Pens face off against Blackhawks tonight.

The Pens are in Chicago tonight to take on the Blackhawks and they will do so without Sidney Crosby. He will miss his second straight game, but Chris Kunitz will be in the lineup tonight. The Pens will need a strong game to get a win over the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks play a similar "aggressive" style that Bylsma has been instilling in the Pens. Though, the Blackhawks have been using this style much longer. The Pens will need a strong performance from everyone and hopefully will come out victorious. If the Pens are well aware of the situation they are in, they will make sure they play a strong game!

Crosby misses practice today.

Crosby wanted to give his injury a rest and says he will see how it feels tomorrow to determine whether or not he will play in tomorrow night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
It is also believed that Chris Minard has been placed on waivers.

Whitney gone to Anaheim, Kunitz and Tangradi join Pens.

Ryan Whitney has been traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Left Winger Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi.
For info on the two acquisitions:
http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=411184

Now, I know Whitney has not been performing to the best of his abilities since he came back from injury this season, but I get too attached to players and I will miss Whitney. That's just how I am. I do see potential in trades and I expected Whitney to be traded, so this is no real surprise. I wish Whitney the best of luck with his career and I am sure he will get back to playing like he did when he was at his best for the Pens. Let's hope Kunitz can be the help on wing we need.

Crosby and Whitney out for tonight's game.

Sidney Crosby will stay out of the lineup tonight with a sore groin. He's hoping it will improve quickly. He is listed as day-to-day.
Ryan Whitney went home to deal with family matters. As of right now, he may join the team in Chicago for Friday night's game against the Blackhawks.

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=410996

The Pens have also called up Janne Pesonen from the Baby Pens.

Pens face Islanders tonight.

The Penguins will face the worst team in the NHL tonight, the Islanders, but that doesn't mean it is an easy win. The Pens lost to the Islanders in a shootout not all that long ago. The Pens need to play better and play with the same system they would use against any team. I expect to see that tonight. After all, Bylsma is all about being "aggressive."
The Islanders have been without their number one goaltender, Dipietro, for most of the season. Their backups have not fared all that well, except against the Pens. The Pens will need to create traffic and get to the net tonight. The Pens need to come out strong and build a good game and hopefully a lead.
Crosby left practice early, it is believed due to a groin injury, but he is "probable" for tonight's game.
Kris Letang will be back in the lineup tonight.
Marc Andre Fleury will be in net tonight, despite letting 5 goals on 20 shots in his last appearance and being pulled.

Trade talks heat up.

Many reports are saying that the Pens are exploring two options. There is also a rumor going around about a 3-way deal, between the Avalanche, Kings, and Pens. I hear that is unlikely though. No names are being mentioned much anymore though I have named a few in past posts. There is so much news and teams being thrown around that I have decided to wait until something happens before I believe it. The time around the trade deadline is filled with a ton of calls and maybes, so who knows what definitely will happen.

Gonchar's return a boost.

Sergei Gonchar's return was highly anticipated by many Pens fans. The wait was also too long for Pens fans, but we finally have him back in the lineup and he has been getting points in every game. The power play was lackluster in yesterday's game, but Gonchar seems to be faring pretty well for just coming back after missing the whole season and I hope he continues to improve and aid our mediocre play. I sure did miss him!