Alphabetically Penguins Come Before Predators!

By: MF, 

Tonight's game is going to be a huge test for the Pens who have let their last two games slip through their hands. The Penguins are in Nashville to face the Predators and this game is going to be a tough one if they Penguins don't change their ways. The previous two games (Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings) the Penguins held a commanding lead, but as the game ran on the Penguins let their lead slip. They didn't play a full 60 minute game and went on the defense quickly after gaining the lead. Tonight the Penguins will have to dig deep and keep putting the pressure on the Predators even if they have a huge lead, because we all know that no lead is safe in the NHL.

The Penguins will see a familiar face on the enemy team as this will be the first match-up between the two teams, since the Penguins traded James Neal for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling. Both Hornqvist and Spaling played a combined 660 games for the Predators, so this will be weird seeing their former team also. For the game tonight the Predators are giving out Neal bobble heads to fans. So far this season the numbers for the traded players look like this:

Patric Hornqvist: 4 Goals, 4 Assists, 8 Points, 1 Power Play Goal, and 1 Game Winning Goal

Nick Spaling: 1 Goal, 1 Assist, 2 Points, and +1 Rating

James Neal: 5 Goals, 5 Points, 1 Game Winning Goal, and 26 Shots

On the goal front Marc-Andre Fleury will start in the net tonight after getting some rest. The Predators look like they will have Pekka Rinne as their netminder. This is how the two goalies stack up against each other when they face one another:

Marc-Andre Fleury: 5-2-1, 1.94 Goals Against Average, and .923 Save Percentage

Pekka Rinne: 1-2-1, 3.55 Goals Against Average, and .867 Save Percentage

As for stats for the Penguins, Sid has a total of 14 points against the Predators. He seems to do well at putting up points against them, but usually that isn't a problem for him. Evgeni Malkin is riding a 6 game assist streak, which is currently the longest in the NHL so far this season. The Penguins power play has fallen to 36.4%, but it's still deadly. The Penguins will look to capitalize on the power play to get this number back up.  

Letang battles a Red Wing / Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins will have to come out ready to fight and not let up until the final whistle! Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist

Duper, Geno, Comeau

Spaling, Sutter, Downie

Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense

Ehrhoff, Martin

Maatta, Letang

Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net! 

Play By Play
PENS 3 Predators 0

3rd Period
0:00- PENS WIN 3-0 OVER THE PREDATORS!!! FLOWER EARNS HIS FIRST SHUTOUT OF THE SEASON! 29TH SHUTOUT IN HIS CAREER FOR #29! THE PENS PLAYED A FULL 60 MINUTE GAME AND CAME OUT WITH THE WIN! 

0:21- Pens are caught with too many men on the ice and the Predators get a late PP.

2:52- The defensive effort by the Pens has been top notch. They look much better in this period then in the last two games.

5:25- The Predators will get an offensive zone faceoff after the Pens have iced the puck. Mike Johnston calls a timeout.

7:21- Flower has made some great saves, but the Pens have done a great job of limiting the Predators shots.

8:27- Flower comes up with a huge pad save!

10:33- Neal lasers a shot and it rings off the right goal post! Flower gives the post some love after that.

14:01- With that goal Duper notches his 400th career point!

14:35- DUPER SCORES!!! Sid keeps the puck alive behind the net and feeds to Downie in front! Rinne makes the save, but Duper puts up the rebound putting it in the net! 3-0 Pens!

17:57- GENO SCORES ON THE PP!! Sid makes a beautiful pass up to Geno who just redirects the puck pass the outstretched pads of Rinne! 2-0 Pens!

18:56- PP time for the Pens as Maatta draws a penalty.

20:00- The Pens need to stay focus! This time they need to wrap it up in the third! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens still hold a 1-0 lead over the Predators!

2:24- The Pens kill off another Predators PP.

4:24- The refs catch the Pens with too many men on the ice and the Predators get another PP chance. Downie will serve the penalty.

4:47- Martin gets a clear shooting pass to the net. Martin's shot bounces up over the net.

5:30- Sid wrist a shot through traffic, but it goes wide of the net.

8:18- Letang comes flying down the wing and his shot is fought off by Rinne!

10:06- The Pens keep improving their PK as they kill off the Predators PP.

12:06- After all that work by the Pens the Predators will have a chance on the PP to tie this game up. Downie takes a hooking penalty.

12:45- The Pens PP comes to an end.

13:25- Kuni gets in behind the Predators defense, but Rinne stands strong to make the save.

14:45- First PP of the game will go to the Pens as Jokinen will sit for interference.

16:12- The Predators are doing a good job of keeping the puck down in the Pens zone. The Pens have only been able to just clear the puck and that has been pretty much it.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens need to keep on the gas pedal and not let up or the Predators will make them pay! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens lead the Predators 1-0!

0:29- Martin does a great job of getting the puck away from Neal's reach at the side of the net.

1:30- Predators were held to no shots for 10:50 by the Pens during this period.

2:47- The Pens step up a good play and Hornqvist disrupts Rinne giving Maatta a good chance on net. Maatta's shot ends up going high and wide.

3:44- Hornqvist and Spaling get a nice ovation as the Predators play a video tribute from their days with the Predators.

5:44- The Predators had two good back-to-back shifts, but the Pens are able to avoid any danger.

9:31- Geno with great reach to get his stick on the puck in mid-air after Rinne saved Geno's initial shot. Rinne just barely gets his pad out to make a second save on Geno.

10:32- Despres has laid two huge hits on Nystrom.

13:39- SID SCORES! Sid attempts a cross ice pass to Kuni, but it doesn't connect! Maatta is able to keep it alive off the boards and brings it to the net! The Pens crash the net and Sid gets the last whack to put it past Rinne! 1-0 Pens!

14:29- The Predators have four shots so far, but the Pens haven't been able to register one.

15:44- The Pens are looking for a way to enter the Predators zone and keep control of the puck. They may need to just drop it in.

20:00- The puck has dropped in Nashville and this game is on! Lets take it to the Predators! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins are in Detroit!

By: MF, 

This is the second of back to back games for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they will face the Red Wings in Detroit. The Penguins are coming off a hard loss to the Philadelphia Flyers at Consol last night (5-3). The game was a sloppy one by the Penguins and they didn't look good in the game. They had their moments, but overall it was a poor job by the team. Instead of a fresh team they looked tired as if they played the night before, which the Flyers had and they looked fresh. The Penguins will have to bounce back and play a full 60 minute game.

A side note: the Pittsburgh Penguins organization did a great job of showing their support to Ottawa after the tragic events that unfolded yesterday. They played O'Canada before the United States Anthem and the entire crowd at Consol Energy Center participated. It was heart warming and made me even prouder to call myself a Penguins fan.

On a lighter note, the Penguins third jerseys looked awesome! They where the best third jerseys I have seen in awhile for the Penguins. Too bad they might have back luck after that loss...time will tell.

The game tonight will determine if the Penguins will be able to put the Flyers game behind them and move on to focus on this game. They need to come out with speed and play a sound game. There will be no room for sloppiness against the Red Wings! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Geno, Comeau
Spaling, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc, Adams

Defense
Maatta, Tanger
Ehrhoff, Martin
Scuderi, Despres

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 Red Wings 4 OT

OT Period
0:00- Red Wings score in OT to give them the 4-3 win over the Pens. The Pens let that game go and was all there fault in the end.

2:05- The Red Wings have all the momentum right now. Uphill battle right now for the Pens.

3:55- Datsyuk gets a chance, but Letang strips him of the puck to save the Pens.

5:00- The puck drops on the first OT of the season for the Pens! Lets finish this one early Pens! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to OT as the Pens let the Red Wings come back to tie the game up 3-3.

0:38- Kronwell Scores! The Pens couldn't put it in a wide open net and the Red Wings come back. Datsyuk holds the puck to draw Greiss and makes a back pass to Kronwell. He roofs it to tie this game up 3-3.

1:00- Empty net for Red Wings again.

2:39- Zetterberg Scores! The Pens are unable to stop a streaking Zetterberg in the slot area. He lets go of the puck in a quick manner and Greiss has not chance. 3-2 Pens.

2:50- Red Wings empty their net.

3:07- The Pens defense has been on top of their game tonight and Greiss has been there to back them up. Great defensive effort.

5:54- Sutter puts in a great defensive effort to break up a Red Wings 2 on 1 chance as the Pens are caught in the middle of a change.

7:16- The Red Wings are laying siege to the Pens net right now, but Greiss is holding down the fort!

9:55- Greiss just made the entire crowd's jaws drop with a huge stick save on a breakaway chance by Helm!

10:52- The Pens PP comes to an end.

11:12- Downie and Ericsson will both head to the box. The Pens will still have a PP for 20 seconds as the penalties off set.

12:52- Kindl is called for slashing on Geno and the Pens get a PP opportunity.

13:04- The Pens call a timeout.

15:12- Greiss has had a great first game with the Pens! Still looks sharp.

17:00- Sid gets a breakaway chance after being released from the box, but Howard comes up with a huge save to deny our Captain!

17:03- The Pens with another great PK. Greiss was fantastic!

19:03- Sid and Kuni go after Zetterberg at the benches after a high stick happened to Sid. The Red Wings end up with a PP.

19:27- The Pens PP comes to an end.

20:00- Third period time! The Pens have a short PP for 34 seconds to start! Don't let up Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens have extend their lead over the Red Wings to 3-!

1:27- Now it's time for the Pens to bring out their PP unit as Kronwall sits for interference.

2:22- The PP is killed off by the Pens!

4:22- Another Red Wings PP as Comeau heads to the sin bin for holding.

6:40- The Red Wings have had some good chances on net, but Greiss has really held down the fort. He has been huge in the net tonight.

9:26- The Pens just hammer the Red Wings after the last goal. Geno's line passes the puck and peppers Howard! Geno is on it!

11:31- KUNI SCORES!!! Kuni walks into the offensive zone and lasers a shot pass the shoulder of Howard! Hornqvist pushed back to the defense to give him room! 3-1 Pens!

12:26- Greiss makes a save on Miller who gets behind Despres and was right on the goal doorstep. Greiss shut the door right in his face.

14:50- The Pens kill off the PP. Greiss stands strong in the net and really held his own in the net.

16:50- Goc takes a seat for hooking and the Red Wings look to tie this game up on the PP.

20:00- Puck has dropped and the second period is underway! The Pens need to keep taking it to the Red Wings and leave them no room to breath! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period comes to an end with the Pens leading 2-1 over the Red Wings!

0:54- The Pens break into the offensive zone. Spaling passes across ice to Sutter, but his shot is stopped by Howard. The Red Wings get to the loose puck and clear it.

2:46- Comeau's shot is saved by the blocker of Howard!

5:00- Kronwall Scores! Helm stops up as he enters the Pens zone and makes a pass to Kronwall at the point. Kronwall stick handles around Hornqvist and blast a shot. Griess is screened and doesn't see the puck. 2-1 Pens.

5:09- Martin makes a great play to poke check the puck away from a Red Wing and clear the puck up ice.

8:54- MAATTA SCORES!! Maatta outworks/stick handles Datsyuk in the corner and brings the puck to the front of Howard! He backhands one and it trickles through the five hole of Howard! 2-0 Pens!

10:34- The Red Wings are able to kill off the Pens PP. Howard was the reason for that as he held the Pens at bay.

12:34- The Pens will get a PP chance as Kindl sits for hooking. The number one PP in the league versus the number one PK in the league.

14:48- DUPER SCORES! Duper gets the puck in the defensive zone and passes it to Comeau who carries the puck up ice and into the offensive zone! Comeau makes a pass across to Duper who was breaking now the center/slot area! He puts the puck pass Howard! 1-0 Pens

15:46- Greiss has made some good saves to start this game. Sid also gets a shot off, but Howard makes the pad save.

20:00- The puck has dropped for the Pens in enemy territory! Time for the Pens to take it to the Red Wings and not let up at any time! Lets Go Pens! 

A Rivalry That Runs Deep!

By: MF, 

This is the start of back to back games for the Pittsburgh Penguins and they will not be easy ones. The first game is in Pittsburgh against the cross-state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers! The Penguins are coming off a great win against the New York Islanders, thanks in large part to the number one ranked power play in the NHL. Along with a great win, Sidney Crosby became the sixth fastest NHL player to reach 500 career assists.

Now the Penguins have rested since that game and should be refreshed for this game against the Flyers. They will have to be on their game and ready for a fight. The Penguins will have to use that first ranked power play (47.1%) as these games are known for penalties.

Their are also great stats for players against the Flyers. First of all Sid has 30 career goals against the Flyers, which happens to be the most he has against any team. Evgeni Malkin has 58 career points when it comes to the Flyers, which is the most against any other team. Lastly Kris Letang is riding a three game assist streak with all the assist coming on the power play.

The morning skate went well as the only players missing where the Penguins recent call-ups Harrington and Ebbett, who happened to play last night for WBS. Bortuzzo participated in the skate. Mike Johnston commented on his condition saying that if Bortuzzo had a solid practice on Friday he will be close to coming back.

Tonight's game will be the first time the Penguins will put on their third jerseys, which pay homage to the 1990s. The Penguins will have to come out to start this game with speed and not let up. They have to keep their tempers in check against this Flyers team. They cannot let the Flyers derail their game. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Sutter, Geno
Comeau, Goc, Downie
Adams, Spaling, Sill

Defense
Maatta, Tanger
Ehrhoff, Martin
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 FLYERS 5

3rd Period
0:00- Unfortunately the Flyers come out with the win 5-3 over the Pens. They will have to step up their game, big time, tomorrow against the Red Wings!

0:26- Couturier Scores! Couturier is able to back hand one into the empty net. 5-3 Flyers

0:48- The Pens are peppering the Flyers net!

1:22- Flyers ice the puck and the Pens empty their net.

2:57- GOC SCORES!!! Downie keeps the puck alive at the Flyers blue line and gets to Spaling! Spaling passes to Goc going to the net! Goc puts it in! 4-3 Flyers.

4:45- The Flyers are doing a good job of intercepting every pass the Pens try to make while trying to enter the offensive zone.

11:07- Read Scores! Despres tries to take the puck into the Flyers zone, but falls down and losses the puck. The Flyers with a quick transition to the Pens zone. Couturier makes a cross ice pass to Read who is able to backhand one up high. Flyers make it 4-2.

13:06- Umberger Scores! Giroux is able to stick handle through the Pens who are solely focused on him as Umberger comes sneaking in the back door. Umberger  receives Giroux's pass and puts it in the net. Completely wide open. 3-2 Flyers.

13:47- Geno gets a chance on Hornqvist's wrap around chance, but Emery makes a pad/toe save! The refs review and the puck doesn't cross the goal line. No goal.

15:21- Fantastic saves by both goalies. Back and forth game right now. Flower is coming up big for the Pens. Hopefully they can pay him back with getting a goal and the win!

18:20- Both teams are back to full strength.

20:00- We will start the third period with some 4 on 4 hockey for 1:40! The Pens need to clean up their play and take it to the Flyers! This is no time to let up! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:20- We will get some 4 on 4 hockey for the rest of the second period. Schultz hooks up Kuni, but Kuni is called for embellishment.

1:12- Flower shows off his fast reflexes as Geno's pass ends up in the Pens blue paint! Flower makes the save and the Pens finally clear.

5:07- The Flyers are crashing the Pens zone, but Flower is making unreal saves!

7:32- Flower is standing strong in the net and keeping the Pens in this game!

11:00- DUPER SCORES!! The Flyers ice the puck and the Pens get an offensive zone face! Geno wins the faceoff back to Martin who fires a hard shot from the point! It's redirected by Duper pass Emery! 2-2 tie game!  

11:40- The Pens with another successful PK! Flower made some solid saves and good clearing by the PK unit.

13:40- Dupuis is found guilty of holding and this gives the Flyers another PP chance.

16:52- The Flyers crash the Pens net with tried players. Flower makes a quick glove save to get the whistle.

19:13- The Pens kill off the Flyers PP! Flower was sharp on that PK.

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens have to kill off a Flyers PP for another 47 seconds! Time to kill it and put the Flyers in their place! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period comes to an end with the Flyers leading the Pens 2-1.

1:13- Despres lays a hard hit on Couturier, which leads to Umberger coming at Despres. DING! DING! Umberger and Despres drop the gloves! Despres ends up with an interference minor on top of the fight. Flyers PP.

3:19- Emery comes flopping out the net to cover the puck, but Geno is able to backhand it back to the net. It goes right along the goal line and out to the other side...the Pens were so close!

5:33- Geno gets a shot at the side of the net, but it goes high and wide!

6:42- Bellemare Scores! The Pens overload their PP and it leaves them with only one defender, Letang. Couturier enters the offensive zone and makes a pass up to Bellemare who is in the slot area. Bellemare redirects the puck pass the glove of Flower. 2-1 Flyers.

6:56- The Flyers kill the Pens PP and hold the Pens to zero shots on that PP.

8:56- Sid draws a hooking penalty on Couturier and the Pens deadly PP comes onto the ice.

10:40- Giroux Scores! Streit slaps one from the point and the puck is redirect twice on its way to the goal. Giroux is the last one to touch redirect it and it ends up beating Flower. 1-1 tie game.

11:55- The Pens have a great shift in the Flyers zone and their passing is unreal. Emery is able to finally glove up the puck for a whistle.

16:10- SPALING SCORES! Ehrhoff keeps the puck alive on the boards to get it to the front of the net! The Pens have bodies in front and Spaling turns to fire on the blocker side of Emery into the net! His first in a Penguin uniform! 1-0 Pens!

16:17- The Flyers kill off the Pens PP.

18:17- The NHL's first ranked PP will come out as Vandevelde goes to the box for hooking.

18:42- The Pens come out flying! Sid snaps one that is gloved up by Emery!

20:00- It's a Hockey Night in Pittsburgh! The Pens have to crush the Flyers early and keep them down for the count! Lets Go Pens! 

Bounce Back Time!

By: MF, 

It's time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to bounce back after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars Thursday night. The Penguins took an early lead 2-0 over the Stars in the first period, but let the game slip away from them as the Stars scored with 2.9 seconds left in the game to get the win. It was the first loss of the season for the Penguins under the new coach Mike Johnston. Now we will see what kind of bounce back they have as they face the 4-0 New York Islanders at Consol Energy Center. A loss wasn't the only bad news for the Penguins as Pascal Dupuis went down during the game. Dupuis ended up being carried off the ice on a stretcher. It was a scary moment for the Penguins and fans alike. Dupuis did skate yesterday before practice and skated with the team today, which is great news! I speak for all Penguin fans when I say how happy I am to hear of Dupuis skating and having no severe injuries. Mike Johnston said that Dupuis would be a game time decision. Otherwise the lineup looks to be the same as previous games and I hope the Penguins will come out flying tonight against a hot Islanders team. The Penguins need to stay focus for the full 60 minutes of the game. Hopefully with the good news about Dupuis the Penguins can focus better. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Sutter, Geno
Comeau, Goc, Downie
Adams, Spaling, Sill

Defense
Maatta, Tanger
Ehrhoff, Martin
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 3 Islanders 1

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS COME OUT WITH THE WIN 3-1 OVER THE ISLANDERS! HANDING THE ISLANDERS THEIR FIRST LOSS! WAY TO BATTLE PENS! 

0:14- Maatta to the box. Islanders PP.

1:20- HORNQVIST SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER!!! Sid passes the puck up to Kuni who gives it to Hornqvist who is all alone in the offensive zone! He puts it in the empty net! 3-1 Pens!

1:45- Islanders have an empty net!

1:58- The Pens kill it!

3:00- The Pens are doing a good job in the neutral zone, keeping the Islanders from getting into the zone to set up.

3:58- Islanders PP still has a chance to capitalize tonight as Downie is headed back to the box this time for tripping.

4:32- Halak bobbles the puck in front of the net and Sutter goes for it, but can't get the puck! So close!

6:35- The Pens PK comes up big once again tonight!

7:35- Flower comes up with a save and Goc blocks a shot on a wide open net. The Pens were in desperation mode with the loose puck in the blue paint.

8:24- Despres is now getting some time in the box for high sticking. The Islanders will try to capitalize on the PP.

11:08- Geno is having an unreal game tonight! Flower comes up with a huge save to keep the Pens up in this one!

15:37- Downie comes in a nails Nielsen like a freight train! Downie and Hamonic go at it and Downie ends up bringing him down! DOWNIE TIME!

16:45- The Pens kill off another Islanders PP! PK working hard tonight.

18:45- The Islanders will go to work on the PP as Letang sits for hooking.

20:00- It's time for the Pens to wrap this game up with a win! This should be an interesting period since the second period ended on a friendly note! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to an end and they have the lead 2-1! The Pens PP is on fire tonight!

2:06- Geno makes a great defensive play to stop the Islanders from getting a breakaway! Both teams are back to full strength.

4:06- Letang now is in the box along with Conacher. 4 on 4 hockey.

5:16- HORNQVIST SCORES THE PP! Letang makes a cross ice pass to Geno. Hornqvist was in the blue paint screening Halak and tips Geno's shot right pass Halak! 2-1 Pens!

6:10- Now a regular Pens PP for 1:44.

6:11- GENO SCORES ON THE PP! The Pens move the puck well and they find Geno who has time! He whips one pass the blocker of Halak into the net! 1-1 tie game!

6:26- The Pens will now get a 5 on 3 PP for 1:22 as the Islanders get a too many men on the ice penalty.

7:04- Sid ends up drawing a penalty as he tries to split the Islanders defense. Conacher will head off for hooking.

8:29- Islanders PP comes to an end. The Pens PK gives a boost to the Pens and the crowd at Consol Energy Center!

10:29- It seems the Pens will have to bring out their PK unit again as Sid is found guilty of hooking.

11:16- The Pens come up with a huge kill and are back to full strength.

11:39- Stome trips up Downie and will go to the box, but so will Downie (embellishment). Islanders still have PP.

11:49- Downie is released from the box. The Islanders have a regular PP now for another 32 seconds.

13:16- Martin will now join Downie for tripping. The Islanders get a 5 on 3 PP for 1:26.

13:50- Now it's time for the Islanders to get their first PP opportunity as Downie is caught for high sticking.

13:58- Islanders kill off the Pens PP. The Pens had some good looks and shots, but had a case of too many passes. They needed to focus on crashing the net and not on perimeter passing.

15:58- The Pens are heading back onto the PP as Boychuk is sent to the sin bin for delay of game, he flipped the puck over the glass in the defensive zone.

18:28- Geno works his way around the Islanders zone with the puck bringing it out to the slot area. He fires one on net, but Halak puts down the pads to stop the puck.

20:00- Second period is underway! The Pens need to keep throwing pucks on net and not let up on Halak! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- The first period ends and the Islanders have the lead 1-0. The Pens had some great chances, but haven't been able to put one pass Halak...yet.

0:14- Despres backhands one to Hornqvist on the doorstep, but his shot goes off the post and Halak covers.

1:55- Both teams have their defense jumping up in offensive plays. The Pens have to stay on their heels even when attacking.

4:13- Geno has the puck at the side of the net and puts the puck into the blue paint, but the Halak covers it.

5:44- The Islanders are playing a very good game and Halak is sharp in the net tonight. The Pens will have to get a dirty goal.

8:29- The Islanders are able to kill off the Pens PP. Great one touch passing and scoring chances. Hornqvist had a chance on the doorstep, but Halak denied him.

10:29- The Pens will bring out their #1 ranked PP unit to go against the #29th ranked PK! Cizikas sits for tripping.

11:02- Boychuk comes flying into the Pens zone getting a great shot at the side of the net. Flower is able to get over and make the save!

14:14- Hickey Scores! Hickey sneaks in up high on an Islanders break in play. Hickey recieves the puck and wrist one pass Flower. The first time the Pens have allowed the game's first goal. 1-0 Islanders

15:34- Flower stretches his toe out to make an amazing pad save on Okposo! Flower shutting them down.

16:00- Sid makes an unreal pass while being covered to Hornqvist who rips a shot on net. Halak makes the save.

17:17- Both teams have come out with speed. Fast pace to start this game.

20:00- The puck has been dropped in Pittsburgh! Dupuis is in the lineup! Lets give the Islanders their first taste of losing this season! Lets Go Pens!  

Time to Light Up the Stars in Pittsburgh!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off a long break to start the season and will face the Dallas Stars at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins have had a great start to the season under their new head coach Mike Johnston with a 2-0 record. Their PP is coming in at 44.4% and looks like it will continue to go up. The Penguins have been known to have a sluggish start to their game after a long game, but tonight could be different. It will interesting to see how the Penguins come out to start this game after having such a long break. The last ten games against the Dallas Stars have been in the Penguins favor with a 8-2 record. The Penguins have been having good practices and things seem to be going well. The only players that were missing from practice have been Robert Bortuzzo and Beau Bennett (lower body injuries). The new players are falling into their roles with little effort and the team seems to be clicking. I hope the Penguins can keep the momentum rolling in their favor and we will have no trouble getting to the playoffs this season. However we will just look to get a victory against Dallas to start and take it one game at a time. No need for any of us to get ahead of ourselves. The Penguins may have had a great start, but it's about keeping up the work and not letting anything get in their way. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Sutter, Geno
Comeau, Goc, Downie
Adams, Spaling, Sill

Defense
Maatta, Tanger
Ehrhoff, Martin
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 2 STARS 3

3rd Period
0:00- The Stars come back to win 3-2 over the Pens. The first loss for the Pens this season and a tough loss.

0:02- Seguin Scores on the PP! Seguin whips one from the side of the net right pass Flower. 3-2 Stars

0:09- Sid is called for tripping on Benn with nine seconds left.

2:57- Benn Scores! The Stars come at the Pens with huge emotion and put the Pens on their heels. Flower gets tied up with Ehrhoff and Benn is left alone to put it into the net. Horrible sequence by the Pens after the waved off goal. 2-2 tie game.

3:33- Flower makes a huge save on Seguin who goes flying into the Flower. Flower can't get back up as Spezza puts one in the wide open net. However the ref waves off the goal for goalie interference.

4:53- The Pens call a timeout.

6:23- Flower has stopped 22 of 23 shots so far tonight.

8:26- The Pens have gotten back some of their speed after killing off a huge Stars PP chance.

10:03- The Pens kill off the PP. They did a great job of keeping the Stars from entering the zone and breaking up their set up.

12:03- The Stars get a PP at a critical moment as Geno is found guilty of holding.

13:00- Sid gets a wrap around chance, but Lehtonen makes the save.

13:30- Geno has had a great all around game tonight. His defensive efforts have been fantastic.

16:59- The Pens come out a bit sluggish to start the third period, but Flower has made the necessary saves to keep the Pens up by one.

20:00- It's time for the Pens to wrap this game up with a win over the Stars! Lets finish the Stars off Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens still have the lead 2-1 over the Stars! Thoughts and prays are with Dupuis right now.

3:11- Kuni, Hornqivst, and Sid get a 3 on 1 chance, but Lehtonen makes the save. They passed the puck one too many times on that play.

6:58- Duper goes down after a cross-check and a puck hit him in the back of the neck. He is being helped by the trainers/doctors and looks to be in serious pain. Duper is taken off on a stretcher. He raises his thumb to the crowd.

9:48- Geno strips the puck and puts it in the slot area with Lehtonen caught behind the net. Duper tries to fling one in, but the Stars come up with a huge defensive play.

11:50- The Stars have seem to found their game and giving the Pens trouble. The Stars are getting some good rushes and chances in the Pens zone.

13:52- Roussel Scores! The Pens have a sloppy shift and Roussel is able to take advantage. He puts one pass Flower and the Stars put one on the board. 2-1 Pens.

15:18- Letang comes flying up the win into the Stars zone, but his shot is block. He gets his own rebound and forces Lehtonen to make a pad save!

16:06- The Pens have start this period with some speed and this period has less whistle stoppages then the first. Lets see if that continues.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens need to keep up the hard work and not let the Stars gain any momentum! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period comes to an end with a 2-0 lead over the Stars! The Pens PP is clicking tonight and they are not letting up!

0:15- The Stars kill off the Pens PP.

1:30- The Pens PP is just bombarding the Stars net on the PP!

2:15- The Stars haven't learned their lesson as Spezza is sent off for tripping. The Pens to the PP.

3:44- Spezza makes a sneaky toe drag shot, but Flower isn't fooled as he makes the pad save!

5:34- Stars PP is killed off by the Pens. The Pens PK seems to be stepping it up.

5:38- Flower makes a great save on Goligoski's shot!

7:03-  Stars now with a PP for 1:27.

7:34- Hornqvist takes a seat for tripping and that means 4 on 4 hockey for 31 seconds.

9:03- The Stars are in trouble once again as Roussel is sent off to the sin bin for high sticking. The Pens bring out their lethal PP as they are 2 for 2 tonight.

12:14- KUNI SCORES ON THE PP!! Tanger blasts one from the blue line, but Lehtonen makes the pad save! Lehtonen gives up a juicy rebound and Kuni slams it to the back on the net! 2-0 Pens!

13:02- Despres is set free and the Pens are now on the PP!

13:10- Fiddler is found guilty of hooking and now we will have 4 on 4 hockey for eight seconds. After that the Pens will have a PP.

15:02- Despres is called for interference on Cole and the Stars will bring out their PP unit. The Pens PK is ranked 30th in the league.

17:32- SID SCORES ON THE PP! Sid tries to make a pass to Kuni at the side of the net, but a Star gets a piece of the puck! It ends up deflecting pass Lehtonen! 1-0 Pens!

18:31- Sid breaks between the Stars defense with speed and hits the crossbar. Dillon trips up Sid on the play and will take a seat in the sin bin. The Pens get a PP chance.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol Energy Center! The Pens take on the Stars! The Pens need to come out with speed and take over this game early! Lets Go Pens! 

The Start of Something New!

By: MF

It's finally here! The start of the Pittsburgh Penguins 2014-15 hockey season! It has been a long summer with many changes and new faces coming to the Penguins. We have a new General Manager, Head Coach, new trades, new players. This hasn't been an easy summer for Penguin fans as we have been unsure about the future of the Penguins. Penguin fans have seen many old faces leave the team and it has made the team look strange. It has taken some getting use to and will continue to be through the beginning of the season. Hopefully the Penguins new foundation is a solid one, which will continue onto a Stanley Cup. However we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves...I am just glad to have Penguins hockey back! Some small updates before the game, Evgeni Malkin will be in the lineup tonight after missing all of training camp due to an undisclosed injury. He will skate on Brandon Sutter's line on the right wing with Pascal Dupuis (who hasn't played since December 23rd, 2013) on the left. Also Olli Maatta will be in the lineup after having shoulder surgery in May. Lets start out this new season with a dominating win!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kuni, Sid, Hornqvist
Duper, Sutter, Geno
Comeau, Goc, Downie
Sill, Spaling, Adams

Defense
Ehrhoff, Tanger
Maatta, Martin
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the cage!

Play By Play
PENS 6 Ducks 4

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS WIN 6-4 OVER THE DUCKS! WAY TO GO BOYS! GREAT WAY TO START THE SEASON THIS YEAR! KEEP IT UP BOYS! 

1:42- The Pens will now get a chance at the PP as Etem heads to the sin bin for goalie interference.

3:13- Perry scores a hat trick on the PP. Perry gets enough of the puck in the slot to put it up into the net passed a screened Flower. 6-4 Pens

3:44- Geno heads off to the box for hooking and Ducks to the PP.

4:43- Sid and his line are fighting for another goal! Great shift by Sid's line!

5:10- Sill and Stoner drop the gloves for the first fight of the season! Great fight!

8:26- Flower stands his ground against Thompson in front of the net! Amazing!

9:07- The Ducks PP comes to an end and the Pens still leads 6-3!

11:07- Comeau comes to Tanger's rescue as Kesler laid out Tanger. Ducks to PP, but worth it!

14:22- The Pens are still playing a strong game even with have a three goal lead over the Ducks.

17:41- The Pens with a very successful penalty kill!

18:58- SUTTER SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL!!!!! Duper has the puck and looks like he will take it into the offensive zone, but passes it off to Sutter! Sutter doesn't miss! Pens now up 6-3!

19:41- Kesler draws a hooking penalty on Geno and the Pens go down a man.

20:00- The third period is underway! Time for the Pens to finish this game up with a win against the Ducks! Don't let up on them! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens have the lead 5-3 over the Ducks!

1:32- COMEAU SCORES!!!!! Maatta puts the puck right in the wheel house for Comeau at the side of the net! Comeau rings one off the post into the net! 5-3 Pens!

2:26- SID SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT ON THE PP!!!! The Pens have three players breaking to the net with Sid holding the puck! Sid decides to wrist one right under the blocker of Gibson! 4-3 Pens retake the lead!

3:36- Despre draws a peanlty as Beleskey heads to timeout for high sticking. Pens PP time!

4:20- The penalty comes to an end and the Pens are back to full strength.

6:20- The Ducks will head right back onto the PP as Spaling is called for hooking. Looked liked he was tripped up, but I guess not.

7:43- Perry Scores on the PP! The Ducks make the Pens dizzy with one touch passes and no one picks up Perry in the slot. He puts his second of the night in the net. This game is tied up 3-3!

8:47- The Pens will find themselves down a man as they get a too many men on the ice penalty. Ducks to the PP.

8:46- Thompson gets a penalty shot chance and Flower shuts him down!

11:05- It looked like Duper had scored his second of the night, but the refs rule goalie interference due to Geno's skate hitting him.

12:08- Perry Scores! Tanger, Flower, and Ehrhoff communicate in the back. Flower comes out to play and has to get rid of the puck. Perry ends up with the puck in front of an empty net. 3-2 Pens

13:35- The Pens get some great chances and Hornqvist continues to go to the net. Great net front presence. The PP comes to an end.

15:35- Maatta pinches down and draws a interference penalty on Stoner. The Pens will get a PP chance.

16:21- Did anyone else hear Steiggy's comment on Bruce Boudreau? haha If you missed it..."Dairy Queen. Fan food, not fast food." Stieggy. Bruce comes on the screen and Stieggy says "speaking of fast food." hahaha

20:00- Time for the second period! The Pens need to keep up their speed and not give the Ducks any breathing room! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- The first period ends and the Pens have the lead 3-1 over the Ducks!

3:33- Downie shows his presence as he has some choice words for Kesler as he was yelling at the Pens bench.

5:38- Kesler Scores on the PP! Ehrhoff breaks his stick and Duper gives his to him. Kesler chooses to shoot Duper's way and puts it in. 3-1 Pens.

5:48- The Ducks now have a PP chance as Kuni takes a seat for cross checking.

6:46- DUPER SCORES!!! Just unreal passing play by the Pens once again! Geno goes to Maatta to Duper! Duper finishes things off! First goal in his first game back since December! 3-0 Pens!

7:47- Flower makes a huge save on a hard shot by Perry!

8:06- The PP comes to an end. The Pens had some good passing by their first unit.

10:06- The Pens will get a crack at their first PP of the new season. Getzlaf is sent off to the box for tripping.

12:38- SID SCORES!! The Pens execute a perfect breakout play! Maatta makes a no look pass up to Kuni at the blue line who dishes the puck off to a fast skating Sid! Sid keeps his speed to overtake Lovejoy and puts the puck right under the glove arm of Gibson! 2-0 Pens!

13:33- Flower makes a quick save on a slot shot by Kelser!

14:44- HORNQVIST SCORES! THE FIRST PENS GOAL OF THE 2014-15 SEASON! Sid tries to win a faceoff in the offensive zone and the Pens battle for the loose puck! Hornqvist gets a stick on it and catches Gibson off guard! The Pens have the lead 1-0!

16:43- This game has a lot of speed to it. The Pens are doing a good job of getting the Ducks to turnover the puck. The Pens need to keep this up.

19:02- The Pens come out with speed to start the game. Sid gets two great scoring chances on Gibson!

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol Energy Center and the Pens 2014-15 season has started! Hockey night in Pittsburgh! Lets Go Pens!