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.

Pens sign Lovejoy and Wallace.

The Penguins have signed Defenseman Ben Lovejoy to a one year contract and forward Tim Wallace to a two year contract it was announced today. It is believed that Wallace's contract is a 2-way deal.
With the loss of some defensemen from our roster and limited cap space, members who played most of last season with the Baby Pens are going to be battling for spots in the upcoming training camp.


http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=442676

Zigomanis not likely to return.

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

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

Pens recall players from WBS.

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

Boucher back tonight, Curry in net against Islanders.

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

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

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

Pens host Sabres tonight

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