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 sign Adams to deal.

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

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

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

Zigomanis participates in a full practice on Monday.

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

Zigomanis could get back on ice next week.

Mike Zigomanis has been out from a shoulder injury since early December. He said that he is ahead of schedule and plans on returning to the ice next week.

Gonchar to meet with doctor tomorrow.

Sergei Gonchar says he has been feeling better with his injury and hopes that the prognosis the doctors give him tomorrow will be just as good.

The Penguins say that Fedotenko has yet to be cleared for contact, so much for the story that was out about him possibly playing tomorrow night. He was still wearing the red 'no contact' jersey today at practice.

Zigomanis is ahead of his recovery time from his surgery. The estimated time was 4-6 months. He has not idea when he will return, but the Pens would most likely have to make it deep into the playoffs before Zigomanis probably returns to the lineup. If that does not happen, Zigomanis said he really wants to come back to the Pens. He is a free agent after this season.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=408688

Pens trade T.J. Kemp.

The Pens have traded defenseman T.J. Kemp to Montreal for a conditional draft pick in the 2010 draft.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=402224

Also in Pens news, Mike Zigomanis has been placed on Injured Reserve. He suffered an undisclosed injury December 3rd against the Rangers.
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=401976

Pens face Atlanta Thrashers tonight.

The Pens had hard practices full of drills recently to get them back on track. The Pens hope to put their skills to the test tonight in Atlanta. Atlanta has the worst penalty-killing in the league and if the Pens can improve their power play numbers tonight, they will take every opportunity and use it wisely, hopefully. The Pens were not pleased with their game against the Flyers and they hope that a little break between games and some full practices will be exactly what they have been needing lately.
As reported yesterday, Talbot and Zigomanis will not be playing tonight.

Fleury starting against Atlanta tomorrow night.

Fleury will be in net for the Pens when they visit Atlanta tomorrow night. He has been out since November 15th with an injury.

With Talbot out and Zigomanis as well, the Pens recalled Jeff Taffe and Ryan Stone from the Baby Pens.

Ruslan Fedotenko will be in the lineup and was back at practice today after missing yesterday's practice due to illness.

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.

Kennedy out and Zigomanis 'probable.'

Both Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis suffered undisclosed injuries in last night's game against the Rangers. It has since been determined that Kennedy will not play tonight against the Hurricanes and Zigomanis is listed as probable.
With these injuries, the Pens decided to call up Chris Minard and Janne Pesonen from the Baby Pens.

Malkin and Crosby no longer together on top unit.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=389299

Therrien shuffled lines in practice today following the upsetting loss to the San Jose Sharks.
Sidney Crosby will now be skating with Dupuis and Fedotenko. The second line will consist Malkin skating with Sykora and Cooke. Third line will be Tyler Kennedy-Jordan Staal-Miroslav Satan, and the fourth line :Paul Bissonnette-Mike Zigomanis-Eric Godard.
I am happy to see Malkin and Sykora back together, hopefully they can add the firepower they have had in the past. We need it!

Gill practiced with the team, but status for tomorrow night's game against the Phoenix Coyotes is still unknown.
Talbot did not practice with the team today and his status is also unknown.

Pens acquire Mike Zigomanis from Phoenix.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=385721

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Forward Mike Zigomanis in exchange for future considerations. He is to be used on the Penalty Kill. Also, in 06-07, he was ranked 7th in the NHL in faceoff percentage, at 56.2%.

Taffe cleared waivers today as well.