This roster was the joint effort of contributors from both this site and ArmchairGM. Through some minor dispute and research into the mental libraries of hockey knowledge, this was the roster voted upon.
FYI - Scratches still make the team.
Centers
Mario Lemieux
Ron Francis
Sidney Crosby
Pierre Larouche
Wingers
Jaromir Jagr
Jean Pronovost
Rick Kehoe
Robbie Brown
Lowell MacDonald
Kevin Stevens
Joe Mullen
Evgeni Malkin
Defensemen
Ulf Samuelsson
Larry Murphy
Paul Coffey
Dave Burrows
Mario Faubert
Darius Kasparaitus
Randy Carlyle
Zarley Zalapski
Goalies
Tom Barrasso
Les Binkley
Ken Wregget
Coaches
Scotty Bowman
Bob Johnson
Eddie Johnston
Scratches
Syl Apps Jr.
Duane Rupp
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Penguins vs Stars preview
Pittsburgh Penguins (10-11-2) vs Dallas Stars (13-8-4)
Mike Modano and the Dallas Stars head into Pittsburgh tomorrow night to take on Sidney Crosby and the rest of the Penguins squad. The Penguins, winner of two straight, haven't seen action since Saturday against the Thrashers and should be well rested for tomorrow's game. Defenseman Sergei Gonchar (groin) is questionable, but will more likely be a scratch on the night.
Prior to their recent loss against the Devils Wednesday night, the Dallas Stars posted a six game win-streak that has since put them as leaders in the Pacific Division and second in the Western Conference behind the Detroit Red Wings. Behind the duel goaltending efforts of both Marty Turco and Mike Smith, the Stars held their opposition to only seven total goals in those six games, one of which was a shutout.
Offensively the Stars can put up points. Brendan Morrow leads the team with 23 points, while defenseman Sergei Zubov and center Mike Ribeiro are tied at 22 a piece. Zubov is also second on the list of defenseman, behind none other than the Penguins' Gonchar.
The Penguins have seen some fluidity coming from two-way forward Ryan Malone. Malone's mustered up four points in two games, including three goals, and has really started to be the extension of Crosby's stick. In addition, Jordan Staal has snapped back into play by netting one and helping another in the past two games. The added depth is evidence to any team in the league that one line can not win a game.
Penguins vs Stars Friday night in Pittsburgh. Puck drops at 7:38pm.
Mike Modano and the Dallas Stars head into Pittsburgh tomorrow night to take on Sidney Crosby and the rest of the Penguins squad. The Penguins, winner of two straight, haven't seen action since Saturday against the Thrashers and should be well rested for tomorrow's game. Defenseman Sergei Gonchar (groin) is questionable, but will more likely be a scratch on the night.
Prior to their recent loss against the Devils Wednesday night, the Dallas Stars posted a six game win-streak that has since put them as leaders in the Pacific Division and second in the Western Conference behind the Detroit Red Wings. Behind the duel goaltending efforts of both Marty Turco and Mike Smith, the Stars held their opposition to only seven total goals in those six games, one of which was a shutout.
Offensively the Stars can put up points. Brendan Morrow leads the team with 23 points, while defenseman Sergei Zubov and center Mike Ribeiro are tied at 22 a piece. Zubov is also second on the list of defenseman, behind none other than the Penguins' Gonchar.
The Penguins have seen some fluidity coming from two-way forward Ryan Malone. Malone's mustered up four points in two games, including three goals, and has really started to be the extension of Crosby's stick. In addition, Jordan Staal has snapped back into play by netting one and helping another in the past two games. The added depth is evidence to any team in the league that one line can not win a game.
Penguins vs Stars Friday night in Pittsburgh. Puck drops at 7:38pm.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Gonchar - Sydor - Recchi
High-scoring defenseman Sergei Gonchar is currently nursing a sore groin that left him in the dressing room for the third period of the Thrashers game. Luckily for him, and the team, a five day break followed. Chances are he'll return to action Monday against the Coyotes. I'm sure the team won't risk further injury to their top scoring blueliner this Friday against the Stars.
In the mean time, Kris Letang and Ryan Whitney have been working on the power play together. The left/right combination on the blue adds to an even sided attack with the man advantage. Expect a lot of one-timers.
Recent news, and evidence of the players' performance, have left the futures of Daryl Sydor and Mark Recchi a bit hazy. Some suggest being scratched from the line-up is Coach Therrien's way of intimidating players to step up or ship out. Others suggest he's had his run with them and that's that. Perhaps it's too early to say. Rumor has it the Columbus Bluejackets are looking into acquiring the Penguins' regularly scratched Recchi and Sydor. Not many notables on the Bluejackets that would benefit the Pens in the trade, unless they can somehow manage a way to get Nash or Leclaire.
See also: Impossible.
To top it off, if Mark Recchi does in fact go to the BJs (couldn't resist), then he and Sergei Federov will combine for 78 years of "experience."
Recchi + Federov = retirement home.
In the mean time, Kris Letang and Ryan Whitney have been working on the power play together. The left/right combination on the blue adds to an even sided attack with the man advantage. Expect a lot of one-timers.
Recent news, and evidence of the players' performance, have left the futures of Daryl Sydor and Mark Recchi a bit hazy. Some suggest being scratched from the line-up is Coach Therrien's way of intimidating players to step up or ship out. Others suggest he's had his run with them and that's that. Perhaps it's too early to say. Rumor has it the Columbus Bluejackets are looking into acquiring the Penguins' regularly scratched Recchi and Sydor. Not many notables on the Bluejackets that would benefit the Pens in the trade, unless they can somehow manage a way to get Nash or Leclaire.
See also: Impossible.
To top it off, if Mark Recchi does in fact go to the BJs (couldn't resist), then he and Sergei Federov will combine for 78 years of "experience."
Recchi + Federov = retirement home.
Monday, November 26, 2007
All-Penguins team?
Every team has their all-time best lineup. This batch is often comprised of players throughout a certain decade or in the history of the franchise. Seeing as how the Penguins don't have a game until Friday night against the Stars, now might be a good time to consider and discuss an all-time best roster.
Here are the rules:
Any player who has ever worn a Penguins uniform is eligible.
Wingers are interchangeable.
8 Wingers
4 Centers
8 D-Men
3 Goalies
3 Coaches
2 "Scratches" (Any position)
Perhaps we'll open it to suggestions as well. Allow me to get the obvious out of the way. Unfortunately this won't leave much else open in the center category, but the Pens can't help that now can they?
Centers(4)
Mario Lemieux
Ron Francis
Sidney Crosby
Evgeni Malkin - added by Randy
Wingers(8)
Jaromir Jagr
Kevin Stevens - added by Randy
Rick Tocchet - added by Randy
Rick Kehoe - added by Randy
Defensemen(8)
Ulf Samuelson
Larry Murphy
Paul Coffey
Goalies (3)
Tom Barrasso
Patrick Lalime - added by Randy
Coaches (3)
Scotty Bowman
Ron "Badger" Johnson - added by Randy
Here are the rules:
Any player who has ever worn a Penguins uniform is eligible.
Wingers are interchangeable.
8 Wingers
4 Centers
8 D-Men
3 Goalies
3 Coaches
2 "Scratches" (Any position)
Perhaps we'll open it to suggestions as well. Allow me to get the obvious out of the way. Unfortunately this won't leave much else open in the center category, but the Pens can't help that now can they?
Centers(4)
Mario Lemieux
Ron Francis
Sidney Crosby
Evgeni Malkin - added by Randy
Wingers(8)
Jaromir Jagr
Kevin Stevens - added by Randy
Rick Tocchet - added by Randy
Rick Kehoe - added by Randy
Defensemen(8)
Ulf Samuelson
Larry Murphy
Paul Coffey
Goalies (3)
Tom Barrasso
Patrick Lalime - added by Randy
Coaches (3)
Scotty Bowman
Ron "Badger" Johnson - added by Randy
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Pens bomb Thrashers 5-0
The on going see-saw that is the "Faith in Fleury Campaign" has just been given a much needed insurance boost.
After facing the hook from Coach Therrien against the Ottawa Senators, Marc-Andre Fleury started and finished a 5-0 shutout performance against the Atlanta Thrashers. This goes down as his second blank of the year, the first coming against the Rangers in October.
The game started with what appeared to be the look and feel of a Saturday night blowout when the Penguins walked out of the first period up 3-0. As noted in the past games against the Avalanche, Rangers and Islanders, a two or three goal lead is hardly a cushion. However, it would be more than enough tonight, as the team would later pad the lead even more with two more goals.
Sergei Gonchar had a three point game, dishing three helpers that left the Thrashers seeing red.
Jordan Staal managed to break his season long drought with the first goal of the game, only his second on the year. After going 13 pointless games, Staal has a goal and an assist in the past two.
Ryan Malone scored his third goal in two games on a Gonchar pass halfway through the first. The scoring depth on the team is certainly apparant, as is the hitting from the fourth line consisting of Laraque, Ruutu and Hall.
The power play unit was playing at an extreme level tonight. Given only three chances in what was a relatively penalty free game, the Penguins converted twice on the night with a Malone goal in the first and Crosby tally in the second. The offense is finally back to producing, hitting the mark 11 times in the last two games. The Pens are starting to show signs of a full range hockey team as they're playing both sides of the puck much better and the goaltending debacle begins to settle itself down.
The Pens' biggest obstacle this week may in fact be themselves. Although too early to necessarily constitute as a 'streak', the Penguins have won their last two in a row. Now five days separate them between their next and last game of the month against the Dallas Stars. Hopefully the time away from the ice won't shut them down.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Staal from Roberts-Kennedy
Malone from Gonchar-Letang
Armstrong from Crosby-Gonchar
2nd Period
Crosby from Gonchar-Christensen
3rd Period
Whitney from Roberts-Kennedy
Fleury - 28-28
Pavelec - 29-34
Coming soon: November in review, Dallas Stars preview and a look at the All Penguins team featuring the All-time best roster consisting of players to ever wear the black and gold.
After facing the hook from Coach Therrien against the Ottawa Senators, Marc-Andre Fleury started and finished a 5-0 shutout performance against the Atlanta Thrashers. This goes down as his second blank of the year, the first coming against the Rangers in October.
The game started with what appeared to be the look and feel of a Saturday night blowout when the Penguins walked out of the first period up 3-0. As noted in the past games against the Avalanche, Rangers and Islanders, a two or three goal lead is hardly a cushion. However, it would be more than enough tonight, as the team would later pad the lead even more with two more goals.
Sergei Gonchar had a three point game, dishing three helpers that left the Thrashers seeing red.
Jordan Staal managed to break his season long drought with the first goal of the game, only his second on the year. After going 13 pointless games, Staal has a goal and an assist in the past two.
Ryan Malone scored his third goal in two games on a Gonchar pass halfway through the first. The scoring depth on the team is certainly apparant, as is the hitting from the fourth line consisting of Laraque, Ruutu and Hall.
The power play unit was playing at an extreme level tonight. Given only three chances in what was a relatively penalty free game, the Penguins converted twice on the night with a Malone goal in the first and Crosby tally in the second. The offense is finally back to producing, hitting the mark 11 times in the last two games. The Pens are starting to show signs of a full range hockey team as they're playing both sides of the puck much better and the goaltending debacle begins to settle itself down.
The Pens' biggest obstacle this week may in fact be themselves. Although too early to necessarily constitute as a 'streak', the Penguins have won their last two in a row. Now five days separate them between their next and last game of the month against the Dallas Stars. Hopefully the time away from the ice won't shut them down.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Staal from Roberts-Kennedy
Malone from Gonchar-Letang
Armstrong from Crosby-Gonchar
2nd Period
Crosby from Gonchar-Christensen
3rd Period
Whitney from Roberts-Kennedy
Fleury - 28-28
Pavelec - 29-34
Coming soon: November in review, Dallas Stars preview and a look at the All Penguins team featuring the All-time best roster consisting of players to ever wear the black and gold.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Penguins vs Thrashers preview
Tonight the Pens take on the Thrashers at home in Pittsburgh for the first of four faceoffs this season.
The Thrashers started the season off 0-6, on what can only be described subtly as "The wrong foot." After firing Head Coach Bob Hartley, the team made a dramatic turn around that has since brought them to a .500 win percentage with a record of 11-11. On the wake of their first playoff berth in franchise history, the Thrash are looking for a repeater under the leadership of Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa.
Kovalchuk, went two consecutive games with a hat trick against both Tampa Bay and Ottawa, while Hossa has been nothing short of prolific averaging nearly a point a game. In there most recent game Friday night, The Thrashers were shutout by Martin Brodeur and the Devils squad, delivering Kovi and the gang their first loss in four games.
The Pens are hoping to wrap up the month of November on a positive note. In the 11 previous games this month, the Penguins hold the record of 3-7-1. As far as the Atlantic Division race is concerned, this was no doubt a harsh month for the Penguins to slump. Out of 18 potential points within their division, the Pens barely walked away with five. They suffered two losses from the Flyers, the Devils and one regulation loss and overtime loss from the Rangers.
However, things have started to look like they're turning around. In their last four games the Pens are 2-1-1. Most recently Pittsburgh dropped Ottawa in a 6-5 shootout victory that proved a variety of morale boosts to the struggling squad. The team tied their highest single game performance of the year (5-0 against the Devils), beat one of the best teams in the league and additionally sent a message out to teams everywhere that they're ready to play.
Tonight, the Penguins are hoping to finish the remainder of this month with two more wins. They'll have to fight past the Thrashers and goalie Johan Hedberg before the last battle of November against the Stars.
The puck drops tonight at 7:30.
The Thrashers started the season off 0-6, on what can only be described subtly as "The wrong foot." After firing Head Coach Bob Hartley, the team made a dramatic turn around that has since brought them to a .500 win percentage with a record of 11-11. On the wake of their first playoff berth in franchise history, the Thrash are looking for a repeater under the leadership of Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa.
Kovalchuk, went two consecutive games with a hat trick against both Tampa Bay and Ottawa, while Hossa has been nothing short of prolific averaging nearly a point a game. In there most recent game Friday night, The Thrashers were shutout by Martin Brodeur and the Devils squad, delivering Kovi and the gang their first loss in four games.
The Pens are hoping to wrap up the month of November on a positive note. In the 11 previous games this month, the Penguins hold the record of 3-7-1. As far as the Atlantic Division race is concerned, this was no doubt a harsh month for the Penguins to slump. Out of 18 potential points within their division, the Pens barely walked away with five. They suffered two losses from the Flyers, the Devils and one regulation loss and overtime loss from the Rangers.
However, things have started to look like they're turning around. In their last four games the Pens are 2-1-1. Most recently Pittsburgh dropped Ottawa in a 6-5 shootout victory that proved a variety of morale boosts to the struggling squad. The team tied their highest single game performance of the year (5-0 against the Devils), beat one of the best teams in the league and additionally sent a message out to teams everywhere that they're ready to play.
Tonight, the Penguins are hoping to finish the remainder of this month with two more wins. They'll have to fight past the Thrashers and goalie Johan Hedberg before the last battle of November against the Stars.
The puck drops tonight at 7:30.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Penguins edge 6-5 shootout victory over Senators
How does that old saying go - old rivalries die hard? Penguins beat the best team in the league?
I forget. Whatever the answer may be, the Penguins showed last year's playoff rival and this year's league leading Ottawa Senators squad a thing or two about rivalry.
The game jumped to a quick lead, as two of the four Ottawa shots hit the mark past Fleury. Therrien didn't waste any time giving MAF the hook, and Sabourin was home in net for the second half of the first and the remainder of the game.
Evgeni Malkin proved that fore-checking is a necessity in any All-Star's repertoire, when he single handedly busted through the Senators' defense to notch one past Gerber from about 11 feet out for his 15th consecutive game with a point. Eighteen seconds later, Ryan Malone decides to play a game of "Anything you can do I can do better" and ties the game at two.
Heading into the second, both teams were tied at two.
Eight minutes into the second period, new-comer/sent-back-down/welcome-back-to-the-team Tyler Kennedy unleashed a heat seeking turn-around wrister that found the cage and flicked the red light. Jordan Staal received an assist on the play, breaking what has no doubt been a very disappointing pointless streak.
The Senators wouldn't wait long to retaliate. Within eight minutes later, the Sens put two past Sabu to take a 4-3 lead heading into the third.
The third period didn't exactly start off as Pittsburgh had intended. A Schubert tip-in put the Pens down by two, with an entire period still left to play.
In what can only be deemed rally fashion, Ryan Malone connected on a pass from Gonchar to cut the Sens' lead to one. A little over a minute later, Gonchar decided he'd do it himself this time. Similar to how the Rangers have begun including their defensemen as offensive threats, so to did the Penguins when Gonchar drove towards the net and snapped the tying goal past Gerber.
At this point, the Pens fans began to pray for a goal, wait for the chance and hope the Senators wouldn't be the first to do it. Dany Sabourin's play reached epic proportions, as flailing saves and a trusty catching mitt brought the game to overtime.
The five minutes of "oos" and "ahhs" from close chances on both ends of the ice proved to be nothing more than a delay to the inevitable shootout.
Ottawa's only shootout goal came from a Jason Spezza shot right through Sabourin's unguarded five hole. And for the record, there is absolutely no way of writing that line without eliciting some sort of immature giggle from a reader.
The next shot, the Penguins' first, was solely that of Erik Christensen. Known for his excellence in the shootout, but otherwise poor play as of late, Christensen attempted to beat Martin Gerber on the left side of the net. What looked like a save in fact came back as a goal, when Gerber slipped the puck into the net with his blocker hand.
From there, with the shootout tied at one a piece, the next shots went like this.
OTT Vermette-Miss
PIT Sykora -Save
OTT Heatley -Save
PIT Crosby -Save
OTT Fisher -Save
PIT Malkin -Save
OTT McAmmond-Save
At last, the unlikely hero Jarkko Ruutu took the ice for the Pens' fifth shot. through a faked shot, leg lift-drag, Ruutu backhanded the game winner home for a two point win and team retribution for the 2007 Eastern Conference playoffs.
Tonight's win gives the Pens seven points on the month, with two games still remaining. Additionally, it is the team's first shootout win of the season and a huge morale boost for a struggling club.
It was a game of adversity and persistence for the Pens. Down 2-0, the Pens came back to tie it. Soon enough when down 5-3, the Pens came back to tie it. Finally when tied 5-5, the Pens went on to win it.
The Pens power play unit converted only once out of eight chances, one of which included a five-on-three chance that, similar to last night's loss to the Devils, failed to turn. Know this - beware of the Ottawa Senators. There power play unit was on fire, at one point scoring two of two chances, for an overall two-for-four performance for the night.
Therrien further expressed his confidence in the younger players tonight when he allowed Tyler Kennedy to take the ice in what was more than well deserved.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Malkin from Sykora
Malone from Crosby-Armstrong
2nd Period
Kennedy from Staal
3rd Period
Malone from Gonchar-Letang
Gonchar from Armstrong-Malone
OT
None
Shootout
Christensen and Ruutu for a 2-1 shootout win
I forget. Whatever the answer may be, the Penguins showed last year's playoff rival and this year's league leading Ottawa Senators squad a thing or two about rivalry.
The game jumped to a quick lead, as two of the four Ottawa shots hit the mark past Fleury. Therrien didn't waste any time giving MAF the hook, and Sabourin was home in net for the second half of the first and the remainder of the game.
Evgeni Malkin proved that fore-checking is a necessity in any All-Star's repertoire, when he single handedly busted through the Senators' defense to notch one past Gerber from about 11 feet out for his 15th consecutive game with a point. Eighteen seconds later, Ryan Malone decides to play a game of "Anything you can do I can do better" and ties the game at two.
Heading into the second, both teams were tied at two.
Eight minutes into the second period, new-comer/sent-back-down/welcome-back-to-the-team Tyler Kennedy unleashed a heat seeking turn-around wrister that found the cage and flicked the red light. Jordan Staal received an assist on the play, breaking what has no doubt been a very disappointing pointless streak.
The Senators wouldn't wait long to retaliate. Within eight minutes later, the Sens put two past Sabu to take a 4-3 lead heading into the third.
The third period didn't exactly start off as Pittsburgh had intended. A Schubert tip-in put the Pens down by two, with an entire period still left to play.
In what can only be deemed rally fashion, Ryan Malone connected on a pass from Gonchar to cut the Sens' lead to one. A little over a minute later, Gonchar decided he'd do it himself this time. Similar to how the Rangers have begun including their defensemen as offensive threats, so to did the Penguins when Gonchar drove towards the net and snapped the tying goal past Gerber.
At this point, the Pens fans began to pray for a goal, wait for the chance and hope the Senators wouldn't be the first to do it. Dany Sabourin's play reached epic proportions, as flailing saves and a trusty catching mitt brought the game to overtime.
The five minutes of "oos" and "ahhs" from close chances on both ends of the ice proved to be nothing more than a delay to the inevitable shootout.
Ottawa's only shootout goal came from a Jason Spezza shot right through Sabourin's unguarded five hole. And for the record, there is absolutely no way of writing that line without eliciting some sort of immature giggle from a reader.
The next shot, the Penguins' first, was solely that of Erik Christensen. Known for his excellence in the shootout, but otherwise poor play as of late, Christensen attempted to beat Martin Gerber on the left side of the net. What looked like a save in fact came back as a goal, when Gerber slipped the puck into the net with his blocker hand.
From there, with the shootout tied at one a piece, the next shots went like this.
OTT Vermette-Miss
PIT Sykora -Save
OTT Heatley -Save
PIT Crosby -Save
OTT Fisher -Save
PIT Malkin -Save
OTT McAmmond-Save
At last, the unlikely hero Jarkko Ruutu took the ice for the Pens' fifth shot. through a faked shot, leg lift-drag, Ruutu backhanded the game winner home for a two point win and team retribution for the 2007 Eastern Conference playoffs.
Tonight's win gives the Pens seven points on the month, with two games still remaining. Additionally, it is the team's first shootout win of the season and a huge morale boost for a struggling club.
It was a game of adversity and persistence for the Pens. Down 2-0, the Pens came back to tie it. Soon enough when down 5-3, the Pens came back to tie it. Finally when tied 5-5, the Pens went on to win it.
The Pens power play unit converted only once out of eight chances, one of which included a five-on-three chance that, similar to last night's loss to the Devils, failed to turn. Know this - beware of the Ottawa Senators. There power play unit was on fire, at one point scoring two of two chances, for an overall two-for-four performance for the night.
Therrien further expressed his confidence in the younger players tonight when he allowed Tyler Kennedy to take the ice in what was more than well deserved.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Malkin from Sykora
Malone from Crosby-Armstrong
2nd Period
Kennedy from Staal
3rd Period
Malone from Gonchar-Letang
Gonchar from Armstrong-Malone
OT
None
Shootout
Christensen and Ruutu for a 2-1 shootout win
Penguins Fall to Devils 2-1; Crosby's Streak Ends
The Penguins dropped another division game tonight against the rival New Jersey Devils in what can only be deemed a disappointment. Not only does this mark the end of a potential 17 point month (in which the Pens only mustered up 5), but it also marks the end of Crosby's 19 game point streak and a new home at the bottom of the Atlantic.
I suppose the most exciting thing to happen all game (from a Penguins fan perspective) came within the first two seconds of the first when Ryan Malone and David Clarkson dropped mitts. It wasn't exactly a heavy weight champion caliber fight, but it was at the least entertaining.
I'd like to say the best part was Malkin's goal, but my cable opted to go out for roughly 30 seconds, just enough time to take away the live aspect of a Malkin goal. When the cable came to again, the score was 2-1 Devils.
That'd be it though. I think I'm man enough to say that Brodeur had one hell of a game. Glad the Penguins could contribute to win number 501. Only 50 more for him till he beats Roy. At this rate, if he plays the Penguins sixty more times this season, he'll at the least tie the record. Thankfully that's not the case.
Ok, I promised I wouldn't turn into the bitter, cynical, downtrodden early season fan. Good times lie ahead. Zen complete us all. Find my center...
It hurts that both Devils goals came on the power play. It hurts even more that both came from Zach Parise. And, it hurts three times as much that I saw the play unfolding before my eyes and yet the defense couldn't cover. They gave the Devils so many attempts at running the same power play attack, and yet remained defenseless.
Despite the loss, I am gaining more and more faith in Fleury. This wasn't his game to lose. It was Brodeur's to win, no doubt, but the loss falls on the defense. Hell, I'll blame the offense too.
On a personal note, I'm pretty convinced the FSN signal I was watching was pirated. Right around the time of the Malkin goal, my cable went out and was just showing the rainbow lines on the screen. It also said "Verizon Cable." The thing is, I don't have Verizon. Then, the signal went in and out, and I faintly heard, as if off-mic, "I swear to God, if I work Saturday and he's off I'm going to F'ing kill him."
That wasn't it though. As the game wore on one of the announcers, after reacting to Adam Hall's hit at center ice, said "Wow, are the Penguins hitting now." To this, a voice jumped on the air and said "Yeah, they really can hit." After a slight fuzz, the audio of the announcers came back on.
I don't necessarily know if it was a genuine pirated broadcast, as the announcing team did apologize for "Technical difficulties." But, I'm going to stand by my belief that it happened. Did anyone else hear it?
On a final note, the Pens head in to Ottawa tomorrow night to take on the Senators. Much to my surprise (and I'm sure fans around the league) the Sens lost to Buffalo tonight 4-2.
Never mind the fact Emery the start over the infallible Gerber...
I suppose the most exciting thing to happen all game (from a Penguins fan perspective) came within the first two seconds of the first when Ryan Malone and David Clarkson dropped mitts. It wasn't exactly a heavy weight champion caliber fight, but it was at the least entertaining.
I'd like to say the best part was Malkin's goal, but my cable opted to go out for roughly 30 seconds, just enough time to take away the live aspect of a Malkin goal. When the cable came to again, the score was 2-1 Devils.
That'd be it though. I think I'm man enough to say that Brodeur had one hell of a game. Glad the Penguins could contribute to win number 501. Only 50 more for him till he beats Roy. At this rate, if he plays the Penguins sixty more times this season, he'll at the least tie the record. Thankfully that's not the case.
Ok, I promised I wouldn't turn into the bitter, cynical, downtrodden early season fan. Good times lie ahead. Zen complete us all. Find my center...
It hurts that both Devils goals came on the power play. It hurts even more that both came from Zach Parise. And, it hurts three times as much that I saw the play unfolding before my eyes and yet the defense couldn't cover. They gave the Devils so many attempts at running the same power play attack, and yet remained defenseless.
Despite the loss, I am gaining more and more faith in Fleury. This wasn't his game to lose. It was Brodeur's to win, no doubt, but the loss falls on the defense. Hell, I'll blame the offense too.
On a personal note, I'm pretty convinced the FSN signal I was watching was pirated. Right around the time of the Malkin goal, my cable went out and was just showing the rainbow lines on the screen. It also said "Verizon Cable." The thing is, I don't have Verizon. Then, the signal went in and out, and I faintly heard, as if off-mic, "I swear to God, if I work Saturday and he's off I'm going to F'ing kill him."
That wasn't it though. As the game wore on one of the announcers, after reacting to Adam Hall's hit at center ice, said "Wow, are the Penguins hitting now." To this, a voice jumped on the air and said "Yeah, they really can hit." After a slight fuzz, the audio of the announcers came back on.
I don't necessarily know if it was a genuine pirated broadcast, as the announcing team did apologize for "Technical difficulties." But, I'm going to stand by my belief that it happened. Did anyone else hear it?
On a final note, the Pens head in to Ottawa tomorrow night to take on the Senators. Much to my surprise (and I'm sure fans around the league) the Sens lost to Buffalo tonight 4-2.
Never mind the fact Emery the start over the infallible Gerber...
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Penguins vs Devils preview
The puck drops tonight in Pittsburgh at 7:30 for game four of the eight game season series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils. In the last meeting between these two, the Devils walked away victorious despite a late run at a comeback from the Pens. In what was initially presumed to be Martin Brodeur's 500th win night, the Devils opted to instead start back-up goaltender Kevin Weekes. Weekes stopped 23 of the 25 shots faced putting him at 2-0-1 on the season.
In the heat of recording his first NHL shutout against the Devils back on November 5th, Coach Therrien chose to start Dany Sabourin in favor of Marc-Andre Fleury. By the end of the game the Devils showed they finally had his number, as Sabourin stopped 18 of 21 for his third loss of the season (3-3-1).
Both teams were somewhat evenly matched on the power play. While the Penguins only had three attempts, they managed to convert once on a third period goal from Malkin. The Devils, given twice as many attempts, also scored once on a Zach Parise shot half-way through the first.
Tonight, Sidney Crosby looks to stretch his consecutive-game point streak to 20 straight in front of the home crowd. This game marks the last division game of the month for the Penguins, who out of 14 potential division points this month have only walked away with five. They can make that number 7 out of 16 with a win tonight.
In the heat of recording his first NHL shutout against the Devils back on November 5th, Coach Therrien chose to start Dany Sabourin in favor of Marc-Andre Fleury. By the end of the game the Devils showed they finally had his number, as Sabourin stopped 18 of 21 for his third loss of the season (3-3-1).
Both teams were somewhat evenly matched on the power play. While the Penguins only had three attempts, they managed to convert once on a third period goal from Malkin. The Devils, given twice as many attempts, also scored once on a Zach Parise shot half-way through the first.
Tonight, Sidney Crosby looks to stretch his consecutive-game point streak to 20 straight in front of the home crowd. This game marks the last division game of the month for the Penguins, who out of 14 potential division points this month have only walked away with five. They can make that number 7 out of 16 with a win tonight.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Taking a look ahead
Since the Penguins have both tonight and tomorrow night off from action, I figured this would be a good time to take a brief look at the remaining games for this month. As usual, I'll put up a preview before the game - so I suppose just take this as a slight preview to the preview. Small blurbs with some quick stat hits. I know it's a bit "empty" considering the Pens haven't played three of the four teams yet this season, but I think the format is something I'll consider carrying over to next month.
11.21
Home against the Devils (8-10-2)
Season Record: 1-2
Goals for: 11
Goal against: 8
Best single game performance came on November 5th when the Penguins shutout the Devils 5-0 in New Jersey. In their last meeting the Devils beat the Penguins 3-2. Martin Brodeur officially reached 500 career wins since then, coming against the Flyers on November 17th. This game will be the fourth meeting of eight this season.
11.22
Away against the Senators (15-3-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Perhaps a chance for the Penguins to settle some bad blood between themselves and the Senators following last season's playoff elimination. This is the first of four meeting against the Senators, who have not only jumped to the lead in the Eastern Conference, but also lead the league in 30 points. Goaltender Martin Gerber has kept the team in excellent shape while starter Ray Emery has been nursing an injured wrist back to health.
11.24
Home against the Thrashers (9-10-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
The first of four between these two teams. The Thrashers started off to a less than admirable start, losing six straight right out of the gate. Following the firing of their coach Bob Hartle and a groin injury to starting netminder Jari Lehtonen, the team has been 9-4 in their last 13. The Thrashers possess a firing squad for forwards who aren't afraid to take chances and crash the net. Ilya Kovalchuk registered two consecutive games with a hat trick this season (against Ottawa and Tampa Bay) while Marian Hossa has registered two or more points in five of the last six games.
11.30
Home against the Stars (8-7-4)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Not exactly off to as good a start as anticipated, the Dallas Stars hope to clinch another playoff spot this season behind the human wall that is Marty Turco. By the time the Pens face the Stars, both are on track to be evenly matched in both records and goals for. Despite both teams have offensive threats, it may very well come down to a defensive stand-off.
11.21
Home against the Devils (8-10-2)
Season Record: 1-2
Goals for: 11
Goal against: 8
Best single game performance came on November 5th when the Penguins shutout the Devils 5-0 in New Jersey. In their last meeting the Devils beat the Penguins 3-2. Martin Brodeur officially reached 500 career wins since then, coming against the Flyers on November 17th. This game will be the fourth meeting of eight this season.
11.22
Away against the Senators (15-3-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Perhaps a chance for the Penguins to settle some bad blood between themselves and the Senators following last season's playoff elimination. This is the first of four meeting against the Senators, who have not only jumped to the lead in the Eastern Conference, but also lead the league in 30 points. Goaltender Martin Gerber has kept the team in excellent shape while starter Ray Emery has been nursing an injured wrist back to health.
11.24
Home against the Thrashers (9-10-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
The first of four between these two teams. The Thrashers started off to a less than admirable start, losing six straight right out of the gate. Following the firing of their coach Bob Hartle and a groin injury to starting netminder Jari Lehtonen, the team has been 9-4 in their last 13. The Thrashers possess a firing squad for forwards who aren't afraid to take chances and crash the net. Ilya Kovalchuk registered two consecutive games with a hat trick this season (against Ottawa and Tampa Bay) while Marian Hossa has registered two or more points in five of the last six games.
11.30
Home against the Stars (8-7-4)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Not exactly off to as good a start as anticipated, the Dallas Stars hope to clinch another playoff spot this season behind the human wall that is Marty Turco. By the time the Pens face the Stars, both are on track to be evenly matched in both records and goals for. Despite both teams have offensive threats, it may very well come down to a defensive stand-off.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Penguins fall to Rangers 4-3 in OT
Well, it's not exactly the way you start a win streak, but at least the Penguins squeaked a point out of the 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers. Although, they should have had the win.
It all looked good and great in the first period. Crosby has a goal and an assist, Talbot steps up with a goal - just the kind of start the Pens needed against a team like the Rangers. 2-0 at the end of the first? Damn right I'll take that.
But then it all fell apart, and started to look like the Pens' previous games against the Avalanche and Islanders whereby they scored two, then gave up three straight for the loss. The Pens managed to notch a shorthanded goal in the first, but the Rangers answered back with the same in the second. In addition to two others. I will admit though- having Crosby on the penalty kill was a quality move on Therrien's part. I'd like to see some more of that.
Heading in to the third with the Rangers up 3-2, the Penguins started to take some chances. The defense was getting involved on the attack, the front lines were crashing and a Sykora "garbage goal", as they call it in the game, was the end result. It become evident that unless the Penguins gave a full collapse or the Rangers just went crazy on offense, the Pens would at least get a point on the night.
Some quality chances in overtime failed to turn in the Pens' favor. Almost two minutes into the overtime period, the Rangers broke out on a breakaway, allowing defenseman Jason Strudwick to put the nail in the Pens' coffin. Final score 4-3.
Overall, Fleury did not play a bad game. Personally, I think he made some great saves. But, I also think the D hung him out to dry a few times. He did manage to get out of position a few times, especially on Avery's handling of the puck in front of the net during the second period. Fleury was better off just skating off the ice at this point, but thankfully a Ranger was unable to gobble up Avery's centering pass.
Jordan Staal is more than deserving of a scratch. I don't exactly know who'd be better in his spot, but he needs to sit and open it up for someone else. On a similar note, if a hockey player were a car with flat tires, it'd probably look a bit like Mark Recchi.
The last win against the Islanders posed as living proof that the more they stay out of the box, the better chance they have of walking away with a win. Tonight, they couldn't stay out. And what happened? The Rangers played a more disciplined game and got the victory.
The Penguins are now off until Wednesday when they play the Devils at home.
I'm just baffled at how the Pens managed to jump to such a lead, then give up. I'd like to almost categorize it as being just another Penguins' come from behind loss.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Talbot from Crosby
Crosby from Sykora-Gonchar
2nd Period
NONE
3rd Period
Sykora from Malkin-Christensen
Fleury - 19-23
Lundqvist - 23-26
It all looked good and great in the first period. Crosby has a goal and an assist, Talbot steps up with a goal - just the kind of start the Pens needed against a team like the Rangers. 2-0 at the end of the first? Damn right I'll take that.
But then it all fell apart, and started to look like the Pens' previous games against the Avalanche and Islanders whereby they scored two, then gave up three straight for the loss. The Pens managed to notch a shorthanded goal in the first, but the Rangers answered back with the same in the second. In addition to two others. I will admit though- having Crosby on the penalty kill was a quality move on Therrien's part. I'd like to see some more of that.
Heading in to the third with the Rangers up 3-2, the Penguins started to take some chances. The defense was getting involved on the attack, the front lines were crashing and a Sykora "garbage goal", as they call it in the game, was the end result. It become evident that unless the Penguins gave a full collapse or the Rangers just went crazy on offense, the Pens would at least get a point on the night.
Some quality chances in overtime failed to turn in the Pens' favor. Almost two minutes into the overtime period, the Rangers broke out on a breakaway, allowing defenseman Jason Strudwick to put the nail in the Pens' coffin. Final score 4-3.
Overall, Fleury did not play a bad game. Personally, I think he made some great saves. But, I also think the D hung him out to dry a few times. He did manage to get out of position a few times, especially on Avery's handling of the puck in front of the net during the second period. Fleury was better off just skating off the ice at this point, but thankfully a Ranger was unable to gobble up Avery's centering pass.
Jordan Staal is more than deserving of a scratch. I don't exactly know who'd be better in his spot, but he needs to sit and open it up for someone else. On a similar note, if a hockey player were a car with flat tires, it'd probably look a bit like Mark Recchi.
The last win against the Islanders posed as living proof that the more they stay out of the box, the better chance they have of walking away with a win. Tonight, they couldn't stay out. And what happened? The Rangers played a more disciplined game and got the victory.
The Penguins are now off until Wednesday when they play the Devils at home.
I'm just baffled at how the Pens managed to jump to such a lead, then give up. I'd like to almost categorize it as being just another Penguins' come from behind loss.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Talbot from Crosby
Crosby from Sykora-Gonchar
2nd Period
NONE
3rd Period
Sykora from Malkin-Christensen
Fleury - 19-23
Lundqvist - 23-26
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Penguins vs Rangers preview
After turning around what could have been a dismal five game losing streak, the Penguins pulled out a desperate win Thursday night against the Islanders. Now a bigger challenge presents itself tonight, as the Penguins look to break an otherwise solid Rangers team.
Winners in eight of their last nine, the Rangers have quickly risen to the top of the Atlantic Division thanks to an offense that has finally decided to play and a goaltender who has never faltered. It must come as some relief to Lundqvist knowing that he can now give up one goal and not have to worry about taking the loss too.
From where the Penguins stand, they're hoping he'll give up more than one. In the previous two meetings, each team has walked away with a win. The more recent came from the Rangers with a 4-2 win a little over a week ago in New York. Prior to that, Marc-Andre Fleury registered his first shutout of the season in a 1-0 win at home. He's expected to start tonight, in favor of second-string and/or first-string rotator Dany Sabourin.
The battle of the goaltenders has continued for the Penguins, although it would almost seem to be settling in on MAF. In the Pens' most recent victory over the Islanders, Fleury pulled out his first win for the month of November. Although it would seem he's a bit more confident in net, Fleury's inability to offer up rebounds in front of the net can easily make the difference in a 3-2 win, or a 4-3 loss. Should that be the case tonight, it'll be up to the defense to clear the puck from the hands of the Rangers' forwards, particularly crashers Shanahan, Prucha and Dubinsky.
In case one were to be reading or watching the news this week in regards to Sean Avery's cancer related comments towards Toronto's Jason Blake, Blake stepped up earlier this week to deny the allegations. The real question now is, who started it? (cough Darcy Tucker cough)
That's all up for speculation though.
For the Pens to seal another victory tonight, they're going to have to prevent any early first period goals (or any at all for that matter) and be the first one to strike. Another disciplined game is necessary, as Avery's ability to get under Roberts' skin last game opened it up for the Rangers' powerplay unit to strike. Stay out of the box, in the Rangers' zone and keep hitting Lundqvist with shots.
Puck drops 7:30ish.
Winners in eight of their last nine, the Rangers have quickly risen to the top of the Atlantic Division thanks to an offense that has finally decided to play and a goaltender who has never faltered. It must come as some relief to Lundqvist knowing that he can now give up one goal and not have to worry about taking the loss too.
From where the Penguins stand, they're hoping he'll give up more than one. In the previous two meetings, each team has walked away with a win. The more recent came from the Rangers with a 4-2 win a little over a week ago in New York. Prior to that, Marc-Andre Fleury registered his first shutout of the season in a 1-0 win at home. He's expected to start tonight, in favor of second-string and/or first-string rotator Dany Sabourin.
The battle of the goaltenders has continued for the Penguins, although it would almost seem to be settling in on MAF. In the Pens' most recent victory over the Islanders, Fleury pulled out his first win for the month of November. Although it would seem he's a bit more confident in net, Fleury's inability to offer up rebounds in front of the net can easily make the difference in a 3-2 win, or a 4-3 loss. Should that be the case tonight, it'll be up to the defense to clear the puck from the hands of the Rangers' forwards, particularly crashers Shanahan, Prucha and Dubinsky.
In case one were to be reading or watching the news this week in regards to Sean Avery's cancer related comments towards Toronto's Jason Blake, Blake stepped up earlier this week to deny the allegations. The real question now is, who started it? (cough Darcy Tucker cough)
That's all up for speculation though.
For the Pens to seal another victory tonight, they're going to have to prevent any early first period goals (or any at all for that matter) and be the first one to strike. Another disciplined game is necessary, as Avery's ability to get under Roberts' skin last game opened it up for the Rangers' powerplay unit to strike. Stay out of the box, in the Rangers' zone and keep hitting Lundqvist with shots.
Puck drops 7:30ish.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Penguins end four game skid with win over Islanders
Tonight, for only the second time this month, the Penguins walked away with a win - this time over the rival New York Islanders by the score of 4-2. Crosby continues his point streak (18 games), Fleury gets a win and the Penguins make the most of what has been an otherwise dismal November.
How did it happen? The answer to that is rather simple.
It looks like a small bottle of champagne, but it tastes like heaven. When I drink one before a game, it emits powers that manage to not only promote the play of Evgeni Malkin, but apparently any other Russian National on the Penguins as evident by Gonchar's play tonight. As long as I keep drinking and edge closer to alcoholism, the Penguins will continue winning and edge closer to the cup. It's a risk I'm willing to take...
At least, that's my theory.
Overall a very solid game tonight. I wouldn't say Fleury looked superb, but he definitely managed to make some otherwise superior saves. His one Achilles heal, however, is his inability to redirect the shots to the corner. Rebounds just sit at the mouth of the crease, and if it weren't for the heads up play of his defenders it could've been an entirely different game.
Speaking of: Kris Letang's first game of the season tonight. He didn't break any records or achieve much, but he did stick to his man all game, at some points boxing out the crease. The one Islanders goal that managed to tie the score at two may have been his fault. He bit early on the faceoff and opened up the bottom of the net. Brooks Orpik had to come across the crease to stick it to Vasicek but was unable to get there in time. Over commitment has been a problem with Letang in the past, and was the one thing many coaches said he had to work on before his re-entry into the NHL.
Tyler Kennedy, initially sent back down to Wilkes Barre-Scranton, made an appearance on the roster tonight in place of the scratched Mark Recchi. He also remained silent on the night, despite having a golden opportunity to seal an empty netter towards the end of the game. Rather than take an otherwise sure-shot, Kennedy passed it into traffic and caused my heart rate to beat further out of rhythm until the final seconds of the game.
My ""Hero of The Night Award" goes to Georges Laraque. The man makes his presence known and no one is going to get in his way lest they choose to be run over. Scoring isn't exactly his forte, but seeing a guy like him step up tonight is exactly what the rest of the offense needs to use as an example. The deeper the scoring goes in the lines, the more games the team will win.
The Penguins also played a very disciplined game, keeping the Islanders scoreless on only two powerplay attempts. Orpik has to know when to keep his mouth shut and his hands down, as he single handedly killed a powerplay before a second could tick off the clock by mouthing off and following an Islander to the box. I suppose this is something to expect when you run a team of youngsters.
At last the Pens have broken their four game skid, in turn also sending the Islanders on course for two straight losses. An even bigger game awaits the team Saturday when the Rangers come to town.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Gonchar from Malkin-Fleury
2nd Period
Sykora from Malkin-Gonchar
Laraque from Crosby
3rd Period
None
Fleury - 26-28
DiPietro - 24-27
How did it happen? The answer to that is rather simple.
It looks like a small bottle of champagne, but it tastes like heaven. When I drink one before a game, it emits powers that manage to not only promote the play of Evgeni Malkin, but apparently any other Russian National on the Penguins as evident by Gonchar's play tonight. As long as I keep drinking and edge closer to alcoholism, the Penguins will continue winning and edge closer to the cup. It's a risk I'm willing to take...
At least, that's my theory.
Overall a very solid game tonight. I wouldn't say Fleury looked superb, but he definitely managed to make some otherwise superior saves. His one Achilles heal, however, is his inability to redirect the shots to the corner. Rebounds just sit at the mouth of the crease, and if it weren't for the heads up play of his defenders it could've been an entirely different game.
Speaking of: Kris Letang's first game of the season tonight. He didn't break any records or achieve much, but he did stick to his man all game, at some points boxing out the crease. The one Islanders goal that managed to tie the score at two may have been his fault. He bit early on the faceoff and opened up the bottom of the net. Brooks Orpik had to come across the crease to stick it to Vasicek but was unable to get there in time. Over commitment has been a problem with Letang in the past, and was the one thing many coaches said he had to work on before his re-entry into the NHL.
Tyler Kennedy, initially sent back down to Wilkes Barre-Scranton, made an appearance on the roster tonight in place of the scratched Mark Recchi. He also remained silent on the night, despite having a golden opportunity to seal an empty netter towards the end of the game. Rather than take an otherwise sure-shot, Kennedy passed it into traffic and caused my heart rate to beat further out of rhythm until the final seconds of the game.
My ""Hero of The Night Award" goes to Georges Laraque. The man makes his presence known and no one is going to get in his way lest they choose to be run over. Scoring isn't exactly his forte, but seeing a guy like him step up tonight is exactly what the rest of the offense needs to use as an example. The deeper the scoring goes in the lines, the more games the team will win.
The Penguins also played a very disciplined game, keeping the Islanders scoreless on only two powerplay attempts. Orpik has to know when to keep his mouth shut and his hands down, as he single handedly killed a powerplay before a second could tick off the clock by mouthing off and following an Islander to the box. I suppose this is something to expect when you run a team of youngsters.
At last the Pens have broken their four game skid, in turn also sending the Islanders on course for two straight losses. An even bigger game awaits the team Saturday when the Rangers come to town.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Gonchar from Malkin-Fleury
2nd Period
Sykora from Malkin-Gonchar
Laraque from Crosby
3rd Period
None
Fleury - 26-28
DiPietro - 24-27
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Penguins vs Islanders preview
For the past four games Penguins fans have been saying, "this is a must win game." Well, allow me to reiterate. This is a must win game.
A team can drop four in a row in their division this early in the season and still make it back before the playoffs, but it doesn't make life much easier. Plus, when the Penguins have a team like the Rangers winning seven of their last eight, the gap only widens with each and every failed division victory.
Tonight the Penguins are hoping to change that as they take on the Islanders in front of the home crowd. If anything, this small run at the end of the month is the perfect opportunity for the Pens to rebound and hopefully reach .500 before December. Out of the next seven games, six of them are at home. The Pens are 3-6 in front of the home crowd this season and 1-6 overall this month.
A few rosters changes may just be the thing to help the Penguins redirect their play. With Kris Letang's call-up and Nasreddine and Kennedy heading back down, expect to see a lot of new line combinations from Therrien as he tries to find the right fit for Letang. It's been mentioned and it's sheer fact: no other line is scoring except the top one. What Therrien risks in taking Malkin off the Crosby line is far greater than what he will most likely gain. Now he is asking himself, "Do I potentially lose those one or two goals a game by switching him, or can I maybe jump start the second line?" It's a coach's call.
Up until their loss this past Monday night against the Flyers, the Islanders were on a four-game winning streak. DiPietro grabbed his first shutout of the season against the Lightning, but aside from that the wins were all by one goal. The scary thing about the Islanders is that they can score, but it seems to be they do it only when they want to. Their first win of the season still stands as their highes scoring game (6-4). But from there they went on to lose three games in the first month by only notching one goal.
They've had time though, and the lines are really clicking now. Comrie, Satan, Fedotenko and Guerin are all threats. Guerin was scratched last game against the Flyers, but I have no word as to why or if he'll play tonight.
Penguins and Islanders, tonight at 7:30. The Pens can still pick up six division points this month. Let's hope a win tonight can be the start of something good.
A team can drop four in a row in their division this early in the season and still make it back before the playoffs, but it doesn't make life much easier. Plus, when the Penguins have a team like the Rangers winning seven of their last eight, the gap only widens with each and every failed division victory.
Tonight the Penguins are hoping to change that as they take on the Islanders in front of the home crowd. If anything, this small run at the end of the month is the perfect opportunity for the Pens to rebound and hopefully reach .500 before December. Out of the next seven games, six of them are at home. The Pens are 3-6 in front of the home crowd this season and 1-6 overall this month.
A few rosters changes may just be the thing to help the Penguins redirect their play. With Kris Letang's call-up and Nasreddine and Kennedy heading back down, expect to see a lot of new line combinations from Therrien as he tries to find the right fit for Letang. It's been mentioned and it's sheer fact: no other line is scoring except the top one. What Therrien risks in taking Malkin off the Crosby line is far greater than what he will most likely gain. Now he is asking himself, "Do I potentially lose those one or two goals a game by switching him, or can I maybe jump start the second line?" It's a coach's call.
Up until their loss this past Monday night against the Flyers, the Islanders were on a four-game winning streak. DiPietro grabbed his first shutout of the season against the Lightning, but aside from that the wins were all by one goal. The scary thing about the Islanders is that they can score, but it seems to be they do it only when they want to. Their first win of the season still stands as their highes scoring game (6-4). But from there they went on to lose three games in the first month by only notching one goal.
They've had time though, and the lines are really clicking now. Comrie, Satan, Fedotenko and Guerin are all threats. Guerin was scratched last game against the Flyers, but I have no word as to why or if he'll play tonight.
Penguins and Islanders, tonight at 7:30. The Pens can still pick up six division points this month. Let's hope a win tonight can be the start of something good.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Therrien to Letang - "We need you."
The Penguins have promoted one of the future stars of the game, Kris Letang, from the WBS club in efforts to jump start the offense and improve on the defense. Letang has been a prospect hopeful for quite some time, often even seen as having a lock on the club in the preseason. However, he failed to ignite the coaches' interest and in turn spent the first few weeks on the farm.
Letang is a formidable threat on both sides of the puck, bringing not only a patient mind to the Penguins' defense, but also a hard and desperately needed right-handed shot to the Pens blueline. Last season, Letang played seven games with the Big Boys, netting two powerplay goals for two points in seven games.
With Letang's call, Nasreddine and Kennedy will find themselves back in the suits of the baby Pens. Nasreddine was a healthy scratch for most of the first 18 games, playing only while defenseman Ryan Whitney was listed day-to-day with an injured groin and tallying no points in the process. Tyler Kennedy wasn't much better, playing in six NHL games and scoring only one goal. He was often out-muscled by the opposition and had been a scratch in the past three games. If Kennedy takes this demotion as a sign of improvement, then I don't suspect it'll be long till we see him again. He's a fast skater who's quick on his feet to chase down the dump-ins, but tends to get rocked between heaven and hell by the bigger, tougher and older guys.
Letang's promotion is big news for the Penguins, who have struggled to a 1-6 record for the month of November and found themselves resting uncomfortably at the bottom of the Atlantic Division.
On a personal note, I'd like to say a thank you to Coach Therrien for taking my advice on promoting Letang earlier this week. Now it's up to Kris to make me look good.
The Pens may have even made a move to potentially work out some goaltending kinks. Maybe.
The Pittsburgh Penguins re-assigned goaltender John Curry to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Curry went 1-0-1 for the US National Team at the Deutschland Cup in Germany, posting a 1.92 GAA and .946 save percentage. Time to see what he can do with the Baby Pens.
Is this it for the Pens for now, or are there more moves in the future? This next game against the Islanders Thursday night will tell more than just a win or loss, but what can be expected of the Pens for the next month or so.
Preview soon to come.
Letang is a formidable threat on both sides of the puck, bringing not only a patient mind to the Penguins' defense, but also a hard and desperately needed right-handed shot to the Pens blueline. Last season, Letang played seven games with the Big Boys, netting two powerplay goals for two points in seven games.
With Letang's call, Nasreddine and Kennedy will find themselves back in the suits of the baby Pens. Nasreddine was a healthy scratch for most of the first 18 games, playing only while defenseman Ryan Whitney was listed day-to-day with an injured groin and tallying no points in the process. Tyler Kennedy wasn't much better, playing in six NHL games and scoring only one goal. He was often out-muscled by the opposition and had been a scratch in the past three games. If Kennedy takes this demotion as a sign of improvement, then I don't suspect it'll be long till we see him again. He's a fast skater who's quick on his feet to chase down the dump-ins, but tends to get rocked between heaven and hell by the bigger, tougher and older guys.
Letang's promotion is big news for the Penguins, who have struggled to a 1-6 record for the month of November and found themselves resting uncomfortably at the bottom of the Atlantic Division.
On a personal note, I'd like to say a thank you to Coach Therrien for taking my advice on promoting Letang earlier this week. Now it's up to Kris to make me look good.
The Pens may have even made a move to potentially work out some goaltending kinks. Maybe.
The Pittsburgh Penguins re-assigned goaltender John Curry to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Curry went 1-0-1 for the US National Team at the Deutschland Cup in Germany, posting a 1.92 GAA and .946 save percentage. Time to see what he can do with the Baby Pens.
Is this it for the Pens for now, or are there more moves in the future? This next game against the Islanders Thursday night will tell more than just a win or loss, but what can be expected of the Pens for the next month or so.
Preview soon to come.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Devils 3 Penguins 2 - Pens drop four in a row
What would a first period goal against the Penguins be like if it didn't come in the first five minutes? Put it this way: the Penguins' last give games have been against the Flyers-Rangers-Flyers and Devils. All but the Rangers managed to get a goal in within the first five minutes, wit the Rangers doing it inside seven. First period goals are killing the Penguins, and it seems like they don't even care. Never mind the fact the Pens have gone in to the second period in the last three games down by at least two goals (three for the Rangers).
The play on ice reflects the same attitude for the division. Give up early, fight back later. Sometimes, you make it - more often, you fall short. That was the case tonight when the Pens rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game at two, only to lose on a third period goal with the final being 3-2.
I'm sure if you ask Crosby, streaks mean nothing unless it's a win streak. Sure, he's gone on to score in the past 17 games, but the team has also lost four in a row and dropped to 1-6 on the month. Considering all of these division games, it hurts twice as much.
Not until later in the season, much, much later in the season, will the Pens have another opportunity at picking up points in the Atlantic standings. Perhaps by then it will be too late, but even then it's too soon to say. Here are the last 11 games for the Pens, 10 of which land in the division.
MARCH
March 16 - Pens vs Flyers
March 18 - Pens @ Rangers
March 20 - Pens vs Lightning
March 22 - Pens vs Devils
March 24 - Pens @ Islanders
March 25 - Pens @ Devils
March 27 - Pens vs Islanders
March 30 - Pens vs Rangers
March 31 - Pens @ Rangers
APRIL
April 2 - Pens vs Flyers
April 6 - Pens @ Flyers
Is it just me, or does the schedule seem a bit bizarre? We play each division team eight times a year, yet in the last month we play the Flyers and Rangers three times each and the Devils and Islanders twice.
On the bright side, at least Brodeur didn't get the win tonight. We can at least pretend something good came from this. Earlier in the season the Devils had hinted Weekes would be seeing a substantial amount of ice time, but who'd have thought they'd bench Brodeur in the heat of his hunt for 500? Perhaps Penguins fans can take this as an insult. "Oh, the Pens aren't good enough, so we can start our backup and still walk away with a win." Although I highly doubt that was the train of thought, I wouldn't be surprised if someone at least mentioned it.
And in front of the home crowd too...they're really putting their fans through the ringer.
User Steel Town from ArmchairGM recently stated in a comment, "I don't even know where the problems start anymore."
Valid point, but I'd love to hear your solutions.
Here is mine.
Kick Fleury back down or trade him up for a strong defenseman, preferably a right-handed shot on the blueline. Give the starting job to Sabourin and call up Ty Conklin from WBS. Send down Eaton and call up Letang for an additional balance on the blueline of both a powerplay threat and neutral zone trapper. Letang's only two NHL goals came on the powerplay in his seven game stint with the club last season. He'd be a great threat on the second PP line. Get Laraque, Roberts and Armstrong on that 4th line to send some energy and intimidation towards the other team. Scratch Kennedy, Nasreddine or Ruutu before you consider scratching Armstrong. He plays a more disciplined game then Ruutu, has a better shot than Nas (even if it IS only one goal on the season) and has more muscle than Kennedy.
Above all - HIT THEM. If you needed a further reason why, look at the penalty kill's performance Saturday night against the Flyers. Three powerplay goals...
Kudos to the Devils, seriously. They played a very disciplined game, giving the Pens only three attempts on the powerplay. Considering the Penguins' performance Saturday against the Flyers, I'm surprised they converted once on so few chances.
Pray tell loyal readers and/or Penguins fans, how do you solve this stifling problem?
Penguins Goals
1st Period
NONE
2nd Period
Crosby from Malone-Whitney
3rd Period
Malkin from Gonchar-Crosby
Sabourin - 18-21
Weekes - 23-25
The play on ice reflects the same attitude for the division. Give up early, fight back later. Sometimes, you make it - more often, you fall short. That was the case tonight when the Pens rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game at two, only to lose on a third period goal with the final being 3-2.
I'm sure if you ask Crosby, streaks mean nothing unless it's a win streak. Sure, he's gone on to score in the past 17 games, but the team has also lost four in a row and dropped to 1-6 on the month. Considering all of these division games, it hurts twice as much.
Not until later in the season, much, much later in the season, will the Pens have another opportunity at picking up points in the Atlantic standings. Perhaps by then it will be too late, but even then it's too soon to say. Here are the last 11 games for the Pens, 10 of which land in the division.
MARCH
March 16 - Pens vs Flyers
March 18 - Pens @ Rangers
March 20 - Pens vs Lightning
March 22 - Pens vs Devils
March 24 - Pens @ Islanders
March 25 - Pens @ Devils
March 27 - Pens vs Islanders
March 30 - Pens vs Rangers
March 31 - Pens @ Rangers
APRIL
April 2 - Pens vs Flyers
April 6 - Pens @ Flyers
Is it just me, or does the schedule seem a bit bizarre? We play each division team eight times a year, yet in the last month we play the Flyers and Rangers three times each and the Devils and Islanders twice.
On the bright side, at least Brodeur didn't get the win tonight. We can at least pretend something good came from this. Earlier in the season the Devils had hinted Weekes would be seeing a substantial amount of ice time, but who'd have thought they'd bench Brodeur in the heat of his hunt for 500? Perhaps Penguins fans can take this as an insult. "Oh, the Pens aren't good enough, so we can start our backup and still walk away with a win." Although I highly doubt that was the train of thought, I wouldn't be surprised if someone at least mentioned it.
And in front of the home crowd too...they're really putting their fans through the ringer.
User Steel Town from ArmchairGM recently stated in a comment, "I don't even know where the problems start anymore."
Valid point, but I'd love to hear your solutions.
Here is mine.
Kick Fleury back down or trade him up for a strong defenseman, preferably a right-handed shot on the blueline. Give the starting job to Sabourin and call up Ty Conklin from WBS. Send down Eaton and call up Letang for an additional balance on the blueline of both a powerplay threat and neutral zone trapper. Letang's only two NHL goals came on the powerplay in his seven game stint with the club last season. He'd be a great threat on the second PP line. Get Laraque, Roberts and Armstrong on that 4th line to send some energy and intimidation towards the other team. Scratch Kennedy, Nasreddine or Ruutu before you consider scratching Armstrong. He plays a more disciplined game then Ruutu, has a better shot than Nas (even if it IS only one goal on the season) and has more muscle than Kennedy.
Above all - HIT THEM. If you needed a further reason why, look at the penalty kill's performance Saturday night against the Flyers. Three powerplay goals...
Kudos to the Devils, seriously. They played a very disciplined game, giving the Pens only three attempts on the powerplay. Considering the Penguins' performance Saturday against the Flyers, I'm surprised they converted once on so few chances.
Pray tell loyal readers and/or Penguins fans, how do you solve this stifling problem?
Penguins Goals
1st Period
NONE
2nd Period
Crosby from Malone-Whitney
3rd Period
Malkin from Gonchar-Crosby
Sabourin - 18-21
Weekes - 23-25
Penguins vs Devils Game 3 Preview
Division rivals Devils and Penguins head in to Pittsburgh tonight with the guarantee of one team leaving with a division win. For both teams, this is a must-win situation for what has quickly become the division's two worst teams.
With an even matchup of 1-1 on the season, this game will pose as game three of an eight game season series for these two clubs. In the first meeting, New Jersey was victorious 5-4 in front of the Pittsburgh crowd, while the Penguins routed for their first victory at the Devils' new Prudential Center by the shutout score of 5-0. Dany Sabourin received his first NHL shutout that night, but has yet to really spark any such play since.
In fact, the only win this month for the Penguins has come against the Devils.
It would also seem these teams are both playing a bit out of character. The Devils, a team known for their intimidating defense and two way play have let in their share of goals. On a similar note, the Penguins, known for their offensive production and shootout approach, have been unable to tally more than two goals in their five losses this month.
Oh yes, and it's another record setting night. So far this season, that has not bode well for the Penguins. Carey Price won his first career start, Al Arbour won his 1500th start and tonight Martin Brodeur will try and win his 500th game. I almost want to say this game is over before it even starts...
But I'll remain positive not because I feel Brodeur won't win, but because I'm a self-righteous human being who never once believed in superstition anyways. It goes without saying that Brodeur will definitely get his 500th win and surpass Patrick Roy easily before the season's end, but I'm hoping it's not tonight.
On second thought - bring it. You know why? Throw all this crap at the Penguins now because they'll use it as a sense of accomplishment at the end of the season. This will all be for none when they pull themselves together and decide to play. And hopefully, a cup win this year will wipe clean any such instances of being on the receiving end of such records.
Puck drops 7ish...here's to a desperate Pens victory.
With an even matchup of 1-1 on the season, this game will pose as game three of an eight game season series for these two clubs. In the first meeting, New Jersey was victorious 5-4 in front of the Pittsburgh crowd, while the Penguins routed for their first victory at the Devils' new Prudential Center by the shutout score of 5-0. Dany Sabourin received his first NHL shutout that night, but has yet to really spark any such play since.
In fact, the only win this month for the Penguins has come against the Devils.
It would also seem these teams are both playing a bit out of character. The Devils, a team known for their intimidating defense and two way play have let in their share of goals. On a similar note, the Penguins, known for their offensive production and shootout approach, have been unable to tally more than two goals in their five losses this month.
Oh yes, and it's another record setting night. So far this season, that has not bode well for the Penguins. Carey Price won his first career start, Al Arbour won his 1500th start and tonight Martin Brodeur will try and win his 500th game. I almost want to say this game is over before it even starts...
But I'll remain positive not because I feel Brodeur won't win, but because I'm a self-righteous human being who never once believed in superstition anyways. It goes without saying that Brodeur will definitely get his 500th win and surpass Patrick Roy easily before the season's end, but I'm hoping it's not tonight.
On second thought - bring it. You know why? Throw all this crap at the Penguins now because they'll use it as a sense of accomplishment at the end of the season. This will all be for none when they pull themselves together and decide to play. And hopefully, a cup win this year will wipe clean any such instances of being on the receiving end of such records.
Puck drops 7ish...here's to a desperate Pens victory.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Flyers 5 Penguins 2
Just as a warning, this article will not only be fused with commentary as I normally include as spectator of a televised game, but also with additional commentary as a spectator rooting for his team in the city of not-so-brotherly love.
It's not every day a game at the Wachovia Center sells out, so I guess I didn't give it much thought beforehand. I did consider people would come to watch Sid play, as I was, but more for the jeering than the cheering of his play.
My friend and I walked up to the ticket window to buy tickets, but were met with the not-so-expected "Sold Out" jargon. Eager to get into the game, we wandered off into the vast crowds of Flyers' faithful in hopes of finding tickets. It's funny, when you have tickets in hand walking up to an arena; any arena or stadium for that matter, you tend to fend off scalpers like diseased, parasitic creatures. Yet when you are ticketless and begging to get in to the game before the puck drops, you tend to keep an eye open for the sketchy guy in a leather jacket, or the guy who just happens to casually stand with his hands in his pockets pacing to and fro by the main entrance.
I found one scalper offeringlow level for $120 each, to which I openly shot down. Another said $60 for lower level, but he only had one. Finally as Jason and I tried to make our way to the front of the arena, where we'd been heckled by other scalpers along the way to the ticket window, a security guard stopped us in our steps.
"What are you guys doin, lookin for tickets?" he asked, in more of a 'what do you think you're doing' tone than anything else. "Yeah" said Jason, "you have any?"
I guess I thought it was a bit ridiculous to think a security guard would have tickets for sale, but I think Jason was just matter of factly joking with the guy.
"Yeah" he said, to our surprise. "I took two off those guys trying to sell before. They're upper deck. I'll do two for $40."
SOLD
The puck had already dropped as we entered the building, about a minute and a half in. Having been starved for a good three hours, we figured to grab food then so as to prevent the intermission rush. I looked up at the screen while waiting in line, and saw Brierre sneak behind the net. "Look, Brierre's behind the net" I said, "here comes a goal."
I've never hated being more right any time before.
We got to our seats with about 16:00 remaining in the first. I'll transcribe a few insults shot towards me while finding my seat. Jason, a Flyers fan, pretended he didn't know me the whole time.
There was the ever so generic, "Penguins suck!", followed by the territorial "get out of our section!", but not to be topped by the equally laughable "f*ck you" and my personal favorite - the subtle "die".
Before I could choke down some fine Aramark dining, the score was 2-0.
Assuming the Penguins would make another late period run, I remained optimistic that it wasn't over yet. Regardless, the first period ended 2-0 Flyers.
At the end of intermission I did the typical routine move - I hit the bathrooms. Another lovely barrage of comments flew throughout the room, all of which really had me genuinely laughing. "I didn't know Penguins fans peed standing up". "Ladies room is next door Penguins". "Hey Armstrong [a guy wearing a Colby Armstrong jersey] why don't you hold it for your buddy Malkin [his friend wearing a Evgeni Malkin jersey]."
Barely into the second period, the Penguins were losing 3-0. Their passing was atrocious, there were too many forced plays and just not enough shots. Not to mention, but I'll say it anyways, the penalty kill completely and utterly sucked.
The Penguins managed to answer back with a powerplay goal on a Malkin one-timer from Whitney and Crosby, thus extending the captain's point streak to 15 games. By the grace of the black and gold, on what seemed like the dying seconds of the second period, Gonchar let one loose from the blueline to close it within one with only two-tenths of a second remaining on the game clock. Heading into the third period 3-2, I had high hopes for a comeback.
Alas, that would be the end of the Penguins scoring, as the Flyers would go on to add another two, one of which was the empty netter. Speaking of, pulling Fleury in favor of an extra attacker while barely in the Flyers' zone was a pretty poor call. I suppose it didn't matter much when down by two, but at least play with your heads up. The last few minutes of the period were marred by overall fighting matches around the rink, both verbal and physical. Chants of "Crooooosby" emanated from within. I looked at the clock, counting down the seconds for my escape.
I suppose, that is when the Wachovia Center decided it'd be a good time to put my solemn, blank staring, desperately seeking the end face on the big screen monitor. Hell, my team was down two goals, the least I could do was point to the logo on my hat and get a few more boos just for the fun of it. Seconds later, the chant of "Go home Penguins" started from my section.
On my way back to the parking lot I received a few more screams and jeers, my favorite from a little kid calling from the security of his Dad's SUV "Penguins suck".
Thus marked the end of my trip to Philly, complete with ticket scalping, Penguin bashing goodness.
I am no doubt disappointed in another loss, thus making it three straight for the club. Prior to the game I was hoping Fleury would have a better game in net, but the answer to my hopeful mind came within the first ten minutes of the first.
Baby steps I suppose. I'm happy to see Ryan Whitney back on the line, as he managed to contribute to both Penguins' goals. I was also happy to see some fists thrown around, although Ryan Malone was more on the receiving end of a barrage of punches that left his face looking like he was a donor to the Philly blood bank than anything else. Sydor also dropped mitts and held his own, possibly even having won the fight in my eyes.
All in all I'm grateful to the lovely city of Philadelphia - the home of the nation's first capital. The birthplace of freedom. The city of brotherly love. It may not be a city open to fans from other teams, but the love amongst Flyers' fans is apparant. In a world of civil marriages, they definitely bring new definition to the term brotherly love.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
NONE
2nd Period
Malkin from Whitney-Crosby
Gonchar from Malkin-Whitney
3rd Period
NONE
Fleury - 25-29
Biron - 29-31
It's not every day a game at the Wachovia Center sells out, so I guess I didn't give it much thought beforehand. I did consider people would come to watch Sid play, as I was, but more for the jeering than the cheering of his play.
My friend and I walked up to the ticket window to buy tickets, but were met with the not-so-expected "Sold Out" jargon. Eager to get into the game, we wandered off into the vast crowds of Flyers' faithful in hopes of finding tickets. It's funny, when you have tickets in hand walking up to an arena; any arena or stadium for that matter, you tend to fend off scalpers like diseased, parasitic creatures. Yet when you are ticketless and begging to get in to the game before the puck drops, you tend to keep an eye open for the sketchy guy in a leather jacket, or the guy who just happens to casually stand with his hands in his pockets pacing to and fro by the main entrance.
I found one scalper offeringlow level for $120 each, to which I openly shot down. Another said $60 for lower level, but he only had one. Finally as Jason and I tried to make our way to the front of the arena, where we'd been heckled by other scalpers along the way to the ticket window, a security guard stopped us in our steps.
"What are you guys doin, lookin for tickets?" he asked, in more of a 'what do you think you're doing' tone than anything else. "Yeah" said Jason, "you have any?"
I guess I thought it was a bit ridiculous to think a security guard would have tickets for sale, but I think Jason was just matter of factly joking with the guy.
"Yeah" he said, to our surprise. "I took two off those guys trying to sell before. They're upper deck. I'll do two for $40."
SOLD
The puck had already dropped as we entered the building, about a minute and a half in. Having been starved for a good three hours, we figured to grab food then so as to prevent the intermission rush. I looked up at the screen while waiting in line, and saw Brierre sneak behind the net. "Look, Brierre's behind the net" I said, "here comes a goal."
I've never hated being more right any time before.
We got to our seats with about 16:00 remaining in the first. I'll transcribe a few insults shot towards me while finding my seat. Jason, a Flyers fan, pretended he didn't know me the whole time.
There was the ever so generic, "Penguins suck!", followed by the territorial "get out of our section!", but not to be topped by the equally laughable "f*ck you" and my personal favorite - the subtle "die".
Before I could choke down some fine Aramark dining, the score was 2-0.
Assuming the Penguins would make another late period run, I remained optimistic that it wasn't over yet. Regardless, the first period ended 2-0 Flyers.
At the end of intermission I did the typical routine move - I hit the bathrooms. Another lovely barrage of comments flew throughout the room, all of which really had me genuinely laughing. "I didn't know Penguins fans peed standing up". "Ladies room is next door Penguins". "Hey Armstrong [a guy wearing a Colby Armstrong jersey] why don't you hold it for your buddy Malkin [his friend wearing a Evgeni Malkin jersey]."
Barely into the second period, the Penguins were losing 3-0. Their passing was atrocious, there were too many forced plays and just not enough shots. Not to mention, but I'll say it anyways, the penalty kill completely and utterly sucked.
The Penguins managed to answer back with a powerplay goal on a Malkin one-timer from Whitney and Crosby, thus extending the captain's point streak to 15 games. By the grace of the black and gold, on what seemed like the dying seconds of the second period, Gonchar let one loose from the blueline to close it within one with only two-tenths of a second remaining on the game clock. Heading into the third period 3-2, I had high hopes for a comeback.
Alas, that would be the end of the Penguins scoring, as the Flyers would go on to add another two, one of which was the empty netter. Speaking of, pulling Fleury in favor of an extra attacker while barely in the Flyers' zone was a pretty poor call. I suppose it didn't matter much when down by two, but at least play with your heads up. The last few minutes of the period were marred by overall fighting matches around the rink, both verbal and physical. Chants of "Crooooosby" emanated from within. I looked at the clock, counting down the seconds for my escape.
I suppose, that is when the Wachovia Center decided it'd be a good time to put my solemn, blank staring, desperately seeking the end face on the big screen monitor. Hell, my team was down two goals, the least I could do was point to the logo on my hat and get a few more boos just for the fun of it. Seconds later, the chant of "Go home Penguins" started from my section.
On my way back to the parking lot I received a few more screams and jeers, my favorite from a little kid calling from the security of his Dad's SUV "Penguins suck".
Thus marked the end of my trip to Philly, complete with ticket scalping, Penguin bashing goodness.
I am no doubt disappointed in another loss, thus making it three straight for the club. Prior to the game I was hoping Fleury would have a better game in net, but the answer to my hopeful mind came within the first ten minutes of the first.
Baby steps I suppose. I'm happy to see Ryan Whitney back on the line, as he managed to contribute to both Penguins' goals. I was also happy to see some fists thrown around, although Ryan Malone was more on the receiving end of a barrage of punches that left his face looking like he was a donor to the Philly blood bank than anything else. Sydor also dropped mitts and held his own, possibly even having won the fight in my eyes.
All in all I'm grateful to the lovely city of Philadelphia - the home of the nation's first capital. The birthplace of freedom. The city of brotherly love. It may not be a city open to fans from other teams, but the love amongst Flyers' fans is apparant. In a world of civil marriages, they definitely bring new definition to the term brotherly love.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
NONE
2nd Period
Malkin from Whitney-Crosby
Gonchar from Malkin-Whitney
3rd Period
NONE
Fleury - 25-29
Biron - 29-31
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Penguins vs Flyers preview
These two teams face off again for the second time in less than a week. The Flyers, who walked away victorious in a 3-1 win in Pittsburgh Wednesday night will now have the home-ice advantage in another installment of Pennsylvanian ice hockey supremacy.
I'll take my bets and assume Marc-Andre Fleury will be in net for the Penguins, as the Flyers routed Dany Sabourin blocker-side for three goals as if he were blind in one eye. Of course, this all will come down to Therrien's coin-flip prior to the game. It seems to be his method of doing things.
Crosby is looking to continue his 15 game point streak, as it appears he's the only member of the Penguins squad who knows how to play the puck. Veteran Mark Recchi has been getting the nod in favor of Colby Armstrong as of late, although both appeared in the lineup the other night against the Rangers. Ryan Whitney, however, was again a no-show, taking the night off for the fourth consecutive game in hopes of nursing his injured groin back to health.
Instead, Therrien has opted to put Alain Nasreddine on the blueline with the man advantage and it has yet to really work to the team's advantage. With Whitney out of the lineup, the Pens saw their 14 consecutive games with a powerplay goal come to its untimely end. Having Nas's chip shots in favor of Whitney's lasers doesn't help much either.
In the last matchup between these two, neither team was able to score a powerplay goal in a combined ten attempts. Perhaps tonight will be a different story when the puck drops in Philly at 7pm.
I'll take my bets and assume Marc-Andre Fleury will be in net for the Penguins, as the Flyers routed Dany Sabourin blocker-side for three goals as if he were blind in one eye. Of course, this all will come down to Therrien's coin-flip prior to the game. It seems to be his method of doing things.
Crosby is looking to continue his 15 game point streak, as it appears he's the only member of the Penguins squad who knows how to play the puck. Veteran Mark Recchi has been getting the nod in favor of Colby Armstrong as of late, although both appeared in the lineup the other night against the Rangers. Ryan Whitney, however, was again a no-show, taking the night off for the fourth consecutive game in hopes of nursing his injured groin back to health.
Instead, Therrien has opted to put Alain Nasreddine on the blueline with the man advantage and it has yet to really work to the team's advantage. With Whitney out of the lineup, the Pens saw their 14 consecutive games with a powerplay goal come to its untimely end. Having Nas's chip shots in favor of Whitney's lasers doesn't help much either.
In the last matchup between these two, neither team was able to score a powerplay goal in a combined ten attempts. Perhaps tonight will be a different story when the puck drops in Philly at 7pm.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Rangers beat Pens 4-2
Out-shot, out-played, and ultimately out-scored. That's the best way to really sum up this game.
Had the Penguins played the entire game like they did in the third period, this game would have been entirely different. Sigh. Could've, would've, should've but didn't. The Penguins mantra?
I don't know who the better goalie has been in the past two games...and I mean that in the sense of opposition. Biron or Lundqvist? Both did an excellent job of shutting down the Penguins, although I will add on as an extension to Lundqvist his defense's ability to just completely and utterly shutdown Evgeni Malkin.
This win marks five straight for the Rangers on home-ice and two straight losses for the Pens. I think Therrien will resort to a coin toss for the decision of next game's starting goalie.
Gary Roberts commited the cardinal sin when playing the Rangers - he allowed Sean Avery to get under his skin. The four minute double-minor ultimately cost the Pens a powerplay goal, but Roberts decided 4 minutes wasn't enough. He'd have three minors by the end of the night.
Let me say this now. The Pens NEED Ryan Whitney back on the blueline. Nasreddeine's shots look like chips from the point, and he in no way drives in towards the net in the way Whitney does. Plus, I'm starting to think the Crosby-Malkin combo is becomming a bit too choreographed. It's getting to the point where when Sid has it, the D knows it's going to Malkin, and when Malkin has it it's going to Crosby. It's a nice attack having both Malkin and Sid on the same line, but perhaps it was a good idea keeping them seperate. Not only does it leave depth to the lines, but it also opens up the ice to any other attacker when Sid is in control.
I'll hand it to the Rangers. I've always considered myself to be a person who is able to give credit when credit is due. Lundqvist is a machine. He's beyond human. The only way to beat the Rangers is the way in which the Pens won last time. Shutdown their offense and try and maintain a small lead. Now it's going to be an entirely different story, as Gomez is really starting to open things up for the tema with five consecutive point-or-more games.
Congrats to the geriatric Recchi for scoring his second goal of the season. I never really tought he'd be a first liner this year, but a fourth line appearance was entirely out of my parameter of thought. Of course, he's also one of the most shuffled Penguins, and tonight I think he played on the third line. Either way, nice effort Recchi. Perhaps he was ignited by Lindros' retirement.
I said it in my last recap and I'll say it again - the Pens REALLY need a right-handed shot on the blueline. Every time you see the puck leave the zone, check the position of the defenseman. More often than not it's a left-handed defenseman on his backhand. Tonight that was the case at least twice, hurting even more when on the powerplay.
The Pens head in to Philly again Saturday night in hopes of evening the season series with the Flyers. This is a horrible time for the Pens to go cold. Considering all of the division games this month, it certainly won't bode well should they come up winless in over half of their next six.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Gonchar from Crosby-Malkin
2nd Period
NONE
3rd Period
Recchi from Roberts-Gonchar
Fleury - 35-39
Lundqvist - 26-28
Had the Penguins played the entire game like they did in the third period, this game would have been entirely different. Sigh. Could've, would've, should've but didn't. The Penguins mantra?
I don't know who the better goalie has been in the past two games...and I mean that in the sense of opposition. Biron or Lundqvist? Both did an excellent job of shutting down the Penguins, although I will add on as an extension to Lundqvist his defense's ability to just completely and utterly shutdown Evgeni Malkin.
This win marks five straight for the Rangers on home-ice and two straight losses for the Pens. I think Therrien will resort to a coin toss for the decision of next game's starting goalie.
Gary Roberts commited the cardinal sin when playing the Rangers - he allowed Sean Avery to get under his skin. The four minute double-minor ultimately cost the Pens a powerplay goal, but Roberts decided 4 minutes wasn't enough. He'd have three minors by the end of the night.
Let me say this now. The Pens NEED Ryan Whitney back on the blueline. Nasreddeine's shots look like chips from the point, and he in no way drives in towards the net in the way Whitney does. Plus, I'm starting to think the Crosby-Malkin combo is becomming a bit too choreographed. It's getting to the point where when Sid has it, the D knows it's going to Malkin, and when Malkin has it it's going to Crosby. It's a nice attack having both Malkin and Sid on the same line, but perhaps it was a good idea keeping them seperate. Not only does it leave depth to the lines, but it also opens up the ice to any other attacker when Sid is in control.
I'll hand it to the Rangers. I've always considered myself to be a person who is able to give credit when credit is due. Lundqvist is a machine. He's beyond human. The only way to beat the Rangers is the way in which the Pens won last time. Shutdown their offense and try and maintain a small lead. Now it's going to be an entirely different story, as Gomez is really starting to open things up for the tema with five consecutive point-or-more games.
Congrats to the geriatric Recchi for scoring his second goal of the season. I never really tought he'd be a first liner this year, but a fourth line appearance was entirely out of my parameter of thought. Of course, he's also one of the most shuffled Penguins, and tonight I think he played on the third line. Either way, nice effort Recchi. Perhaps he was ignited by Lindros' retirement.
I said it in my last recap and I'll say it again - the Pens REALLY need a right-handed shot on the blueline. Every time you see the puck leave the zone, check the position of the defenseman. More often than not it's a left-handed defenseman on his backhand. Tonight that was the case at least twice, hurting even more when on the powerplay.
The Pens head in to Philly again Saturday night in hopes of evening the season series with the Flyers. This is a horrible time for the Pens to go cold. Considering all of the division games this month, it certainly won't bode well should they come up winless in over half of their next six.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Gonchar from Crosby-Malkin
2nd Period
NONE
3rd Period
Recchi from Roberts-Gonchar
Fleury - 35-39
Lundqvist - 26-28
Penguins vs Rangers preview
Let's just say the last meeting between these two wasn't exactly a display of red lights, streamers and raining hats. In a 1-0 win over the Rangers, the Penguins' Marc-Andre Fleury was considered as a goalie in the process of heating up. He'd soon follow this game with a five goal forfeit against the Leafs. Needless to say, a lot has changed since the last Rangers/Penguins contest that went down roughly two weeks ago.
Fleury has been benched, or so it seems, in favor of Dany Sabourin. The Penguins managed to muster up another shutout with him in net, but haven't exactly improved in the way a goalie change would hope to help a team.
Lundqvist on the other hand has seen three shutouts since then, two of which have come in the past week. Although the Rangers' scoring hasn't exactly increase ten-fold, their defense has yet to really let them down. It's kinda hard to be the team with both the best goaltending and worst offense. Certainly a tough combination to work with on a nightly basis.
In the last six games the Penguins have gone 2-6, with both wins coming on the road. Perhaps tonight in NYC, the Pens can improve by one more win and hopefully take another one down on the road.
In a league now dominated by speed, agility and intense puck movement, one would almost think a player like Jagr to be out of his element. There's no denying this former Penguin played phenomenally when paired with Lemieux and Francis/Stevens, but since his departure from Steeltown the effort has been anything but average. Maybe it was his moved to one of the most overly critical cities in the world that did it. Or, maybe he really is past his prime. Trade material? Possibly. But who'd really benefit from having him? It's upsetting sometimes to see former 'amazing' players fizzle out in otherwise disappointing ways. Gretzky, Hull and Federov come to mind.
Eklund, the anonymous online hockey blogger (why he insists on being anonymous still annoys me) had this to say about the Penguins:
The Penguins will be ok. They are really are the essence of a team, meaning they are a single unit. last year that single unit was in its rookie season, caught everone by surprise, and started to hint toward an eventuality. This year that unit is in a sophomore slump, though their record is respectable. They sometimes forget the extra level that is needed at times to win games. When all is said and done they will be downright scary.
Let's see how this game turns out tonight for both teams. It's going to say a lot for the rest of the month.
Puck drop 7ish.
Fleury has been benched, or so it seems, in favor of Dany Sabourin. The Penguins managed to muster up another shutout with him in net, but haven't exactly improved in the way a goalie change would hope to help a team.
Lundqvist on the other hand has seen three shutouts since then, two of which have come in the past week. Although the Rangers' scoring hasn't exactly increase ten-fold, their defense has yet to really let them down. It's kinda hard to be the team with both the best goaltending and worst offense. Certainly a tough combination to work with on a nightly basis.
In the last six games the Penguins have gone 2-6, with both wins coming on the road. Perhaps tonight in NYC, the Pens can improve by one more win and hopefully take another one down on the road.
In a league now dominated by speed, agility and intense puck movement, one would almost think a player like Jagr to be out of his element. There's no denying this former Penguin played phenomenally when paired with Lemieux and Francis/Stevens, but since his departure from Steeltown the effort has been anything but average. Maybe it was his moved to one of the most overly critical cities in the world that did it. Or, maybe he really is past his prime. Trade material? Possibly. But who'd really benefit from having him? It's upsetting sometimes to see former 'amazing' players fizzle out in otherwise disappointing ways. Gretzky, Hull and Federov come to mind.
Eklund, the anonymous online hockey blogger (why he insists on being anonymous still annoys me) had this to say about the Penguins:
The Penguins will be ok. They are really are the essence of a team, meaning they are a single unit. last year that single unit was in its rookie season, caught everone by surprise, and started to hint toward an eventuality. This year that unit is in a sophomore slump, though their record is respectable. They sometimes forget the extra level that is needed at times to win games. When all is said and done they will be downright scary.
Let's see how this game turns out tonight for both teams. It's going to say a lot for the rest of the month.
Puck drop 7ish.
Penguins falls to Flyers 3-1
Ask any coach and he'll tell ya, "The best way to win a game, unless you're the Penguins, is to give up two goals in the first five minutes". Somehow, this strategy worked well for the Avalanche and Islanders, but not the Penguins.
Talk about deflating. Coming off a Devil beat down on Monday night, the Penguins found themselves in the hole tonight by the score of 2-0 before Therrien could even switch up the lines half a dozen times. He'd eventually go on to do it anyways, even working Laraque on to the powerplay unit in hopes of opening up the front -but alas, to no avail.
Despite practicing and saying he'd have a go on the night, Ryan Whitney opted to sit out one more in favor of playing tomorrow against the Rangers. I'd like to have seen him play both games, but if I had to choose I'd say take the one with the Rangers.
Could Alain Nasreddeine be any more worthless? I'd almost rather see Ruutu take a stab at being on defense rather than having Nas running around and fumbling the puck like a peewee. Speaking of, the Pens REALLY need a right-handed shot somewhere in that lineup, most preferably on the blueline. Eaton's diving attempt to swat a puck in on the backhand might have had a better chance had he possessed a right-hand shot. Sykora's one-timer might have gone in had Malkin's pass been to a righty shooter. And as far as Gonchar goes, that guy plays more kicks to the point on the backhand than I've ever seen a defenseman do. I'm not saying the Penguins lack quality puck movement (minus this game), but a right-handed shot would be stellar.
Perhaps it's time for: "Hi, Mr. Letang? It's Coach Therrien".
Come on Therrien, what are you waiting for?
I don't blame Sabourin for this one. Frankly the score had a chance of being close to 5-1, especially coming on that Brierre blank right on the goal line. If you had to blame anything this game, it'd be the inability to clear their own zone, poor puck handling both in AND out of the zone and a insanely good Flyers penalty kill.
Thus ends the 14 consecutive games with a powerplay goal. Thus ends another 8-0 season against the Flyers.
So much for starting a divisional winning streak.
But hey, at least Crosby kept his scoring streak on a roll with his assist to Malone in the closing seconds of the first.
Perhaps this year the Flyers will be the Penguins of last year, as it almost seems certain they're on their way to a HUGE turn around. Well played, Flyers - well played indeed.
See you again on Saturday 'round your parts.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Malone from Crosby-Malkin
2nd Period
NONE
3rd Period
NONE
Talk about deflating. Coming off a Devil beat down on Monday night, the Penguins found themselves in the hole tonight by the score of 2-0 before Therrien could even switch up the lines half a dozen times. He'd eventually go on to do it anyways, even working Laraque on to the powerplay unit in hopes of opening up the front -but alas, to no avail.
Despite practicing and saying he'd have a go on the night, Ryan Whitney opted to sit out one more in favor of playing tomorrow against the Rangers. I'd like to have seen him play both games, but if I had to choose I'd say take the one with the Rangers.
Could Alain Nasreddeine be any more worthless? I'd almost rather see Ruutu take a stab at being on defense rather than having Nas running around and fumbling the puck like a peewee. Speaking of, the Pens REALLY need a right-handed shot somewhere in that lineup, most preferably on the blueline. Eaton's diving attempt to swat a puck in on the backhand might have had a better chance had he possessed a right-hand shot. Sykora's one-timer might have gone in had Malkin's pass been to a righty shooter. And as far as Gonchar goes, that guy plays more kicks to the point on the backhand than I've ever seen a defenseman do. I'm not saying the Penguins lack quality puck movement (minus this game), but a right-handed shot would be stellar.
Perhaps it's time for: "Hi, Mr. Letang? It's Coach Therrien".
Come on Therrien, what are you waiting for?
I don't blame Sabourin for this one. Frankly the score had a chance of being close to 5-1, especially coming on that Brierre blank right on the goal line. If you had to blame anything this game, it'd be the inability to clear their own zone, poor puck handling both in AND out of the zone and a insanely good Flyers penalty kill.
Thus ends the 14 consecutive games with a powerplay goal. Thus ends another 8-0 season against the Flyers.
So much for starting a divisional winning streak.
But hey, at least Crosby kept his scoring streak on a roll with his assist to Malone in the closing seconds of the first.
Perhaps this year the Flyers will be the Penguins of last year, as it almost seems certain they're on their way to a HUGE turn around. Well played, Flyers - well played indeed.
See you again on Saturday 'round your parts.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Malone from Crosby-Malkin
2nd Period
NONE
3rd Period
NONE
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Penguins vs Flyers preview
The Battle of PA starts a new season as the Flyers pay a visit to Pittsburgh tonight at 7pm. By division and conference standings, both teams are evenly matched. Philly, with 16 points, stands fifth in the conference while Pittsburgh has a four way tie with the Bruins, Rangers and Leafs with 15.
What was deemed a 'rebuilding year' for the Flyers has certainly come to be more than that. The addition of Daniel Brierre has done wonders for the offense, in addition to the outstanding play from Mike Richards, Joffrey Lupul and Simon Gagne. Marty Biron, the guy known as Ryan Miller's backup for most of last season, has no doubt made a name for himself. With seven wins and two shutouts, Marty is far from being a backup and may very well be one of the best financial moves the Flyers made towards the end of last season.
Pittsburgh's Ryan Whitney, who suffered a groin injury heading into the third period against Colorado last week, is expected back in the lineup tonight after Therrien scratched him for both the Islanders and Devils games. The Pens' powerplay has nonetheless managed to convert in Whitney's absence, but his presence back on the ice can only strength it even further.
Is Therrien waiting for another game time decision on his netminder, or is it safe to say Dany Sabourin will start? Sabourin, coming off his first shutout of the season, is my guess against the Flyers who just happened to get shutout themselves on Monday night. Coincidence? No - I find it to be hard to make any such comparison or justification between the two, so I'm just going to step away from this one...
One shutout against the Flyers doesn't exactly scream "These guys can't score". All you have to do is look at the team's statistics to see for yourself. I'd expect the Flyers to challenge much more and put a lot more pressure on (insert goalie's name here) and the defense than the Devils did. I don't expect back-to-back Penguins shutouts, but I do expect a win tonight.
In the realm of rumors, there are a few circulating about the Pens. Now I'll admit - I'm not really one who likes to engage in rumors or even so much as fuel them even further. Yes, there has been talks of a veteran netminder like Curtis Joseph coming to the Pens, but I think we can hush that one up a bit now with Sabourin's level of play. I will say this though; this past weekend I read a rumor claiming both Ryan Malone and Eric Christensen will be out of the black and gold before the season's end. What say you on this matter?
I for one think Christensen is too unstable for a full-time role, but when he wants to play he sure as hell does. And as far as my money goes, there's no better guy to have in your lineup during a shootout.
Ryan Malone, on the other hand, is a different story. Malone is one of those guys who has been known to just 'click' with Crosby. He's also a native of Pittsburgh, which in my mind makes him somewhat of a hometown hero. Dishing out Malone is like taking Jersey native Jim Dowd away from the Devils. On second thought, they did that already. Hmmmm
This is, I'd also like to add, one of the weirder months of the season. Up until tonight, the Pens haven't played the Flyers. Yet after tonight, the next match-up comes next Saturday in Philly. Similarly, we play the Devils again Monday after having already played them this past Monday. Seven of the remaining ten games this month are all division games. If the Pens are going to heat up at any point, now would be a good time.
What was deemed a 'rebuilding year' for the Flyers has certainly come to be more than that. The addition of Daniel Brierre has done wonders for the offense, in addition to the outstanding play from Mike Richards, Joffrey Lupul and Simon Gagne. Marty Biron, the guy known as Ryan Miller's backup for most of last season, has no doubt made a name for himself. With seven wins and two shutouts, Marty is far from being a backup and may very well be one of the best financial moves the Flyers made towards the end of last season.
Pittsburgh's Ryan Whitney, who suffered a groin injury heading into the third period against Colorado last week, is expected back in the lineup tonight after Therrien scratched him for both the Islanders and Devils games. The Pens' powerplay has nonetheless managed to convert in Whitney's absence, but his presence back on the ice can only strength it even further.
Is Therrien waiting for another game time decision on his netminder, or is it safe to say Dany Sabourin will start? Sabourin, coming off his first shutout of the season, is my guess against the Flyers who just happened to get shutout themselves on Monday night. Coincidence? No - I find it to be hard to make any such comparison or justification between the two, so I'm just going to step away from this one...
One shutout against the Flyers doesn't exactly scream "These guys can't score". All you have to do is look at the team's statistics to see for yourself. I'd expect the Flyers to challenge much more and put a lot more pressure on (insert goalie's name here) and the defense than the Devils did. I don't expect back-to-back Penguins shutouts, but I do expect a win tonight.
In the realm of rumors, there are a few circulating about the Pens. Now I'll admit - I'm not really one who likes to engage in rumors or even so much as fuel them even further. Yes, there has been talks of a veteran netminder like Curtis Joseph coming to the Pens, but I think we can hush that one up a bit now with Sabourin's level of play. I will say this though; this past weekend I read a rumor claiming both Ryan Malone and Eric Christensen will be out of the black and gold before the season's end. What say you on this matter?
I for one think Christensen is too unstable for a full-time role, but when he wants to play he sure as hell does. And as far as my money goes, there's no better guy to have in your lineup during a shootout.
Ryan Malone, on the other hand, is a different story. Malone is one of those guys who has been known to just 'click' with Crosby. He's also a native of Pittsburgh, which in my mind makes him somewhat of a hometown hero. Dishing out Malone is like taking Jersey native Jim Dowd away from the Devils. On second thought, they did that already. Hmmmm
This is, I'd also like to add, one of the weirder months of the season. Up until tonight, the Pens haven't played the Flyers. Yet after tonight, the next match-up comes next Saturday in Philly. Similarly, we play the Devils again Monday after having already played them this past Monday. Seven of the remaining ten games this month are all division games. If the Pens are going to heat up at any point, now would be a good time.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Penguins shutout Devils 5-0
What better way to end a four game road trip then with a shutout? Dany Sabourin - the key to Pittsburgh victories? I suppose it's too soon to say.
Now listen up guys. I've found the key to a Penguins victory. First, you must drive to your local liquor store and purchase three beers that go by the name of Red East; the 'classic' beer of Russia. You must thereby go about drinking one before the game, and during each intermission. Then and only then will you invoke the spirit of Malkin to lead the Penguins to a victory.
I suppose that's all a farce. Afterall, he only had a single assist on the night, but what an assist it was. From his knees on what would have been a tripping call, Malkin dished it off to Sykora who popped it into the net past his former teammate Brodeur for a 3-0 lead.
Sid was no doubt the star of the night, with two goals (eight and nine on the season) in his 13th consecutive game with a point. This was also his second two-goal performance on the season, the first coming against Colorado last week.
To be honest with you, I think the best goal of the night came on Adam Hall's re-direct in front of the net late in the first. On a shot that would have wound up in the corner of the rink, Hall re-directed an Orpik shot to net the second goal of the game.
I'd also like to know how an Ashom punch to the back of Laraque's head results in a Laraque penalty. I suppose it was balanced out in that Mottau high-sticking call.
Tonight's game also marks the second shutout of the season for the Penguins but the first of the year for Sabourin, whose play may very well have earned him a starting role.
I suppose it's safe to say the battle is on for the Pens' netminders. Sabourin vs Fleury in a fight to the death. Alot of talk has circulated with regards to the man between the pipes for the Pens. If you want my honest opinion, I say give the nod to Sabourin, pick up a veteran backup and ditch Fleury come contract negotiation time in January. With whatever money is left, try and secure a defensive-defenseman for the playoffs. Now please keep in mind, I'm saying this as an impartial fan. I will not forget Fleury's 40 wins from last season, but if wheeling and dealing in the way I just mentioned brings home the cup, then I'm all for it.
The powerplay clicked AGAIN tonight, for the 14th time in 14 games. Incredible.
And what's really better than a 5-0 shutout against the Devils? (Well almost better). Watching Brodeur get pulled in favor of Kevin Weekes. Sigh. Truly brings a tear of joy to my eye.
Better luck next time Devils. See you next Monday.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Crosby from Sykora-Gonchar
Hall from Orpik-Talbot
2nd Period
Sykora from Malkin
Christensen from Talbot-Laraque
3rd Period
Crosby from Orpik
Sabourin 20-20
Brodeur 19-24
Weekes 6-6
Now listen up guys. I've found the key to a Penguins victory. First, you must drive to your local liquor store and purchase three beers that go by the name of Red East; the 'classic' beer of Russia. You must thereby go about drinking one before the game, and during each intermission. Then and only then will you invoke the spirit of Malkin to lead the Penguins to a victory.
I suppose that's all a farce. Afterall, he only had a single assist on the night, but what an assist it was. From his knees on what would have been a tripping call, Malkin dished it off to Sykora who popped it into the net past his former teammate Brodeur for a 3-0 lead.
Sid was no doubt the star of the night, with two goals (eight and nine on the season) in his 13th consecutive game with a point. This was also his second two-goal performance on the season, the first coming against Colorado last week.
To be honest with you, I think the best goal of the night came on Adam Hall's re-direct in front of the net late in the first. On a shot that would have wound up in the corner of the rink, Hall re-directed an Orpik shot to net the second goal of the game.
I'd also like to know how an Ashom punch to the back of Laraque's head results in a Laraque penalty. I suppose it was balanced out in that Mottau high-sticking call.
Tonight's game also marks the second shutout of the season for the Penguins but the first of the year for Sabourin, whose play may very well have earned him a starting role.
I suppose it's safe to say the battle is on for the Pens' netminders. Sabourin vs Fleury in a fight to the death. Alot of talk has circulated with regards to the man between the pipes for the Pens. If you want my honest opinion, I say give the nod to Sabourin, pick up a veteran backup and ditch Fleury come contract negotiation time in January. With whatever money is left, try and secure a defensive-defenseman for the playoffs. Now please keep in mind, I'm saying this as an impartial fan. I will not forget Fleury's 40 wins from last season, but if wheeling and dealing in the way I just mentioned brings home the cup, then I'm all for it.
The powerplay clicked AGAIN tonight, for the 14th time in 14 games. Incredible.
And what's really better than a 5-0 shutout against the Devils? (Well almost better). Watching Brodeur get pulled in favor of Kevin Weekes. Sigh. Truly brings a tear of joy to my eye.
Better luck next time Devils. See you next Monday.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Crosby from Sykora-Gonchar
Hall from Orpik-Talbot
2nd Period
Sykora from Malkin
Christensen from Talbot-Laraque
3rd Period
Crosby from Orpik
Sabourin 20-20
Brodeur 19-24
Weekes 6-6
Penguins vs Devils preview
Tonight in new Jersey the Penguins hope to close out their 4 game road trip with a hopeful record of 2-2. The last time these two met it was in front of the Pittsburgh crowd, where the Devils proceeded to walk away victorious by the score of 5-4. Luckily Brodeur wasn't on top of his game (and hasn't really so far this year) but unfortunately for the Penguins Fleury wasn't doing too well either.
In two consecutive games the Penguins have lost by the score of 3-2. Even more coincidental is the sheer fact that in two consecutive games the Penguins have also had the lead at one point by the score of 2-0. If THAT wasn't enough, then bare with me. In two consecutive games the Penguins have also given up three unanswered goals to lose by the already mentioned score of 3-2.
Can it happen three games in a row? NO.
At least I'm hoping it can't.
Praying...
Captain Crosby has no doubt heated up since the last meeting with the Devs, whereby he had two assists on the night. In the most recent loss to the Islanders, he had one assist following a two goal game against Colorado.
The real thing that killed the Penguins the last time they faced off against the Devils was their insatiable ability to find a way into the penalty box. After coming off a penalty free first period, the Penguins accumulated eight - yes, EIGHT second period penalties. Coincidentally the Devils scored two powerplay goals in the second, converting 2 out of 7 in the game.
Perhaps, though, the Penguins' powerplay was a bit better. Although the Devils limited their penalties, the Penguins still managed to convert with the man advantage on 3 out of the 5 tries. With Crosby playing better (especially scoring more) I'd hope tonight's turnout to be a Penguins win.
In the most recent issue of The Hockey News, their is a story titled Sid vs the World. In it, fans basically conduct the interview with their questions. But one particular question that stood out actually pertains to this game. When asked who he hates playing against the most, Sid said none other than "New Jersey". As for reasons why, Sid cites their defensive game and ability to take away the ice as factors contributing towards his sub-par production against the Devils. If you're a die hard Penguins fan pick this issue up; it's worth the read.
Finally, I don't normally predict scores but I'm going to take a stab at it tonight. I'm not using any fancy machines, stats or good luck charms. I'm going based on what I've seen the Penguins do in the past four games and what I've seen (but more likely heard) the Devils do in their past four. So I'm going to say final score Penguins 4 Devils 3.
Feel free to challenge it.
In two consecutive games the Penguins have lost by the score of 3-2. Even more coincidental is the sheer fact that in two consecutive games the Penguins have also had the lead at one point by the score of 2-0. If THAT wasn't enough, then bare with me. In two consecutive games the Penguins have also given up three unanswered goals to lose by the already mentioned score of 3-2.
Can it happen three games in a row? NO.
At least I'm hoping it can't.
Praying...
Captain Crosby has no doubt heated up since the last meeting with the Devs, whereby he had two assists on the night. In the most recent loss to the Islanders, he had one assist following a two goal game against Colorado.
The real thing that killed the Penguins the last time they faced off against the Devils was their insatiable ability to find a way into the penalty box. After coming off a penalty free first period, the Penguins accumulated eight - yes, EIGHT second period penalties. Coincidentally the Devils scored two powerplay goals in the second, converting 2 out of 7 in the game.
Perhaps, though, the Penguins' powerplay was a bit better. Although the Devils limited their penalties, the Penguins still managed to convert with the man advantage on 3 out of the 5 tries. With Crosby playing better (especially scoring more) I'd hope tonight's turnout to be a Penguins win.
In the most recent issue of The Hockey News, their is a story titled Sid vs the World. In it, fans basically conduct the interview with their questions. But one particular question that stood out actually pertains to this game. When asked who he hates playing against the most, Sid said none other than "New Jersey". As for reasons why, Sid cites their defensive game and ability to take away the ice as factors contributing towards his sub-par production against the Devils. If you're a die hard Penguins fan pick this issue up; it's worth the read.
Finally, I don't normally predict scores but I'm going to take a stab at it tonight. I'm not using any fancy machines, stats or good luck charms. I'm going based on what I've seen the Penguins do in the past four games and what I've seen (but more likely heard) the Devils do in their past four. So I'm going to say final score Penguins 4 Devils 3.
Feel free to challenge it.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Penguins lose to Islanders 3-2
For the second consecutive game the Penguins were the first to strike and the last to cheer. In two straight games the Penguins have jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead to only watch the hopes of victory slip from the confines of a hockey glove by giving up three consecutive unanswered goals. I for one could not be more disappointed.
I mean - who do you blame? Is it the coaching? Is it the players...defensive or offensive? Is it REALLY Fleury's fault, but no matter how hard a fan looks they won't point a finger? I'm just gonna go out there and say it's a collective effort by everyone, because when you really break it down that's what it is.
You can't blame just one aspect of a team. You hear that cliche term (and boy do I hate cliches) "The team that sticks together wins together". Yeah well someone forgot to tell the Pens that the team that fails together loses together as well.
I will say this though: Congratulations to Tyler Kennedy on his first NHL goal. The 21 year old, just called up four games ago, notched his first career red light goal roughly two minutes in to the second. So hey, all things considered; congrats.
But I'll also say this: WHY oh WHY do our best players spend the most time in the box? Malkin and Crosby each tallied up minutes in the box like it was a contest. Granted, there wasn't much that Crosby could do to avoid his (an inadvertent high-sticking call that cut DiPietro's right eye), but we need those guys ON the ice, not IN the box. Malkin acts like there's nothing wrong with a little tripping every once in a while. There is - our second best scorer spends two minutes in the bin. DiPietro by the way is listed day-to-day.
I am beside myself in sheer frustration. It's one thing to watch your team lose a game, even if they once held only a ONE goal lead. But, to watch your team take charge so early in a contest and ultimately fall apart with three consecutive gifts, there's just not much more to say then, "Hey, better luck next time".
Next time is tomorrow night, as the Penguins wrap up their four game road trip in New Jersey and the new Prudential Center.
Oh yeah, and as if Carey Price getting his first career win against the Penguins this year wasn't enough, Al Arbour also gets his 1500th career NHL coaching start and 740th career coaching win in the same night. Huzzah.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Malone from Malkin-Crosby
2nd Period
Kennedy from Roberts-Talbot
3rd Period
NONE
Fleury 36 - 39
Dipietro 16 - 18
Dubielewicz 7 - 7
I mean - who do you blame? Is it the coaching? Is it the players...defensive or offensive? Is it REALLY Fleury's fault, but no matter how hard a fan looks they won't point a finger? I'm just gonna go out there and say it's a collective effort by everyone, because when you really break it down that's what it is.
You can't blame just one aspect of a team. You hear that cliche term (and boy do I hate cliches) "The team that sticks together wins together". Yeah well someone forgot to tell the Pens that the team that fails together loses together as well.
I will say this though: Congratulations to Tyler Kennedy on his first NHL goal. The 21 year old, just called up four games ago, notched his first career red light goal roughly two minutes in to the second. So hey, all things considered; congrats.
But I'll also say this: WHY oh WHY do our best players spend the most time in the box? Malkin and Crosby each tallied up minutes in the box like it was a contest. Granted, there wasn't much that Crosby could do to avoid his (an inadvertent high-sticking call that cut DiPietro's right eye), but we need those guys ON the ice, not IN the box. Malkin acts like there's nothing wrong with a little tripping every once in a while. There is - our second best scorer spends two minutes in the bin. DiPietro by the way is listed day-to-day.
I am beside myself in sheer frustration. It's one thing to watch your team lose a game, even if they once held only a ONE goal lead. But, to watch your team take charge so early in a contest and ultimately fall apart with three consecutive gifts, there's just not much more to say then, "Hey, better luck next time".
Next time is tomorrow night, as the Penguins wrap up their four game road trip in New Jersey and the new Prudential Center.
Oh yeah, and as if Carey Price getting his first career win against the Penguins this year wasn't enough, Al Arbour also gets his 1500th career NHL coaching start and 740th career coaching win in the same night. Huzzah.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Malone from Malkin-Crosby
2nd Period
Kennedy from Roberts-Talbot
3rd Period
NONE
Fleury 36 - 39
Dipietro 16 - 18
Dubielewicz 7 - 7
Friday, November 2, 2007
Penguins vs Islanders preview
Division rivals faceoff tomorrow night in Long Island as the Pens take on the Islanders in what will be their third consecutive road game and quite possibly the hardest.
The Islanders, led by goaltender Rick DiPietro and offensive threats Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Mike Comrie have certainly dismissed the cynics this season with an early burst from the gate. Skepticism surrounded the team last season for a number of reasons, most ranging from the acquisition of veteran Bill Guerin, to the poor front office negotiations that cost them Ryan Smyth and a first round draft pick.
And if the Islanders were looking to let the Penguins know they mean business then they certainly did so Thursday night as they took down the Lightning in a 4-0 Dipietro shutout.
The Lightning, similar to the Penguins, certainly have their share of offensive threats as well. If the Islanders can limit the play of superstars along the likes of Lecavalier, Prospal and St. Louis, then can they do the same for Malkin, Crosby and Sykora? Let's find out.
The Islanders were thought to have lost a key part of their defense in sending Jason Blake to the Toronto Maple Leafs but the void wasn't closed for long. Campoli, Gervais, Berard and Bergeron stepped up their play and are now asking, "Blake who?"
Consider this: the top three point leaders on the Islanders were NOT with the club last season. Comrie leads with 13 points, followed by Guerin (11) and Fedotenko (9).
Last season the Penguins saw these guys in action with their former teams (except Guerin), but now Fedotenko from the Lightning and Comrie from the Senators will be attacking as one with the Islanders. As far as my money goes, it's an under estimated and under appreciated attack.
I think the play of DiPietro is at this point highly respected and feared, but I'm going to say it anyways. It's highly respected and feared. When the guy's hot, he's hot and you can't get much hotter than coming off a 4-0 shutout.
So where does this leave the Pens? How do they match up?
Well, for starters the team has equally comprable offensive threats in Malkin, Crosby and Sykora, each of whom have had at least one-two goal games each this season. The first line has finally clicked and gone through it's shifts and changes to a point where I can comfortable say it's working. Even more threatening is the first powerplay unit which has clicked at least once every game this season. However a key part of that unit is listed day-to-day. Defenseman Ryan Whitney didn't play the third period against the Avalanche the other night, leaving with a sore groin. Although listed DTD, it's expected he'll play. Yet in the event he does not, the Penguins will have to promote an offensive defeseman to the line to match with the likes of Sergei Gonchar. If I had to pick I'd say Sydor. Although he only has an assist on the season, he certainly packs a punch that has yet to be unraveled since his acquisition from the Stars in the offseason. Sydor has yet to have a season with more than 50 points, but I feel that can change this year with the Penguins.
I think the biggest controversy surrounded the Pens this year is their goaltending. Fleury or Sabourin, hot or cold? It seems to be an on-going trend between the two. Fleury saw two straight outstanding performances against the Rangers and Capitals before slipping and sliding against the Leafs in a 5-2 loss at home. Since then it's been the Sabu show, who shouldn't have given up a game-winning wraparound last night considering his coverage of the net and the strength of the shot. But what's done is done, and personally I have no idea who they are going to start tomorrow night.
Outside of the starting roster, there have been some talks of bringing in veteran goaltender Curtis Joseph as a potential second string threat. I for one felt Thibault filled this position just fine, even recording a shutout last season against the Devils, but I'm not the front office, financial manager of Jocelyn Thibault for that matter.
Whatever the case may be, I feel the Penguins' offense needs to step up their play, and by offense I don't just mean Crosby. The forechecking in the first period against Colorado was phenomenal, as was the penalty kill. Then it just all went to hell. To win this game the Penguins need a solid performance on both sides of the puck. You can not get in to a shooting match with the Islanders, especially with DP between the pipes.
The puck drops at 7pm.
The Islanders, led by goaltender Rick DiPietro and offensive threats Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Mike Comrie have certainly dismissed the cynics this season with an early burst from the gate. Skepticism surrounded the team last season for a number of reasons, most ranging from the acquisition of veteran Bill Guerin, to the poor front office negotiations that cost them Ryan Smyth and a first round draft pick.
And if the Islanders were looking to let the Penguins know they mean business then they certainly did so Thursday night as they took down the Lightning in a 4-0 Dipietro shutout.
The Lightning, similar to the Penguins, certainly have their share of offensive threats as well. If the Islanders can limit the play of superstars along the likes of Lecavalier, Prospal and St. Louis, then can they do the same for Malkin, Crosby and Sykora? Let's find out.
The Islanders were thought to have lost a key part of their defense in sending Jason Blake to the Toronto Maple Leafs but the void wasn't closed for long. Campoli, Gervais, Berard and Bergeron stepped up their play and are now asking, "Blake who?"
Consider this: the top three point leaders on the Islanders were NOT with the club last season. Comrie leads with 13 points, followed by Guerin (11) and Fedotenko (9).
Last season the Penguins saw these guys in action with their former teams (except Guerin), but now Fedotenko from the Lightning and Comrie from the Senators will be attacking as one with the Islanders. As far as my money goes, it's an under estimated and under appreciated attack.
I think the play of DiPietro is at this point highly respected and feared, but I'm going to say it anyways. It's highly respected and feared. When the guy's hot, he's hot and you can't get much hotter than coming off a 4-0 shutout.
So where does this leave the Pens? How do they match up?
Well, for starters the team has equally comprable offensive threats in Malkin, Crosby and Sykora, each of whom have had at least one-two goal games each this season. The first line has finally clicked and gone through it's shifts and changes to a point where I can comfortable say it's working. Even more threatening is the first powerplay unit which has clicked at least once every game this season. However a key part of that unit is listed day-to-day. Defenseman Ryan Whitney didn't play the third period against the Avalanche the other night, leaving with a sore groin. Although listed DTD, it's expected he'll play. Yet in the event he does not, the Penguins will have to promote an offensive defeseman to the line to match with the likes of Sergei Gonchar. If I had to pick I'd say Sydor. Although he only has an assist on the season, he certainly packs a punch that has yet to be unraveled since his acquisition from the Stars in the offseason. Sydor has yet to have a season with more than 50 points, but I feel that can change this year with the Penguins.
I think the biggest controversy surrounded the Pens this year is their goaltending. Fleury or Sabourin, hot or cold? It seems to be an on-going trend between the two. Fleury saw two straight outstanding performances against the Rangers and Capitals before slipping and sliding against the Leafs in a 5-2 loss at home. Since then it's been the Sabu show, who shouldn't have given up a game-winning wraparound last night considering his coverage of the net and the strength of the shot. But what's done is done, and personally I have no idea who they are going to start tomorrow night.
Outside of the starting roster, there have been some talks of bringing in veteran goaltender Curtis Joseph as a potential second string threat. I for one felt Thibault filled this position just fine, even recording a shutout last season against the Devils, but I'm not the front office, financial manager of Jocelyn Thibault for that matter.
Whatever the case may be, I feel the Penguins' offense needs to step up their play, and by offense I don't just mean Crosby. The forechecking in the first period against Colorado was phenomenal, as was the penalty kill. Then it just all went to hell. To win this game the Penguins need a solid performance on both sides of the puck. You can not get in to a shooting match with the Islanders, especially with DP between the pipes.
The puck drops at 7pm.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Pens fall to Avalanche 3-2
Despite previous assumptions Dany Sabourin got his second consecutive start tonight as MA Fleury found his seat on the bench. Oddly enough, Colorado's Boudaj also got the bench for the night in favor of Jose Theodore. With that said, let's get in to the game recap.
The Penguins fired out to a quick lead in the first thanks to two goals from Crosby. The defense was looking good, Sabourin was looking comfortable and frankly the Pens were getting some lucky bounces on D to keep the Avalanche puck out of the net. The defense even killed an early first period 5 on 3 with what looked like just another day at the job. The first period ended Pens 2, Colorado 0.
The second period rolled around and remained a comfortable 2-0 by the 10 minute mark. Of course this changed with a Penguins too many men on the ice penalty to ultimately lead to a Colorado goal, trimming the lead to one.
Shortly after a delayed penalty was on the way for the Pens, more specificlly Sidney Crosby. Unable to touchup on the puck, Colorado took it deep in to the Pens' zone and sent a shot home to tie the score at two, cancelling out the Crosby penalty in the process. That wound up being a double sided blade, as the goal not only tied the game for the Avalanche, but Sid's complaining and arguing with the referees after the play resulted in an unsportsmanlike call for another Colorado powerplay.
Luckily the Pens managed to kill that one off. Crosby came firing out of the box and let go of a rebound on a Malone shot that screamed hat trick; but Theodore somehow managed to keep it out. Nearly two minutes later the Avalanche would take the lead on a wrap around play that somehow slipped in past a surprised Dany Sabourin.
All of this came in the second period. Heading into the third, Colorado had taken the lead 3-2.
In the third the Penguins were unable to convert on the first two powerplay chances coming from a Sakic delay of game and Ryan Smyth interference call. That would be it for any chances, thus sealing the deal for the Avalanche and leaving Penguins fan hat trickless for the second consecutive game.
Overall the entire team fell apart in the second period. A 2-0 lead was not enough to hold off Colorado. In my preview post I asked whether we'd see some sleepers this game or not. Well, Crosby is far from a sleeper on the Pens but Colorado had a quiet night from Stastny and Sakic, in turn opening it up for some other guys. Unfortunately for the Pens, shutting down the big names on the Avalanche was not enough as they take a loss on the road and head back to the east coast for a game against the Islanders on Saturday.
I for one can't even pinpoint what went wrong and where. All I know is the Pens took a loss that should have been an easy win if they played the rest of the game like they did in the first.
In the end the Pens converted again on the powerplay, putting them at at least one powerplay goal in every game so far this season. Another one would have been nice tonight, considering the opportunities handed to them. But hey, I'm just a wishful thinker. And to make matters even worse, Talbot received stitches after taking a stick to the face and Whitney didn't play in the third thanks to a groin injury. More on that tomorrow.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Crosby from Gonchar-Eaton
Crosby from Malkin-Gonchar
2nd Period
None
3rd Period
None
Sabourin 30-33
Theodore 26-28
The Penguins fired out to a quick lead in the first thanks to two goals from Crosby. The defense was looking good, Sabourin was looking comfortable and frankly the Pens were getting some lucky bounces on D to keep the Avalanche puck out of the net. The defense even killed an early first period 5 on 3 with what looked like just another day at the job. The first period ended Pens 2, Colorado 0.
The second period rolled around and remained a comfortable 2-0 by the 10 minute mark. Of course this changed with a Penguins too many men on the ice penalty to ultimately lead to a Colorado goal, trimming the lead to one.
Shortly after a delayed penalty was on the way for the Pens, more specificlly Sidney Crosby. Unable to touchup on the puck, Colorado took it deep in to the Pens' zone and sent a shot home to tie the score at two, cancelling out the Crosby penalty in the process. That wound up being a double sided blade, as the goal not only tied the game for the Avalanche, but Sid's complaining and arguing with the referees after the play resulted in an unsportsmanlike call for another Colorado powerplay.
Luckily the Pens managed to kill that one off. Crosby came firing out of the box and let go of a rebound on a Malone shot that screamed hat trick; but Theodore somehow managed to keep it out. Nearly two minutes later the Avalanche would take the lead on a wrap around play that somehow slipped in past a surprised Dany Sabourin.
All of this came in the second period. Heading into the third, Colorado had taken the lead 3-2.
In the third the Penguins were unable to convert on the first two powerplay chances coming from a Sakic delay of game and Ryan Smyth interference call. That would be it for any chances, thus sealing the deal for the Avalanche and leaving Penguins fan hat trickless for the second consecutive game.
Overall the entire team fell apart in the second period. A 2-0 lead was not enough to hold off Colorado. In my preview post I asked whether we'd see some sleepers this game or not. Well, Crosby is far from a sleeper on the Pens but Colorado had a quiet night from Stastny and Sakic, in turn opening it up for some other guys. Unfortunately for the Pens, shutting down the big names on the Avalanche was not enough as they take a loss on the road and head back to the east coast for a game against the Islanders on Saturday.
I for one can't even pinpoint what went wrong and where. All I know is the Pens took a loss that should have been an easy win if they played the rest of the game like they did in the first.
In the end the Pens converted again on the powerplay, putting them at at least one powerplay goal in every game so far this season. Another one would have been nice tonight, considering the opportunities handed to them. But hey, I'm just a wishful thinker. And to make matters even worse, Talbot received stitches after taking a stick to the face and Whitney didn't play in the third thanks to a groin injury. More on that tomorrow.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Crosby from Gonchar-Eaton
Crosby from Malkin-Gonchar
2nd Period
None
3rd Period
None
Sabourin 30-33
Theodore 26-28
Paul Coffey to the team's hall...Tocchet up against the wall
The Penguins announced today that former Stanley Cup defenseman Paul Coffey will be inducted in to the team's Hall of Fame. Coffey spent five seasons with the Pens from 1987-1992 contributing 108 goals and 332 assists. Coffey joins Mario Lemieux, Rick Kehoe, Jean Pronovost, Syl Apps, Dave Burrows, Joe Mullen, Les Binkley and Ulf Samuelsson. and members of the team's HOF.
Here is an exerpt of the official press release from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
PENGUINS TO INDUCT PAUL COFFEY
INTO TEAM’S HALL OF FAME
Defenseman Paul Coffey, whose blazing speed, breathtaking skill and winning attitude helped transform the Penguins of the early 1990s into Stanley Cup champions, will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 15 at Mellon Arena, before a game against the New York Islanders.
Coffey, who played here from 1987-92, is the only defenseman in Penguins history to rank in the club’s all-time top 10 in points and assists. He averaged well over a point a game during his Penguins career, racking up 108 goals and 332 assists for 440 points in 331 games. He also added 26 points in 22 playoff games.
Coffey is also the only defenseman in Penguins history to score more than 100 points in a season – and, in fact, he did it twice. He had 30 goals and 113 points in 1988-89 and 29 goals and 103 points in 1989-90. He followed up with 24 goals and 93 points in 1990-91, when the Penguins went on to win the first of two Stanley Cups.
Coffey currently owns and is active in a Toyota /Nissan car dealership. He lives in the Toronto area with his wife, Stephanie and their children, Savannah, Blake and Christian.
In other news, former Penguin and gambling ring mogul Rick Tocchet will be reinstated in February of 2008. Tocchet had been suspended in February 2006 for his participation and guilty pleas relating to illegal sports gambling, conspiracy of gambling and promoting illegal gambling. League commissioner Gary Bettman has said Tocchet is eligible for reinstatement as long as he adheres to a personal list of no-nos (my words, not Bettman's). This list includes Tocchet's inability to gamble (legally or illegally), admittance in to a substance abuse program to see if Tocchet has a gambling addiction and, in Bettman's words, "May not engage in any conduct which may reflect adversely on NHL hockey, the League or any club, or on any League or club personnel".
On that note, here is Rick Tocchet showing us how to make pasta.
Here is an exerpt of the official press release from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
PENGUINS TO INDUCT PAUL COFFEY
INTO TEAM’S HALL OF FAME
Defenseman Paul Coffey, whose blazing speed, breathtaking skill and winning attitude helped transform the Penguins of the early 1990s into Stanley Cup champions, will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 15 at Mellon Arena, before a game against the New York Islanders.
Coffey, who played here from 1987-92, is the only defenseman in Penguins history to rank in the club’s all-time top 10 in points and assists. He averaged well over a point a game during his Penguins career, racking up 108 goals and 332 assists for 440 points in 331 games. He also added 26 points in 22 playoff games.
Coffey is also the only defenseman in Penguins history to score more than 100 points in a season – and, in fact, he did it twice. He had 30 goals and 113 points in 1988-89 and 29 goals and 103 points in 1989-90. He followed up with 24 goals and 93 points in 1990-91, when the Penguins went on to win the first of two Stanley Cups.
Coffey currently owns and is active in a Toyota /Nissan car dealership. He lives in the Toronto area with his wife, Stephanie and their children, Savannah, Blake and Christian.
In other news, former Penguin and gambling ring mogul Rick Tocchet will be reinstated in February of 2008. Tocchet had been suspended in February 2006 for his participation and guilty pleas relating to illegal sports gambling, conspiracy of gambling and promoting illegal gambling. League commissioner Gary Bettman has said Tocchet is eligible for reinstatement as long as he adheres to a personal list of no-nos (my words, not Bettman's). This list includes Tocchet's inability to gamble (legally or illegally), admittance in to a substance abuse program to see if Tocchet has a gambling addiction and, in Bettman's words, "May not engage in any conduct which may reflect adversely on NHL hockey, the League or any club, or on any League or club personnel".
On that note, here is Rick Tocchet showing us how to make pasta.
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