We shall wait and see...

NHL hockey may not be back yet, but I am. I decided not to blog because I was attempting to avoid talking or thinking about the lockout. Well, for a hockey fan, that is nearly impossible. I can't say that I absolutely NEED NHL hockey; I have been reading about hockey and watching clips from various leagues to get my hockey fix and it has been enough to get me through. Frankly, it's because this lockout just makes me a little upset.
I have not picked a side and I will not. Well, perhaps that is not true. I am on the side of the fans who want to see the best talent in hockey playing in the NHL right now and I am on the side of those who need jobs in hockey to make a living; those who need the paychecks right now. That's the side of the lockout that has been affected the most.

Hockey fans had to hear the latest bad news in this lockout last week.
The cancellation of the Winter Classic was no surprise, we knew it was coming. It is a shame though because the Winter Classic generally has high ratings and receives a lot of attention. Also, the Winter Classic goes along with HBO's series, 24/7 which has brought more attention to the league and has been popular. This year's Winter Classic was expected to be the biggest yet between two original six teams in Michigan Stadium, filled with 100,000 fans. It's terrible that a league trying to gain recognition and popularity in many areas had to cancel an event that would surely help to do those exact things because they can't agree on how to split money. Adam Proteau, of The Hockey News wrote an article about how the cancellation of the Winter Classic is a new low for the NHL:
With this lockout, you better believe some fans won't return to the NHL so excitedly and some won't return at all.
In his article, Proteau wrote, "The NHL can pretend all it wants there will be no blowback for its actions, but I’ve got a sneaking suspicion you easily could fill Michigan Stadium with 100,000 people who swear off the product forever.
Just as the Winter Classic can create a lifetime of positive memories for hockey fans, so too can its cancellation leave an odor that curls people’s noses for the rest of their days."



We, as fans, don't watch hockey for the owners. We don't watch hockey for the sole purpose of players getting paid. We watch hockey because we have a love for the game. The NHL may not be in action but there is certainly hockey out there. It may take a little more work following other leagues. It may take a longer drive to watch some hockey and it may not be the same caliber of NHL hockey some of you are watching, but it is hockey- the game we love. If the NHL lockout and those involved continue to argue over a large amount of money and how to split it, we will get our hockey fix elsewhere because one thing this NHL lockout is not doing is wiping hockey out everywhere.

A part of me wishes that when the NHL lockout ends, I could boycott the league and show how important and vital the fans are, but I know I will watch and attend games and not for the owners or the league or even for the players' paychecks, but because I love the game and the talent. However, it is this fact that makes both sides of this lockout confident that fans will come back to the game. Though, this lockout will have its casualties, just like Proteau said. Some fans will not return and even some players will not return. It is a shame such a great game can not function more properly as a league.

News coming out of CBA talks that occurred this past weekend tell us that the talks were productive and that we have a reason to be hopeful and optimistic. Well, we have heard that before and I didn't believe it then. I will be optimistic when I hear an announcement ending the lockout and when games are starting to be played. Until then, if you'll excuse me, I have other hockey to follow.

The end of a season.

This past season had its ups and downs and yesterday, in game 6, was the big decline to end it all.
This season we dealt with injuries and Sidney Crosby's concussion symptoms then his neck injury, though we also saw Matt Cooke change the way he approached playing and he was not suspended and had a great year. We went through some losing slumps, but also saw what James Neal could really do alongside Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. We had our winning streaks and we had a MVP-caliber season from Evgeni Malkin (until the playoffs anyway). There were other highs and lows to this season and we were along for the ride no matter what.

A loss in the first round series of the playoffs though was the lowest part by far. Being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Philadelphia Flyers will leave a sour taste in our mouths for a long time. On paper, the Pens looked nearly unstoppable. The Pens were favored to win the Stanley Cup by so many. Those are predictions though and paper can go up in flames in seconds.
The first 3 games of this past series I am sure the Pens wish they could have back and try again. The Flyers' power play was great and the Pens came up short in the 4 losses they endured. I'm heartroken that the Pens are already out of the playoffs. To be honest, I do not believe that it has hit me quite yet. This postseason offered so much potential and hope for the Pens and to see it end the way it did has left some questions and pondering.
After the first few losses in this series, I had wished the Pens would have won those games against the New York Islanders and the Pens would have been higher in the Eastern Conference, possibly first, and the Pens would perhaps have played against a different team, a team that we would have eliminated. I had wished a lot of things while I believed. I did believe that this Pens team was capable of coming back and winning this series and they were. I believed between the second and third period in yesterday's Game 6 that the Pens could come out strong and make it a game and win. It just did not happen. No matter how much I wanted it to happen, the Pens did not win yesterday's game 6 and their season is over.

There are things that most definitely could have been better, we talked about these factors incessantly after each loss and highlighted the way we executed them after each win. The fact of the matter is that this is yet again another early exit from the playoffs for the Pens. 2010: out the second round at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens. 2011: A dismal powerplay had us eliminated the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning and now 2012: Another first round exit at the hands of the Flyers.
Change is coming. Who knows how big or small these changes will be, but there will be changes to this team. No matter what takes place after the regular season ends, whether a team wins the Stanley Cup or if they get swept in the first round of the playoffs or didn't happen to make the playoffs at all, a team is bound to change somewhat in the offseason. Our shortcomings in this past series will surely be addressed this offseason in some shape or form.

I am a Pens fan through and through, but that doesn't make this end any easier to take, in ways it makes it worse. I will continue to watch the playoffs, I am a hockey fan after all. I am not sure who I am rooting for now. I know it is not for the Flyers, needless to say. Sometimes I do not mind seeing the team that eliminated the Pens make it to the finals because it shows that the Pens were eliminated by a great team but this is different. I don't want the Flyers to make it out of the next round.

As always, I will be eagerly awaiting a new Pens season all summer. I just wish I would not have to look to the next season so soon. I was really hoping to be looking forward to a new season sometime in June.

This past season was an exciting one and was surely one hell of a ride and while the end seemed like a crash that featured swerving and flips and even a roll or two, it's time to move on and continue to watch the best sport in great fashion. After all, playoff hockey still is the most exciting sporting event there is, no matter who is playing.

As the Pens' season is done, I will be posting less and less. I will still be here to post any new developments or news, but this is my sign-off at the end of a season. Enjoy the playoffs!

Game 6

The Pens have brought this series to a game 6 with a focus on each game. They have been focusing on the task in hand, the one game directly ahead of them, and have not thought of the rest of the series. This focus and better goaltending and defense work have brought us to today, Game 6. The Pens need to remain focused on today's game and continue to improve as well. They need to stay disciplined as the Flyers continue to capitalize on their power play regularly. We can not afford to take stupid penalties or allow the Flyers to drag us into making choices that will cost us. Therefore, the Pens will need to be smart and careful. With the better defense and fabulous goaltending from Marc Andre Fleury, the Pens can stifle the Flyers again.

In game 5, our star players were not exactly the stars and other players have been stepping up. Tyler Kennedy had a strong game and Jordan Staal has been strong this entire series and with continued hard work from these players and our star players, the Pens can have a strong game. Over and over again, it has been said that the Pens are focusing on each game, each period, each shift. This is exactly what they need to be doing and it has been working. They need to continue with that process today. Another great game from Fleury would be another great boost for the team and though he won't have the Pens fans behind him today in Philly, he knows we will be cheering for him from home. We know that the Flyer fans are somewhat (or downright) hostile, but we also know that the Pens can win in that arena and the fans can sometimes just fuel our team's fire to win.

Remain focused, stay out of the box by being disciplined, take a lot of shots and block a lot of shots. These are key factors going into today's Game 6. The Pens are well aware of the fact that laying off their game could be detrimental and their season could end. Therefore, the Pens will give everything they have, just like they have been the past few games. They will be doing their best to bring this series back to Pittsburgh. Let's Go Pens!

Game 5

The Pens have brought it back home for a Game 5. Now is the time to show who believes. I want Consol Energy Center to be so loud that I have trouble hearing Bob Errey and Paul Steigerwald, seriously, please.

The Pens need to concentrate on tonight's game right now and nothing but tonight's game. Like they said for game 4, their focus needs to be on one game, one period, one shift at a time. With strong defense and strong goaltending from Marc Andre Fleury, this team has a great chance to take it back to Philly for Game 6. With the same offense we have been getting in this series and some discipline to not take so many penalties, the Pens could have a strong game.

It became apparent in Game 4 that the officials were going to be cracking down and calling anything they see so that this series does not get out of hand. Therefore, the Pens need to remain disciplined and stay out of the box, especially since the Flyers have been lethal on the power play. Limiting their chances will help and shooting often in tonight's game will be big factors for the Pens.
Also, I hope to see a strong performance from Fleury. I believe he got a boost from the victory in Game 4 and he needs to show that he is the better goaltender.

With focus and strong defense and goaltending, this game can surely go in the Pens' favor. Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman was injured in Game 4 and is listed as day-to-day and will not be in the lineup tonight.
The Pens will be without Paul Martin again tonight. Craig Adams and James Neal will be back after serving their one game suspensions, while Arron Asham will sit out his second game of a 4 game suspension.

Coach Dan Bylsma had a great quote for what is needed for tonight's game: "...We need to be at our best. The building needs to be at its best. The fans need to be at their best. The people outside watching need to be at their best. We have to have everybody at their best for the start of this game..." I agree, let's show how much we believe in this Pens team and make sure that we have no voices tomorrow. I believe. Let's Go Pens!

Pens remain in series in high-scoring style.

The Penguins needed one win to stay alive in this series and they did just that, in great fashion. The Pens did not just win the game last night, they blew the Flyers away. The Pens scored 10 goals in a 10-3 victory over the Flyers to make the series 3-1. This series is like no other playoff series currently and is extremely rare in playoff hockey history. The amount of goals these teams are racking up are rare in a regular season game and in the playoffs, when hockey is known to be tighter and lower scores are expected, this Pens- Flyers series is throwing away all conceptions of playoff hockey. I must say that I prefer being on the more goals, winning side of things. Last night's win felt great. I knew the Pens were more than capable of winning in this series and last night proved what the Pens can do, even down a few suspended players. Now, the series moves back to Pittsburgh for Game 5 Friday night. I expect fans to be the loudest they possibly can be and I hope that everyone catches the believing spirit.

Now, while the Pens and Flyers have been featuring high-scoring games to go against the norm in the playoffs, another way the Pens hope to stray from what is expected is coming back from a 3-0 deficit. Last night was the first step. The series is now 3-1 and if the Pens continue to take each game one game at a time, one period at a time and come out with a game like last night's game, this series is bound to get interesting. While it will be difficult, this Pens team is capable of many things, as we witnessed last night.

Craig Adams and James Neal will be available for Game 5 Firday night after serving their one game suspensions last night, while Arron Asham still has 3 more games to serve, whether those come in this series or next season. The Pens need to remain focused on each game and playing each period. Last night it worked to their benefit and the Flyers lost their composure with several players taking cross-checks and hits against players. I expect some players will be having talkes with Brendan Shanahan about some of last night's activities.
The Pens need to keep moving on, taking one game at a time, one period at a time, one shift a time; continue to play their game, let the Flyers lose their composure and we can remain in this series. Last night's game proved that the officials are cracking down in this series and they don't want a repeat of Game 3 as they were calling nearly everything possible early on and throughout the game. Therefore, the Pens will need to be disciplined and strong defensively and scoring a lot of goals helps also. Seeinf Evgeni Malkin get some goals last night was a good thing to see as he has been quiet in this series. He will need to be present if we want this series to continue. Jordan Staal got a hat trick last night to lift the Pens and he has been strong in this series. We will need strong efforts from every player in the lineup to ensure this series goes past Game 5. We knew we were capable of beating the Flyers, but one game will not be good enough, we need to keep moving on and winning. We need one more win before we can focus on anything else. Let's focus on that next win Friday night.

Game 4

News: Pens recall defenseman Simon Despres from the Baby Pens.

We need to focus on tonight, one game, one period at a time. The Pens surely know what is on the line and they guarantee their best hockey will be on display tonight in Game 4 in Philadelphia. Being down 3-0 in the series, their best hockey will be necessary to ensure that their season does not end tonight.
Some fans have abandoned their team, losing all hope. Sidney Crosby says this is a time when the Pens need their fans the most and this is a time when players lean on their fans. Sure, the odds are stacked against us and we have suspensions to go along with our troubles - James Neal got a one-game suspension, Arron Asham has been suspended 4 games along with Craig Adams' one game suspension, but we are not out yet. The Pens promise their best hockey tonight because they know if they do not play their best, their season is over. No one in that locker room wants the season to end tonight, so you better believe they are going to do everything in their power to keep it going.
I believe in this team. It will not be easy, but when this team is playing their best, there is no telling what they can or can not accomplish. Some might find it hard to believe this team can win this series or even a game or a few because they haven't shown where they can beat the Flyers in any certain area. Well, the Pens have not been playing their best. We know we can beat the Flyers, we have just a short time ago in the regular season. Now is the time to prove what the Pens can do, now is the time to show the best Pens hockey. It's now or never (or until next season).

Chris Kunitz knows that a full game will be needed tonight: “There is no tomorrow. We will leave it all out there. It doesn’t matter if you’re down by a goal with 30 seconds to go or up by two with 30 seconds to go. We have to play right through to the end on both ends.”

Crosby also said that in a dire situation like the Pens are in, this is when everybody's best comes out: “We’ve got to find a way to win a hockey game. When there’s adversity, that’s when you see guys’ true colors. I think we’ll show that. We’re going to leave it all out there and give ourselves a chance to try and get back in this series.”
That's all we can ask.
The Pens need to play their best, they need to leave everything out there on the ice. There is no saying they can't do this. We know they can. The Pens need their fans. I will be there for them every step of the way, every minute of tonight's game and beyond. I may sound like a broken record, but I believe in this team, I really do. Game 4 tonight- all or nothing. Let's Go Pens!

It's not over yet.

Yesterday it was announced that the automatic one-game suspension for Craig Adams for his actions would still stand and Coach Dan Bylsma was fined $10,000. Craig Admas will not be available for Game 4 tomorrow night and it is expected we may be down some more as well. James Neal talked to the league earlier this morning but no decision has been made yet. It is expected to come soon. Arron Asham has a meeting tonight to discuss his antics from game 3.

Yes, having players suspended will make the situation at hand even tougher. But the Flyers have not won 4 games yet, there is still that sliver of possibility. As long as there is even a tiny bit of hope, I will believe in my team. As a fan, that's my job and the Pens need us to stand behind them right now. Here is what Sidney Crosby had to say about fans being embarrassed about Game 3:
"You know what, I think the tough part is that if they’re in this room, they’d see how much every guy cared. It’s more than one team that’s doing that stuff out there. They should have nothing to be embarrassed about. They should be pretty proud of the guys they have here. It’s a terrible situation to be in, being down 3-0. But that’s when you need your fans the most. We’re not going to sit here and make excuses. We can’t fix the fact that we’re down 3-0. But I think we all believe we can come back and I think this is when you lean on your fans the most."

If they need me to lean on, you better believe I will be there. Through thick and thin, I am a Penguins fan. Just refer back to my post on how I am choosing to believe in this Pens team. Who knows what this team can accomplish when they finally get their game together and play the best they can play and leave everything out there on the ice.

Jame Neal knows the reality of the situation as well but knows there's still a chance:
"We need to do a lot of things to make the series go on here. Our backs are against the wall. We have to go into Philly and play one period at a time and take one shot at a time. Anything can happen. We know in this dressing room, we still believe in our team and the way we play."

As long as there is that little bit of hope, I'll be there supporting the Pens. I choose to believe. Let's Go Pens!

- Quotes from pittsburghpenguins.com

Choosing to believe.

To think, that just a week ago, I was extremely excited for the playoffs to begin. Now, a week later and the first round is like a nightmare; one I just can not awake from. A series like the one the Pens are in now would be a nightmare against any opponent, but the fact that we are down 0-3 to the Philadelphia Flyers makes it much more troubling.

The first game was not what the Pens wanted to happen, giving up a 3 goal lead to lose in overtime, 4-3. That is not how we wanted the series to start and Game 1 was just like a light rain fall to begin this storm of a series so far. Then, game 2 brought the thunder and lightning with the back and forth scoring and then the end result of an 8-5 loss. 8-5 loss in the playoffs. To the Flyers. Then came yesterday's game 3- a game with desperate hope for the Pens to turn this series around. What we got instead was a horrible part of the storm, the worst yet. It came with the worst elements: hail, wind, rain, thunder and lightning. Or, fights, ejections from the game, another collapse in play, and another horrible loss. Hopefully you took shelter. The Pens looked more like the Flyers yesterday towards the end of the 8-4 loss. Fights took precedent over playing and it ended with a horrible defeat and the Pens being down 0-3 in this series. A part of me was happy to see some fights (some more than others), I'll admit. Maybe I just wanted to win something yesterday. Though, I knew it would not win us the game and seeing stars and players fighting and being ejected made me uncomfortable. However, I was angry and frustrated, just like the players were.

This series has been difficult to watch, mostly because we know how well this team can play. Those skills have apparently gone away. The defense must have forgotten what to do and some offensive players have neglected their regular top player style of play. While it hasn't all been Fleury's fault as some have been suggesting, there certainly have been goals scored against Fleury that should have been stopped. However, these losses have been a team effort.

Where is the team that was confident and determined to make it all the way? What happened to the team that knew how to play a solid game? Granted, at times, this team struggled with that during the regular season, but never this mightily. Where have the Penguins gone?

I of course am still a Pens fan- that will NEVER change. Though, I am disappointed in the Pens and even embarrassed. I'm frustrated and upset also. The Pens need to play better in nearly every aspect of the game. I'm not in the locker room, I'm not a member of the organization. There is nothing I can do but watch and hope the Pens play better.
Game 4 is Wednesday night in Philadelphia again. The list of teams who have come back from being down 0-3 in a series, winning the last 4 games to come out as winners, is a short list. I would feel more confident in the Pens' chances of accomplishing this feat if they were playing better.

On the other hand, the Pens seem to have enough doubters, ones who have lost all hope. Perhaps I need to be an optimistic person, one who continues to believe in the Pens.
Therefore, I will put the first 3 games behind me and hope and pray the Pens recover and discover how to win. I will choose to continue to believe in my team and believe a miracle could happen. Perhaps it's because right now, I can't handle the thought of being eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia Flyers, when so many believed we would be bringing the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh a fourth time. Though, I will stand behind my team and believe and hope for a miracle and believe that the Pens can figure things out and pull it together and win 4 straight games.

I'm well aware of the situation. I understand the circumstances and predicament the Pens are in. I know the odds against us as well. But what else can I do? Be devestated of our current situation and sulk? Or, could I stand behind my team and believe that they can come together and win 4 straight games, making one of the greatest comebacks in NHL playoff history against an opponent that is beating us in nearly every aspect of the game?
Since so many people seem to be on board with the first option, I opt to go with the latter. I choose to believe. Let's Go Pens!

Game 2

First, The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Beau Bennett, their 2010 first-round draft pick, to a three-year entry-level contract that will begin next season.

Now, on to tonight...
The Penguins will look to correct their mistakes from game 1 in game 2 tonight. The retuned power play (refer to yesterday's blog entry for power play adjustments) will be featured tonight and will hopefully bring the success it had during the regular season.
The Pens need to be sure to stick with their game tonight. They started game 1 off right, but just did not see it through the rest of the game. Therefore, coming out strong and maintaining their play will be critical for tonight and throughout the remainder of the playoffs.

I am looking forward to tonight's game and know the Pens want to get back on track for tonight's game. It is sure to be an exciting game as most playoff games are.

After tonight's game, the Pens will be going into Philadelphia to take on the Flyers for two games. Game 3 will be a 3:00 start Sunday afternoon.

Focusing on game 2.

The Pens did not start off the series against the Philadelphia Flyers like they wanted to and that is why it is great that a series is best of seven moves on. The Flyers took game one with a 4-3 victory in overtime. The Pens had a 3-0 lead in the game and let it slip away and the Pens were also 0-for-3 with the man advantage in last night's game. That is why the Pens' power play had some different looks in practice today. Steve Sullivan returned to his spot on the point, where he was for much of the season, alongside Kris Letang. Evgeni Malkin was on the halfwall and Chris Kunitz remained in his net-front position. During the beginning of drills, James Neal and Sidney Crosby swapped spots.
The Pens are also considering having 2 top power play units and splitting the time between the two units to one minute each.
The Pens were successful on the power play during the regular season and they will need to find that success again and stick with it to help them in this series.

Now, on to the missed offside call that resulted in Daniel Briere scoring the first goal for the Flyers last night. Mistakes happen and refs are certainly human; they're going to make bad calls and miss some others. It is unfortunate that it resulted in their first goal, but it is not what made us lose the game last night. We could have easily made up for that goal with a goal on our power play. Colin Campbell, the NHL's senior executive vice-president of hockey operations, says that they are just about as upset as the Pittsburgh Penguins are about the missed call. The goal gave the Flyers some life in the game, but it was still not the reason we lost and the Pens are well aware of that and were good-spirited at practice today making sure to go over and practice what they need to do better in Friday night's game.

I hate losing in the playoffs, but I am still confident in this team and last night was just game 1. In fact, the past 4 playoff series the Pens have won, they have lost game 1. This is a good team that has a goal in mind, they know what they could have done better last night and they will work to correct it tomorrow night for game 2. Game 1 is done and in the books, now it is time to look forward to the next game and hopefully the Pens will be that bear in the woods.

Game 1 tonight.

Finally, playoff hockey gets underway tonight. The Pens will be taking on the Flyers at Consol Energy Center at 7:30 tonight.
Daniel Briere and Nicklas Grossman will be in for the Flyers tonight after missing some time due to injuries.
Ben Lovejoy may return to the lineup for the Pens tonight. Matt Niskanen was not in practice today.

The Pens are facing an opponent that is pretty close in range for statistics in some facets of the game with the Flyers. Some may even say that the two teams are similar in a lot of ways. Not to mention the fact that the two teams have quite a volatile relationship and this is quite a playoff series. However, I don't care if we were opening the playoffs against the Florida Panthers; playoff hockey is taking the game to the next level and every mistake could be the one that leads to the end of a season. Every goal or amazing play could be the one to lead a team to victory. For instance, look at the fight former Pens' player Max Talbot had with Daniel Carcillo of the Flyers in the series against the Flyers a couple of years ago. Yes, it got the fans more into the game, but while it was happening, we did not know what would result from it. That fight is now credited for pumping up the fans and players and the Pens never looked back.
Therefore, the Pens need to be strong in every aspect of the game and not allow the Flyers' antics to result in taking stupid penalties. Special teams need to be strong. During the season, a team can win a lot of games and still not have the best special teams at times. Though, in the playoffs, special teams play a much larger role in the way a series unfolds. We know all too well with our dismal power play and penalty kill from last season's first round exit courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. We have had good numbers on special teams during the season and the Pens need to be sure to remain strong in special team play.
The Pens know what is at stake and are focused and determined to reach their goal of making it all the way, to raise Lord Stanley's Cup once again. Now all they have to do is play a strong game, stay focused and show the Flyers who the better team is.

It's Playoff Time.

I am back from my trip and it is time for the playoffs. Round 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers begins tomorrow night at Consol Energy Center for the Pens at 7:30 p.m. Just a little over 24 hours from now.
There is nothing quite like hockey playoffs, it is easily one of my favorite times of year. I saw a quote a few weeks ago that said, "Life will be postponed due to hockey playoffs until further notice." This may have been meant as a joke, but to me it is the truth. Nothing gets in the way of me and my playoff hockey. Really, the regular season is just the same as well though. I rarely ever miss a Pens game, ever. Though, if friends choose a night that interferes with some Pens playoff hockey, they will hear from me that another night needs to be chosen.

Playoff hockey is thrilling and exciting. I know people who only watch playoff hockey because of the excitement and energy. Every game, mostly, is intense and when you get to a game 7 situation, I don't know what could be more exciting and/or nerve-racking. The games that go into multiple overtimes keep you on the edge of your seat no matter what overtime it is because you can't miss any of it. Players giving it their all because this is it; the playoffs are where teams make it all the way or their season ends abruptly in a series. The stakes are higher and so is the intensity. While I will admit, at times games do make me nervous, it is the nerves and excitment that make playoff hockey one of the best things in the world. No exaggeration, playoff hockey is that great!

Playoff hockey is exciting no matter who the opponent, but the Pens' first round opponents are quite familiar and quite hated: the Philadelphia Flyers. Regular season games between these teams usually get pretty heated and this series will surely not lack in the physical aspect of the game and will offer an exciting show for sure. The animosity between these two teams has never been hidden and this series is sure to be can't miss hockey.

The Pens finished #1 overall in the league in scoring and the Flyers finished 2nd overall. Therefore, we may see some high-scoring games, or we may see some hot goaltending. One just never knows in the playoffs. Both teams feature some of the best offensive players in the league and both teams also have good powerplay systems. The Pens will need to be sure to be consistent on the power play though. The Pens' penalty-kill was ranked higher than the Flyers' and the penalty kill will need to be strong against the Flyers and limit their opportunities.
Fleury will need to be strong in net and come up with those huge saves like he has in the past in the playoffs. The Pens are determined to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals this season and they believe with their lineup that it is possible. We, as fans, know what this team is capable of. They need to be strong defensively and on special teams as well as in net and also show just how potent the team can be offensively as well. Consistency will also be a huge part to focus on for the Pens.

I doubt the Pens will need to work on their motivation. This is a determined team that is well aware of what it takes to raise Lord Stanley's Cup. I don't think they will have any trouble getting fired up for their first round opponents either and vice versa. This is sure to be an exciting series. There are plenty of storylines to discuss between these two teams, but none of the trash talk or former players of ours on their team currently matter now. All that matters is sticking to our game, playing our best and beating the Philadelphia Flyers to advance to the second round. I know I am ready for some playoff hockey and I am sure the Pens are fired up for their opponents. Let's hope emotions don't get the best of the Pens and result in bad penalties, let's hope for the emotions to drive the Pens that much harder to complete their task: eliminating the Philadelphia Flyers from the playoffs. Let's get these playoffs started.

Moving on to the Bruins.

After an eventful game Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Monday was not that much more tame. Mike Milbury, an NBC hockey analyst and former player and coach, was on a Philadelphia radio station and had some rather careless statements geared towards the Pens, mainly Head Coach Dan Bylsma and Sidney Crosby. I don't think I need to repeat them; they were discussed everywhere. Today he issued an apology. Well, he was told to make an apology. Clearly, it was not sincere and he most likely still means what he says. Ray Shero responded to Milbury's comments today saying that Milbury should know better. My favorite response to the comments were from Dan Bylsma. In regard to Milbury saying that Bylsma should have "taken off his skirt" and gone over the bench to argue and fight, Dan Bylsma responded with, "I wasn't wearing a skirt. [I was wearing] a blue suit." Goes to show that the comments had no effect on the team or Bylsma and why would they? They were from Mike Milbury and have no merit. Now it is time to drop the antics and focus on tonight's game against the Boston Bruins.

The Bruins are on a roll and just as they did last season, they are ending on a high note. The Bruins have been 7-1-1 in their past nine games. They are first in the Northeast Division and second overall in the Eastern Conference. The Bruins are a high scoring team so the Pens' defense will need to be strong in tonight's matchup. Tim Thomas has been getting the majority of the workload as of late, but tonight, Marty Turco will be in for the Bruins. Brent Johnson will be in tonight for the Pens.
The Pens have lost 4 of the past 6 games and have not been playing as well as they are capable of. The Pens will look to correct that tonight and throughout the remaining games up until the playoffs where I hope the Pens will return to the consistent team that we know they are capable of being. Let's hope the consistency and strong defense come into play tonight and stick around.

Also, I would like to add that this may be my last post for about a week. I am leaving on a short trip tomorrow, but I will be back before you know it! Let's Go Pens!

Pens-Flyers post game thoughts and reflections.

Yesterday's game provided plenty of subjects and things to discuss. Though, one thing that deserves attention before even yesterday's game occurred is the subject of the blame game. After a loss, it is expected to hear some people upset and reflect on what could have been done better. That's great, because after a loss there are most definitely things to improve on for the next game and it is like that after most wins as well. However, because it's a win, no one wants to criticize so they don't. Well, those things are fine, but it is the blaming of players that gets to be too much at times after losses. I don't look for one scapegoat or even a few after a loss. After all, it is not my job to evaluate each player's game and report on it. I leave that up to the coaches and members of the team and the Penguins organization. I am not in a position that allows me to know every detail of events that lead up to, transpire during or after the game. Therefore, I feel that I have no right to blame certain players and pick certain ones out and blame them for a loss. Sure, as fans, we may notice certain mistakes and we realize some things that could be done better, but to me that does not mean I can blame that one player who may have had a bad game or a few. I see things that the team as a whole could do better, this is a team sport after all. Rather than finding someone to blame these recent losses on, let's hope the Pens are focusing on fixing the things that have been going wrong and correcting them and we'll cheer and believe in our team. After all, a fan's main job, I believe, is to cheer for their team and believe in their team. And that is exactly what I will do for the Pittsburgh Penguins.


Yesterday's loss to the Flyers was a tough one. As I have said before, what loss to the Flyers is not a tough one? Perhaps it was just a cruel April Fools Joke?
The Pens had a 2 goal advantage and it slipped away from them. Granted the Flyers are a good team, but the Pens are a better team and we did not show them that yesterday. After a clean hit, the Flyers seemed to have a problem with the line Dan Bylsma chose to put on the ice that delievered the hit and fights ensued after that. Not just on the ice either; on the benches as well between the two coaching staffs. I have a very strong dislike for the Flyers and my temper can flare as well during those games, therefore I completely understand how the coaches and players can lose their tempers as well. Though, I hope to see a determined Pens team this Saturday when we face the Philadelphia Flyers for our last regular season home game of the season. Not necessarily a team deteremined to fight and take a lot of penalties. A team determined to show the Flyers how great of a team we are and beat them in the areas of the game that we failed to show this past weekend. Yesterday's game will surely make for an exciting matchup this weekend, but I hope for a different outcome: A Pens' win to show the Flyers just who they are dealing with.

And to make it better, Cy Clark- aka Malkamania, there in the same seat he was in yesterday to show the Flyers just who they are dealing with as well.

Hope for better game against Sabres tonight.

The Pens had a chance to redeem themselves against the New York Islanders in another meeting last night and the Pens surely fell short with another 5-3 loss to the Islanders. There were a number of things the Pens could do better and let's hope they correct them tonight against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres have been on a mission to make it into the playoffs and they have been battling with the Washington Capitals for that coveted last spot. They have been on a decent run and have even gone 7-0-2 in their last nine games. The last games the Pens have left are not against easy opponents and if the Pens continue to play the way they have been these past couple games, the playoffs will not last as long as some have been hoping and thinking they would. We know this team can be better and we have some injuries, but those are no excuse. We have the skill and power to take out any team and the Pens better show that skill and power tonight and throughout the end of the season and carry it into the playoffs.

The surging Sabres have gotten some secondary scoring down the stretch and Ryan Miller, who had a rough start to the season, has been returning to his old form and has only allowed 3 goals in his past 4 games. Therefore, the Pens will need another night of a good bit of shots and get some quality chances. We have been missing some good chances these last couple games and now is the time to capitalize on them.

Pens face off against Islanders for a rematch.

After a short break, I am back finally. Work and sickness got in the way, but I wasn't the only one feeling a little under the weather. I am sure most of the Pens did not feel right about their 5-3 loss to the Islanders Tuesday night. Luckily, we have a chance to correct our mistakes when the Pens take on the Islanders again tonight for a rematch. The Pens were not strong defensively as is proven with allowing the Islanders to score 5 goals against them the other night. The Pens need to be strong on the blue line.

With the loss Tuesday night and the Rangers winning, the Pens are now 5 points behind the Rangers in the standings and the Pens will look to close that gap tonight. Time to forget about the poorly played game Tuesday night and focus on tonight's game. While the Pens are trying to reach the Rangers and will try to make amends for Tuesday's loss in tonight's game, the Islanders are trying to postpone being eliminated from the playoffs. A loss tonight would do just that. Therefore, expect the Islanders to come out with power to win this game.
The Pens will need to be more consistent tonight and be stronger defensively. Limiting the amount of turnovers tonight will also be helpful.

Kris Letang and Matt Niskanen did not make the trip with the Pens who continue on a road trip to take on the Buffalo Sabres Friday night. Letang is listed as day-to-day. Joe Vitale, who has missed the past 5 games, participated in a full practice yesterday but is not quite ready to return to the lineup just yet.
Brad Thiessen was sent back down to the Baby Pens today meaning that Brent Johnson is healthy enough to reclaim his duties as back-up goalie.

Predators in town tonight.

The Pens had a recent return of a star player, Sidney Crosby, and the Nashville Predators will have Alexander Radulov returning to the lineup either tonight against the Pens or in their game Saturday. Radulov had been labelled as the best player not in the NHL.
Both returns have been discussed as huge boosts for the teams. Radulov, a friend of Evgeni Malkin, was playing in the KHL most recently for 4 seasons and is now returning to the Predators. The Pens are getting serious consideration to make another great run at the Stanley Cup this year from many people and the Nashville Predators are getting some consideration in that discussion as well and the return of Radulov has people talking even more.

The Predators are currently a team that does not have to worry about making the playoffs, though they are a team fighting to get home-ice advantage. They are currently tied with the Detroit Red Wings for 4th place in the Western Conference. The Predators are a strong team obviously and they are a strong team defensively. So, we may not see another 8-goal game like our 8-4 win over Winnipeg Tuesday night from the Penguins tonight. The Pens will need to take shots whenever available. Maybe Sidney Crosby will get his first goal since his second return tonight. Though, I am not one of those people who is worried by the fact that Crosby hasn't scored a goal yet. He has racked up the assists since his return and goals will come. It's Crosby after all.
Predators goaltender, Pekka Rinne, and Marc Andre Fleury are both tied for the most wins this season in the league with 39. Let's see who comes out the leader tonight.

Game night vs. the Jets.

Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Flyers was a tough one to take. It snapped our 11 game winning streak and we lost control in the third period. Also, it was an overtime loss, with just seconds left, nonethelss to the Flyers. Everything about that is bad. However, it's time to move on. It was still a good road trip for the Pens with 5 points out of a possible 6. Time to forget about the loss to the Flyers and focus on the Winnipeg Jets who are in town to face the Pens tonight.

The Winnipeg Jets are just 4 points behind the Washington Capitals for that 8th and final spot for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. We know what that means. The Jets are a desperate team and desperate teams are capable of many things. Plus, they are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Hurricanes in which they let the lead slip away from them. Add those things together and we have a team that is determined to win. The Jets have been an offensive team as of late and the Pens will need to be sure to contain them. The Pens want to get back on the winning track as well and to move on from the loss to the Flyers and they better be prepared and focused for tonight's game.
Brad Thiessen is in goal tonight for the Pens for his third start.

I'd like to wish my brother a happy birthday. If it were not for him, I doubt I would be as obsessed with hockey as I am and I would probably not have this blog.

Also, Happy First Day of Spring everyone, let's hope it ends happily as well!

Pens vs. Flyers

After a win yesterday against the New Jersey Devils, the Pens' 11th win in a row, the Pens face off against the Philadelphia Flyers today in Philly. A game less than 24 hours after the previous one. This means the Pens will need to be alert and ready to face the Flyers, who have been doing pretty well themselves lately. The Flyers are 7-1-1 in their past nine games and they are only 3 points behind the Pens currently in the standings. Flyers' goaltender, Ilya Bryzgalov, is a big part of the recent climb as he has lost only once, a shootout loss against the Bruins yesterday, in the month of March. Over the past 8 games, he has had 4 shutouts as well. This means that the Pens will need to take advantage of any opportunity for shots. Though, with the Flyers playing yesterday, we may see backup goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in net today. Either way though, the Flyers have been strong defensively as of late and the Pens will still need to work to create some offense today to continue their win streak.

Yesterday's 5-2 win for the Pens could have easily been a higher scoring game for the Pens if it were not for Martin Brodeur in net. The Pens will need to be just as offensively minded today against the Flyers as well as strong defensively. The Flyers have some scoring power in the lineup that the Pens need to watch for. Therefore, the Pens will need to be sure to play an all around sound game and stay on their system.
It's a Flyers- Pens game and it is sure to be an exciting one, with two strong teams going against each other with such a rivalry all ready.

The Colorado Avalanche beat the New York Rangers last night, making it a little easier to reach our goal of surpassing the Rangers in the standings.

Big night in NYC.

Sidney Crosby's return to the lineup aside, Kris Letang is returning tonight as well after missing 5 games with concussion-like symptoms. However, put both of those returns aside, and tonight is a big game for the Pens. The Pens face the New York Rangers tonight at Madison Square Garden, the team above them in the standings by 6 points leading the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference with 95 points, while the Pens have 89 points.

The Pens have had a goal of reaching and even surpassing the Rangers in the standings for quite some time now. Winning 9 games in a row has certainly helped, but in order to accomplish their goal the Pens must beat the Rangers tonight and another win against the Rangers in the final regular season meeting between the 2 teams on April 5th would definitely help also.
Whether Crosby and/or Letang were returning tonight or not, it would still be a huge game. With Crosby and Letang back in the lineup for tonight's game, it's a tad bigger.

The Rangers recently lost a few games in a row, but seem to have returned to their form in a 4-2 win over Carolina the other night. The Rangers are an overall strong team and one the Pens must be prepared for and they should be. The Pens certainly know how big this game is tonight to reach their goal of taking over top spot in the standings.
Getting over a flu, Henrik Lundqvist, who sat out Tuesday's win, will not play tonight and Martin Biron will get the start in net for the Rangers.

With the return of Crosby and Letang, the Pens are on their way to getting back to a healthy lineup. What a great time of year for it to happen. Let's just hope it stays this way.
Tonight's game is a huge game and the excitement towards tonight's game is palpable.

Lineup changes.

I'm sure you have been hearing the phrase "good problem to have" a good bit recently. That is the phrase most writers and others associated in the media have been using to describe the situation the Pens are in now with the return of Sidney Crosby. They are correct, this is this Pens' big trade deadline acquistion. Getting Crosby back in the lineup is the only "move" we needed. Now that Crosby is returning tomorrow night against the Rangers in New York City, there are going to be some changes in the lineup, obviously. These changes are the good problem the Pens had.

So about those changes...
The Chris Kunitz- Evgeni Malkin- James Neal line will remain intact as well as the Steve Sullivam- Jordan Staal- Pascal Dupuis line.
Crosby will be centering a line with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy; a little different than his last return in November. Starting out, Crosby won't get as much as time as he was used to before his concussion. This is to benefit Crosby and hopefully help to keep Crosby in the lineup for a much longer period of time this time around.

Crosby will get some time on the power play though. In practice on Tuesday, the power play had Crosby featured in a different role than what he is used to - playing the point.

The top power-play unit in Tuesday’s practice had Crosby and Kris Letang at the points, Malkin on the halfwall and Kunitz and Neal down low.

These are the lines that are planned going into tomorrow's game against the Rangers but we know there are plenty of opportunities and combinations. We'll have to see how these ones pan out and what happens from there.

He's back... again.

The moment we knew was coming has arrived. The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that Sidney Crosby will be back in the lineup this Thursday in New York against the Rangers. What a game for the retun of Sidney Crosby. With the Pens fighting to catch the Rangers in the standings and Crosby's return, this game will surely be one not to miss. The Pens need to win both remaining games against the Rangers if they want to have a great shot at overtaking them for first in the Atlantic Division and first overall in the Eastern Conference.

While a good amount of people in the media and hockey world have been saying that with the addition of Crosby back in the Penguins lineup, the Pens are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this year, I will not make any such comment. I will not take a chance in jinxing the team and one just never knows what will happen in the playoffs.

First, I would just like to see Crosby back in the lineup and stay in the lineup. I do not want a repeat of what happened last time, just like everyone else.
Though, I have to admit, we have an amazing team without Crosby playing, as we have seen as of late and with the addition of Crosby back... this team can be scary.
The potential of this team has me just as excited as I am at the start of a new season. In a way, if things turn out well and Crosby stays in the lineup with no symptoms, this can be like a new season in a sense.
Evgeni Malkin will hopefully stay at the same pace with Crosby back in the lineup and this team would be any other team's nightmare. Let's face it, the Pens can come out strong and knock a team down and when the Pens go down by a few goals, its not necessary to panic either because they have come out of holes to win some great games. While I will not say how deep this team will go in the playoffs, (And what does my opinion or lack thereof mean anyways?) I have to say that I am extremely excited to watch this team move forward and I hope that it is all what we are expecting. There's even a chance it will be better than we have been expecting.

With the sun shining and this warm weather, only the optimism is emerging, the glass is half full and all I am seeing are the endless great possibilities. The what ifs seem to go away; only worry about those if they happen. Now, it's time to think about this Pens team with Sidney Crosby back in uniform and adding him to an already stellar lineup. Right now, it's time to think of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin rising to the occasion. It's time to think of this Pens team and all that they can accomplish from here on out. I don't know about you, but I am pretty excited; Thursday can not come soon enough.

Pens defeat Bruins and a Cause to help.

With the Pens ninth win a row coming against the Boston Bruins yesterday afternoon, the gap between the Pens and the Rangers is getting smaller and smaller. If only the Rangers would have lost yesterday, the Pens would be within 2 points of them today, but instead the Rangers are 4 points ahead of the Pens in the standings. Though, our next game is this Thursday against the Rangers and will be a very important game if we want to overtake the Rangers for the first in the Atlantic Division and first in the Eastern Conference.

Some in the media are saying that Thursday's game against the Rangers would be a great game for the return of Sidney Crosby. He may play or he may not play against the Rangers, but one thing is sure, Crosby is close to returning and that means there are going to be some changes in the lineup. Of course, that is inevitable. Some would love to see the top line stay intact because they are one of the best lines in the NHL at the moment. Though, that may not be the case. We may see Chris Kunitz jump to Crosby's line along with Pascal Dupuis, the same line that was together when Crosby was on his way to having a career season last season. Then Malkin's line would still include James Neal and possibly Steve Sullivan. It will be tough to break apart that top line with how well they're doing and we will have to see the line combinations, but we will be getting Crosby back and that is quite the addition. The Pens are spectacular without Crosby at the moment and teams are surely aware of what the Pens can do with Crosby on the team as well. Let's hope though that Malkin doesn't let up when Crosby returns. When everyone is playing at their best, there's not much that can stop this team. That's something I love to see and something I will love to see going in the playoffs.


Now, my readers, I would like to ask you if you could just spare a moment and view this webpage. http://www.donorschoose.org/we-teach/1279173
My sister is a teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and more than half of her class speak English as a second language. These families came to America looking for more opportunity and my sister is trying to make this classroom a home away from home for these children who do not have much. Supplies are not cheap and she is trying, through donorschoose.org, to raise money for some classroom supplies. This week, each donation will be doubled when the code word, BLOOM, is entered into the code box. Whatever people donate, the amount will be doubled by a generous donation. If you can not donate, please share the link through Twitter or Facebook. Thank you for your time and I am appreciative of you being a reader and my sister and I will be extremely grateful for whatever you can do to help the cause. Thank you!

False Expectations and matinee game.

As soon as the words came out of Sidney Crosby's mouth, it was established. These words inadvertently gave a target date for his return even though he adamantly said there was no date planned. Simply saying no sooner than Sunday would he return, immediately the rumors went wild stating that Crosby's return would be today against the Boston Bruins. With the schedule and practice schedule as well, I thought his return would be later than today and yesterday it was announced that Crosby's return will not be today. I am sure Crosby will think twice when choosing the way he phrases things when discussing his return because he realized the way people took what he said and ran with it. Media went wild and yesterday the story was that Crosby's return was "delayed." It was not delayed, there was no date set!
Don't worry, Crosby's retun is coming and I am sure we will know when it does. Let's not pick any more dates ourselves and set false expectations.

Now, today's game against the Boston Bruins has the chance to be a good one against the Pens and the Northeast Division leaders and second in the Eastern Conference Bruins. Even with some top players out with injury, the Bruins are still capable of scoring a lot of goals. Therefore, the Pens' defense needs to be strong today. Tuukka Rask, Boston's backup is currently in recovery that could last up to 4-6 weeks and therefore, the Bruins recently signed Marty Turco to a one year deal to back up Tim Thomas. There is a chance that Turco will be in the lineup today against the Pens. It would be his first NHL action since last February. This could be good or bad for the Pens. Either way, the Pens need to have a consistent game to continue our win streak this afternoon.

Pens take on Panthers tonight.

We're used to seeing the Florida Panthers pretty far down the list in Eastern Conference standings, but right now, the Pens just happen to be looking up at them in the standings. They don't have more points, but they currently lead the Southeast Division and sit in third place in the Eastern Conference. While the Panthers have made some great improvements, they have their problems and their motto might as well be, "Florida Panthers: Florida's longest roller coaster." The Panthers have been up and down with the wins and losses this season and they can not seem to gain consistency.
The Panthers have been on the lower end of the roller coaster track lately as they have lost three of their last 4 games. Scoring is a bit of a problem as of late as the Panthers have been shut out twice while letting in a lot of goals. A part of that is the fact that the Panthers are without their top scoreer, Kris Versteeg, due to an injury. Though being on the losing end does not mean that the coaster won't be making its way back up the track, so the Pens need to shut the Panthers down tonight at Consol Energy Center. The Pens need to continue trying to play a consistent game and they will look to do so as well as look to continue their win streak tonight against the Panthers.

Paul Martin is sick and may not play in tonight's game and Simon Despres was called up as a result. Kris Letang skated today before the team practice with Mike Kadar and while Brent Johnson has been back in practice, it is just another step in his recovery and he hopes it won't be much longer to heal his "nagging" injury.

Mario Lemieux and Game Day.

At the time of the Mario Lemieux statue unveiling today in front of Consol Energy Center, it was an appropriate 66 degrees in the city of Pittsburgh. Not only was it an appropriate temperature but the sun was shining as hundreds of fans and practically the whole organization was there for the unveiling.
Lemieux may not have wanted a statue of himself, but it is well-deserved. Mario Lemieux is the greatest hockey player and one of the best people to ever grace this earth. Some of you may think I am going a bit overboard there, but Lemieux has faced so many obstacles and has risen above them all, more like soaring above them, and also has saved the Penguins numerous times from multiple problems. Not only for his work with the team, Lemieux also has donated to many charities and has begun charitites that have been benefitting cancer and neonatal research. To put it simply, Mario Lemieux is one stand-up guy. I believe he is a person all hockey players should look up to as he handles himself with grace now off the ice just as he played with such grace on the ice. Not only should hockey players look up to Mario Lemieux, any person should look up to Lemieux. He is an idol of mine and Mario Lemieux is another reason why I love the sport of hockey; I believe he is everything a hockey player and human being should be.

With such an event taking place at Consol Energy Center today and the players being present, I hope they get a chance to now focus on tonight's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. While the Leafs have not been doing so well lately, just like every team out there, the Pens need to take them seriously. Also because the Leafs have a record against the Pens this season of 2-0-1. The Leafs' defensive problems are still apparent under new coach Carlyle and they will surely be working hard in all facets of the game to turn things around. The Pens better be prepared for a team that is desperate for wins.

Been here before.

It's not exactly news that Sidney Crosby was cleared for contact, as it was announced today. He had been on the ice for a little while now with no contact and since we have been down this road before, we knew it was a step that was coming.

Just as the last time, there is no timetable for a return to game action for Crosby and there is no real use in speculating either. He will return when he returns and the Pens have been playing pretty well without him, so the Pens are not in absolute dire need of him returning, which is a good thing for the team and Crosby.
The Pens won their sixth straight last night against the Coyotes and though it wasn't our best played game, Fleury was strong in net and the Pens managed a 2-1 win.

It's good to hear Crosby has been cleared for contact as it is the next step in his all-too familiar recovery and we know that somewhere down the road, whether it be long or short, he will return to the lineup. And we will all hope that he stays healthy and gets back to his form in which he left the game, but that will most likely take some time, or maybe it won't... who knows.

The great thing in all of this is that Crosby will not feel the pressure to return to a team that is falling as the Pens have been strong as of late and are holding on to the top half of the Eastern Conference standings. That also means that we have a very strong team without Crosby in the lineup and with Crosby back, there will be some shake-ups on some things, but we will have arguably the best player back. Seems like a win-win to me, so let's keep this winning streak going and we'll have to wait and see when Crosby comes back. We can be patient though and that is one great thing.

Pens host Coyotes tonight.

A month ago, the Phoenix Coyotes were out of a playoff spot, a good four spots down from the playoff cutoff in fact. Then, the month of February happened to be a great month for the Coyotes. They went on a 11-0-1 roll and rolled right into 3rd spot in the Western Conference as a result. Most recently though, they have lost their past two games with one of the losses coming from last-place Columbus. Therefore, the Coyotes are looking to get back into the winning groove and they will certainly be looking to turn things around tonight in Pittsburgh. The Pens will surely be looking to keep their current winning streak going as well, but it may not be easy against the Coyotes. When the Coyotes are playing their best hockey, they have some great offense and are strong with special play and to top it off, they are strong in net with Mike Smith also.

The Pens have been strong as of late and they need to continue to play at that pace and work together and work well on the special teams as they have been recently. Tyler Kennedy, who has been recovering from a high ankle sprain is a game-time decision for tonight's game. Deryk Engelland will be out of tonight's lineup with an upper-body injury. Brian Strait was called up from the Baby Pens to take Engelland's spot in the lineup.
There has been no official update on Kris Letang and his concussion-like symptoms. Brent Johnson continues to ail from his upper-body injury, but it is not expected to be a long-term recovery.

Injury updates and more.

Last night's win against the Dallas Stars was an exciting one, as it took 4 rounds in the shootout to determine the winner and the Pens came out victorious, 4-3. The game had some back and forth scoring as well as some fast goals and the physical component of hockey surely was not missing in last night's game. However, that win and those two points came at a price. Kris Letang and Steve Sullivan both left the game last night due to injuries.

Coach Dan Bylsma said today that Kris Letang is experiencing concussion-like symptoms after his hit with Stars' Eric Nystrom. Letang will be further evaluated back in Pittsburgh once the current road trip has wrapped up. Nystrom will not face supplemental discipline for the hit.
Steve Sullivan is reportedly day-to-day with the lower-body injury he sustained in last night's win.

Tyler Kennedy practiced with the team yesterday with some contact, but there is no timetable for his return from a high ankle sprain.

It was announced this afternoon that the Pens have signed forward Adam Payerl to a three-year entry-level contract that will begin with the 2012-13 season. Payerl, 20, is currently in his third season with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League. Payerl is setting career highs this season: In 57 regular-season contests this year he has 20 goals and 44 points.

Pens face off against Stars.

Happy Leap Day to you all!

An extra day of the year, and what better way to celebrate this extra day than with a Pens game?

The Pens are in Dallas tonight to take on the Stars. The team that Matt Niskanen and James Neal came from in a trade last season for Alex Goligoski. Well, the trade has payed off for both teams, but Niskanen says it will be really weird playing in Dallas for the first time since the trade and that he wants to prove to his former team what they're missing.

Niskanen, and the rest of the Pens for that matter, should be prepared to face a team that has won 4 straight games including a great game against the Vancouver Canucks a short time ago. The Stars are in the eighth place in the Western Conference, but are only a few points behind their Pacific division leader. If they reach their division leader, the Phoenix Coyotes, they could jump all the way up to one of the top spots in their Conference. They are a team on a mission, just as the Pens are and the Pens better come out tonight ready to complete their mission of reaching the Rangers and ready to battle against the Stars who will be playing their best to reach their goal.
It's the last stretch of the season and most teams are focused on reaching certain goals and the teams completely out of the playoff spots like to play spoiler, so the Pens will need to stay determined and focused and continue to play a strong team game if they want to catch up to the Rangers.
The Pens will need to fire a good amount of shots on net tonight to beat the Stars' goaltender, Kari Lehtonen, who has been playing great between the pipes as of late. The Pens should stick to their game in tonight's matchup and this can be a very good game.

More trade deadline.

Rick Nash had been the talk of the deadline this year and he is still a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Yesterday's game against the Pens and Blue Jackets was talked about as the potential last game of the season for Nash in a Blue Jackets uniform. Losing 4-2 to the Pens yesterday, the Blue Jackets still have Nash on their team today.

Blue Jackets GM, Scott Howson, said today that Nash asked to be traded as well. There was considerable attention and plenty of discussions for Nash, but the price was high for the team captain and no deal could be reached.

Trade Deadline Day

Trade Deadline Day in the NHL is like a holiday. Some may even compare it to Christmas. A new acquisition can feel just like getting something new on Christmas Day, though the real test is when you get to put it into play following Christmas and the same goes for Trade Deadline Day. How will those players fare with a new team and how much of a difference can they make? It's a day all hockey fans are glued to multiple devices waiting for updates on their own favorite team or waiting to hear about the big deal of the day, whether it was involving their team or not.

Well, today's trade deadline day is almost like the Christmas that you did not get exactly what you wanted. I, myself, am pleased that the Pens remained intact. There wasn't much out there that could benefit the Pens and with speculation that Sidney Crosby will return this season and/or for the playoffs, that may just be the best acquisition a team could get.
However, I like to see some big blockbuster trades take place and there weren't really any HUGE deals. Vancouver and Buffalo were part of some big trades today though pretty close to the wire. Here's a look at all the trades that went down today:

*F = Forward
D = Defenseman

Vancouver acquires Andrew Gordon, F from Buffalo in exchange for Sebastian Erixon, D

Vancouver also acquired Zack Kassian,F and Marc-Andre Gragnani,D from Buffalo in exchange for Cody Hodgson,F and Alexander Sulzer, D.

Anaheim acquired Mark Fraser,D from Toronto in exchange for Dale Mitchell, F

Nashville acquired Paul Gaustad,F and 2013 4th-round pick from Buffalo in exchange for 2012 1st-round pick.

Rangers acquired John Scott, D from Chicago in exchange for 2012 5th-round pick.

Minnesota acquired Steve Kampfer, F from Boston in exchange for Greg Zanon, D.

Boston acquired Brian Rolston, F and Mike Mottau, D from the Islanders in exchange for Yannick Riendeau, F and Marc Cantin, D

Chicago acquired Johnny Oduya, D from Winnipeg in exchange for 2013 2nd-round pick and 2013 3rd-round pick

San Jose acquired Daniel Winnik, F, T.J. Galiardi, F, and 2013 7th-round pick from Colorado in exchange for Jamie McGinn, F, Michael Sgarbossa, F and Mike Connolly, F.

Ottawa acquired Matt Gilroy, D from Tampa Bay in exchange for Brian Lee, D.

Vancouver acquired Sami Pahlsson, F from Columbus in exchange for 2- 2012 4th-round picks.

Toronto acquired Carter Ashton, F from Tampa Bay in exchange for Keith Aulie, D.

Minnesota acquired Tom Gilbert, D from Edmonton in exchange for Nick Schultz, D

Tampa Bay acquired Mike Commodore, D from Detroit in exchange for a conditional 2013 7th-round pick

Nashville acquired Andrei Kostitsyn, F from Montreal in exchange for a 2013 2nd-round pick and a conditional 2013 5th-round pick.



News on the Pens had been light and while there was some chatter on players I have mentioned, the market was not one for the Pens this season and I am happy to see the Pens have a strong team and if they continue to build on their play and if they happen to get Crosby back, the Pens will surely be a scary team to go against in the playoffs.
Now, after these trades, we will have to see which ones turn out to be great or which ones are a bust for teams as we finish off the season and venture into the playoffs. Happy Trade Deadline Day and I think it should be a happy one for Pens fans!

On to the Blue Jackets.

Yesterday's game taught opposing teams, once again, why it is never good to make Evgeni Malkin angry. Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson threw a punch at Malkin while he was down and I am sure Roloson will think twice before doing that again. Malkin went on to score some amazing goals. After an exciting game against the Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday with an 8-1 win featuiring a hat trick from Evgeni Malkin though, the Pens will need to focus on this afternoon's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Consol Energy Center. Hopefully, the Pens still have some goals left to score today.

The Blue Jackets have no chance of making the playoffs this spring and are making quite the run at finishing dead last in the NHL. They are well on their way to accomplishing that feat. With a dismal season, that started out with 8 winless games, they have been active lately in the trade market making some trades and their best player this season, who is having one of his worst seasons, Rick Nash, has been a trade deadline storyline for a good bit of time lately.
With an 18-36-7 record and no chance at making the playoffs, that makes the Blue Jackets a desperate team. After playing yesterday, the Pens are going to need to be focused and prepared to play an exciting game like they accomplished yesterday. They need to take the Blue Jackets seriously and complete another win today.
Goalie Brad Thiessen is starting in his first NHL game this afternoon as it has been reported that back-up Brent Johnson "tweaked" something in practice on Thursday. Thiessen, 25, has been a reliable goalie this season in the AHL for the Baby Pens, posting a 20-14-2 record and 2.88 goals-against average in 37 games. Just alst season the goalie had a career year for the Baby Pens, winning the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL’s top goaltender and teaming with partner John Curry to capture the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award as the goaltending duo to allow the fewest goals in the AHL. We will see how he handles his first NHL game this afternoon. The Pens need to be sure to play a tight game in front of him and be a tough team to play against like they have been doing as of late.

With the trouble Brent Johnson has had this season, some are saying this could be the end for him with the Pens. Jack Johnson will make his Blue Jackets debut today against the Pens. Also, if the rumors and anticipation of Rick Nash are true, this could be his last game with the Blue Jackets this season.
This trade deadline has featured resignings of some players that were expected to be traded, with players like Ales Hemsky and Tuomo Ruutu, which shows that the market just is not that great and prices are high for others. Still, we have a little over 24 hours to see what happens in this year's trade deadline.

Pens host Lightning.

It was announced yesterday that Pittsburgh Penguins forward James Neal will be the next player profiled on the all-access series “NHL 36.” Cameras will join Neal this morning and follow him for the next 36 hours as he and the Penguins host afternoon games this weekend against the Tampa Bay Lightning and tomorrow against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
NHL 36: James Neal will air Wednesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network. Then, NBC Sports Network will air the Penguins’ home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.



Another busy weeeknd for Pens hockey and today the Pens are taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Consol Energy Center in an afternoon game. The Lightning have been making trades trying to improve their team that is currently out of a playoff spot. However, they are 10-4-2 in their last 16 games. Steven Stamkos has been on a big roll lately and had a 3 point night against the Winnipeg Jets the other night and those 3 points put him in a tie with Evgeni Malkin for the scoring lead in the NHL. Stamkos leads the league in goals with 43 as well. The two players will certainly see a lot of each other today as they will most likely be matched up together for most of the game.
Steve Yzerman has been busy making some trades lately but he also picked a player off waivers on Thursday rather than making another trade. The Lighning claimed former Penguin Tim Wallace off waivers. He should be in the lineup for today’s game. Wallace has played in 31 games this season for the New York Islanders with one assist and six penalty minutes.
The Pens will have to play a strong game defensively and see if they can contain Stamkos' line as they did a few weeks ago. It will be a tough task and the Pens will also need to add some offensive flair to complete a win today. A strong, consistent game from the Pens is what they need and we will see which leading scorer comes out as the winner today.

Call-ups, practice, and trades.

Matt Niskanen was back at practice today after missing yesterday's due to sickness. However, Brent Johnson was not at practice today and apparently he may have tweaked an injury in practice yesterday. Therefore, Brad Thiessen was called up again and we will have to see who will be backup for tomorrow's afternoon game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Johnson is listed as day-to-day and so is Brooks Orpik with his upper-body injury.

A pretty big trade took place in the NHL yesterday, with the Los Angeles Kings acquiring three-time 30-goal scorer Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a first-round selection in either the 2012 or 2013 NHL Draft. The Kings have not been doing so well offensively this season and they hope Carter can help to rectify that. They hope he can be better than he was with the Blue Jackets.
Jeff Carter was also part of a big off season trade from the Flyers that drew a lot of attention along with teammate Mike Richards. Richards and Carter were close friends on the Flyers team and were involved in some off-ice antics that were said to be bothering the Flyers and they were dealt. Carter went to the Blue Jackets while Richards went to the Kings and now his good friend Jeff Carter is joining him. Maybe now that they are on the same team again, Carter can step it up. People in the NHL have described Carter as a bitter person, so maybe being back with his friend will turn that frown upside down. Perhaps he was just suffering from some seperation anxiety.


The trade deadline has not brought us many huge trades at all this year, but there are still rumors around about Rick Nash and Dustin Brown and some other players. We will have to see what the weekend and and the early part of Monday bring in trades.

Updates.

Game day is still a couple days away for the Pens, but they were practicing this morning. Sidney Crosby was out there with the team for practice, but settle down... he was not in any contact drills.
Brooks Orpik was practicing and is slowly recovering from his upper-body injury but he says he is not sure if he will play this weekend or not. Brent Johnson was back in practice from his sickness but Matt Niskanen did not practice today due to illness.

The Pens sent Cal O'Reilly down to the Baby Pens. If we want to bring him back up at some point O'Reilly will have to clear waivers to rejoin the team.

That trade deadline keeps getting closer and closer. For the Pens, it is a different situation than most teams. Crosby's status and whether he will return this season or for the playoffs is unknown and if the Pens were to get him back, that would be just about the best move any team could ever make. Though, if Crosby does not improve, then the Pens might want to get someone to be a little extra help down the stretch. The uncertainty of the situation for Shero makes things a little tricky, but we have seen how good of a lineup the Pens have without Crosby certainly, so there is not a ton of pressure to pick up a player this year. While there doesn't seem to be as much going on as other years for the Pens, you just never know. The trade deadline always seems to bring some surprises, who knows what this year's deadline will bring to the Pens or other teams.

News around the NHL.

It was 32 years ago today that Herb Brooks gave his famous locker room speech during the America vs. USSR semi-finals game during the Lake Placid Olympics in 1980. I was not alive yet and many of us were not in the locker room, but the meaning is certainly not lost and the movie about the event, Miracle, is one of my favorite movies. The speech in the movie will always give me chills and the U.S Olympic hockey team went on to beat USSR and then won gold that year. The "Miracle on Ice" will always be a cherished part of U.S. History.


Now, I must apologize. I had a blog post all prepared for yesterday, but because of technical difficulties, that I just recently fixed, I was not allowed to post. Therefore, my post about the game against the Rangers could not be posted. It was a good one too. Not as good as the game last night itself though. The Pens played a great game against the Rangers, shutting them down and Fleury was great at shutting them out, 2-0. A spectacular win over the Rangers for the Pens. It's great to see such an effort against the Eastern-Conference leading team. The Pens still have quite the obstacle ahead of them if they want to reach the Rangers though in the standings. That would take a pretty decent record to finish out the season and a good bit of losses from the Rangers. Though, the Pens showed that they are a tough team to beat and that is exactly what they were last night: a tough team to beat.


Now, with the trade deadline less than a week away, some talks are heating up. People still wonder if Rick Nash will be moving and to what team and some are saying the Pens are in search for a center, perhaps a center to add some depth to the team because of Crosby's situation and the unknowns of his return. It is also being reported that the Pens are scouting the Blue Jackets heavily, which because of proximity is not an unusual thing. However, some talk over Blue Jackets' centerman Samuel Pahlsson is said to be getting some looks from the Pens.
The Pens are supposedly looking for a scoring forward and/or depth center as their main priorities. In this year's market, the Pens might not get those types of players. The trade deadline is all about waiting to see what happens.


The Phoenix Coyotes acquired a center from the Blue Jackets today, Antoine Vermette. The Blue Jackets got a pair of draft picks and goaltender Curtis McElhinney in return.

Pens recall Thiessen.

It was announced this morning that goaltender Brad Thiessen was called up from the Baby Pens.
Talks have been going on recently about the back-up goalie situation for the Pens as Brent Johnson has not had the best season as back-up and has been pulled in 3 of his last 5 starts.
Brent Johnson is not on the ice for practice this morning. Thiessen has not arrived yet and is not at practice either.

Thiessen may be getting a look at the NHL level with this call-up.
Thiessen has posted a 20-14-2 record with a 2.88 goals-against average. He is tied for 4th in the AHL with 20 wins.

Presidents' Day news.

Happy Presidents' Day to you. If you are one of the unlucky people who did not have off today, I am sorry.

Hockey fans are also aware that a week from today is the trade deadline day. I may have to take off this day; it should be a holiday just so we can all stay home and stay connected for all the updates.

Rick Nash, of the Columbus Blue Jackets, continues to be the biggest name thrown out there and it has been reported that the New York Rangers want him. However, the price for Nash is quite high and the Rangers have not given in. Some players the Blue Jackets look for in return are supposedly untouchables on the Rangers roster. We will have to wait and see if Nash will be traded to the Rangers or any team or if the Blue Jackets keep him.
The Detroit Red Wings could be in the market for a forward or defenseman to add depth to their already stellar lineup.
Toronto could use some help on defense and could be looking to add an elite defenseman.


The Pens called up Eric Tangradi today.

Tomorrow night the Pens will host the New York Rangers at Consol Energy Center. They have to be a lot better than they were in Buffalo yesterday against the Sabres if they want a win. The Rangers are one of the best teams in the league and yesterday the Pens did not play their best. The Pens lost 6-2 and the score reflects that the defense needs to be better. We can not play the way we did yesterday and expect many wins. Now, we put yesterday's game behind us and move on to the Rangers. We need all of our focus and attention on tomorrow night's game.

Weekend News.

Happy Hockey Day in America!

Amidst the trades that are taking place before the trade deadline on February 27th, it was announced today that James Neal has signed a 6 year contract extension with the Pens. This makes Neal a Penguin through the 2017-18 season with an average price about $5 million a year. Great news with this signing as we have all seen the positive effects of having Neal in the lineup and on a line with Malkin this season. I'm happy to see that Neal will be a Penguin for a while!

In yesterday's game, Jordan Staal was assessed a boarding penalty and it was announced after the game that Staal had been fined the maximum amount allowed, $2,500, for the hit against the Flyers' Braydon Coburn.

Yesterday's game was a different game to say the least. Missed calls and penalties that were questionable. Things that do not happen all the time that were a welcome sight: Matt Cooke scoring two goals and the Pens scoring two short-handed goals, one while down two players while the Flyers were on a 5-on-3. It was a game that was filled with excitement, which is guaranteed with a Pens-Flyers game. The Pens beat the Flyers for the first time this season with a final score of 6-4.

Now we are moving on quickly from the Flyers game and are moving right into an early afternoon game in Buffalo against the Sabres.
The Sabres are desperate for a win as they have lost the past 4 games and are currently sitting in the last spot in the Eastern Conference. They are not particularly strong in any one area this season. Their offense and defense do not have much to brag about and their power play and penalty kill are not much to brag about either. While Ryan Miller is one of my favorite goalies around the league, he is not having his best season, in fact, it is his worst season statistically of his career with a 16-17-4 record and a 2.82 goals-against average and .906 save percentage.
Those numbers and statistics certainly show that the Sabres are having a tough season, but it shows that they are a desperate team and a team not to be taken lightly this afternoon. The Pens need to continue to play a strong game and make another great weekend, a great Hockey Weekend Across America.

Trades and games

We know the trade deadline is fast approaching and while it has mostly been quiet so far, yesterday there was a trade involving Hal Gill and he is not coming back to the Pens as some reports were saying could happen. The Nashville Predators landed Gill and a conditional 2013 draft pick from Montreal in exchange for forwards Blake Geoffrion and Robert Slaney, plus a 2012 second-round pick.
Gill will bring some experience and size to the Predator's blueline and he will be an unrestricted free agent if not signed before July 1st this summer.

Oh, and those Detroit Red Wings won another home game, they are keeping that NHL record and adding to it. 22 home wins in a row.

Now, Hockey Weekend Across America is a great one for Pens because it includes a game against the Flyers today in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has not been on such a hot streak lately but they beat the Sabres 7-2 on Thursday and moved ahead of the Pens in the standings.

They have some offensive power, obviously with a 7-2 win, but some have been critical of their defensive work. That might explain why the Flyers acquired defenseman Nicklas Grossman from Dallas in exchange for a second and third round pick. Grossman is expected to make his debut in a Flyers uniform today against the Pens. Now, Daniel Briere left the game Thursday against Buffalo and practiced yesterday with a no-contact jersey so he is expected to be out of the lineup.
While the Flyers are down some players due to injuries, the Pens will have Arron Asham back in the lineup today after missing the past 14 games with concussion-like symptoms.

The Pens are 0-2 against the Flyers this season and they look to change that this afternoon. There is no need to say that this game will be an exciting one. It's a Pens-Flyers game, its already implied. I hope to see the Pens ready to take on the Flyers at full force this afternoon and we hope to get the offense clicking after a low scoring game on Wednesday. While offense is important, our defense needs to be strong as well against the Flyers. Max Talbot scored twice against the Sabres the other night, let's not let him do that against us.
Basically, the Pens will need to play a strong, consistent game and not let the Flyers reel us in for too many penalties. Let's hope this Hockey Weekend Across America goes like last weekend!

Hockey Weekend Across America.

What a weekend it will be! It is Hockey Weekend Across America and this sport deserves a weekend, a whole weekend! I never hide my love for the game of hockey and I share my opinions on why it is the best sport all the time and now is a time to celebrate it. I don't think many people do truly understand just how great the game of hockey is. That is their loss though. They can have their other sports with more commercials than action, or slow tempo, or where arrests of athletes are normal. I'll take my hockey any day.

Today, it was being promoted to wear your Hockey Jersey to get the weekend started and for Pens fans it surely will be a hockey weekend. Tomorrow the Pens will be in Philadelphia to take on the Flyers and then Sunday, Hockey Day in America, the Pens will be in Buffalo to take on the Sabres. Another hockey-filled weekend that is perfectly fitting for the occasion.

On a slightly different note:
Yesterday, I received my Hockey News Magazine and our Evgeni Malkin graces the cover with the title, "Malkin's Vast Power." (MVP)
I finally had the chance to read the article written by Ken Campbell today, entitled, "Emperor Penguin: With Sid on the sidelines, Evgeni Malkin is putting the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the NHL, on his shoulders."
It does not present any new information for Pens fans. It merely states facts that we are all well aware of. Pretty much that Malkin is the best player in the league right now and that he is playing the best hockey of his career. We are also aware that with Crosby out of the lineup, Malkin steps up his game and the article reflects that point as well. The article mentions that Malkin's work along the boards has improved and also that Malkin is becoming more comfortable in the spotlight. We see these things first-hand, during each game and every interview. We are lucky to have him on our team and lucky that his focus and determination and skill are paying off immensely.

The article does not mention how lucky we are to have this Russian superstar rather than the other Russian who is not having a superstar season, Alex Ovechkin, though the article could have. We are well aware of how lucky we are for that though.
However, there is something the article presented that I was not aware of though.
The article begins by mentioning the fact that Malkin sent Ray Shero a text last February 4th. Some may have forgotten that date from last year, but it was the night Malkin went into the boards awkwardly in a game against the Sabres along with the Sabres' Tyler Myers. We would of course learn that Malkin had suffered a torn ACL. The text was simple; it consisted of two words: "I'm sorry." Malkin apologized for being injured. That goes to show you once again how much Malkin wants this team to succeed and how he wants to be a big part of it. It also shows Pens fans how lucky we are to have Malkin on our team, but of course, we already knew that.

Happy Hockey Weekend Across America, celebrate the great game of hockey and celebrate just how great some of these hockey players are!

Close, tight scoring game.

The Pens have had their share of tight scoring games this season and last night's game did not fall in the Pens' favor. The Anaheim Ducks came out the winners last night with a 2-1 win over the Pens. To break away from the usual format of games most recently, the Pens scored first rather than going down 2-0. Jordan Staal had his 17th goal of the season to open the scoring, but it would be the only Pens goal of the night. The Pens had some times of strong play but others when things could have been better. It is all about keeping momentum and playing a 60-minute game. The Pens will be back at it this weekend in back to back games for Hockey Weekend in America.

I forgot to congratulate the Detroit Red Wings in my post yesterday on making a new NHL record with 21 consecutive home wins the other night. That is a pretty amazing streak. Seriously, not one team could beat them just once while in that streak so they wouldn't have something else to brag about??

Also, February seems to be passing by quickly and that means that the Trade Deadline is fast approaching. There have been some rumors that the Pens are looking into getting Hal Gill back and some questions are being posed as to whether or not we need another defenseman or a center to help with the absence of Crosby, or some may want us to find a scoring winger. Well, I don't like to go too deep into rumors because you never really know what will happen. With the trade deadline, you just have to wait and see. Only about 10 days left of waiting to see what the Pens will do at the trade deadline.

I mentioned earlier that it is Hockey Weekend Across America this weekend and that means you better sport your Pens gear tomorrow. Check out the Pens website to see what wearing your Pens gear to work or school can get you!

Pens host Ducks tonight.

The Anaheim Ducks are in town tonight in the middle of a long sretch of road games for the team to take on our Pens. The Ducks have 8 games in 15 days on this road trip and tonight will be their 4th stop. They played last night in Minnesota.

After having a bad start to the season, the Ducks fired their coach, Randy Carlyle, and hired a very familiar face, a little more familiar with barbecue sauce around the mouth, in Bruce Boudreau, the former coach of the Washington Capitals. Since the coach change, the Ducks have slowly been becoming a better team and were one of the best teams in January with a 9-2-1 record.

The Ducks have plenty of talent in the lineup and we must be up to the challenge. Going down 2-0 has not been detrimental to us very recently, but making a pattern of it surely is not on the list of things to do for the Pens. Not to mention that although the Ducks goaltender, Jonas Hiller, had a rough start to the season, he has been making up for it. In the past 17 games, the netminder has a .927% save percentage and has a 1.86 GAA. The Pens will have to be in control and look to start out better tonight and not give the 2-0 advantage to the other team. Our top line has been consistently strong as of late and some secondary scoring has been adding an extra bonus and has been a welcome sight. The Pens need to continue to be a strong team in every facet of the game and good things can continue.

Speaking of good things, Arron Asham skated with his teammates for the first time yesterday, with no contact. He says he hopes to play as soon as this weekend for the Pens.

Pens news.

What a great weekend it was for the Pens! With two wins and plenty of goal-scoring, it was a great weekend to be a Pens fan and also a great weekend for Adele fans as well as she scored big at the Grammys. Adele may have won a grammy for each of the 6 categories she was nominated for, but she is still second in my book behind the Pens for a great weekend.

First came an 8-5 win against the Winnipeg Jets. It featured some back and forth goal scoring, but the Pens then ran away with it topping it off with 8 goals. The best thing about that win may be the fact that those 8 goals came from 7 different scorers. For a team that has been featuring scoring from mainly one line as of late, that is welcome and wonderful news.

Then came a 4-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. Evgeni Malkin scored two to help us edge out the Lightning and Kris Letang had another goal last night to make it a 3 goal weekend for the defenseman.
Kris Letang had a great weekend not just offensively, but also defensively. Last night Letang, along with defensive partner Brooks Orpik, were matched up against Steven Stamkos most of the night. Stamkos leads the league in goals with 37 and Letang and Orpik held Stamkos and his line without any points in the game, certainly not an easy feat.

Things were clicking well for the Pens this weekend and the two teams did not make it necessarily easy on the Pens either. In both games, the Pens went down 2-0 before staging a comeback and winning both games. While going down 2-0 is not a trend we would like to continue, it is not such a large hole that the Pens can not get out of. However, that trend will not always end in the Pens' favor, so the team still needs to look to start games stronger. It is nice to know though that going down early in the game does not mean we can count the Pens out. They always prove to be exciting.

With such a great weekend, the NHL named Evgeni Malkin the second star of the week. The Phoenix Coyotes' goalie, Mike Smith, was named the first star of the week, as he has been doing some spectacular work over in Phoenix. The St. Louis Blues forward, David Perron was the third star of the week for his offensive work of the past week.

In other news, Mike Comrie, who was a member of the Pens last season, announced his retirement from the NHL today. It was not unexpected as he has had health issues, mainly with his hip, and has had 3 hip surgeries the past 5 years, most recently having a hip surgery two weeks ago. Retiring at the young age of 31 still must not be an easy decision though and I wish him and his wife, Hilary Duff, the best also wishing them luck with the upcoming birth of their first child.

The Pens have a couple days off before they take on the Anaheim Ducks at Consol Energy Center Wednesday night and then have a couple days off before another busy weekend for Hockey weekend in America. Don't forget to wear your Pens gear on Friday and into the weekend!