Penguins Can End This Series Tonight!

The Pens can finish up this series tonight and eliminate the Senators tonight at Consol Energy Center. The Pens had a strong game Wednesday, maybe not the best start, but they didn't let that influence them and they came out with a great win. If the Pens will play like that tonight then this one is going to end tonight. Lets hope they come out ready to put this series away!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Duper
Neal, Geno, Iginla
Cooke, Sutter, TK
Morrow, Jokinen, Adams

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Tanger, Eaton
Murray, Niskanen 

Vokoun in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 6 Senators 2

3rd Period
0:00- PENS WIN 6-1!!!!!! THE PENGUINS ELIMINATE THE SENATORS AND MOVE ON THE THE EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS!!!!!! 

1:10- Jokinen in the box for holding. Sens PP!

2:39- NEAL GETS A HATTER!!! Geno directs a Tanger pass up to Neal. He enters the Sens zone with speed and sticks handles his way around Karlsson in the slot area. He fires one up over the shoulder of Anderson! 6-2 Pens

6:28- TURRIS SCORES! Turris gets speed and gets around an over aggressive Tanger. He puts one pass the glove of Vokoun into the back of the net. Pens still with lead 5-2.

8:52- NEAL SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT!!! Neal just waltzes to the front of the Sens net untouched and puts one over the shoulder of Anderson! Pens take a even more commanding lead of 5-1!

10:10- The Pens kill off the Sens PP once again. The Sens are 0-4 on the PP tonight.

12:10- The Sens get a PP as Cooke is called for slashing.

14:09- The Pens PP comes to an end. Teams back to full strength.

15:30- The Pens will have a 4 on 3 PP for 1:30 as Martin and Turris go to the box with matching penalties.

16:09- Neil goes to the box for slashing and a scrum ensues in front of the Pens net. Murray and Neil exchange words. The Pens will get a PP chance.

17:20- The Pens PP comes to an end. The Pens had some really great looks at the net and Sid goes to one knee for a shot from the side of the net, but it just goes wide of the net.

19:12- Normal 5 on 4 PP now for the Pens.

19:20- The Pens will get a 4 on 3 PP for a few seconds as Alfredsson gets a hooking penalty.

20:00- The third period is underway! 4 on 4 hockey for 48 seconds! Time for the Pens to FINISH THIS ONE! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens have extended their lead to 4-1 over the Sens!

0:29- GENO SCORES!!! Neal finds Geno behind the Sens defense and passes the puck up to him. Geno gets a breakaway and doesn't miss as he puts one pass the blocker of Anderson! 4-1 Pens

1:12- Kuni and Turris will go to the box for matching penalties. 4 on 4 hockey for the rest of this game.

5:44- MICHALEK SCORES! Michalek gets to the front of the net and is able to backhand one pass Vokoun, just as Murray is released from the box. 3-1 Pens

5:43- The Sens are headed right back onto the PP as Murray puts a puck on edge over the glass and gets a delay of game penalty.

5:45- The Pens kill off the Sens PP!

6:45- The Sens now have a PP for a minute.

7:12- TANGER SCORES!!! Tanger drives to the center of the ice in the Sens zone and lets go of a wicked shot! It blows pass Anderson and the Pens take a 3-0 lead!

7:45- Geno gets a holding penalty and we will have 4 on 4 hockey for a minute.

8:45- The Pens get a PP chance as Neil is called for interference. The Sens starting to get frustrated in this game.

12:22- NEAL SCORES ON THE PP!!! Tanger tries to bank a shot off Anderson and the puck gets lost in his skates. Neal, Sid, and Tanger crash the net trying to poke in the loose puck. Neal is able to get a stick on it and put it in the net. 2-0 Pens

14:06- The Pens will get their first PP of this game as Pageau is called for interference.

16:43- Michalek gets the first shot on net for the period and Vokoun gloves it up.

18:30- Sutter gets a shot that hits the goal post!

20:00- It's time for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the good work and put a few more points on the scoreboard! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the lead 1-0 over the Sens!

1:00- The Pens getting some good chances and doing a good job at keeping the Sens from getting any real time in their zone.

3:45- Kuni gets a feed from behind the net in the slot area. He fires a hard and quick shot, Anderson makes the save.

4:19- The Pens kill off the Sens PP and Vokoun ends it with a quick glove save.

5:40- Orpik is back out to kill this penalty. He looks to be fine now.

6:19- The Sens will get a PP as Sid is sent to the box for hooking. It was a phantom call as there was no hooking, just a great steal by Sid. Horrible call by the refs.

6:56- The Pens are looking really good so far in this game. Controlling the puck and forcing turnovers.

9:37- Oprik's right leg looks to give out on him and he is now talking to Chris Stewart. He is still on the bench.

13:35- MORROW SCORES!!! Cooke beats the Sens defense to the puck and whips a pass across ice to Eaton coming in on the rush. Eaton puts it right on the stick of Morrow, who was coming across the goal crease, he puts it in behind Anderson! 1-0 Pens

14:07- Sid takes a bad angle shot and Anderson is there to make the stop!

18:07- The Pens come out flying to start this game and get a two shots on net.

20:00- The puck has dropped on Game 5 and the Pens need to come out ready to shut down the Senators! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins Look to Shut Down Senators in Game 4!

The Pens are still lead the series 2-1 after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Senators this pass Sunday! The Senators welcomed back Jason Spezza and they got a much needed boost to their game. The Pens did play a great 59 1/2 minute game, but fell apart in the last 30 seconds of the game and it gave the Senators life as Alfredsson scored to tie the game. Then the Senators were able to get the win in overtime. The Pens had a few powerplays that would of shut down any momentum for the Senators, but they didn't capitalized. The Senators got a huge boost from all the successful penalty killing they had done. Hopefully the Pens can bounce back and stop the Senators from gaining any momentum from their win. Time for the Pens to play a full, well rounded, 60 minute game today!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Duper, Sid, Kuni
Iginla, Geno, Neal
Cooke, Sutter, TK
,Bennett, Jokinen, Adams

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Tanger, Niskanen
Murray, Eaton

Vokoun in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 7 Senators 3

3rd Period
0:00- PENS TAKE GAME 4 WITH A 7-3 WIN OVER THE SENATORS AND LEAD THE SERIES 3-1!!! 

2:31- The Pens PP is over and Sens are back to full strength.

2:35- The Pens will get a brief PP for 4 seconds.

4:31- Alfredsson is headed to the box now for holding. 4 on 4 for 1:56.

4:35- The Sens will get another PP as Jokinen sits for slashing.

5:16- ALFREDSSON SCORES ON THE PP! Karlsson takes a shot from the point and Alfredsson redirects, right in front of the net pass Vokoun. Pens still lead 7-3

6:48- The Sens will now get a PP chance as Martin is sent to the box for slashing.

10:07- IGINLA SCORES ON THE PP!!! Iginla gets the puck right in his wheel house and he lets go of a laser shot in the slot area. Lehner has no chance as Iginla puts the Pens up 7-2!

10:59- The Pens will get a fourth PP of this game as Neil is sitting for slashing.

11:21- SID SCORES!!! Sid brings the puck into the Sens zone and toe drags around the Sens defense then he lets go of a his signature, wicked backhander over the shoulder of Anderson! Pens now lead 6-2! Lehner replaces Anderson!

11:49- DUPER SCORES A SHORTY!!! Cooke takes the puck behind the net and emerges to put the puck in the blue paint, where Duper directs the puck into the net. 5-2 Pens!

13:39- The Pens bring out the PKers as Niskanen is sent to the box for tripping.

14:41- Cooke takes a quick shot from the boards and Anderson is able to make the save.

18:01- NEAL SCORES ON THE PP!!! Tanger gets the puck over to Sid and he fires a hard shot that is deflected wide of the net. The puck bonces off the end boards and goes right to Neal at the side of the net. He quickly puts the puck behind Anderson, before he can move over. 4-2 Pens!

18:53- Gonchar is headed back to the box for a second time, now for high sticking. The Pens will get their third PP of the game.

19:30- The Pens kill off the Sens PP!

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens have a PK for another 32 seconds! The Pens need to kill it and get some more momentum! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens have the 3-2 lead!

0:38- The Sens shot is redirect and it hits the goal post!

1:28- The Sens will get their first PP of the game as Cooke is sent off for slashing.

4:27- The Pens with some good plays to keep the Sens out at the neutral zone. Vokoun with another save.

7:16- Alfredsson with a big shot and goes to jam in the rebound, which Vokoun had already stopped between his pads.

10:13- The Pens with some sloppy plays in front of their net and the Sens crash the net. Vokoun is able to shut them down.

12:00- Pageau takes a backhanded shot from right in front of the net and it hits the post. The Pens were lucky on that one, almost tied this game up.

14:48- TK lets go of a wicked wrist shot that is gloved up by Anderson.

18:12- IGINLA SCORES!!! The Pens get a rush into the Pens zone and Tanger passes to Iginla, who is behind the defense and has a wide open net to work with. He directs one into the net and the Pens take the lead 3-2!

18:52- KUNI SCORES!!! Duper gets a long pass up to Kuni, who was behind the defense and gets a breakaway chance. He doesn't miss and fires a quick shot through the five hole of Anderson! This one is tied up 2-2!

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens need to step up their offensive and defensive plays to take control of this game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Sens have the lead 2-1!

3:45- TURRIS SCORES! The Pens are sloppy in front of their own net and Turris beats the Pens to the loose puck to fire one into the open net. Sens retake the lead 2-1.

5:04- NEAL SCORES!!! Neal takes the puck from a faceoff and sticks with it, fighting to the center of the ice. Neal whips one over the glove of Anderson and ties this game up 1-1!

6:00- Anderson goes behind the net to play the puck, but Sid picks his pocket. Sid gives an outlet pass to Martin and Anderson gloves up the shot!

9:19- Sid and Duper get a 2 on 1 chance. Sid holds and fires a shot over a Sens stick, but Anderson makes the save. Sid picks up the rebound, but Anderson makes a stick save.

9:53- Neal drops the puck to Iginla, he tries a shot but Anderson makes the pad save.

14:05- The Pens will get another PP as Greening goes to the box for interference.

14:11- Geno, Iginla, and Neal crash the net and get some great chances on net. Neal's shot hits the post and just bounces out of the goal crease.

16:48- The Sens are able kill off the Pens PP and what a kill for the Sens, giving them the momentum early in this game.

17:31- MICHALEK SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Tanger and Geno can't get back and Michalek gets a breakaway chance. He roofs it and the Sens are up 1-0!

18:48- The Pens will get the first PP of the game as Gonchar is sent to the box for interference.

20:00- The puck has dropped on Game 4! The Pens need to come out with speed and be ready to shut down the Senators! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins Visit Ottawa for Game 3!

The Pens are in Ottawa tonight for Game 3! The Senators look to get their first win of this series at home tonight as the Pens have a 2-0 series lead. ThePens have played two consistent games this series, which wasn't seen in the last series against the Islanders. The Pens last game played a full 60 minute game, which was a huge deal for the Pens. Vokoun has looked a bit shaky in the last two games, but he has made the necessary saves for the Pens and coming up with key saves during the games. The Senators will have a electric crowd tonight and to add to that Jason Spezza will return to the lineup for the first time since January after having back surgery. The Pens will have to come out with some speed and fire to start this game. The Pens have to shut down the Senators early to take the crowd out of this game. It will be an interesting game and hopefully the Pens will come out with the win.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Duper, Sid, Kuni
Iginla, Geno, Neal
Morrow, Sutter, Cooke
Glass, Adams, TK

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Tanger, Niskanen
Murray, Eaton

Vokoun in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Senators 2

2nd OT Period
12:21- GREENING SCORES! Greening gets a rebound chance and puts it behind Vokoun. The Sens get the win 2-1 in double OT! Pens still lead the series 2-1!

12:51- The Pens come up with a huge kill of the Sens PP.

14:51- The Sens will get a PP as Niskanen is called for tripping.

16:04- The Sens kill off the Pens PP. Huge saves by Anderson to keep this game going.

18:04- The Pens will get a huge PP chance as Philips is called for holding.

20:00- First second OT of the 2013 NHL Playoffs! Alright Pens lets ends this one early and get a goal! Lets Go Pens!


OT Period
0:00- We are headed to a second OT as this game is still tied up 1-1!

1:05- The Sens ice the puck and call a timeout.

3:20- Cooke had a wide open net, but the puck is directed out of his reach!

4:01- Sutter and Adams get a 2 on 1 chance, but Sutter's pass bounces over the stick of Adams!

8:51- Niskanen gets a long up ice pass to Sid. Sid is cut off and can't get a shot through, he makes a pass to Duper coming from the bench. Duper fires a hard shot that Anderson barely makes the save on.

9:43- Martin with some great defensive plays, but Cooke turns it over. Good thing is Sutter is there to bail him out.

11:03- Duper fires a shot from the slot and it hits the goal post!

13:43- Iginla gets a turning chance in front of Anderson, but Turris is able to break up the play!

16:32- The Sens get some great time in the Pens zone and get chances on net. Vokoun is finally able to cover the puck for a faceoff.

17:37- Shots are 6-1 in favor of the Pens.

18:54- Anderson coming up with some great saves. Geno is robbed by him on a play!

19:30- The Pens PP comes to an end.

20:00- This is OT playoff hockey time! The Pens will still have a PP for another 30 seconds. The Pens need to get a goal early and not let Sens get any quality time in their zone! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to OT as the Sens tie this one up 1-1 with 28.6 seconds left!

0:28- ALFREDSSON SCORES A SH GOAL! The Pens keep backing up and make a horrible defensive play. Alfredsson goes up top and ties this game 1-1!

0:30- Sens empty their net!

1:27- The Pens get a PP as Karlsson is called for slashing and even breaks his own stick!

2:00- Orpik steps up on Pageau at the blue line and just about whips him off the ice. That should be on the top 5 hits of the week on NHL!

3:30- The Pens have had some time on the offensive zone and winning battles on the boards. They need to keep this up for the duration of this game.

6:30- Geno and Iginla get a 2 on 1 chance, but Geno's shot is picked off. Nice play, but Sens avoid danger.

8:55- Vokoun comes up with an believable save as he was laying on his stomach and Neil has a wide open net. Vokoun comes up with the save and it was a weird save.

10:00- Sid gets an outlet pass to the point and Niskanen fires a hard shot that is barley saved by the pad of Anderson! Rocket of a shot by Niskanen.

13:17- Vokoun makes another strong save. Orpik takes exception to Neil laying on Vokoun after the whistle, no calls.

14:52- Vokoun comes up with a huge saves on a Sens point blank shot! Holding down the fort.

17:00- Glass and Martin get a 2 on 1 chance! Anderson gets a piece of Martin's shot with his stick!

17:32- The Pens ice the puck and the Sens get an offensive zone faceoff.

20:00- Third period time! The Pens need to build off their late goal in the second period and keep the offensive plays going! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens take the lead late in the second period 1-0 over the Sens!

1:07- TK SCORES!!! Cooke lays a big hit on the boards and comes up with the puck. He works to the front of the net and puts the puck right on TK's stick, who is along in the slot area. TK puts one over the blocker shoulder of Anderson, off the crossbar, and into the net. 1-0 Pens

1:30- Neil comes in behind the Pens net to lay a big hit on Murray, but Murray sends him flying!

3:47- Craziness ensues in the front of the Pens net as the Sens crash the net. Vokoun covers the puck with his glove.

5:00- Vokoun comes up with a great diving save to stop Smith's shot with his glove!

6:35- Both teams are back to full strength.

8:35- The Sens are able to keep puck control in the Pens zone even after their PP expires. They draw a penalty and Murray will head off for holding. Karlsson gets an embellishing penalty and we will have 4 on 4 hockey.

10:29- The Pens kill off the Sens PP.

11:05- The Sens will now have a PP for 1:33. Huge PK for the Pens right now!

11:29- Sid goes to the box for high sticking and 4 on 4 hockey for 24 seconds.

13:05- The Pens will get a huge PP opportunity as Smith is sent to the box for roughing on Geno. Huge PP for Pens.

14:54- Sid puts the puck right in front of the net and Kuni just misses the puck on a chance in the slot!

17:00- The Pens PP ends and the Sens are back to full strength.

18:02- The Sens kill the first PP and the Pens have a 53 seconds on a regular PP.

18:40- The Pens will get a 5 on 3 for 45 seconds as Conacher goes to the box.

20:00- Second period is underway and the Pens have a PP for another 1:58! The Pens need to get a goal on this PP and get some momentum! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and we are scoreless!

0:02- Geno gets a breakaway chance, but he is taken down by Methot. He will be sent to the box for tripping and the Pens will get a PP.

1:27- The Pens kill off the Sens PP. Tanger was huge on that PK and came up with two big defensive plays to keep the Sens from getting a goal.

3:27- The Pens will have a huge PK as the Sens will get a PP with Glass heading to the box for slashing.

5:39- Conacher gets a chance right in front of the net and celebrates early, but Vokoun gets a piece of the puck to put it over the net.

8:30- Gonchar lays a heavy hit on Neal on the boards, Neal looks to be ok.

11:34- The Sens are able to kill off the Pens PP. The Pens had some good chances on net, but the Sens had a very aggressive PK.

13:34- The Pens will head to the PP as Phillips is sent to the sin bin for holding.

14:44- Cooke races back for the puck and Cooke is able to get the puck. He puts the put right in front of the net and Sutter was crashing the net. It barely misses the stick of Sutter.

16:52- Vokoun gloves up a shot and holds for an offensive zone faceoff.

18:35- Geno gets a shot off in the slot that is gloved up by Anderson. The Pens with a few chances to start this game.

20:00- The puck has dropped on Game 3! The Pens need to come out with some speed and energy! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins Look to Extend Lead Series to 2-0!

The Pens have had two days off after their 4-1 win over the Senators on Tuesday. They look to extend their series lead to 2-0 over the Senators. Vokoun will start in net once again for the Pens and I don't see him leaving the net until he messes up or if the Pens get to a 3-0 series lead. Adams and Tanger missed practice today, but it looks like it was just maintenance days for them. The Senators look like they are making a few lineup changes for tonight's game, but the Pens lineup is looking like the same. Hopefully the Pens come out with some fire and speed to take control of this game early on, making the Senators play the Pens game.

The Pens lineup is as follows:


Forwards
Duper, Sid, Kuni
Iginla, Geno, Neal
Cooke, Sutter, TK
Morrow, Vitale, Adams

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Tanger, Niskanen
Murray, Engo

Vokoun in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 4 Senators 3

3rd Period
0:00- GAME OVER AND THE PENS WIN 4-3!!! PENS TAKE THE SERIES LEAD 2-0 OVER THE SENS!!! 

0:40- Sens empty their net!

1:54- Duper and Morrow get a 2 on 1 chance. Duper makes a pass to Morrow, but the puck is lost in his feet.

2:52- The Pens shot goes right across the goal line! Somehow it stays out of the net!

3:11- The Sens kill off the Pens PP!

5:11- Conacher will now take a seat in the box for high sticking on Sid and the Pens get a PP opportunity.

6:00- Iginla gets a chance at a breakaway, but he is beat to the puck by Lehner, who comes out to play the puck.

8:44- Neal picks the pocket of a Sens at the back of the net and makes an outlet pass to Geno. Geno directs the puck towards the net, but Lehner makes a alert and quick pad save!

10:53- Sid works his way to the side of the net and puts a pass right on Kuni's stick in the slot area. Lehner makes the first save, but Sid whacks at the rebound! Lehner with another save. Close one.

12:46- Conacher comes into the Pens zone with some speed, but he is laid out by Niskanen. Nisky takes the puck and clears it up ice.

14:57- The Pens kill off the Sens PP. Great job by the Pkers, especially since their top PK Dman was in the box.

16:47- Orpik gets a boarding penalty and the Sens get a PP chance. Huge kill for the Pens right now as Sens look to tie this game up.

17:59- PAGEAU SCORES! Iginla is stood up in the defensive zone and the Sens force a turnover. Condra takes a shot from the slot area that Vokoun comes out of the net to make the save. Pageau picks up the loose puck and puts it in the wide open net as Vokoun was to far out of the net. 4-3 Pens

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens need to keep up their aggressive offensive and not sit back, even though they have the lead! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period ends and the Pens have extended their lead to 4-2 over the Sens!

2:54- Conacher gets a jump on Tanger and gets a breakaway. He is a victim of highway robbery, courtesy of Vokoun. He was literally standing on his head to make that save!

5:17- The Sens put a bouncing puck in the front of the Pens net and crash the net. Vokoun makes the pad stop and is able to cover the puck up.

9:37- The Sens are back to full strength.

9:54- Greening gets a breakaway chance after Kuni over skates on a shot. Vokoun shuts down the door with  his pad and stick! Amazing save.

11:37- The Pens will get their fifth PP of the game as Neil is in the box for slashing.

11:56- MORROW SCORES!!! Martin blasts a shot from the point that is redirected by Morrow right in front of the net. The redirection goes up over the glove of Lehner. 4-2 Pens. Morrow's first of the playoffs.

11:54- The PP for the Pens comes to an end. Some really good looks and chances.

14:54- The Pens will have a crack at another PP as Latendresse will take a seat for boarding on Geno.

14:31- Both teams are back to full strength. Geno gets a chance on net right before the penalties expire.

16:34- Neil goes to the box for cross checking and Tanger gets a even up penalty for roughing. 4 on 4 hockey.

17:30- Neal makes a beautiful pass to Iginla, who is robbed by the glove of Lehner.

18:05- GREENING SCORES! Greening gets in behind Engo and is able to put one high into the corner of the net! 3-2 Pens

18:45- SID SCORES AND GETS A HAT TRICK!!! The Pens win the faceoff and keep control of the puck. Tanger gets the puck to Sid at the bottom of the faceoff circle. He holds the puck and then whines up for a bullet of a slap shot that blows pass the glove side of Anderson! 3-1 Pens. The Sens pull Anderson and replace him with Lehner!

19:11- Sutter and Cooke get a 2 on 1 rush. Sutter makes a perfectly timed pass to Cooke, but he is hooked up on the play by Karlsson and his shot goes wide of the net. Karlsson is off to the box and Pens get a PP.

20:00- The second period is underway and the Pens need to keep pressure on Anderson! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the lead 2-1 over the Sens thanks to Sid!

3:53- SID SCORES HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT!!! Sid gets a 3 on 2 chance with Kuni and Duper with him. He holds the puck until the last moment and decides to shoot the puck. It goes right through the pads on Anderson and into the back of the net. Sneaky shot by Sid. 2-1 Pens

6:45- TURRIS SCORES ON THE PP! The Sens do a good job of moving the puck around the offensive zone. Turris gets the at the side of the net and puts one in the open fivehole of Vokoun! 1-1 tie game.

6:57- The Sens will get their first PP of the game as Geno is sent to the box for hooking.

7:41- The Pens PP comes to an end. The Sens had a impressive PK.

9:41- The Pens will get their second PP of the game as Methot goes to the box for roughing on Duper.

11:39- The Pens PP comes to an end after a hard slap shot by Iginla that is redirected wide of the net by Anderson's stick.

13:39- Turris heads to the box for holding on Sid. The Pens will get a PP chance.

15:18- Geno gets time and space on the rush, his shot hits the goal post!

16:44- SID SCORES!!! Sid gets speed and stick handles his way through the Sens to get into the offensive zone. He gets time and puts one right through the fivehole of Anderson. 1-0 Pens

18:22- Geno intercepts a Sens pass in the offensive zone and makes a play to Neal in the slot. He holds and fires a shot that goes over the net.

20:00- The puck has dropped on Game 2! The Pens need to come out with some speed and take control of this game from the start! Lets Go Pens! 

Pens Start Round 2 in Pittsburgh against the Senators!

The Pens are ready for the Ottawa Senators in Round 2 at the Consol Energy Center. The Pens come off an emotional Game 6 overtime win to knock out the New York Islanders and advance to the Second Round of the NHL Playoffs! The Senators were able to knock the Montreal Canadiens out in five games, but that doesn't mean they will have an easier time with the Pens. The Pens and Senators are not two teams that have  any love for each other especially after the incident with Cooke and Karlsson. You can pick a side, but I don't think it was an intentional move by Cooke. However this should give the Pens fire to beat the Senators and move on to the third round! It should be a good, hard fought series (at least on paper) for the Pens. The Pens better be ready to outwork the Senators, if they want to win this series. Time to tie up the skates and roll up their selves...it's going to be a rough one.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Duper, Sid, Iginla 
Kuni, Geno, Neal
Cooke, Sutter, TK
Morrow, Vitale, Adams

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Tanger, Niskanen
Murray, Engo

Vokoun in cage!

Play By Play
Pens 4 Senators 1

3rd Period
0:00- PENS WIN 4-1 AND TAKE GAME 1! PENS KEEP IT GOING! 

0:29- Scrum ensues and Pens get a PP.

1:00- Pens with great defending in front of their own net.

2:27- Turris takes a shot on net and Sens crash the net. Vokoun is able to keep the puck out with Murray dishing out a big hit.

5:01- The Pens kill off yet another Sens PP. Great work by the PKers.

7:01- Neal is headed right back to the box, this time for interference. The Sens are going back onto the PP.

7:41- The Pens kill off the Sens PP. Vokoun makes a glove save as the penalty expires.

8:36- DUPER SCORES A SHORTY!!! Murray gets the puck and makes a pass up to Duper. Duper and  and Cooke get a 2 on 1 chance. Duper holds the puck to the last minute and goes top shelf...perfect shot! 4-1 Pens

9:41- Neal gets a holding penalty and the Sens get a PP. Karlsson acted a bit on that one, but refs call it anyways.

9:56- Tanger and Coancher have been released and teams are back to full strength.

11:56- Conacher and Tanger get matching penalties and will take a seat. 4 on 4 hockey.

13:50- The Sens Gryba will not return tonight as he has an upper body injury.

14:05- The Pens with some good pressure on the Sens and creating turnovers.

14:57- The Pens are changed up a bit. Iginla is back on Geno's line with Neal and Kuni is back on Sid's line with Duper. Looking at new lines to maybe generate something...guess good time since the Pens have the lead.

20:00- Time for the third period! Pens need to wrap up this game and not let the Sens get back into this game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens extend their lead to 3-1!

1:27- KUNI SCORES ON THE PP!!! Sid is under pressure, but makes a backhander pass across the ice to Tanger. He puts one on the stick of Iginla, who is right on Anderson's doorstep. His shot is saved by the pad of Anderson, but Kuni is able to jam in the rebound. 3-1 Pens

2:03- The Pens get their third PP of the game as Conacher is sent to the sin bin for holding.

2:12- Orpik handing out some more huge hits and holding the fort down on the defense.

4:08- Tanger with some amazing stick handling and skating in the defensive zone. Moving the puck around players and in tight spaces...just in awe.

6:00- Orpik plays hard in front of his own net. Letting Conacher know that you have to pay a price when you try to come to the net. Spirited battle

9:23- Duper gets a shorthanded chance and lets a wicked backhander go, but Anderson makes the pad save. The Pens kill off the Sens PP.

11:23- Neal is sent to the box for roughing and the Sens get a PP. Don't know how Sens didn't get a penalty also, looked just as guilty.

12:13- Oprik makes a strong play to get Michalek from pulling the trigger and scoring in a wide open net.

12:56- Vokoun with a quick glove save and he will hold for a faceoff.

14:12- Vokoun has to make two saves up high. Seems like Sens are shooting up high on Vokoun a lot this game.

16:43- Great work by TK to get win the puck battle on the boards and the give Pens a chance in the Sens zone.

19:50- Geno is released from the box and the Pens are back to full strength.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens need to kill off a Sens PP for another 10 seconds and then turn that momentum into a goal! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the lead 2-1 over the Sens!

0:11- Sens with a PP for about 21 seconds.

1:50- Geno takes a tripping penalty on a Sens shorthanded chance. 4 on 4 hockey for 1:38.

2:12- Gryba heads to the box for tripping and the Pens PP comes out onto the ice. They are have one PP goal already in this game.

3:56- The Pens kill off the Sens PP. Vokoun with some sharp saves and good sticks in the lanes by the Pens. Sens had some great chances and plays.

5:56- Mad scramble in front of the Pens net and the puck somehow stays out as Vokoun had fallen down. TK takes a holding penalty and the Sens get a PP.

7:45- GENO SCORES!!! Neal wins the battle off the boards at the back of the Sens net. He outlets to Kuni who snaps one to Geno, stationed right in front of the net. He directs one into the back of the net! 2-1 Pens

8:32- The puck bounces off the back boards and goes off Anderson...it almost finds its way to the back of the net.

12:22- The Pens have been doing well with puck movement in the offensive zone and pressuring the Sens as they try to leave the zone. They need to keep working hard and not let the Sens get any time or space.

15:09- GREENING SCORES! The puck was right on the red line and Vokoun wasn't able to cover it as he wasn't sure were it was. Greening is able to get his stick in behind Vokoun to poke the puck just over the net. 1-1 tie game

17:19- MARTIN SCORES ON THE PP!!! Martin takes a hard shot from the point that gets redirected by Cowen, off the crossbar, then into the back of the net! Great PP for the Pens with excellent puck movement. Pens take the early lead 1-0!

18:48- The Pens will head to the PP as Turris goes to the box for high sticking.

19:17- Duper gets the puck up to Sid in the slot area, but his shot is saved by the pad of Anderson!

20:00- The puck drops on Round 2 and it's time for the Pens to come out ready to fight for this one! Lets Go Pens! 

Pens Leave Islanders Stranded, For Good, This Year!

The Pens are moving on to the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs to face the Ottawa Senators, after an emotional Game 6 OT win over the Islanders in Long Island!

What a game it was and a hard fought one by the Islanders, but the Pens were able to prevail. There was not doubt that the Islanders played a better game and the Pens weren't working as hard as them for the majority of the game. Towards the end of the game the Pens started to turn it on and they ended up tying the game at 3-3!

The Islanders were relentless on their forechecking and simply outworking the Pens at every puck battle. The only reason the Pens were able to stay in the game was the strong play by the netminder Vokoun. He played aggressively and challenged the Islanders, coming up with huge saves to keep the Pens in the game. The Pens came up with a huge PK and didn't let the Islanders get any PP goals to keep them in it. In overtime, both the teams were getting chances and working hard for the win. It would be the Pens that would get the win in the end. Geno worked hard behind the net and made an outlet pass to Orpik at the point. He fired one on net that went off the crossbar into the back of the net! An unsung hero in Orpik came through for the Pens in overtime to eliminate the Islanders and move the Pens onto the second round to take on the Senators.

The Pens are going to have stay constant throughout the games in the series and play a tighter game if they want to continue with their playoff hopes. If any team can get the job done, it's the Pittsburgh Penguins!

Game Summary

Pens 4 Islanders 3

Scoring

1st Period
John Tavares (wrist shot) from Bailey and Carkner
Iginla (wrist shot) from Sid and Martin

Colin McDonald (wrist shot) from Aucoin and Grabner

2nd Period
Duper (tip-in) from Vitale and Niskanen

3rd Period
Michael Grabner (snap shot) from Aucoin
Martin (slap shot) from Geno

OT Period
Orpik (slap shot) from TK and Geno

Penalties

1st Period
None

2nd Period
Morrow - boarding - 2 minutes
Radek Martinek - cross checking - 2 minutes
Cooke - interference - 2 minutes
Neal - too many men on the ice - 2 minutes

3rd Period
None

OT Period
None

Shots were 38-21 in favor of the Islanders! 

Game 6: Pens look to eliminate Islanders!

Well the Pens can eliminate the Islanders tonight and move on to the second round of the playoffs tonight! It won't be easy, as the Islanders are in their own territory and will have the loud support of their fans to back them up. The Pens lineup changes last game, sparked a change in them and they did a much better job in their all around game. They were managing the puck better, lessening turnovers, playing smart with the puck, and working hard in the Islanders' zone. Hopefully, the Pens can keep that hard work going and get the win tonight!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Duper, Sid, Iginla
Kuni, Geno, Neal
Morrow, Sutter, Cooke
TK, Vitale, Adams

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Despres, Tanger
Niskanen, Murray

Vokoun in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 4 Islanders 3

OT Period
12:30- ORPIK SCORES!!! PENS WIN 4-3 IN OT!!! THEY KNOCK OUT THE ISLES AND MOVE ON TO ROUND 2!!! PENS IN 6!!!!!!

13:00- This game is stressful! Chances everywhere!

17:30- Geno gets a pass to Kuni at the side of the net, but his shot is deflected away from the net.

20:00- OT time! The Pens need to continue to work hard, like they did at toward the end of the third and get the win! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to OT!!! Buckle up guys, this is going to be a stressful one!

5:16- MARTIN SCORES!!! Geno explodes with speed in the Isles zone and takes the puck behind the net. He comes out from behind the net and puts a pass to Martin at the point. Martin blows a shot pass the glove on Nabokov! 3-3 tie game.

7:00- The Pens are working hard on the boards in the Isles zone. Promising look, they need to continue to work hard and get the puck on net. The Pens are starting to get urgent as time whines down.

10:25- The Pens getting some time in the offensive zone, but Isles still out working them.

14:08- Geno works behind the Isles net and gets a pass out to Neal. He lets go of a wicked wrist shot that just wide of the net.

17:39- ISLES GRABNER SCORES! Vokoun can't cover the puck as he juggles it. Tanger tries a pass up ice, but it's turned over in the Pens zone. Grabner puts it in the back of the net. 3-2 Isles

20:00- Third period time! Pens need to come out ready to work this period to get the win! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period ends and the Pens are lucky to escape with a 2-2 tie.

1:32- The Pens are able to kill off the Isles PP. They need to get some offensive going and take the momentum from the goals!

3:32- The Isles will head right back onto the PP as the Pens get a too many men on the ice penalty. Bylsma is clearly upset with the refs since they had missed a slashing penalty on Martin, who stick had been broken as a result of the slash.

3:56- The Pens come up with a huge PK as the Isles PP expires. Vokoun was huge in the net for the Pens.

5:56- The Pens have a huge PK right now as Cooke takes an interference penalty and the Isles get their 2nd PP of the game.

7:00- Sid gets the puck up to Duper, who fires a hard shot. Nabokov stands up to make the save.

9:01- DUPER SCORES!!! Vitale gets speed down the wing and makes a great pass to the front of the net. Duper is driving towards the net and is able to direct the put in behind Nabokov. Duper ties this game up 2-2!

9:20- The Pens PP couldn't even get anything going and only had one shot on goal. They need to get things together.

11:20- The Pens will get a huge PP chance as Martinek heads to the box for cross-checking.

11:34- TK puts the puck on net and Sutter and Cooke crash the net. Somehow the puck stays out of the net.

13:24- The Pens kill off the Isles PP. Vokoun was huge in the net and came out to challenge Isles on their shots. The Pens need to take this momentum and turn it into a goal, would be a huge game changer. At this point they look like they are just holding on.

15:24- Morrow goes to the box for boarding and the Isles will get the first PP of the game! Not what the Pens need at a time like this.

17:10- Matt Martin gets two huge shots right in front of the net, but Vokoun comes up with huge pad saves. Niskanen takes away the third chance for Martin.

18:35- Grabner takes a shot from the slot area and Vokoun stops it up high, covers the rebound chance for a whistle.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens need to come out and outwork the Isles, win battles, and be more aggressive! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- The first period comes to an end and the Isles take the lead 2-1 late in the period.

0:37- MCDONALD SCORES! Both Pens defenders go behind the net and Grabner wins the battle to give an outlet pass to a wide open McDonald. He puts one over the pad of Vokoun into the net! Isles take the lead 2-1.

1:03- Tanger lets go of a wicked slap shot from the point and Nabokov makes the save.

5:44- The Isles get some time and space in the Pens zone. Vokoun makes a save with traffic in front of the net. The rebound is left in the blue paint and all go for it. Vokoun makes a diving save to whack the puck out of harms way. Close call for the Pens there.

8:32- Sid carries the puck back into the Isles zone with speed and makes a great pass to Iginla flying down the wing. Iginla's wicked wrist shot is stopped by the pad of Nabokov.

12:21- IGINLA SCORES!!! Sid enters the Isles zone with speed and beats the defense. He lets go of a wicked backhanded shot, which Nabokov makes the initial save on. Iginla crashes the net and shoves in the rebound to tie this game up 1-1!

14:24- ISLES TAVARES SCORES! The Pens let the Isles get way to much offensive zone time. Murray and Geno have some confusion in front of the net, which allows for Tavares to get space and time in the slot area. He lets got of a wicked shot and it finds the back of the net. Isles up 1-0

15:30- Orpik lays a big hit on Aucoin! Isles feeding off the loud crowd to start this game!

17:59- The puck is chipped behind Tanger and McDonald tries to get around, but Tanger isn't letting that happen at all. Great defensive play.

20:00- The puck has dropped on game 6! The Pens can eliminate the Islanders tonight with a win! Lets Go Pens! 

Game 5 - Series lead up for grabs!

It's time for game 5 of this series and with a win the Pens can take back the series lead. They are back at home to try to do the job. There will be a goalie change as Vokoun will start in the net for the Pens, but the team will have to step up in front of him also. The Pens were not at all like themselves in game 4, they were turning over pucks, giving up scoring chances, getting penalties, and all around loose game. They were out worked be the Islanders and they earned the win, plain and simple. The Pens need to get back to their hard working play, like they did when all the injuries were occurring. They are trying to win on pure skill and they might, but they should be out working the Islanders every game. Hopefully, they have had time to think about game 4 and are ready to go in this game. They need to come out with speed and set the tone at the start of this game. Showing the Islanders they are ready to work hard and win this series!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Duper
Neal, Geno, Iginla
Morrow, Sutter, Cooke
TK, Vitale, Adams

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Despres, Tanger
Murray, Niskanen

Vokoun in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 4 Islanders 0

3rd Period
0:00- PENS WIN 4-0 TO TAKE THE SERIES LEAD 3-2!!!! VOKOUN WITH THE SHUTOUT!!! NEW FRANCHISE RECORD AS FIRST TIME PENS HAVE HAD TWO SHUTOUTS IN THE SAME SERIES! 

0:23- Adams, Murray, and Acoin are sent to the locker rooms. Strait goes to the box for the rest of the game and the Pens get a 5 on 3 PP.

1:30- Morrow and Hamonic head to the locker rooms after refs kick them off. Trying to control the end of this game.

2:00- Hickey gets an elbowing penalty and the Pens head to the PP. Sutter was elbowed in the head and looked a bit woozy on the way to the bench. Still on the bench and hope he is ok.

3:38- Geno puts the puck right on a silver platter for Neal at the side of the net. It's just pushed wide of the net!

7:02- The Pens PP comes to an end.

7:49- Geno and Boyes get matching unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Boyes stick Geno while on the bench and Geno pushed back.

9:02- Hamonic heads to the box for roughing on Morrow and the Pens will get a PP chance!

10:09- The Pens kill off the Isles 2nd PP! Vokoun was solid in the net and the PKers did a great job of clearing out the loose puck.

12:09- The Isles are headed to the PP as Murray is sent to the box for interference.

12:53- Vokoun comes up two amazing pad saves on Hamonic! Spectacular!

14:17- TANGER SCORES ON THE PP!!! Sid makes a great backhanded pass right to the stick of Tanger. He lets go of a quick, hard shot that blows pass the blocker of Nabokov! 4-0 Pens! Nabokov is replaced by Poulin!

14:23- Matt Martin goes to the box for roughing and the Pens get a PP. Great discipline by Martin for the Pens.

16:10- Neal puts the puck to the front of the net from the back of it. Geno is right there in the blue paint, but his shot is steered wide of the net! Crowd thought that it was in, but it wasn't!

17:34- The Pens ice the puck and call a timeout to rest their tired players. The Pens are able to clear the puck and get a change.

20:00- Third period time! The Pens may have the lead, but they need to keep up the pressure and not go on the defensive! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period ends and the Pens have the 3-0 lead over the Isles!

1:00- Sid blocks a shot with his skate and walks off with a bit of a limp. Goes to the locker room, but is back on the bench and looks ok.

6:00- SID SCORES!!! I am going to try to describe Sid's goal, but I still won't give it any justice...just an amazing play by our Captain! Sid gets the puck and splits the Isles defense with some sick stick handling moves. He puts a laser shot right pass Nabokov! Pens take a three goal lead 3-0!

6:40- Tavares makes an amazing stick handling move around Martin, but Vokoun answers with a even better pad save!

11:13- MURRAY SCORES!!! Kuni with some great work on the boards to get the puck, he passes it off to Murray at the point. He puts one onto the net and Nabokov looks to get a piece of it, but the puck finds the back of the net. Pens take a 2-0 lead!

12:35- TK SCORES!!! Tanger puts up a huge stretch pass as TK was screaming for the puck. He gets a breakaway chance and doesn't miss, as he puts one high over the glove of Nabokov! He has been working hard and deserved that goal. 1-0 Pens!

13:43- The Pens so far are making smart decisions, passes, and staying discipline. The continuation of that will be key for the Pens in this game.

15:30- Sid puts up a great pass to Iginla, who has a step up on the Isles defense. His backhander is just push wide of the net by the pad of Nabokov. Great chance for the Pens!

16:23- TK, Vitale, and Adams working hard in the offensive zone. Great shift by those guys, working hard to keep possession of the puck.

17:46- Nabokov stuns Kuni twice right in front of the net. Kuni doing a great job of getting to the blue paint to get a chance!

18:56- Despres lets loose a long stretch pass, banking it up the boards for Sid to get a 1 on 1 chance with speed. He lets go of his signature backhander, but it goes up over the net.

20:00- It's second period time! The Pens need to stay disciplined and get more time in the offensive zone! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and it's scoreless. Shots are 14-7 in favor of the Isles. The Pens need to figure out the neutral issue the Isles are creating for them.

1:02- Niskanen gets beat and Isles get a 2 on 1 chance, but Vokoun makes the glove save. Solid in the net right now.

3:33- Murray falls down in the defensive zone to give the Isles a 3 on 1 chance. McDonald takes a shot, but Vokoun turns it aside! The crowd cheers its approval!

5:46- Orpik takes a shot from the point and Vitale tries to jam in the rebound. Isles able to clear the puck out of the front of the net.

8:40- Cooke gets a chance in the slot and fires one that goes wide of the net.

10:25- The Pens kill off the Isles PP and Vokoun made some big saves on the PK. PKers did a great job of clearing the puck out of the zone.

12:25- Vokoun comes up with a glove save and two pad saves on some close range shots. Neal takes a roughing penalty after the play and the Isles get a PP chance.

13:00- Kuni is now working on Geno's line with Neal. Iginla takes Kuni's shot on Sid's line with Duper. Bylsma looking at new line combinations to spark up the offensive.

14:36- The Pens PP comes to an end. Sid had a great, bad angle shot that hit the side of the net. Fooled those at the game and myself, as it look like it had went into the net.

16:36- Amazing shift by TK and Vitale and the Pens get a PP as a result. Strait goes to the box for interference.

18:13- Orpik lays out Okposo at the back of the Pens net! Handing out some free candy!

20:00- The puck drops at Consol Energy Center for game 5! The Pens need to come out with speed, be physical, and set the tone of this game! Lets Go Pens! 

Round 1 Game 4: Pens @ Islanders

The Pens will look to take a two game lead in this series tonight and have the chance to end this series in five.   They had some trouble in the last game with puck possession, transition, and stopping the scoring chances for the Isles. They had a three goal lead and let that slip away, but finished the job in overtime. The Pens will be looking to tighten up their game and make sure they control the tone. They want to play their kind of hockey, which we haven't seen in the last two games. On the injury front: Neal and Orpik practiced with the team today and may be in the lineup tonight, it will be a game decision. Hopefully they can play and it will help boost the Pens up.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Duper
Neal, Geno, Iginla
Morrow, Sutter, Cooke
Glass, Jokinen, Adams

Defense
Orpik, Martin
Eaton, Tanger
Murray, Niskanen

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 4 Islanders 6

3rd Period
0:00- Isles get the win 6-4 over the Pens and tie up this series 2-2!

0:50- The Pens empty their net.

1:16- CIZIKAS SCORES! Cizikas comes in with backhanded shot and scores. 6-4 Isles

2:19- Isles ice the puck and call a timeout.

5:02- The Pens are rushing plays and causing turnovers, this is not the time for that.

9:49- TAVARES SCORES! Geno makes a horrible play to turn over the puck in the defensive zone. Everyone goes to the net and Tavares picks up the rebound to give the Isles the 5-4 lead!

11:02- Sid makes an amazing play in front of the Isles net to get the puck to Duper. He is denied by Nabokov!

12:27- Flower denies Moulson right in front of the net with a 3 on 2 chance! Great pad save!

15:30- STREIT SCORES! Streit takes a shot from the blue line and it's deflected off the skate of Murray, just pass the pad of Flower. 4-4 tie game once again!

16:07- Both teams are back to full strength!

18:07- Geno and McDonald each get a penalty. Geno for holding and McDonald for embellishing. Some 4 on 4 hockey.

19:19- KUNI SCORES!!! Sid drops off the puck to Kuni, who fires one at the net. It goes off the leg of Duper and right into the back of the net. Pens take back the lead 4-3!

20:00- Third period is underway! The Pens need to get the job done and pressure the Isles in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and it's once again tied 3-3!

1:24- OKPOSO SCORES! The Isles get some great pressure on the Pens in their own zone, Isles looked to be on a PP. Flower didn't control the rebound and Okposo was able to bank one off his leg into the net. 3-3 tie game

2:13- Iginla with a quick shot to the blocker side of Nabokov, who comes up with an impressive save.

2:45- Isles get some time in the Pens zone, pressuring some tired defenders. Flower with a couple of great saves.

4:54- The Pens PP comes to an end and Isles had a good PK. Nabokov makes a solid save at the penalty expired.

6:54- Isles McDonald gets a holding penalty and the Pens will get a PP chance.

8:30- SUTTER SCORES!!! Cooke goes into the zone for the puck and levels Carkner to take the puck. He passes it to Morrow, who puts the puck right on Sutter's stick. He controls the puck and puts it glove side. Nabokov gets a piece, but not enough. 3-1 Pens

9:49- Tavares is now awarded the goal instead of Streit as he got piece of it.

12:43- GENO SCORES!!! The Pens get yet another quick reponse, this time within 58 seconds. Geno and Neal get a 2 on 1 chance. Geno fools the Isles into thinking he is going to pass and instead buries one pass the blocker of Nabokov! 2-2 tie game!

13:41- STREIT SCORES ON THE PP! Streit fires one and it goes into the back of the net. Flower couldn't get set, looked like his skate got stuck into a rut or something. Isles lead 2-1

14:12- Isles will get their 4th PP of the game as Cooke heads to the sin bin for goalie interference.

14:34- The Pens PP comes to an end. What a PP for the Pens. Had some great chances and crashed the net. Kept up the pressure on that PP and didn't let Isles get a change.

16:34- The Pens will finally get a PP chance as Strait gets a high sticking penalty.

18:25- The Pens come up with another big PK. Great job getting into lanes and making sure the Isles can't get chances on the net.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens have a Isles PP to kill for another 1:35! Lets kill it and take control of this game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and this game is tied up 1-1!

0:25- Now Cooke will head to the box for interference and the Isles get their third PP of the game.

1:38- Flower makes a huge pad save on a charging Tavares!

5:10- NEAL SCORES!!! Iginla comes into the zone and makes a pass to Geno right in the slot area. Geno makes a beautiful and quick pass to Neal at the side of the net. Neal fires a rocket shot that beats Nabokov on his glove side. Pens tie his game up 1-1!

5:55- STRAIT SCORES! Strait fires a hard shot from the blue line and it finds its way into the back of the net. Flower was screened on that play, looked like Sutter was in front of him. Isles lead 1-0.

7:20- Sid takes a puck to the face area as the puck is deflected off an Isles shot. Crowd cheers, of course. Sid looks to be ok.

7:45- Flower comes up with an amazing kick save, very alert save.

8:09- The Isles ice the puck and Pens get a big offensive zone faceoff. Sid's line is on for the faceoff.

10:59- The Pens have another huge PK! Flower solid in the net and Pens were getting sticks in lanes to clear the puck of the zone.

12:59- Flower comes up with a big save, but Orpik takes a retaliatory penalty. Isles back to the PP.

14:40- Sid gets the first shot for the Pens in this game. Nabokov makes the pad save.

16:36- The Pens kill off the Isles PP. Flower had some good, quick saves. Everyone crashed the net and made sure to get the puck cleared out of the front of the net.

18:36- The Isles will get the first PP of the game and it's a early one. Geno is sent to the box for hooking.

20:00- The puck drops on game 4!! Time for the Pens to set the tone of this game and keep control the entire game! Lets Go Pens! 

Pens Visit the Island for Game 3! 5/5/13

The Pens have traveled to the territory of the New York Islanders for game 3! The Pens had a horrible performance in game 2 with a 4-3 loss to the Islanders, tying the series 1-1. It looked a lot like how they were last year against the Flyers. They came out flying and put goals on the board early, but they didn't keep it. They played a loose and undisciplined game. Hopefully that loss humbled them and they will be ready to go tonight. On the injury front, Neal skated in full gear with the team, but he left early. The only ones absent from practice were Geno and Orpik. Bylsma gave no update on any of those guys. Time for the Pens to take back control of this series!


The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Duper
Bennett, Geno, Iginla
Morrow, Sutter, Cooke
Glass, Jokinen, Adams

Defense
Eaton, Tanger
Murray, Niskanen
Martin, Despres

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 5 Islanders 4

OT Period
11:16- KUNI SCORES THE OT WINNER!!! PENS WIN 5-4 IN OT!!!! Martin finds Sid at the side of the net and he feeds a pass to the slot. Kuni takes the pass and fires one right over the glove of Nabokov!! PENS WIN 5-4!!!

11:49- Sid works hard to get to the front of the net. The Pens will get a huge PP chance! Strait to the box.

13:45- Tanger and Murray knock the puck out of the air to deny the Isles breakaway chance.

15:48- Sid with a chance and Nabokov with the save.

17:09- Up and down hockey going on right now.

20:00- The puck drops on the OT period! Come on Pens lets win this one! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to OT. 4-4 Pens and Isles

1:45- Murray fires a shot that goes right off the crossbar!

3:45- Isles really taking the momentum and running with it. The crowd is right there behind them.

6:41- Cooke and Adams with some great work on the PK and the Isles PP comes to an end.

8:41- Iginla gets a tripping penalty and big kill for the Pens.

9:12- TAVARES SCORES! The Isles get yet another rush into the Pens zone and Tavares uses Eaton as a screen. It blows one pass Flower and it's a 4-4 tie game.

11:01- Cooke gets speed and some room glove side. He fires one at the glove side and hits the post! *Ping*

12:22- Flower comes up with a huge pad save. Things get heated in front of the net and words are exchanged. This game will only get uglier as time whines down.

14:11- The Pens PP comes to an end. Crowd getting loud once again.

14:29- OKPOSO SCORES! Morrow makes a blind pass and Eaton had moved into the middle. Niskanen was caught up ice and Okposo gets a breakaway chance. He puts one pass Flower, low on the glove side. Isles pull within one 4-3 Pens

16:11- Sid draws a penalty and the Pens will will get a PP chance. Strait gets a hooking penalty.

17:30- Isles comes out flying to start this period and get some good chances on net. Flower comes up with the saves. Isles setting the tone of this period. Pens need to get back to their game.

20:00- Time for the third period. The Pens have to keep control of this game and the lead. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to an end and the Pens hold the lead 4-2 over the Isles.

0:10- The Pens PP comes to an end. They had some great chances on the PP.

1:50- The Pens are headed to the PP as Matt Martin is sent to the box for holding.

2:48- MURRAY SCORES!!! Geno carries the up the wing and lets out a pass to Murray across the ice. Murray fires one at the half circle right over the glove of Nabokov into the net! Great placement by Murray on that shot. Pens up by two goals...4-2...over the Isles

6:30- Geno and Hamonic battle on the boards, but it gets a bit out of hand. Refs don't step in and play continues.

8:30- Both penalties expire and everyone is back to full strength.

10:30- Both Cooke and Carkner get roughing penalties. We will have some 4 on 4 hockey.

11:30- Flower robs another Isles with his glove! Great defense by Tanger to get Isles away from the rebound.

12:17- Tavares tries to get a breakaway chance, but Murray takes him out of the equation.

13:57- Flower comes up with a stunning save on Isles...just wow!

14:50- Geno takes the puck into the Isles zone and makes a cross ice pass to Morrow. Nabokov makes the pad save on him.

17:25- Flower makes a pad save on McDonald and makes two more saves after that. Sharp saves by the Flower.

18:13- The Pens get the puck to the front of the net and Morrow gets under Isles skin.

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens need to tighten up on the Isles scoring chances and hold the lead. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the lead 3-2!

1:00- DUPER SCORES!!! Kuni makes a bank pass and Sid picks up the puck. He takes it up ice and backhands the puck to the front of the net. Duper comes crashing the net and slides the puck under the pad of Nabokov. Pens take the lead 3-2.

1:16- Flower comes out to make a huge save on Isles in the slot. The Pens still giving up too many chances.

6:23- KUNI SCORES ON THE PP!!! Geno gets a breakout pass up to Kuni, who sneaks behind the defense. He gets space and fires one under the glove of Nabokov. It's a 2-2 tie game now!

6:42- IGINLA SCORES ON THE PP!!! Sid feeds a pass to Tanger at the point, he fires one into traffic. Iginla is able to get a stick on the puck and put it into the back of the net. 2-1 Isles. Pens with a PP for another 1:38.

7:05- Hamonic is sent to the box for tripping and Pens get a 5 on 3 PP for 1:27!

7:39- The Pens will get a much needed PP as Streit gets a hooking penalty.

9:03- Isles get a breakaway chance, but Niskanen gets back in time to force them off-sides!

10:02- The Pens come up with a huge PK. Flower made some amazing saves to keep this game at 2-0.

12:02- Isles will get yet another penalty as Glass is called for high sticking. Big kill for the Pens right now.

14:30- CIZIKAS SCORES! Isles feed a puck from behind the net and Cizikas is left wide open. He puts one in the back of the net. Isles lead 2-0

14:10- Sid lines up a beautiful shot, but is robbed by the glove of Nabokov.

15:35- The Pens come up with a big kill and the Isles peanlty comes to an end.

17:35- Cooke takes a bad penalty for slashing and the Isles get a PP chance.

18:17- MOULSON SCORES! Flower makes the first save and the Isles keep whacking at the puck till it tickles through. Despres lost an edge and fell into Flower to create Isles chance. 1-0 Isles

19:21- Flower comes out to challenge Tavares on a point blank shot and makes the save.

20:00- The puck has dropped on game 3! It's time for the Pens to kick it into gear and take control of this game early! Lets Go Pens! 

Sid Returns!!! Pens vs Islanders Game 2! 5/3/13

Well the moment Penguin fans have been waiting for, aside from winning the Cup, has arrived! The return of our captain, number 87, Sidney Crosby! The doctors have cleared him and he is ready to go. He will play tonight against the Islanders in game 2. The Islanders thought they had enough to deal with and maybe that wouldn't be so bad, since the Pens will be without the services of Neal and Orpik tonight. However they get to add the best player in the world on that list. It should be a great game and a loud one, since it will be at Consol Energy Center. There are no updates on Neal or Orpik, but they didn't practice with the team today. The Pens look to take a 2-0 series lead tonight! Lets do it!


The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Duper
Bennett, Geno, Iginla
Morrow, Sutter, Cooke
Glass, Jokinen, Adams

Defense
Eaton, Tanger
Murray, Niskanen
Martin, Engo 

Flower between the pipes!

Play By Play
Pens 3 Islanders 4

3rd Period
0:00- The Isles take game two 4-3 over the Pens. Remember there are 7 games in a series and the Pens can recover...this should humble them, which sometimes is what they need.

0:45- The Pens empty their net.

2:32- The Isles ice the puck for the second time.

5:00- Pens getting a few chances. They look to be playing with more energy.

7:37- OKPOSO SCORES! Okposo shoots one that bounces off the boards. It goes off the back pad of Flower and into the net. 4-3 Isles.

10:44- Both teams getting some chances on net. Flower and Nabokov making big saves.

13:13- Kuni and Sid get a rush up ice. Sid snaps the puck, trying to go over the glove hand of Nabokov. Nabokov flashes the glove to make the save.

14:21- Morrow comes up with a huge block. Really great play by him there.

17:35- Flower comes up with another huge save. This time with the paddle down to deny Moulson!

19:29- Tavares is released and the Pens PP is over. Flower comes up with a huge save on Tavares!

20:00- Third period is underway! The Pens have 31 seconds left on their PP, they really need a goal to start his period off right! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the game is tied up 3-3!

1:00- Sid lets a sniper shot fly and Nabokov makes the save. Geno gets a crack at it! The Pens have had some amazing chances on net, the best they have had for the whole period, but Nabokov holds down the fort.

3:29- The Pens will get a PP for 4 minutes as Tavares high sticks Morrow and draws blood. This is a huge chance for the Pens to take back the lead and momentum of this game.

4:28- Glass lays a huge, punishing hit on MacDonald. That hit rocked the entire arena.

4:43- The Pens got two good shifts in the Isles zone. They need more of that and less of the Isles in their zone.

7:32- Flower comes up with a huge pad save. The Pens need to give him a break and put some pressure on Nabokov instead.

9:23- MATT MARTIN SCORES! The puck bounces off the back boards and Matt Martin beats Tanger to the puck. He roofs one into the net, tying up this game 3-3. Pens need to pick up their game.

9:43- The Pens kill off the Isles PP!

11:09- Now the Isles will have a PP.

11:45- Strati cross-checks Sid and Iginla doesn't like it. He goes for Strait and gets a boarding penalty. 4 on 4 hockey for 34 seconds.

13:10- The Pens will get a much needed PP as Visnovsky takes a boarding penalty.

13:30- The Pens have to tighten up their defensive play. Flower is seeing way to many pucks and they need to keep the puck down in the Isles zone more.

14:48- MACDONALD SCORES! MacDonald gets in behind the Pens defense and is able to backhand a shot at a bad angle behind Flower. 3-2 Pens

15:53- Niskanen and Moulson collide in the neutral zone. Okposo takes exception and drops the gloves to take on Niskanen. Niskanen takes a few hits and is bleeding from the left cheek. However, he keeps on battling. He did a great job to recover.

17:20- MacDonald takes a hard shot and Flower makes the save. He has been sharp in the net and kept the Isles at bay.

18:27- The penalties expire and both teams are back to full strength.

20:00- Second period time! Some 4 on 4 hockey for another 1:30! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the lead 3-1 over the Isles!

0:25- We will have some 4 on 4 hockey and Hamonic gets a roughing penalty and Cooke gets a slashing penalty.

2:35- The Isles PP comes to an end and the Pens had a great PK effort. Flower was solid in the net.

4:35- Isles will get yet another PP as Murray is sent to the sin bin for interference.

4:53- The Pens may have the lead, but they need to tighten it up defensively.

7:22- The Pens kill off the Isles PP. Flower really stepping up to the challenge and making some really good saves.

9:22- The Isles will get another PP chance as Engo goes back to the box, this time for interference.

12:30- SID SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT!!! Sid comes into the Isles zone and fires one right pass Nabokov! The Isles didn't get anytime to savor that goal as Sid turned around scored. 3-1 Pens!

12:50- BOYES SCORES ON THE PP! Moulson puts a pass across the blue paint and Boyes is ready to jam one pass the pad of Flower. 2-1 Pens

13:30- Now Engo will head to the box for cross-checking and Isles get their first PP chance.

14:00- Flower coming with some amazing saves, even one without his stick handy!

16:41- SID SCORES ON THE PP!!! Iginla stationed in front of the net, sets up Sid at the side of the net. Sid puts one behind Nabokov, who had no chance. Great PP goal! Pens lead 2-0!

17:37- The Pens will get the first PP of the game as MacDonald gets a slashing penalty.

19:17- GENO SCORES!!! The Pens battle on the boards for the pucks and Iginla wins the battle. He puts the puck in front of the Isles net and Geno gets a shot off that is saved by Nabokov. Geno doesn't give up and sticks one into the net! Pens take the lead 1-0 43 seconds into game 2!

20:00- The puck drops and game 2 is on! Welcome back Sid! Lets Go Pens!

Pens Dominate Islanders in Game 1!

The Pens come out with a dominating 5-0 performance against the Islanders for Game 1 at the Consol Energy Center! The Pens put on a clinic during the entire game on both ends on the ice and on special teams. The Pens capitalized on their PP chances and then shutdown the Islanders PP chances with a great PK. The Pens looked really impressive on the ice tonight and Flower was solid in the net. Bennett and Sutter both made their NHL playoff debuts. Bennett made it count by scoring his first playoff goal and the first of the game! Sutter was solid on the PK for the Pens. Tavares also made his NHL playoff debut and the Pens welcomed him Pittsburgh style. He wasn't able to register a shot on net and the Pens were physical on him. Everyone taking a shot at him and laying big hits. He is going to need a lot of ice packs after the beating he took tonight. Iginla and Jokinen earned two assists in their first playoff game in a Penguins uniform. Murray an Morrow made their presences known physically. Neal was hit on the walls by Hamonic and went down. He went to the locker room soon after and didn't return for the rest of the game. Also at the end of the game Jokinen suffered a leg on leg hit from Reasoner and went down. No updates on either of them. It was a great way to start of the series and the Pens need to carry that momentum into Game 2 on Friday! Pens lead the series 1-0 and Flower earned his sixth career playoff shutout, which ties him with Tom Barrasso for the Penguins franchise record for most playoff shutouts! Lets keep up the great work Pens! As the crowd waving their white towels chanted, "We want the Cup!"

Game Summary

Pens 5 Islanders 0

Scoring

1st Period
Bennett (wrist shot) from Geno and Martin - PPG
Duper (backhand) from Adams and Iginla

2nd Period
Tanger (snap shot) from Iginla and Geno - PPG
Duper (backhand) from Eaton and Jokinen
Glass (snap shot) from Jokinen

3rd Period
None

Penalties

1st Period
Brain Strait - interference - 2 minutes
Cooke - interference - 2 minutes
Mark Streit - holding - 2 minutes

2nd Period

Marty Reasoner - tripping - 2 minutes
Tanger - hooking - 2 minutes
Geno - high sticking - 2 minutes

3rd Period
Murray - holding - 2 minutes
Marty Reasoner - kneeing (major) - 5 minutes
Marty Reasoner - game misconduct - 0 minutes
Travis Hamonic - misconduct - (10 minutes) 0 minutes
Matt Moulson - misconduct - (10 minutes) 0 minutes
Casey Cizikas - misconduct - (10 minutes) 0 minutes
Murray - misconduct - (10 minutes) 0 minutes
Duper - misconduct - (10 minutes) 0 minutes
Iginla - misconduct - (10 minutes) 0 minutes

Shots were 26-26! 

Round One - Game 1 Pens vs Islanders 5/1/13

It's time for the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs!!! The Pens start their first round series at the Consol Energy Center taking on the New York Islanders! On the injury front both Sid and Orpik will not be playing tonight, but have skated with the team. The Pens need to come out and make this a fast and physical game! It's time to make the run for the prized Stanley Cup!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Geno, Neal
Iginla, Jokinen, Duper
Morrow, Sutter, Cooke
Glass, Adams, Bennett 

Defense
Martin, Engo
Eaton, Tanger
Murray, Niskanen 

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
Pens 5 Islanders 0

3rd Period
0:00- PENS WIN 5-0!!!! FLOWER GETS A SHUTOUT AND TIES BARASSO'S FRANCHISE RECORD OF 6 PLAYOFF SHUTOUTS!!! PENS LEAD SERIES 1-0!!

2:10- Reasoner lays a leg on leg hit on Jokinen and it was a nasty hit. Jokinen goes down on the ice, but is able to skate off the ice on his own power. He heads to the locker room. Pens with a PP chance as Reasoner gets a 5 minute kneeing penalty and a 10 minute game misconduct.

4:11- Flower flashes the glove to snap the puck out of the air on a double deflected shot!

4:52- Jokinen breaks through and gets a chance right in front of Poulin! He makes a pad save and holds the puck for the whistle.

10:52- Jokinen feeds a pass to Duper from behind the Isles net. Duper fires a hard shot, point blank range and Poulin makes the pad save.

12:35- Tanger and Morrow get a 2 on 1 chance and Tanger's shot goes off the shoulder of Poulin into the netting.

14:56- The Pens have yet another great PK effort as the Isles PP comes to an end.

16:56- The Isles will head right back onto the PP as Murray will get a holding penalty. Isles 4th PP chance.

17:52- The Pens kill off the Isles PP! Flower makes a great save on Nelsen, just robbing him! Moving at the speed of light in the blue paint.

20:00- Third period time! The Isles have a PP to work with for another 1:52. Lets kill it Pens! Lets Go Pens! (still no Neal)


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens score three to extend their lead to 5-0 over the Isles!

0:08- The Isles will get another PP as Geno is sent to take a seat for roughing.

2:00- Great shift by Bennett, Jokinen, and Iginla! Pinning the Isles in their own zone and firing everything on at the net!

4:15- The Pens with a great PK effort. Flower making multiple pad saves, really standing strong in the net for the Pens.

6:15- Tanger will take a seat in the sin bin for hooking and the Isles get a PP chance.

6:53- GLASS SCORES!!! Glass gets off the wall and snaps one up high pass Poulin! Sweet goal by Glass!  5-0 Pens lead!

7:08- Cooke making some sweet moves in the slot area. The Pens crash the net and get a quality chance, but Poulin with the diving save.

9:34- Tanger just lays Tavares out twice in the Pens D-zone. Welcome to the playoffs, Pittsburgh Style!

14:32- Flower makes a nice pad save on a up close shot and turns the puck away from danger. Neal has headed to the locker room looked to be in some discomfort.

18:09- DUPER SCORES AGAIN!!! Eaton at the point puts the puck right on Duper's stick, as he is stationed right in front of Nabokov. He moves the puck from backhand to forehand and puts one pass a diving Nabokov. Pens extend their lead to 4-0!

18:41- TANGERS SCORES ON THE PP!!! What an amazing wrist shot by the defensemen! He snaps one up high on the short side of Nabokov into the back of the net. Tanger scored just as the first penalty expired, so Pens PP ends with his goal. Pens now lead 3-0!

19:15- Reasoner will go to the box for tripping and the Pens get a 5 on 3 PP for 23 seconds.

20:00- This game is back underway for the second period! Pens have a 1:17 PP to work with. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- The first period ends and the Pens have the lead 2-0 over the Isles thanks to Bennett and Duper!

0:43- The Pens will get another PP chance as Streit heads back to the box for holding.

2:00- Geno and Kuni were both robbed by the pads of Nabokov! Great chances on the net for those guys.

2:59- The Pens kill off the Isles PP and hold them to one shot. Great PK!

4:59- Cooke will take a seat for interference and the Isles get their first PP of the game.

6:37- DUPER SCORES!!! Adams, Iginla, and Duper all crash the Isles net taking whacks at the loose puck in front of the net. Nabokov comes out to challenge for the loose puck and Duper is able to tip one into the wide open net! Pens extend their lead to 2-0!

10:02- Eaton working in the defensive zone, blocking two Isles shots.

13:10- Matt Martin tries to shove Murray after the whistle, but the big man wouldn't move. He won't be doing that again.

14:38- The Flower is on it as he snaps up the puck with a glove save.

15:46- Flower makes two great pad saves with the Isles right on his doorstep!

16:25- BENNETT SCORES ON THE PP! HIS FIRST NHL PLAYOFF GOAL!!! Bennett comes into the Isles zone with speed off the wing and fires a wrist shot. It goes off the crossbar, then off the post into the net! Amazing, sharp shooter's goal. 1-0 Pens

16:55- Iginla fires a hard slap shot that goes right off the mask of Nabokov. He is attended to, but seems to be ok.

18:20- The Pens will get the first PP of the series as Strait will head to the box for interference.

20:00- The puck drops and the first game of the Pens vs Isles series has begun! It's officially playoff time! Bennett and Sutter make there NHL playoff debut! Lets Go Pens!