as they still do not have a player that is solid and consistent on fave-offs, but it is a loss we had to overcome this season and did so.

Also, yesterday the Pens made qualifying offers to 3 players: defenseman Ben Lovejoy, forward Tim Wallace and goaltender John Curry.

Orpik and Scuderi invited to USA Hockey Olympic Camp.

Two Pittsburgh Penguins, and some former members of the Pens as well, were invited to the USA Hockey Olympic Camp.
Both Brooks Orpik and Rob Scuderi have been invited to participate in the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp next month. USA Hockey will hold the orientation camp from Aug. 17-19 at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodbridge, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. The Olympic tournament runs from Feb. 12-28 in Vancouver.

Players invited:
Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byflugien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny


-pittsburghpenguins.com
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=432251

Pens sign Guerin to 1-year deal.

The Penguins and Bill Guerin agreed to a one year deal yesterday worth $2 million. It is great to see Bill Guerin come back to the Pens. He added some valued veteran presence in the locker room down the stretch and was a great fit on the Pens team. He was a fan favorite as well and they have to like the pay cut he made to stay with the Pens. Billy Guerin said that once he came to Pittsburgh, he felt right here. Now his family will make the move and Guerin will remain a Penguin. It was clear to everyone how much everyone on the team got along with Guerin and the fans picked up on it as well. It seems everyone is happy to welcome back Bill Guerin!

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=432180

Pens sign Adams to deal.

The Penguins have signed forward Craig Adams to a 2 year contract worth $1.1 million.

While some worry what this contract means for Mike Zigomanis, it is believed that talks continued for both players this week and that Zigmonanis returning is still a possibility.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=432148

2009 Draft.

Since I was not present at the Draft, and I know the bare facts about the players selected, I will post the links to the Pens blog updates from the draft by Sam Kasan.

Draft day 1:
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=431808



Draft day 2:
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=431943

To vote for the Pens for the ESPYs.

Go to the link below to vote for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dan Bylsma, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin! Lets help represent the NHL and the Pens in an award show that lacks recognition for hockey!

http://www.espys.tv/

Penguins up for several ESPYs.

Well, if any hockey fans actually watch the ESPYs, then they should be happy to hear some nominations, well if you're a Pens fan that is. The Pens team and several members of the team are up for nominations in this year's awards.


"The Pittsburgh Penguins magical 2009 Stanley Cup championship season has earned the club and some individuals on the team nominations for ESPN’s 17th annual award show, The ESPYs.

The Penguins as a team, head coach Dan Bylsma and centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are up for awards.

The Penguins entire team has been nominated for the Best Team Award after winning the franchise’s third Stanley Cup title. If the Penguins win, they would be only the second NHL team to win the award and the first since the New York Rangers took home the honors in 1995. Adding a little hometown intrigue, the Penguins are competing with, among other teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers – whom won Super Bowl XLIII in February.

Bylsma is nominated for the Best Coach Award and could become the first NHL head coach to win the honor.
Crosby and Malkin are both up for the Best NHL Player Award. Crosby has taken that title home the past two years and could make it three in a row if he wins. It would be his third ESPY, making the first hockey player to receive three. A win for Malkin would be his first career ESPY.

The Penguins organization has claimed the most ESPYs in the Best NHL Player category by winning five. Along with Crosby’s two trophies, co-owner and Hall of Fame player Mario Lemieux has taken the honor on three occasions. "

- pittsburghpenguins.com By Sam Kasan.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=431696

Talbot on the rise.

This idea was suggested to me shortly after the Pens won the Stanley Cup. For humorous purpose only.
We all know how valuable Max Talbot was in the playoffs, especially in the Final, especially in game 7. We won game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final by a score of 2-1. Talbot scored both of those goals. No one needs to be reminded of that. Just think of what that credential can do for Max Talbot's acting career. We all love the A&L Motors commercials and just imagine what Game 7 will mean for Max Talbot now. Not only did he win the Stanley Cup, but now he can have his face everywhere. A&L Motors probably could not have been happier after game 7, after all, their commercial features the Game 7 star. Talk about Superstar treatment; Talbot will be receiving that, no doubt. This could lead to major endorsements. I can see the face on the cereal boxes, Talbot on the cover of every NHL video game, every sports magazine, booed by Philadelphia every time he brings his finger to his lips to silence them. Ok, who isn't booed in Philadelphia, but anyways... Talbot has catapulted himself into stardom and I think he is ready for it. Chicka Chicka yeah! Get used to that phrase because it will be adorned on thousands of posters along with Talbot raising the Stanley Cup.

Stanley Cup win had help from people no longer a part of the Pens.

A great article by Joe Starkey of the Tribune Review reminds us that it is not only the current members of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and team that we should give credit to when winning this year's Stanley Cup. Starkey mentions Ryan and Greg Malone, Gary Roberts, Craig Patrick, Michel Therrien, among others. All the members that had a part in rebuilding the Pens and building through the draft deserve a great deal of credit for the product on the ice that won the Stanley Cup on June 12th. It took many years to get to where we are today as a team. Anyone who has had any effect on this team deserves some credit for this year's spectacular win.

Also, how great is it that Malone was contacting Starkey on his way to Colby Armstrong's wedding in Atlanta this past weekend. Malone said that the Penguins feel like a kind of family to him and though he may not get to be a part of this Stanley Cup win, he had an effect on the team and he was rooting for the Pens, like he has all his life. I am sure the former and current members of the Pens that were together at Colby's wedding celebrated the championship.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_630435.html?source=rss&feed=8

Penguins 'Beard-a-thon' most successful.

The Pittsburgh Penguins had the most successful "Beard-a-thon" of all the teams in the playoffs, raising $113,541 for the Mario Lemieux Foundation. The Boston Bruins were second raising over $93,000 dollars and then the Carolina Hurricanes with raising a little over $55,000.
Thanks to all the players and fans who participated in this event and making the Pens the most successful team in the "Beard-a-thon." It should be that the Stanley Cup Champs have the most successful "Beard-a-thon."

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=426229

NHL Awards show tonight.

The annual NHL Awards show takes place tonight in Las Vegas, the first time it will be held there, and it begins at 7:30. We will find out if Malkin takes home more hardware than he has already received this season. He is up for the Hart Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award. Also, Sidney Crosby is up for the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

"For the first time, the NHL will have a fan-driven award, the Scotiabank NHL FAN FAV award. Among the 10 finalists for the honor are Iginla, Mason, Crosby, Luongo, Green and Ovechkin. Also up for the award are Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff, Carolina's Eric Staal, New Jersey's Martin Brodeur and San Jose's Evgeni Nabokov."

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=425857&navid=DLNHLHome

Lemieux inducted into the Order of Quebec.

Today, Mario Lemieux was inducted into the Order of Quebec. The Order of Quebec is the province's highest honor.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282131

Goligoski signs 3-year deal with Pens.

Today it was announced that the Penguins have signed defenseman Alex Goligoski to a 3 year contract.
Goligoski said it was an "easy decision" considering that he thinks the Pens will be a winning team for much of the future and he looks forward to being a part of that and wants to be here for a long time.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=425871

Pens draw huge crowd for victory Parade.

It is estimated that about 375, 000 people came to cheer on the Pens' Stanley Cup win yesterday for the victory parade in downtown Pittsburgh. Being one of them, I can say that it was a great atmosphere and one of pure excitement.

The parade wasn't the only thing drawing big crowds. NBC says that Game 7 between the Red Wings and the Penguins was the most watched NHL game in 36 years. It drew about 8 million viewers and was the most watched program during that time slot Friday night.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions.

What is there to say other than Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins on being the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions. They were the underdog to most people. They didn't have a chance against Detroit's experience and skills. Well, we proved all those who doubted us wrong. Some say that Detroit was not prepared for a loss, that the Red Wings' website was not even prepared for a loss. Well, I hope they thought of something clever quickly, because the Red Wings lost. Yes, they lost in the Stanley Cup Final in game 7 in Joe Louis Arena to the better team: the Pittsburgh Penguins.
There are no words to describe how happy I was. No words to describe the feeling of winning, to know that we proved all the people wrong who doubted us when we were in 10th place, who doubted us in every series we faced, the feeling of winning and seeing Hossa with the same look he had on his face last year as a Penguin. Be careful what you say Hossa, because you left the team that would give you the best chance to win a Stanley Cup. If he stayed, who knows what would have happened. I am happy he signed with Detroit and I hope he resigns with Detroit. He had to know that by saying what he did last summer that he would have a target on him all season and he did. The nice part was watching his words come back and bite him. He says he doesn't second guess his decision, but we all know that he is upset and depressed, losing the Cup two years in a row. Not that any of the Pens from last year and this year know what he is going through because they won and they got to parade that Cup around on his home ice.

I remember reading so much this season that so many people in the media, in the hockey world and so many others, doubted the Pens during their mid-season drop in play. I, too, once thought it would be a long shot for the Pens to make it to the playoffs, but I never lost hope, I never stopped believing and with a new coach, the Pens were revitalized and created a million stories of perseverance and hope. They overcame odds, they pushed themselves to 4th in the Conference by the start of playoffs. Two months later, they finished beating all odds, and they were still all against them, and they won the Stanley Cup. The feat that so many said they would never achieve this season. I want to say Congratulations one more time and Thank you as well. This Pens team gave me memories and stores that will last a lifetime. And the best part, I think they have quite a few more brilliant stories in them to create for the future.

It all comes down to tonight.

The entire season, every game, every loss, every point, every injury, every goal, every save and every playoff game has lead to tonight, game 7 tonight in Detroit. The Pens know exactly what is at stake, they have waited their entire leaves to have this opportunity. Whoever wins tonight, wins it all. Everyone know the story lines. The Pens want revenge for last year's defeat against the same Detroit Red Wings, the Pens are considered the under dogs, the whole Hossa storyline, but none of these matters. The only thing that is essential now is what happens in game 7 tonight, what happens that will determine who will raise Lord Stanley's Cup above their head tonight.
The numbers are against the Pens because they are not home, the odds have been against them and people have counted them out, but we will see who prevails tonight.
I don't look at the fact that each team in this series has won only at home, almost all the numbers go out the window, because this is game 7. A game where every player will give everything they have, leave everything out on the ice, empty their tanks, make sure that no matter what the outcome, they can not say to themselves that they could have done better. To me, that sounds like a whole new game and an exciting one for sure.

It is the hardest trophy in all of sports to earn and here we are in a critical and exciting game 7 that does not come along too often in Finals, and the winner takes all. The winner will have their dreams come true, while the other team leaves disappointed and unsatisfied and bitter memories that will last a lifetime. We know all about that, it happened to us last year. We want a different outcome, we want that picture perfect finish, the picture where Sidney Crosby raises the Stanley Cup and passes it on to his teammates in Joe Louis Arena.

Sykora doubtful for Game 7.

Petr Sykora played his first game in the Finals against the Red Wings last night and it could have been his last as well.

Sykora blocked a shot in the second period of Game 6 last night and was receiving treatment for his ankle today. It is said that he is doubtful to play in Game 7.

Pens win game 6, force game 7.

The Pens knew what was on the line, knew that if they made any big mistake or small one for that matter, their season could be over. That would explain why Fleury played a spectacular game and had some assistance from Rob Scuderi who kept the puck out of the net last night as well. That would explain why Staal's line became a force last night, scoring both the goals. One from Staal and the other from Kennedy. We need the secondary scoring and we got it last night, which resulted in the 2-1 Pens win.
The Pens now move on to Detroit for game 7. The Pens have gone to a game 7 this year, in the series against the Washington Capitals, and they embarrassed the Capitals with a 6-2 victory. However, I don't think this game 7 will have the same result. No matter how much I wish it would. This is the Stanley Cup Final, game 7, where the entire prize is up for grabs. What most have waited their entire lives for, worked hard in the off season and all season long for, it comes down to this game 7. I don't think the Pens will need to be reminded of the motivation and neither does Detroit, they both know what is at stake. Should be a game to remember.

Tonight can be make or break.

It is the absolute definition of desperation hockey. Facing elimination in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Pens know they have to be desperate for a win and earn the right to force a game 7. Both teams will be determined to achieve something tonight. One team, the Stanley Cup, the other, a win to make their dreams of hoisting the Stanley Cup possible. I know the Pens will give it all they have, and though we are in the same situation as last year, the Pens are more confident. Instead of coming away from an enormous triple overtime win, the Pens are looking to redeem themselves after a bad loss to the Red Wings, giving them even more motivation to show what they can do and leave it all out on the ice. Though, I believe the Stanley Cup is enough motivation for anyone. It is what every NHLer dreams of growing up, what every player and team strive to lift at the end of a season. Once you reach the final, you never know when you will be back, you have to take the opportunity and do your best. Sounds like more than enough motivation to get the Pens ready to keep their dreams alive tonight.

Sykora in for game 6?

Petr Sykora has been rumored as a possible addition to the lineup for a couple days now, but we will see tonight whether or not he will play. Bylsma said today that it will be a game time decision.
Sykora scored the most memorable goal of last year's Stanley Cup Finals, the winning goal in the third overtime of Game 5. Sykora says he will do the same routine as he has been doing and will be ready to play if he gets that opportunity.

Gates open early for Game 6.

"For the convenience of fans attending Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final Tuesday night, gates at Mellon Arena will open at 6:15 p.m. Game time is 8 p.m.

Popular anthem singer Jeff Jimerson and his band, Airborne, will provide pre-game entertainment beginning at 5:30 p.m. outside Gate 3. "

-pittsburghpenguins.com
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=425050

Refocus for Game 6.

The Pens would like to forget Game 5, a 5-0 loss in the Stanley cup Finals, but it happened. Though, now the Pens are just focused on getting back on track in Game 6 in order to keep their dreams alive. For any of those Pens fans or people who just start watching in the Playoffs are thinking the Pens are doomed or think Garon should be in net for Game 6, you are mistaken. The Pens learned from last year's final a lesson that no team in the NHL wants to learn. They lost last year and have struggled, worked hard, sacrificed, and earned this chance they have to redeem themselves in this year's Stanley Cup Final. They will not go down without a fight and they will be back at Mellon Arena to prove themselves, hopefully.
As for Fleury's play in game 5, you can not really blame him. The Pens had a meltdown, and were taking penalties, 3 of Detroit's 5 goals were power play goals. Fleury wants to prove himself. He has had to do it throughout this entire playoffs. He has been criticized and then afterwards, he rose to a level that people were praising him the next day. I am sure Fleury will be even more motivated to turn in a spectacular performance tomorrow night.
I believe in my Pens and I know they want to come out strong and play their best tomorrow night... now they just have to or else their season is over and they will yet again see Detroit skate around with the Stanley Cup on Mellon Arena ice. An image that will never leave my head, and I assure one that will never leave last year's Pens' team minds either. They have to use that motivation, use it tomorrow night and keep going for their dream.

Pens' "Beard-a-thon" a success.

The "Beard-a-thon" has already raised over $91,000 for the Mario Lemieux Foundation and counting. There are about 1,712 fans involved growing beards in the "Beard-a-thon."

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=424870

Pens get ready to face Datsyuk.

While there is no confirmation that Pavel Datsyuk will be back in the lineup tonight, the Pens have prepared for his return, noting that it really will not alter much of how the Pens play, they will just have to be aware of him on the ice. Apparently, Detroit will also have Kris Draper back in the lineup tonight as well.
Datsyuk coming in will most likely mean less ice time for Henrik Zetterberg, who led all forwards in ice time from game 3 with over 24 minutes.
The Pens believe their system has been successful so far and are not going to make huge alterations because of Datsyuk's return. They acknowledge his skill and understand how big of an addition he is and they will play against him like they do everyone else on the Detroit team.

Game 4 Tonight.

The Penguins and Red Wings meet in Game 4 tonight at Mellon Arena. While it is being said in almost every article and by most people that this series is shaping up to look a lot like last year's final, the Pens are hoping to change that tonight. Last year they lost game 4, this year the Pens will be striving to get their second win of the series and go back to Detroit tied 2-2 in the series.
I would love to see Crosby break out with some goals in this series. He has been surrounded by Zetterberg nearly the whole time he is on the ice , so it has been difficult, but I am hoping that he finds his way around that, or him, and puts up the numbers he has been in all the previous rounds. It is a lot easier said than done, but I think he has the talent and the motivation to do what he has already done this postseason.

Pens know importance of Game 4.

Last year, the Pens won game 3 too, after being down 2-0. Last year though, the Pens lost game 4, putting themselves in a 3-2 deficit in the series which is hard to come back from and last year didn't happen. Therefore, the Pens know how much of a difference it makes being down 3-1 or being tied 2-2. The Pens will strive for the latter. The Pens are more confident this year and know the importance of Game 4 and will hopefully come out their strongest yet. It will be one more step if we win tomorrow night and then we are back in Detroit once again for Game 5. I don't think anyone forgets last year's Game 5. The Pens are well aware of the situation and are determined to have a different outcome in game 4 and hopefully the series.

Pens win Game 3.

The Pens cut the series against the Red Wings in half last night with their 4-2 win at home. The Pens did not play as strong of a game as they did in Games 1 and 2, especially the 2nd period, but pulled off a win last night. The win was in large part due to Max Talbot and the power play. The power play was 2 for 3 last night and Max Talbot had 2 goals. Sergei Gonchar also had a good night, getting what became the winning goal on the power play and added an assist. Malkin had 3 assists, to add to his lead in post season points at 33 now.
The Pens knew after game 2 that this series was not over and with last night's win, it showed that it is not over. The Pens know they have to be better in game 4 tomorrow night if they want to win because despite the win last night, it was not their best performance.

Game 3 Tonight.

Being down 0-2 may not look promising to many people, and it really isn't, however, the Pens have not played terrible games. They have kept up with Detroit and just need to work on a few little things to be a little more successful, like getting more people in front of the net for rebounds. The best part is that the Pens have not given up on their system and are not frustrated by their current situation. Last year, in the same 0-2 hole, the Pens came back to Pittsburgh scrambling on what to do to beat the Red Wings. This year they know what it takes, and nobody said it would be easy, and the players know that. The Pens need to stick to their system and know that things will eventually go in their favor. They are not going to give up easily, not at all. These Pens know what is on the line and know what it felt like to lost last year. They will do everything to avoid that again this year...everything.

Crosby Finalist for Messier Leadership Award.

Sidney Crosby was honored today by being named a finalist for the Messier Leadership award and the winner will be announced at the NHL Awards Ceremony taking place June 18th.

"Boston’s Zdeno Chara, Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Calgary’s Jarome Iginla are the three finalists for the 2008-09 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone, the National Hockey League announced today.

The award recognizes an individual as a superior leader in hockey and as a contributing member of society. It honors an individual who leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes. "

Full story:
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=424649

Both Games 3 and 4 "whiteouts."

Games 3 and 4, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m. will be whiteouts. White t-shirts and white rally towels will be given to each fan upon entering, like usual.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=424529

Familiar territory for the Pens.

The Penguins find themselves in familiar territory being down 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Final to the Detroit Red Wings. They found themselves in the same hole just last season against the same team after the first two games. However, the similarities really stop there. Last year, the Pens had not scored a goal and were being outplayed in almost every aspect of the game. This year the Pens have scored, yes it may only be two goals, but most of Detroit's 6 goals were lucky. The Pens have matched the Red Wings in most parts of play and improved on several things in game 2 from game 1, like the power play and faceoffs.
Also, the Pens have faced this situation already this post season. None of us forget the series against the Washington Capitals just about a month ago. The Pens were down 2-0 and came back strong. Of course, they are different teams, but the Pens have the confidence to know they can overcome this. They are playing better than last year and the Pens still took the Red Wings to 6 games last year.
Now, the Pens are playing better than last year and are confident that if they continue playing their style of game that things will start to go their way. The Pens are happy with the way they have played the last two games, things just have to start going in the Pens' favor. They will be back home tomorrow to try and shift the series, and the important thing is that the Pens are confident in their system, whereas last year, they felt like they were standing around and watching. Anyone who has watched the past two games can not say the Pens have been just standing around, now its time to get a more positive result for our effort.