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Thursday, December 4, 2008

Pens fall to Rangers in shootout.

The outcome was the same the last time the Pens visited the New York Rangers this season. A 3-2 shootout loss. The Pens played a stronger game, but could not hold on to their 2-0 lead. Both goaltenders played a strong game, especially Lundqvist who robbed the Pens of many chances that would have almost guaranteed a win. When it came to the shootout though, Sabourin fell short, to say the least. While he has not been bad in the shootout this season, Sabourin could not stop any of the Rangers' shots. It is a frustrating loss, but the Pens will be looking to rebound tonight in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Pens go head to head with Atlantic division leader Rangers.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be in Manhattan tonight to face the New York Rangers at 7:00. The New York Rangers are currently leading the Atlantic Division with 36 points, however they have played 4 more games than the Penguins have. The Pens sit in second place with 31 points.
The Pens are 0-0-1 so far this season against the Rangers, losing a shootout on October 25th.

Kris Letang has reverted back to a stick he used to use, as it was strongly suggested by the coaching staff. “We strongly suggested that he change his stick,” Therrien said with a smile. “Maybe sometimes it’s a matter of confidence.” Letang has not scored a goal in 33 games.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Two-headed monster? Isn't there a better name?

When asked for a nickname for both Malkin and Crosby, Crosby said, "That’s for you guys to decide. I’ve never made a nickname for myself. I’m not going to start now. I’m sure whatever they come up with is fine.”
The "they" he was referring to was that of Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey. The name they have dubbed this duo with is "The two-headed monster." Really? That's the best? Well, these are the announcers that often mistake players during the game as well as saying words that are not even words. I think there could be a much better name out there. Dynamic Duo has been seen across signs in the arena for so long now, but perhaps they need an even better name. I don't have any GREAT ideas, but I will try and think of some!
Whatever the nickname people choose to give them, there is no denying how well the two of them have been playing as of late. They currently lead the NHL in points, Malkin first with 39 points and Crosby second with 34 points and they put on quite a show nearly every game. Nickname or no nickname, I can not wait to see more of what these two magnificent players have to offer!

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395537

Crosby and Malkin closing in on All Star votes?

Since polls have opened for the All Star game, the Montreal Canadiens have represented every leader in the Eastern Conference. Many have been wondering if Montreal fans are tampering somehow to get all these votes. Well, according to NHL. com, Pens fans are not going down without a fight! Crosby and Malkin continue gaining and if we all start voting more, I am sure we can make it happen!!

Article: http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395639

To vote online: http://fanballoting.nhl.com/?intcmpid=ASFBPIT

Staal and Cooke named alternates for December.

Coach Therrien announced at practice today that the two alternate captains for the month of December will be Jordan Staal and Matt Cooke.

Malkin was given the day off today to rest. Boucher is "week to week" and Fleury continues to work with conditioning coach Mike Kadar before practices and Ryan Whitney is getting a skate fitted to his foot that was operated on.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395661


Also, the Pittsburgh Penguins brand ranks number 8 out of 122 teams in professional sports. They were number 20 in 2007. "Turnkey surveyed fans from teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB and asked them to rate local teams in 21 different categories. including entertainment value, commitment to winning, ticket value, likeability of the players and ownership."

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395613

Monday, December 1, 2008

Crosby named NHL first star of the week. Malkin named 2nd star of the month for November.

Crosby was the leading scorer this past week with 9 points (6 goals and 3 assists) making him the NHL's number one star of the week.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395434

Malkin was second among leaders of points for the month of November, registering 23 points. (7 goals, 16 assists) Making him the NHL's second star for the month of November.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=395472

Pens to start another road trip.

After a little holiday break, I am back!
The Pens, during my break, had a mix of results. They won last Wednesday against the Islanders 5-3. Oh, and surprise, surprise, it was a comeback win!! Malkin's hat trick seemed to help out quite a bit. This game Crosby and Malkin were excellent playing together!
Then that Friday we lost to the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. The Power play seemed to be the culprit of this loss. Everyone became aware that it needed to improve.
That brings us to the last game, this past Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. The Pens won 4- 1 and Crosby recorded his second career hat trick, his first one at Mellon Arena. The Power play was more effective this game and hopefully the Pens can keep it up.

The Pens will now begin a road trip taking them from New York to play the Rangers, to Carolina for the Hurricanes, and then to Ottawa for a matchup against the Senators before they are home on the 8th to play the Sabres.
As most players say, road trips are important to stay on task and focus on each game. The schedule not only includes this road trip, it also features a number of back to back games, which the Pens just completed their second such sequence this past weekend for the season. The Pens will play back to back games on this upcoming road trip and will have another 3 sequences like that just in the month of December. December may be a tougher month with the schedule, but the Pens seem to be getting more and more on track.