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.

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.

News on the Pens and from around the league.

After a tough shootout loss to the Canadiens Tuesday night (which featured an amazing shootout goal by Evgeni Malkin!), the Pens are focusing on a busy weekend of home games.

Coach Dan Bylsma was stressing today after practice that the Pens need to be more dominant in games after some losses. We need to get back to shooting more and capitalizing on power play opportunities. The low goal totals we have been seeing in some recent games is just another reminder that we need more scoring down the lines and we can not always count on the top line to provide our offense. Hopefully, we see these factors in the upcoming games this weekend.

Another injury the Pens are familiar with is a high ankle sprain and it was announced that Tyler Kennedy has fallen victim to the injury and will be out approximately 4-6 weeks.
Jordan Staal was the unfortunate victim of an accidental stick to the face this morning at practice and needed some stitches. Luckily, it was nothing too serious and he will be fine.


After rumors have been floating around for quite some time now about the location of the 2013 NHL Winter Classic, it was confirmed and announced today that the 2013 Winter Classic will be played in Detroit at Michigan Stadium, where the Universoty of Michigan football team plays. The game will be played between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It was also announced today that Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers play, will be home to the Hockeytown Winter Festival. This will be a week long event leading up to the Winter Classic featuring games and festivities.

Michigan Stadium will draw the biggest crowd for an NHL Winter Classic yet to date with 115,000 tickets being available in the large venue.
I was a little sad to hear the rumors about the venue a while ago because I enjoyed knowing that I attended the first official Winter Classic in Buffalo that had the largest attendance yet to date. Though, I still was able to attend the first official Winter Classic between the Pens and the Buffalo Sabres and the memories I have from that game are special and I will cherish them for the rest of my life.

Also, the trade deadline is fast approaching as it comes on February 27th. Not too much has happened yet around the league, but this may be the calm before the storm. We'll have to wait and see if the Pens will be involved in some trading or if it will be a quiet trade deadline for us.

Game night: Pens vs. the Blues.

Before I discuss tonight's game against the St. Louis Blues, I forgot to mention some good news in my post yesterday. Dan Bylsma and Marc Andre Fleury are being recognized for their contribution to hockey and the Pens in the year of 2011 as Dapper Dan Sportsmen of the Year. They surely had a hand in making an injured team reach the playoffs last season and are still a major part of the team this season as well.

Also, soon after my blog post was written, some more good news came out of the NHL. It was announced that Alexander Ovechkin was suspended for 3 games for his hit on Pens' player Zbynek Michalek. He left the ice and targeted Michalek's head in the hit. On the other hand, Michalek, who also had a hearing with the league yesterday, was not given a punihsment from the league for his hit from the same game.
It's good to see Ovechkin get a suspension for a hit that would suspend any other player, because he did not receive a penalty for the hit during the game. This is Ovechkin's third suspension in his career and if he continues to play the way he does, it certainly won't be his last. There is no denying that Ovechkin is a talented player and when he is on his game, it is something to see most nights, but if he continues to think he can take any hit that he wants and play that style of hockey, he will surely see those suspension lengthen. At least we could hope that would be the case and that he would not receive any special treatment because of who he is. Hopefully this suspension sends a message.
It may have sparked something inside Ovechkin. It was announced today that he will not be participating in the All Star Game this upcoming weekend. Ovechkin stated that he did not feel deserving to attend the All Star game because of his suspension and that his "heart is not there." I think I know someone who should replace him, a very deserving player from the Pens lineup, goes by the last name of... Neal.


Now, on to tonight's game against the St. Louis Blues. Despite having a slow start to the season that prompted a coach change, the Blues are one of the top teams in the NHL at the moment. They have been receiving some great goaltending and have been winning a lot of hockey games. It says something that their 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings last night was their first regulation loss in January. They have gone 8-1-1 in this month and are a stellar 13-0-2 in their last 15 home games.
Ok, they have a lot of good stats to look at, but we won't let those numbers and facts get in the way of what we have to do. The Pens have been playing very well against some good hockey teams and they will have to approach this game with just as much effort and determination.

The Blues have a strong lineup that consists of a number of players that chip in and do their part, with no real stand-outs, well, no Evgeni Malkin at least. They have a strong group of players who play well together. While the Pens have been a one-line team most recently for scoring, we are certainly capable of having more memebers of the team chip in and we may need to see that tonight against the Blues. The Pens would love to see their win streak continue going into the All Star break tonight and we all know... 7 is better than 6.

Pens take on Red Wings tonight.

It seems to be a recurring theme for the Pens: Injuries. The past few seasons have brought us a lot of different injuries and we usually rise to the occasion and show our opponents what skill we have even with so many players out with injury. The same will need to go for tonight's game. Crosby is out and Malkin is a game-time decision as is Jordan Staal. Jason Williams was called up from the Baby Pens for tonight's game. All souds too familiar. Though, that means that the Pens are used to it and know they have to play their best to get a win against a team that has consistently been a contender for years now, the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit has been playing well as of late, in fact they have managed to force the starting goaltender out of the game their past two games. Which reiterates that the Pens will need to be at their best tonight, but when do they not have to be? Again, the Wings power play is strong and the Pens will have to match with a strong Penalty Kill that has been getting away from them a bit the past couple weeks. Also, the Pens power play needs to be better and they need to keep it simple and get their chances.

While a game between the Pens and Red Wings is not quite like a game against the Flyers or the Caps, it still is a rivalry because of the two Stanley Cup finals in recent years between the two. Tonight's game could be an exciting one, so be sure to tune in!

Pens Championship DVD goes on sale today.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Championship DVD goes on sale today. The DVD takes the fans back through the road it took to becoming the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions. It takes us back through each playoff series right down to the exciting game 7 in Detroit.

It all comes down to tonight.

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

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

Sykora doubtful for Game 7.

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

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

Pens win game 6, force game 7.

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

Tonight can be make or break.

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

Sykora in for game 6?

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

Gates open early for Game 6.

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

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

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

Refocus for Game 6.

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

Pens get ready to face Datsyuk.

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

Game 4 Tonight.

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

Pens know importance of Game 4.

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

Pens win Game 3.

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

Game 3 Tonight.

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

Both Games 3 and 4 "whiteouts."

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

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

Familiar territory for the Pens.

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