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.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
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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