It's time for Pens to play to their full potential.

The playoffs are usually never lacking in excitement or some surprises.
Well, some might be surprised with how the Penguins vs. Islanders series is going. If I knew nothing about it, I am not sure I would guess that it was a battle between the first seed and the eighth seed. An eighth seed that was not very good during the regular season. That's exactly what this battle is, as we well know, but the Pens are not looking like their first seed selves. Yes, we are up 2-1 in the series, but we are lucky to be there.

Sure, give some credit to the Islanders, but let's face it, at times, the Pens are making it way too easy for the Islanders. The Pens have had poor puck management their past 2 games. Yes, remember how we won the first one 5-0? Then The Pens had a poor effort in a game 2 loss and then with yesterday's overtime win the Pens were lucky to get a win. We came back after going down 2-0 but again giveaways and poor play resulted in the Islanders tying the game and sending it to overtime. The Pens were lucky to win Game 3.
I am not seeing a team that is determined to redeem themselves after last year's first round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I have lost faith in the Pens. I know they are capable of playing better, just like they did after some losses during the regular season. Let's hope to see their best in tomorrow night's Game 4.

Some injuries aren't helping us. We could use Brooks Orpik back. It was a good sight to see him back at practice today and hopefully he is back in the lineup soon. Many also point out that it seems Jarome Iginla and Evgeni Malkin lack chemistry. It does appear that way, but some want that Dupuis, Crosby and Kunitz line together no matter what, so Iginla and Malkin will most likely stay. James Neal is still out. He was present in practice today too and when Neal comes back into the lineup some changes will be made, obviously.

Game 4 is tomorrow night. I am ready to see a better Pens team, the team we know the Pens are capable of being. I am ready to see the Pens be the dominant force that many were predicting they'd be in this series. Let's hope the Pens are ready to show us better hockey tomorrow night.

Pens vs. Rangers tonight.

Ok, while trying to forget about superstitions, I also realized that recently I have not been visiting Pinterest like I had been. I mean, the past few weeks, there have been days when I did not pin one thing or even visit the site. Therefore, just in case, I made sure to vistit Pinterest.com and pin a number of things today. Just in case.

Well, silly superstitions aside, it is time to get down to business. The Pens are hosting the New York Rangers tonight. The Pens will be looking to redeem themselves against the Rangers, coming off the 6-1 loss we suffered a few days ago to the same team. Tonight there will be some new line combinations with Jussi Jokinen centering Kunitz and Dupuis. The rest of the lines are: Neal-Malkin-Iginla; Morrow-Sutter-Cooke;
Glass-Adams-Kennedy.
The second power play unit had a different look in practice today: Jokinen, Kennedy and Morrow were down low and on the points the Pens used Dupuis and a rotation of Orpik and Eaton.

We hope that the Pens will pull things together tonight and see the newest additions to the team fitting into their roles. We understand it takes time, but the past two games were just bad. Hopefully we see a much better Pens team tonight against the Rangers. If they don't improve tonight they have a longer break to figure things out before the Pens head to Carolina to face the Hurricanes on Tuesday.
Though, after an entire month of wins, 15 in a row, and now two tough losses, I'd say we are all ready to see a much better game tonight.

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.

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!

Pens host Islanders tonight.

The Pens have Sidney Crosby coming back and the Islanders have a player making their NHL debut tonight. It is their goalie, Nilsson. The Islanders have been plagued with some injured goaltenders quite a bit over the past few seasons and that is due in large part to Rick Dipietro pretty much always being injured and I don't need to remind any of you what happened to him last season after Brent Johnson landed a punch. Dipietro and the Islanders signed a 15 year deal years ago and that has got to be one of the biggest mistakes, he has barely even played with all he has been through.

Well, anyways, with Michalek returning as well to the lineup tonight, the defense pairings are different and Picard will be sitting tonight's game out and here are the matchups:
Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Letang
Niskanen-Engelland

Crosby will be joining his former line along with Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz. Here are the lines from today's morning skate:
Sullivan-Malkin-Neal
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Asham-Park-Adams

All in all, there are a few things that have me excited for tonight's game and this game has the potential to be a good one and I hope it is. Don't want to disappoint all the people watching just for Crosby's return. Let's give them a show!

What a game!

There is nothing quite like winning a game after being down by 2 goals multiple times, or any amount of goals for that matter. After being down 2-0 and 3-1, the Pens pulled off a spectacular 6-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche last night. We were lucky enough to see some amazing goals last night, from both teams and the talent and skill of these players never ceases to amaze me. The Pens had an overall team win last night with goals going to 6 different players: James Neal, Jordan Staal, Evgeni Malkin, Brooks Orpik, Pascal Dupuis and Kris Letang. If you missed the game, you need to watch some highlights!

Some team news: Eric Tangradi was sent back down to the Baby Pens and the Pens recalled Steve MacIntyre from his conditioing assignment with the Baby Pens.
This may come as a shock to you, but Sidney Crosby will not be in tomorrow night's lineup for the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Pens are currently on their Dad's trip so the past shows that Johnson is most likely to start in goal tomorrow night.

Pens win Home Opener

The Pens opened the Consol Energy Center with a win last night against the Florida Panthers. The Pens pulled off a 4-2 win last night at home without Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Not that that should surprise anyone. Especially with our wonderful line of Matt Cooke, Joe Vitale, and Pascal Dupuis. That was meant to be read with a tone of sarcasm, because some might not expect that line to be as lethal as they have been, but they have been fantastic. Last night's game was no exception either. They have been chipping in offensively, Matt Cooke has 3 goals in 4 games, and work hard every shift they are out there. With key players out of the lineup, it's great to see the rest of the team click and make our great team that much stronger.

Matt Cooke is not only adding goals to the Pens, he is adding a new perspective to his game. That would be less hitting, or at least the kind that would get him suspended, which for Matt Cooke could be any hit he delivers since he has earned a reputation for the suspensions he receives for hits. Last night Matt Cooke got his first penalty of the season and it was for interference. He knows he hurt the Pens last season with a hit that caused him to have a 17 game suspension including all 7 games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs. The Pens struggled and who knows what might have been if Cooke had been able to pitch in during that first round elimination. Now, Cooke has a new philosophy and it seems to be working well. I commend Matt Cooke on the changes he has made to his game and look forward to seeing the changes continue the rest of the season.

Also, last night, Marc Andre Fleury was trying to get that empty net goal and I was rooting for him to get it just as much as he wanted it. It would be great to see Fleury get an empty-net goal and I loved seeing him trying last night because it is a tad funny to watch and see the team trying to help him. I hope he can achieve that goal this season and I'd love to see that huge grin of his when it does happen.

The Pens play host to the Washington Capitals tomorrow night and a question most are wondering is if Evgeni Malkin will be in the lineup. We'll see.

Pens vs. Flyers-Game 5.

Tonight the Flyers and Penguins will meet in Game 5. The Pens lead the series 3-1. Both teams are desperate and both will have to come out strong and play an intense game. I am expecting a physical game and with the different types of games we have seen through this series, who knows what really to expect? Goaltenders could steal a game once again, offense could put the other team away, defense could shut down the other team, special teams could either make or break a team. One thing for sure, the Pens need to get better on the power play and step up their game from Tuesday. Fleury gave us that win.
Dupuis will be moved onto the 2nd line, Satan will be on the 4th line for tonight's game.

Crosby probably playing tomorrow against Rangers.

Sidney Crosby is optimistic about playing tomorrow night against the New York Rangers. He says that practicing Monday did not really affect his injury and hopes that everything keeps going well.
Talbot and Dupuis will be back in the lineup and Rob Scuderi says he is ready to play.
Brooks Orpik will not play and is listed as day-to-day.

Players to return to action after All-Star break.

Sidney Crosby practiced today but it is still uncertain whether or not he will play Wednesday against the Rangers. Pascal Dupuis and Max Talbot are expected to be back in the lineup. Brooks Orpik may be on the verge of returning to the lineup as well after he was injured Jan. 16th. Scuderi did not practice today due to illness. Also on a good note, Gonchar started taking slap shots over the weekend. Fedotenko skated before practice by himself with his broken hand.

Evgeni Malkin had a pretty successful weekend at the All-Star game. He won the accuracy shot contest and added a goal in the game that the Eastern Conference won in a shootout, 12-11.

The Pens recalled Bill Thomas and Paul Bissonnette today.

Pens face Carolina tonight.

After a great win over the Rangers on Sunday, a 3-0 victory, the Pens will be looking to keep the balance with a game against the Hurricanes tonight. The Pens need to maintain the passion they played with against the Rangers.
Chris Minard got his first goal of the season on Sunday. Maybe number 14 is lucky for Minard. It was his first game wearing the number. He switched from his original number 32 so that newly acquired goaltender Mathieu Garon from Edmonton could wear it. The Pens traded Sabourin, Baby Pens player Ryan Stone and a draft pick in 2011 to get Garon. Garon is a veteran with more experience than Sabourin and is looking forward to his first start, whenever it may be, to get in a good game and show that he may deserve some playing time.

Talbot looks to return the first game after the All-Star break.
Dupuis will most likely return that game as well.
Orpik will not be playing tonight, missing another game.

Dupuis uncertain for tomorrow's game.

Dupuis' condition is unknown for tomorrow night's game, though he practiced with the team today.

The Pens are coming off of two losses and have yet to find their rhythm. The Pens have slipped to 10th in the Eastern Conference with 44 points and NEED to get back on track. Therrien knows the team is going to get back to winning, he says it is just a matter of WHEN it will happen. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. Because if it goes on much longer, it will be too late.

Pens face Nashville tonight.

Jordan Staal will be moved to wing on the top line tonight against the Nashville Predators. Staal will be with Kennedy and Crosby. Goligoski will be on the third line tonight. All these changes are of course due to injuries to Pascal Dupuis and Ruslan Fedotenko, both undisclosed injuries.
Hopefully the Pens can continue the momentum they gained from Tuesday's win into their game tonight. The Pens need to get on a better streak now that the season is already halfway over. If we complete the second half like we did the first half, the Pens will not make it to the playoffs.

Fedotenko status unknown as of now.

Ruslan Fedotenko will get x-rays on his hand once the swelling goes down. It is believed he has a broken bone in his hand.
The status of Pascal Dupuis is unknown at this point.

Pens face Rangers tonight.

It is a recurring theme recently of the Pens, that theme is simply that the Pens need to get back on track and start winning some games! The Pens have lost the past four games. There are a number of things wrong and people are calling for drastic measures! I would just like to see a team effort, I know we are capable of winning and playing a great game and we just have to get back to those fundamentals.
There are some changes for tonight's game against the Rangers. Tyler Kennedy has been moved to the top line to join Crosby and Dupuis. Satan has moved down to the fourth line.

Pens play Buffalo Sabres tonight.

Well, after a 6-3 victory over Atlanta that did not showcase the Pens' best effort and then a disappointing 7-3 loss to Toronto the Pens will hope for a better performance for Christmas in the two games played before Christmas Eve. The Pens play the Sabres tonight and the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow. The Pens admit that they have not been playing all that well lately and some may suggest that the injuries to many players are starting to affect the team. Fortunately though, Ryan Whitney, who completed his one game conditioning assignment in Wilkes Barre, is supposed to play in his first game this season tomorrow night against the Lightning if all goes well. Also, Dupuis plans to be back tonight against Buffalo. Hopefully, these additions can boost the Pens. As the Pens have been going through a bit of a slump this month, many teams in the Eastern Conference are picking up, leaving the Pens to tumble. The Pens are currently 7th in the Eastern Conference, but not ahead by much. The Pens need to get back on track before they stumble too far.

Due to bad weather, the Pens took a bus to Buffalo for their game tonight, bringing back memories from years ago for many Pens players. However, all agree that this bus trip is a good thing for the team, especially after a disappointing loss to Toronto because everyone is usually more quiet after such a loss. Therefore, the bus will be another way for the Pens to "hang out together. "

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=399475

Pens look to come out stronger after 4 days off.

The Pens carry a 1-4 record from the past 5 games into their current break. They hope to get in some good practices and get a little break from the heavy game schedule they have had lately. Hopefully good practices and a little rest make the Pens come back strong for their next game on Thursday against the Atlanta Thrashers. The Pens also hope to have some reprieve from some injured players as well. Fleury is expected to be the starter this Thursday if he does not aggravate his injury in the next few days. Whitney would like to get in a game before Christmas, but there are no guarantees.

I have to talk about the Pens win over the Islanders last Thursday. It was a great game when obviously the offense was clicking, winning 9-2! It was great to see Sykora FINALLY get his hat trick in the NHL after 38 two-goal games. Just as great was seeing Dupuis get his first hat trick in the NHL as well. It was a great game for the Pens and well needed after a 3 game losing streak. However, it is not great that it was followed by the Pens falling to the Flyers 6-3 this past Saturday.

Sykora was named 2nd star of the week for last week.

Pens vs. Oilers.

Dupuis will be back in the lineup tonight and is expected to be on the second line along with Malkin and Sykora.

The game starts at 7 tonight.
The Oilers have been struggling on the Penalty kill this season and the Pens should try to take advantage of that. However, Edmonton knows they have been doing poorly and have been working on it!

Michel Therrien had a response to the comments Washington Capital Alexander Semin made about Sidney Crosby last week. You know, the comments that started with "What's so special about him [Crosby]?"
"Is he talking about the youngest guy to get 100 points in the history of the National Hockey League? Is he talking about the youngest guy to win the Hart Trophy and lead the league in scoring? Is he talking about the youngest captain in the National Hockey League to bring his team to the Stanley Cup Final? That’s all I have to say.”
Well said Therrien!

Pens vs. Phoenix Coyotes

All Pens fans are hoping for a better game than the 2-1 loss to the Sharks against the Coyotes tonight. The Pens need to generate some offense, cycle the puck better and tally more shots than they have been.
Hal Gill and Max Talbot will be back tonight, but Dupuis is out with an undisclosed injury.
Chris Minard was called up today and will be in the lineup tonight.
The Pens adjusted their lines: Ruslan Fedotenko-Sidney Crosby-Tyler Kennedy; Matt Cooke-Evgeni Malkin-Petr Sykora; Minard-Jordan Staal-Miroslav Satan; Talbot-Zigomanis-Eric Godard.
Though these lines could be changed at any time, as we well know.

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.