Time to End 2014 on a High Note!

By: MF, 

The Prudential Center will host the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins tonight! This will mark the last game of 2014 for the Penguins. With a team dealing with injuries and illness, the Penguins are always looking forward and wanting to improve. Though the Devils are dealing with their own issues with coaching, since they fired their head coach Peter DeBoer. This should prove for an interesting game. However, I do believe the Penguins should come out on top of this match-up.

Even with the misfortune the Penguins have faced, they are still putting up top numbers. Like the penalty kill with has a 88.5% success rate on the road. While in just the month of December, the penalty kill is tied for third in the National Hockey League (NHL) with an overall 91.7% success rate (killing 44 out of 48). Also, they are riding a 17 straight penalty kill streak. The Penguins are even ranked second in the NHL, behind the Chicago Blackhawks (+35), with a +26 goal differential. In addition to having a 2.17 goals against average (GAA) in the month of December, which makes them the seventh lowest in the NHL. The Penguins were shutout in their last game against the Washington Capitals (0-3), but the Penguins are 2-0 after being shut out. Hopefully that remains the case tonight.

The Penguins have been relying on call ups from Wilkes Barre-Scranton and they have been doing a great job. For example, Bobby Farnham is tied for the team lead among forwards for hits at 21, since his first game on December 13th. Aside from the hard work of the forwards and defender, the Penguins' goaltender is putting up career numbers. Marc-Andre Fleury has had an awesome December with a 6-1-2 record, a 2.00 GAA, .937 save percentage, and two shutouts. Fleury has been a wall in the net with only one regulation loss in December and has started in six straight games. He will be in the net tonight against the Devils, with a 7-4 record in his last 11 games versus them.

Injuries...illness...injuries...illness. This seems to be a never ending story for the Penguins. The list is growing after every game. The list includes: Steve Downie (mumps), Thomas Greiss (mumps), Paul Martin, Christian Ehrhoff, Olli Maatta, Craig Adams, Beau Bennett (mumps), Blake Comeau, Pascal Dupuis, Zach Sill, and Scott Wilson. A new addition was added after the last game, Patric Hornqvist, who will be out a few weeks for a lower body injury. The next one to come off that list is Bennett, who has been working with the team and may return on Wednesday. That injury/illness list is ridiculous!

Even with these injuries, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are ready to step up and lead the team through this tough time with some help from Fleury and Kris Letang. Malkin commented on Hornqvist's injury saying, "It’s a bad loss yesterday (losing) ‘Horny,’” He went on to talk about the Penguins tough spell, “Of course it’s a tough time right now, every game we lose a couple guys, but we still have a good team. ‘Flower’ (Marc-Andre Fleury) is playing very well and me, ‘Sid,’ ‘Kuni’ (Chris Kunitz) and ‘Tanger’ (Kris Letang), we just (need to) show how we can play.”

To counter the growing injury/illness list, the Penguins have recalled Dominik Uher and Brian Dumoulin. Uher will be taking the place of Bennett in tonight's game and seems to be excited to start tonight. Dumoulin has shown his skill and has stepped up for the Penguins. It's great to see how the deep the Penguins are, but their options are getting limited.

Tonight the Penguins are fired up and want to prove they can still get the job done. The two headed monster is ready to go and show everyone what they can do. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz, Crosby, Rust
Malkin, Sutter, Megna
Spaling, Goc, Farnham
Uher, Ebbett, Klinkhammer

Defense
Dumoulin, Letang
Scuderi, Bortuzzo
Despres, Pouliot

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Devils 3

3rd Period
0:00- The Pens fall to the Devils 3-1. They need to get themselves out of their funk and bounce back A.S.A.P. Horrible after a great opening period.

1:04- Pens get a too many men on the ice penalty.

1:51- Empty net for the Pens.

3:30- I just don't understand why the Pens always have trouble in New Jersey. Such a weird deal.

5:45- Zajac gets behind the Pens defense, but Fleury holds down the fort!

6:01- The two headed monster is on the ice.

8:53- Mark that down as a successful kill for the Pens.

10:53- Not the time to take a penalty. Despres heads to the box for slashing.

12:01- Jagr gets a breakaway and it's down to him and Fleury! Fleury shuts the door in Jagr's face!

12:13- The power play for the Pens comes to an end and it was a mess.

14:13- The Pens will now get a power play as Gomez gets an interference penalty. The need to score.

14:22- Henrique scores. Kunitz turns over the puck and the Devils crash the net. Fleury makes the saves, but Henrique puts in the loose puck. 3-1 Devils.

15:46- Fleury hugs the post to make a save on Larsson's bad angle shot.

17:49- Megna and Crosby come out flying in the third. They each get quality chances on net.

20:00- Third period is underway! The Pens have to play smart and tough! Put all the shots they can on net! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Time expires and the Devils lead the Pens 2-1.

1:20- Jagr scores. Jagr comes flying into the offensive zone. Scuderi and Despres back up and give him all the room in the world. He rips one home. 2-1 Devils.

1:25- Power play for the Pens comes to an end.

3:00- Bortuzzo was bleeding and went to the locker room to get looked at.

3:25- Here we go again! Tootoo jumps Bortuzzo and fists start flying. The Pens end up with a power play.

3:44- The Pens are passing up chances to shoot the puck. They need to be every puck they can on net.

4:49- This game is a good evenly matched game. The Pens defense though is doing a great job. While the Devils defense is extra safe when Crosby is on the ice, by backing way up.

8:44- Crosby has been strong on the puck and aggressive to make plays. He is shooting the puck more also. He is flying tonight.

11:37- Crosby's line gets some offensive zone time. Crosby gets the puck through traffic to the goal twice, from the blue line.

14:27- Zajac scores on the power play. The Devils pass the puck around for the majority of their power play. Zidlicky fires a shot from the blue line and Fleury makes the first save. Zajac gets to the loose puck first and puts it past Fleury. 1-1 tie game.

15:05- Now the Devils have a turn on the power play as Ebbett is called for boarding. The Pens bring out their top notched penalty killers.

16:34- Ruutu rings one off the goal post! Fleury gives the post some love.

16:35- Ring the bell! Bortuzzo and Tootoo go at it! An up and down fight...Bortuzzo held his own.

17:34- Fleury has held down the fort and looks to be in a rhythm.

20:00- The second period is underway! The Pens need to keep up the hard work! They need to make sure to pepper the net with shots! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens lead this game 1-0 over the Devils!

0:22- Malkin makes a beautiful spin-o-rama pass! Schneider holding this game at one.

0:58- Schneider is earning his paycheck right now!

1:26- Kunitz is robbed by Schneider in front!

3:55- Pens are working hard during this game. Dumping the puck and battle on the boards. They have more jump in their step and look like things are just finally clicking.

5:23- CROSBY SCORES! Crosby undresses Greene once again, with an inside out move! He rips a backhander, on the short side, top shelf, past Schneider! 1-0 Pens!

8:09- Devils get some offensive zone pressure, but Fleury covers for the whistle. Solid to start this game for the netminder.

9:55- Malkin stick handles in a phone booth to outlet a pass to Crosby. Crosby's backhanded is stopped by Schneider.

10:47- Fleury comes up huge once again. Zidlicky fires a shot from the point and through traffic. Fleury is able to track the puck and makes a second save, as Jagr tries to jam home the loose puck.

13:19- Despres catches the Devils during a change and gets a lane down the wing. He snaps a shot on net, but Schneider makes the save.

16:10- That is all she wrote for the power play as the Pens register zero shots.

18:10- Power play for the Pens as Farnham draws a high sticking call on Gelinas.

19:30- The Pens start the game with some speed and look good. Crosby turns Greene inside out to get a chance.

20:00- The puck has been dropped and this game is on! Time for the Pens to bounce back with a dominating win! Lets Go Pens! 

Ding! Ding! Round Two!

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in the Sunshine State to face-off against the Florida Panthers. However, the last meeting between the two teams (Saturday) wasn't anything, but sunny. It was a nasty, fighting, and an unfriendly encounter in Pittsburgh. In which the Penguins came out victorious. Tonight the Penguins find themselves in enemy territory and it will be another hard fought game. The Panthers want revenge and they will come at the Penguins with everything they got.

Even with nasty games, the Penguins have battled through it all. With injuries plaguing them and mumps/illnesses running rampaged. This Penguin team has come out with a 5-0-2 record in their last seven games and showing the National Hockey League (NHL) how deep their lineup is. All this has been going on and they have the third lowest goals against average in the NHL at 219.

In addition, the Penguins individuals have stepped up their game. Like Nick Spaling who has six points (two goals and four assists) in his last six games. He also is a plus four and has had two multi-point games in that span. While Sidney Crosby recorded seven shots Saturday, against the Panthers, which is a season high for him. Not to mention, Derrick Pouliot scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in his first game (Saturday versus the Panthers).

On defense, Simon Despres has came into his own this season. On Saturday he racked up ten hits, which is the most for him in a game this season. He is now ranked second in the NHL with 109 hits, only ten hits behind the Washington Capitals Brooks Orpik.

Additionally, the Penguins are getting career high and season high numbers from Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Fleury is 10-1-2 in his last 13 games and in that span he has a 1.80 goals against average, .940 save percentage, and three shutouts. He leads the NHL with six shutouts, which is great news and Fleury deserves it all. During Saturdays game, Fleury notched 45 saves (a season high) and was only two away from tying his career high of 47 saves.

Now onto the morning skate and injury report. Everyone was presented for the morning skate, aside from injured players and Thomas Greiss, Steve Downie, and Brandon Sutter. As for Greiss, Downie, and Sutter traveled back to Pittsburgh to be tested for mumps. Once the results are known the Penguins will give everyone an update. Mike Johnston told the media that he would dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen. He will end up double shifting Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the fourth line. Also he stated that Kris Letang and Rob Scuderi would not be playing up front. In addition, Jeff Zatkoff was called up from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins.

The Penguins will have to do without the services of a few key players and a top enforcer. They have proven in the past, they are capable of getting the job done. They will have to play a smart game and stay disciplined. It's game time in the Sunshine State! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Crosby, Hornqvist
Spaling, Malkin, Comeau
Farnham, Goc, Rust
Klinkhammer, Chorney, Ebbett

Defense
Harrington, Letang
Dumoulin, Despres
Scuderi, Pouliot

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 PANTHERS 4 SO

Shootout
Barkov scores with his long reach. The Panthers get the 4-3 shootout win. The Pens battled back and at least ended up with a point after all that. Tampa is tomorrow.

Despres is poke checked.

Fleury denies the five hole!

Pouliot is stopped.

Jokinen shoots wide!

Hornqvist is stopped.

Fleury with the poke check!

Kunitz is robbed by the glove!

Panthers miss the goal!

Letang is stopped!

Fleury with the stop!

Crosby is stopped

Fleury denies Pirri!

Malkin's shot is saved by Luongo.


Overtime
0:00- Shootout here we come!

0:45- Letang is on a mission!

2:13- Letang hits the goal post!

2:58- The Pens call a timeout.

3:35- Despres working hard behind the net to get the puck and start a play up the ice.

4:27- Two huge saves by Fleury!

5:00- Let the overtime begin! Take it to them Pens! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to overtime!

1:08- Panthers sail a shot wide.

3:10- MALKIN SCORES!!! Malkin brings the puck to the front and Luongo makes the save! Malkin goes down, but doesn't give up! He jams the puck home! 3-3 tie game!

3:31- The Pens are down to ten forwards as Comeau is still out.

4:36- Malkin puts the puck on Crosby's stick! Luongo robs Crosby!

4:52- SPALING SCORES ON THE PP!! Pouliot rifles a shot from the point and it's redirect by Spaling, stationed in front! The Pens pull within one! 3-2 Panthers.

6:47- Huge power play chance as MacKenzie is headed to the box for slashing.

10:36- That is all she wrote for the Pens power play. Comeau headed down to the runway to the locker room.

12:36- Comeau draws a hooking penalty and the Pens will get a power play chance.

15:03- Hayes scores. Fleury makes the first save and tries to freeze the puck. Hayes finds the loose puck and puts it in. Panthers up 3-1

16:10- Crosby camps at the side of the net and sings at the puck, but just misses it. Great chance, but he just missed it.

17:09- Now the Panthers have jump in their step.

19:38- Hayes scores. Hayes fires a shot from the half circle, which bounces off the ice, Fleury's blocker, and somehow bounces over the pad of Fleury into the net. Puck had eyes on that one. 2-1 Panthers.

19:50- Farnham is back on the ice.

20:00- Third period is underway! Time for the Pens to come out with speed and fire! Just unleash on the Panthers! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and this game is all tied up at one.

0:36- Jokinen scores. Fleury is without his goalie stick and Jokinen is able to sneak a shot past him. This game is tied up at one.

0:40- The penalty kill is successful.

2:40- Despres is called for slashing and the Panthers to a power play opportunity.

3:13- Farnham is crushed by Bergenheim into the boards. He does down and the trainers come out. He skates off, but goes to the locker room. It was a late hit, for sure.

3:32- Luongo comes out to of his net and Franham comes crashing around him into the back of the boards. Close one.

5:09- Panthers ice the puck and end up calling a timeout.

6:12- Fleury has been a fort in the net for the Pens. The Panthers have 19 shots and the Flower has stopped all 19.

8:32- That power play comes to an end. It had some good looks and puck movement was A+.

10:32- Time for a Pens power play chance as Ekblad goes to the box for high sticking.

11:21- Kunitz rings one off the goal post!

14:47- Successful penalty kill number two for the Pens. Fleury standing strong in the net.

16:47- Well the Panthers will head right back onto the power play. Comeau takes his own interference penalty.

16:34- Mark that down as a successful penalty kill for the Pens!

17:37- Gubranson fires a shot from the blue line and it rings off the crossbar into the netting.

18:12- Fleury made an unreal save on the penalty kill. I couldn't see the puck due to the amount of players crashing the net.

19:34- Now the Panthers will get a crack at the power play. Malkin is called for tripping.

20:00- The second period is here! The Pens need to put shots on net and take it to the Panthers! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

1:34- Crosby comes flying down the wing, on  the rush. He fires a wrist shot, but just shoots wide of the net. Luongo may of gotten a piece with his glove.

2:28- This game has lost the speed from the start. More whistles and faceoffs have slowed the game down.

4:15- There haven't been any altercations after the whistle, which is a major difference from last game, but there has been huge hits by both teams and words exchanged.

7:59- The power play for the Pens has come to an end. Panthers notched a successful penalty kill.

8:15- The Pens puck movement is a on a whole other level. I am more for shooting the puck, but talk about dominating puck possession.

9:58- Oslen goes to the box for the Panthers for interference. The Pens will get the first power play of the game.

10:39- Seven shots for the Panthers and Fleury has been sharp to start. Fleury freezes the puck and a scrum ensues. The refs are quick to break it up!

13:16- Fleury comes out with a two huge pad saves as the puck in loose in front.

15:14- HORNQVIST SCORES! The Pens set up in the Panthers zone and Despres slaps a shot from the point! Hornqvist redirects across his body and has a man right on him! He puts it past Luongo! 1-0 Pens!

15:52-Definite carry over from last game as the hits are coming. No love loss between these two teams.

17:30- The Pens have come out flying against the Panthers. Great start!

20:00- Time to battle the Florida Panthers in the Sunshine State! The Pens have to play a smart game and take it to the Panthers early! Lets Go Pens! 

Avalanche in Pittsburgh!

By: MF, 

The Colorado Avalanche are in Pittsburgh tonight, at Consol Energy Center, to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins! The Penguins have won five of the last six games against the Avalanche. In that span the Penguins have outscored them by a 20-10 margin.

Also, the Penguins this season have a record of 19-2-1, when they hold their opponents to three or fewer goals. Not to mention their lethal power play, which has given them a record of 13-1 when the power play scores.

In addition, the Penguins are getting contributions from everyone in the lineup, even with the injuries that have pulled the team down. Steve Downie has stepped up on the scoring sheet, not just in penalty minutes. In his last four games, he has two goals, three assists (five points), and 33 penalty minutes. This has put him as one of five players in the National Hockey League (NHL) with 15 points and 50 penalty minutes this season. When it comes to the Avalanche, he has 21 points (three goals and 18 assists) in 33 games from 2012-13. Brandon Sutter has been setting his game to a whole new level. Sutter has accounted for five short handed goals of the Penguins nine total short handed goals. All those shorthanded goals, for Sutter, have come at Consol. Lets not forget, Evgeni Malkin, who has nine points (three goals and six assists) in six games versus the Avalanche. In those games, Malkin has recorded multiple point games in three of those six games.

While on defense, Kris Letang is number 1 among Eastern Conference Defensemen in the month of December! His numbers are top in the league and he has been a major piece on the Penguins defense. Coming off an injury and playing the game like he never missed a beat. However, the rest of the defense isn't lacking, even the new guys.

Some milestones were reached Tuesday during the Lightning game. Brian Dumoulin and Bryan Rust, both scored their first NHL goals! This hasn't happened for the Penguins since October 12, 2006, when Kris Letang and Jordan Staal achieved this same milestone in the same game.

As for the morning practice, Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz joined the team. Crosby skated in line rushes and looked well. Marc-Andre Fleury was also on the ice for the practice. Scott Harrington will replace Dumoulin in the lineup tonight, as he makes his NHL debut.

On the injury front, Fleury's mumps test came back negative and he will play tonight. While Thomas Greiss, Olli Maatta, and Robert Bortuzzo's tests are still pending. Kunitz will not play tonight, but will have a full team practice tomorrow. It will be a major step for him to get back in the lineup.

GREAT NEWS! Sidney Crosby skated in the warm-ups and will PLAY TONIGHT! The Penguins are in their 'Pittsburgh Gold' tonight! With Fleury in the net and Crosby returning, the Penguins are on their road to recovery (from injuries). Time to show the Avalanche who the boss is in Pittsburgh! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Crosby, Hornqvist
Malkin, Sutter, Comeau
Klinkhammer, Goc, Downie
Farnham, Adams, Rust

Defense
Martin, Letang
Harrington, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 1 Avalanche 0 OT

Overtime
2:36- PENS WIN 1-0! FLEURY WAS AMAZING IN THE NET! COMEAU STEPPED UP HIS GAME TO GIVE THE PENS THE WIN! HARD WORKING GAME FOR THE PENS AND A WELL DESERVED WIN! FLEURY EARNS HIS 6TH SHUTOUT THIS SEASON! 

2:36- COMEAU SCORES! Scuderi fires from the blue line and Comeau tips in the rebound! 1-0 Pens

2:55- Comeau does a new style of hockey meets Nascar, as Comeau goes around the offensive zone twice!

4:17- Sutter tries a wrap around shot and almost finds the back of the net!

4:25- Malkin breaks into the zone. He pulls the puck back, Pickard with the save, Malkin dives for the rebound.

5:00- Regulation wasn't enough and it's time to start this overtime! Come on Pens, break Pickard! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to overtime!

0:33- Hornqvist is back on the ice.

1:00- This game is: the shot is saved, the shot is blocked, the shot is turned away...so on.

2:30- Hornqvist takes a hard shot off the front of his skate. He goes down and practically crawls to the bench. He is in some pain on the bench.

3:39- Malkin's shot on the rush is turned away by Pickard. Make that 43 shots on net for the Pens, which is a season high.

7:13- Letang enters the zone and passes up to Hornqvist! His backhanded chance is denied by Pickard!

9:16- Fleury holds strong in front as he stops Mackinnon's backhander in front.

9:50- Good pressure by the Pens and they have a lot of shots on net. Pickard standing tall for the Avalanche.

10:47- Loose puck right in front of the Avalanche net. Malkin just chips the puck over the goal!

12:49- Great shift by Malkin! He was all over the offensive zone...puck handling like no other.

14:17- Scuderi blocks a shot and wobbles a bit.

17:12- Crosby takes a lofting pass to get a breakaway! Pickard commits highway robbery with the flash of his glove. That is to say, Crosby did shoot the puck on edge.

17:24- Fleury makes a save look easy. The Pens are doing a great job of boxing out the Avalanche, so Fleury can see all the pucks.

17:50- Crosby tries a wrap around shot, but Pickard gets there. Crosby evens get a crack at his own rebound.

18:07- Harrington fires a hard shot from the point, but Pickard is able to make the pad save through traffic.

19:09- Ehrhoff is not on the bench to start this period. He went off sometime during the second. Update from the Pens to come after the game.

20:00- Final period of regulation hockey is on! Time to put some pucks behind Pickard! Do it Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and this game is still scoreless!

1:58- We are witnessing a battle of the goalies right now! Who will give first?

2:44- Scuderi gets a great chance, but his shot finds the pad of Pickard!

3:58- The Pens get a rush up the ice. Crosby (with eyes in the back of his head) makes a beautiful backward pass to Hornqvist! His shot goes off the goal post!

4:47- Letang is having a rough night of hits and blocking shots. He blocks another hard shot and hobbles to the bench.

7:18- DING! DING! Farnham and McLeod drop them with no love loss between them!

8:30- Talbot with a quick save, but Fleury is ready to make the pad save!

10:14- Fleury makes two solid saves with the Avalanche on the rush.

10:52- Despres shot is stopped by Pickard. The puck is loose in the blue paint and everyone crashes the net! The puck stayed out...somehow.

11:11- Another great shift for the 4th line! Franham with two awesome shots, but Pickard holds strong.

11:53- The Pens power play comes to an end. The first unit had some great passing going on.

13:53- Everberg launches Letang into the boards from behind. He is shaken up on the play and Klinkhammer gets in Everberg's face after the play. The Pens get a power play and Letang is on the ice for it.

15:24- Comeau with a nice, bad angle, backhanded shot. Pickard comes up with the save.

16:41- The Pens ice the puck.

18:35- Fleury flashes the pad to make a quick save.

19:04- Hornqvist with a huge chance! Crosby outlets a pass to Hornqvist, but Pickard makes the save.

20:00- Now it's time for the second period! The Pens need to keep battling for the puck and put more pressure on the Avalanche! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- That is the end of the first period and this game is scoreless.

1:36- Fast pace period with little whistle stoppages. Crosby looks good to start, but time will tell as fatigue kicks in.

3:27- Fleury keeps shutting down the Avalanche. Solid period for the Flower.

6:19- Comeau and Downie get behind the Avalanche defense. Comeau decides to pass the puck to Downie, who is knocked off the puck in the process. That is a play where you be selfish and shoot the puck.

6:21- That is all she wrote for the Pens first power play of the game. Nothing generated on that power play.

8:21- Malkin draws a tripping penalty on Stuart. Now it's time for the Penguins power play!

8:25- Fleury with a huge save on Iginla.

8:59- Fast pace game and barely any whistles. Fast skating and moving game.

9:58- The Pens gets some amazing chances on net. Pickard makes the saves and the Avalanche defense boxes out when they can.

12:53- Another successful kill for the Pens penalty kill units. Tons of blocked shots for the Pens defensemen and Fleury shutting down the door early.

14:53- Now Downie will head to the box after laying Landeskog out. He is called for elbowing and the Pens bring out their penalty kill once again.

15:44- Mark that down as a successful penalty kill. The Avalanche registered zero shots on the power play.

17:44- The Avalanche's 26th ranked power play will get a chance, as Despres is sent to the box for interference.

17:50- Rust with a nice shot from the blue line, but it's turned wide by Pickard.

18:17- Avalanche get a early chance to start. Fleury blocks a up high puck away from the net. Odd turn on events in the Pens zone there.

20:00- The puck has dropped in Pittsburgh! Welcome back to Crosby! Congrats to Harrington on his NHL debut! Lets Go Pens! 

Let the Streak Continue!

By: MF, 

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins are dealing with some injuries and misfortune, but are continuing to move forward and win some hockey games. It hasn't been a smooth road for them lately, but hopefully they can endure, for now, until those on the injury list come back into the lineup.

Even with the injury woes in the past seasons and currently, the Penguins have good numbers against the Lightning. They have won nine straight games, which is the longest winning streak in the history of the series for both teams. The last loss to the Lightning came on November 17, 2011 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Also, the Penguins have won seven consecutive home games that is the second longest active home winning streak. Only their home winning streak against the Winnipeg Jets at 13. The overall record, dating back to January 5, 2011, between both teams is 10-2 in favor of the Penguins.

In addition to the team record, the Penguins are putting up great individual numbers, as always. The top three point-per-game leaders since 2010-11 are Sidney Crosby (1.45), Evgeni Malkin (1.21), and for the Lightning Steven Stamkos (1.14). Even without the services of Crosby, the Penguins are not lacking in talent (when they work hard during games). Not to mention, Malkin has 21 points (12 goals and nine assists) during his eight game point streak verses the Lightning, which dates back to January 15, 2012.

Other milestones for Penguin players include, Craig Adams recorded his 18th career shorthanded point (seven goals and 11 assists), during their Saturday game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is the most among all active Penguin players. While on defense, Kris Letang has points in five straight games (four goals and four assists), with nine total points. Letang also recorded his 5th career two goal game during Saturday's game and his third career shorthanded goal. Then there is the Penguins netminder, Marc-Andre Fleury won has won six consecutive games versus the Lighting, which dates back to January 15, 2012.

Switching gears to the Penguins morning skate today, only Robert Bortuzzo was missing. The injured players were also absent, which included Beau Bennett, Scott Wilson, Olli Maatta, and Zack Sill. Chris Kunitz didn't skate with the team, but did skate before practice with the strength and conditioning coach.

Other news on the injury front, Bortuzzo left Saturday's game with an upper-body injury and he is day-to-day. While Kuniz is progressing and could join practice later this week. Scott Harrington will not play tonight, but could possibly play sometime this week.

As for the mumps situation, Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford said, Crosby was over his infectious period and could of returned today, but they decide to have him not return to be cautious. Sadly, Beau Bennett has presented some symptoms and his test results will be back tomorrow.

Hopefully, the Penguins can endure the misfortune with injuries and illnesses. They will have to stay focused and play a smart game of hockey. They will have to battle and work hard, as much of their talent is not available. However if history proves anything, it's that the Penguins know how to keep battling and winning when injuries plague them. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Klinkhammer, Malkin, Comeau
Spaling, Sutter, Hornqvist
Farnharm, Goc, Downie
Adams, Ebbett, Rust

Defense
Martin, Letang
Dumoulin, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 4 Lightning 2

3rd Period
0:00- PENS BEAT THE LIGHTNING 4-2! FLEURY WAS SOLID ONCE AGAIN AND KEPT THE PENS IN IT! THE PENS FIND A WAY TO GET THE WIN WITH AN INJURY PLAGUED ROSTER! MAKE THAT 10 IN A ROW VS THE LIGHTING! 

1:26- Pens ice the puck and call a timeout to rest tired players.

2:52- Lightning have an empty net.

3:04- Kucherov scores. Comeau's shot goes off Letang's skate, which leads to a breakaway chance. Kucherov goes five hole. Lightning cut the Pens lead in half. 4-2 Pens.

5:25- That is all for the Pens power play.

7:33- Power play chance for Pens as J.T. Brown goes to the box for roughing.

8:55- After blocking a shot Spaling heads to the locker room with a trainer.

9:04- Fleury making some huge saves as the Lightning got a few chances on net.

10:43- Fleury is the reason the Pens are able to take such a lead. He has been a wall for them and keeping the Lightning at bay.

12:08- DUMOULIN SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL!!!! Dumoulin fires a rocket shot from the point, through traffic! It blows past Nabokov! 4-1 Pens!  

13:47- Rust and Makin crash the net and scramble ensues as the loose puck in in the blue paint! The puck somehow stays out of the net!

17:01- Malkin, in the high slot, rips a wrist shot goes over the net!

20:00- Third period is now underway! The Pens need to keep coming at the Lightning and not lay back! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- That is it after two periods and the Pens have the 3-1 lead over the Lightning!

0:33- DOWNIE SCORES A POWER PLAY GOAL!!! Malkin passes up to Hornqvist, at the side of the net! Hornqvist's shot bounces up after going off of Nabokov! Downie is there to put in the loose puck! 3-1 Pens!

1:43- Callahan to the box for holding and a power play is coming to the Pens.

3:40- The Lightning ring a shot off the post, but the Pens are able to clear the loose puck.

5:44- Downie with a nice check on Barberio to start the Pens forecheck!

7:08- Mark that down as a successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury shut the door on Filppula on a huge scoring chance. Fleury has been brilliant.

9:08- Time for some Pens penalty kill time as Comeau is called for high sticking (only two minutes). The Lightning get their third power play chance.

10:09- Sutter comes flying down the wing and backhands a shot over the net!

15:23- Spaling is robbed by Nabokov! The Pens have some fire and speed to their game now. They need to keep it up.

17:00- RUST SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL!! The Lightning turn over the puck behind the net! Rust gets the puck in the slot and rifles one top shelf, over the glove of Nabokov! 2-1 Pens!

18:30- Fleury denies Killorn once again! This time with the outstretched pad!

19:55- Nabokov is in the net for the Lightning. Bishop is not on the bench either.

20:00- Lets see if the Pens come out with some fire and speed to start the second period! Time to out work and out battle the Lightning! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- That will end the first period and this game is all tied up 1-1.

0:26- Droulin Scores a Power Play Goal. As the Lightning crash the net, Fleury makes the first save on Johnson. However Droulin gets a piece of the rebound and it goes of Letang into the net. 1-1 tie game.

0:51- SUTTER SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! The Pens clear the puck and Sutter gets a chance! He goes flying down the ice to the Lightning zone! Then he rips one past Bishop! 1-0 Pens!

1:14- The Lightning get a power play now as Downie is called for tripping.

1:16- The Pens power play comes to an end. Goc gets a chance and was by far the best chance.

3:16- Another Pens power play as a hooking penalty is asset to the Lightning.

4:45- Despres blows a tire and the Lightning get a chance. However, Fleury has something to say about that! Killorn gets an amazing chance, but Fleury shuts the door in his face, once again!

6:53- That is it for the Pens PP, which registered no shots. It wasn't much of a power play as the Pens didn't even get a chance to set up.

8:53- Morrow jumps on Franham and they drop the gloves. About three seconds later they go down and the fight ends. The Pens end up with a power play as Morrow gets a double roughing minor.

9:01- 11 minutes into the game and Comeau gets the first shot for the Pens. It was a sneaky shot up high, which Bishop fought off with a shoulder save.

10:33- The Pens are turning over the puck way to much, when they are in the neutral zone. They need to dump the puck and battle on the boards.

12:36- Killorn has been deadly lately, so it's great to see Fleury deny him early on the power play no less. The Pens have to generate some offense as the Lightning are carrying the play to start this game.

14:13- Make that a great kill for the Pens. The Lightning had some great chances, but Fleury denied!

16:13- The Lightning will get the first power play of the game as Letang sits for high sticking on Johnson.

17:42- No shots yet, but the Lightning have some jump in their step to start this one.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens have to take it to the Tampa Bay Lightning and so them who is boss! Lets Go Pens!

Plant the Rangers in the Garden!

By: MF, 

Welcome to Madison Square Garden (MSG), where the Pittsburgh Penguins will take on the New York Rangers! They will be wearing the 'Pittsburgh Gold' third jerseys. The Penguins are coming off a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

When these two teams, the numbers seem to favor the Penguins. They have won 10 of their last 15 visits to MSG. The Penguins have won an all time 116 times against the Rangers, which is the most against any one team. In addition, four of the last seven meetings have gone to a shootout, which the Penguins have won three out of four.

Not to mention, the Penguins have also tallied the first goal in 19 games this season. This is the most in the National Hockey League (NHL). They have .791 road points percentage, the highest figure in the league.

Good things happen when Evgeni Malkin is on his game. The Penguins are 11-1 when he records a goal and Malkin has eight power play goals on the season, which is the best number in the NHL. In net, Marc-Andre Fleury picked up his first win in the yellow pads (Toronto game) since December 5, 2007. While on defense, Christian Ehrhoff has scored the game winning goal (GWG) in the last three games. This puts him in first, with 15 GWGs, among defenseman since the 2009-2010 season.

On the injury front, Olli Maatta didn't travel with the team. He stayed back in Pittsburgh to have an injury re-evaluated. While Patric Hornqvist is still out of the lineup and a full update will be given tomorrow. Kris Letang is moving along and even skated with the team today, but his timeline hasn't changed. Also, the same for Beau Bennett, who is progressing along his set out timeline.

The Penguins have to play a smart game and stay disciplined. Especially with the injuries piling up. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Sid, Hornqvist
Malkin, Sutter, Comeau
Klinkhammer, Goc, Megna
Sill, Ebbett , Adams

Defense
Dumoulin, Martin
Ehrhoff, Bortuzzo
Scuderi, Despres

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 Rangers 4 OT

Overtime
1:15- Klein scores. Klein fires from a long range with lots of traffic in front of Fleury. It may have been deflect. The Rangers get the overtime win 4-3 over the Pens. Hard loss for the Pens after working hard to get back in the game.

1:41- Martin waits for traffic to take a shot from the point. Lundqvist covers for the whistle.

2:33- Despres dives out to get a pass up to Crosby. It just goes a little to far up for Crosby.

3:06- Timeout for the Pens.

3:53- The Pens get a great chance on net and even made Lundqvist look to see where the puck was.

5:00- Time for some overtime, 4 on 4 hockey! Lets do this Pens! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- Regulation wasn't enough as we are headed to a overtime!

0:52- Time is whining down. This is a critical time.

2:09- The Pens defense is activating every chance they get.

4:19- DOWNIE SCORES!!! Spaling goes crashing for the net, which leaves Downie to pick up the bouncing puck! He throws the puck at the net and Lundqvist has no chance! 3-3 tie game!

4:43- MALKIN SCORES!! Sutter makes a falling shot on net, which Lundqvist saves! Sutter keeps up the play and gets the loose puck! He passes to Malkin in the slot! Malkin elevates the puck past Lundqvist! 3-2 Rangers

7:02- Hayes scores. Hayes comes flying in the Pens zone and gets space. Fleury makes the first save, but Hayes is able to get the rebound. He puts it in. 3-1 Rangers.

8:22- Crosby comes to the goal after turning a Ranger defender inside out. Lundqvist gets a piece of it with his glove.

9:15- The Pens pressure and crash the net. The puck ends up ringing one off the goal post. Sutter, Malkin, and Comeau had an amazing shift.

9:34- The Pens could really use a power play, but they haven't had many of those in the last few games.

11:12- Malkin sets up in the slot, but fires a hard shot wide of the net.

13:27- Malkin slaps a shot from the point, which Lundqvist gobbles up.

14:15- The Rangers are doing a good job of clogging up the neutral zone. The Pens will have to dump in the puck and win battles on the boards to get offensive zone time.

16:05- Sill battles to hold the puck and passes up to Adams in the slot. Adams gets a nice chance, but Lundqvist makes a solid save.

19:01- Comeau finds the puck behind the Rangers' net and outlets to an open Malkin. His shot is blocked by Boyle!

20:00- Now it's time for the third period! The Pens have to kill off five seconds of a Rangers power play! After that they need to pounce on the Rangers! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- That is it for the second period. The Rangers take the lead 2-1 over the Pens.

0:34- The Pens get a 3 on 2 short handed chance. Spaling makes a center drive, which opens up Bortuzzo on the right wing. However, Lundqvist was there to rob Bortuzzo!

1:55- Well now, Crosby will head to the box for interference. Rangers back to the power play.

2:51- Another successful penalty kill for the Pens! Really solid defensive play by the penalty killers and Fleury was fundamental in the net.

3:35- Sill fires a shorthanded chance, high over the goal!

4:51- Just as Crosby is unleashing the beast on a breakaway chance, Spaling is called for interference. The Rangers get another power play opportunity.

7:09- Great volume of shots on net and towards the net during that power play. The Pens are unable to score, but get some good looks on net anyways.

9:09- The Pens will finally get a power play chance as Hayes gets a delay of game penalty. This is a result of him covering the puck with his glove in his own defensive zone.

11:20- Nash scores. Dumoulin has a bouncing puck go through his legs, which gives Nash a breakaway chance. Fleury stretches out the pad to make the first save on Nash's shot, but Nash puts the second attempt in. 2-1 Rangers.

13:27- The Rangers have life in this game again. The Rangers end up crashing the net. Both teams scramble to find the loose puck, the Rangers find it first. However Fleury denies with a flash of the yellow pad!

16:10- J.T. Miller scores. Martin has his head down in the neutral zone and turns over the puck. Results in a 2 on 1. St.Louis passes up to J.T. Miller, who puts one in the net. 1-1 tie game.

18:41- Mark that down as a successful, double minor penalty kill for the Pens. Sill is released from the sin bin.

19:26- Goc gets a shorthanded breakaway chance, but he gets pressured from the left side. He still gets a decent shot off, but Lundqvist is ready with a pad save.

20:00- The second period is here! The Pens have to kill off Sill's double minor penalty for another 1:09 and then get back to pressuring Lundqvist! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:33- Sutter blocks a shot, which stung him, but he gets up to clear the puck down the ice.

1:52- Fleury makes a great pad save on McDonagh's shot, which was through traffic.

2:41- Sill gets a double minor, high sticking call in the offensive zone. The Rangers will get the first power play in the game and it will be a four minute one. Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens.

4:24- The Rangers get some pressure in the Pens' zone, but the defense does a good job of boxing them out. They clear the puck without giving up a shot to the Rangers.

7:25- SPALING SCORES! Downie chips the puck up to Crosby, who enters the zone and draws the defense to him! He puts the puck right on Spaling's stick! Spaling rips one past Lundqvist! 1-0 Pens!

9:12- Crosby and Malkin are flying in this game. Well played defensive plays by both teams during the first period.

10:23- The Pens will have to win the battles on the boards with the Rangers flying around on the ice. Shots are now 5-4 in favor of the Rangers.

13:53- Lundqvist is solid to start this game and the Rangers are flying. Shots are 3-2 in favor of the Pens.

17:11- Crosby puts a pass on a silver patter for Spaling, but Lundqvist robs him!

17:56- Megna comes flying into the offensive zone and is just ahead of the defense. He backhands one through the goal mouth.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Madison Square Garden! The Pens need to come out with speed and put the Rangers on their heels! Lets Go Pens! 

A Little Vancouver in Pittsburgh!

By: MF, 

The Vancouver Canucks are in Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins at Consol Energy Center tonight! The Penguins are coming off a tight, 1-0 win, against the New Jersey Devils, two nights ago. They came out with the win, but had to deal with some losses. Scott Wilson, who was making his National Hockey League (NHL) debut, was injured during the game and didn't return. He ended up having a lower body injury. The big hit of the night was on defense, which is already missing a key player in Kris Letang. Robert Bortuzzo laid a heavy hit on Jaromir Jagr during the second period of the game, which sent Jagr to the locker room. Yesterday, the NHL player disciplinary suspended Bortuzzo for two games for interference. Now they are down two defensemen, but at least Brain Dumoulin was called up from WBS yesterday.

Even with these misfortunes, the Penguins are rolling along. They are the only team in the NHL who have three players with at least 25 points: Sidney Crosby with 33, Evgeni Malkin with 30, and Patric Hornqvist with 25. The team is reaching new franchise records and milestone every game, it seems. Craig Adams will tie the longest games played streak in team history, at 313 games (including tonight). He ties Ron Schock with 313 games also.

In the net, milestone are being reached my the "Flower." Marc-Andre Fleury earned a shutout, two nights ago, against the Devils. This ties him with his career high, which he set in 2006-2007 and 2013-2014. Per Elias, Fleury has become the first goalie to record five shutouts in his first 19 starts, since Tim Thomas during the 2010-2011 season.

Thus, the Penguins have five shutouts through their first 24 games, which is the most in team history during that span. In addition, the Penguins are averaging 1 shutout every 4.8 games, which is only second behind the New York Rangers at 1 shutout every 4 games.

Now as for game day, the morning skate was optional. Those who skated were Spaling, Comeau, Ebbett, Downie, Sill, Goc, Megna, Maatta, Adams, Despres, Dumoulin, and Bortuzzo. Johnston said that Greiss would start in net, which is his first home start. Also, Letang's groin injury will take about two weeks.

As for how the Penguins fare against the Canucks, they have won four straight games against the Canucks. This dates back to November 17,2010. They have won 12 of the last 17 in Pittsburgh. The last three games versus the Canucks have gone to a shootout, with the Penguins winning all three.

Lets welcome the Canucks to Pittsburgh and show them what the City of Champions is all about! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens line up is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Sid, Hornqvist
Megna, Geno, Comeau
Ebbett, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Goc (welcome back), Adams

Defense
Dumoulin, Martin
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 0 Canucks 3

3rd Period
0:00- That will be it for this game and the Canucks dominate the Pens with a 3-0 win. The injuries became apparent in this contest. They will have to regroup and step it up next time.

1:01- The injuries to the Pens lineup are showing in this contest. They have to figure out something till those players can return.

1:58- Getting into the offensive zone is becoming a huge problem for the Pens, as the Canucks are hassling them in the neutral zone.

3:33- Time is becoming an enemy of the Pens.

4:10- The Cancuks have no problem killing off the Pens power play.

6:10- Edler hauls down Crosby and gets a holding penalty. The Pens get a power play opportunity.

6:44- Megna steps from behind the net to the front, but Lack is there to stop Megna's shot attempt.

8:46- Finally some offensive zone pressure by the Pens, but too much passing. They need to put pucks on net if they want to comeback in this game.

11:15- Greiss comes up with a big pad save.

11:56- Both teams are back to full strength.

13:56- Downie is in the box along with a Canuck when a scrum ensued, after Crosby's shot attempt. 4 on 4 hockey time.

13:57- Crosby gets behind the Canucks defense, but Lack robs him with two pad saves.

14:41- Good news as Despres is back on the Pens bench.

15:45- Despres heads down the runway. I am not sure if he has just an equipment issue or went to the locker room, but I will keep you updated.

16:02- The Canucks are able to get some great chances on net, as they pin the Pens in their own zone. The Pens end up icing the puck.

17:59- The Pens get physical and crash the net. Sutter is pushed into Lack, which sends the goaltender falling down and dislodging the net.

18:46- Crosby gets a shot on the doorstep of Lack, but his attempt is blocked.

19:57- Hornqvist is not out to start the third period.

20:00- The Pens only have 20 minutes to make this a game! Time to do something! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- FINALLY! The second period comes to an end with the Canucks extending their lead 3-0 over the Pens!

1:00- The Pens look like they have no fire in their eyes.

2:43- Lack holds the puck for a whistle. A shoving match ensues, but the refs break it up.

4:54- That will be it for the Pens power play.

6:06- Richardson scores a shorthanded goal. Greiss goes behind the net to play the puck. Hanson slashes Greiss's stick to make him cough up the puck. Hanson passes to Richardson and he puts it in the open net. 3-0 Canucks.

6:54- Pens power play time as the Canucks get a too many men on the ice penalty.

7:02- Comeau levels a Canuck at the blue line and shook the ice with his hit!

7:13- Hornqvist went to the locker room.

8:26- Mattias scores. Despres turns over the puck behind the net. Richardson finds Mattias, who finds the back of the net. Canucks extend their lead to 2-0.

8:32- Hornqvist is leveled by Stanton in the neutral zone and heads straight for the bench. No call on the hit.

12:55- Make that 2 for 2 on the penalty kill for the Pens.

14:55- Canucks with a power play chance as Downie heads to the box. He is found guilty of delay of game.

15:21- The Pens are having a hard time of exiting their own zone and controlling the puck. The Canucks are just pinning them in their own zone and outplaying them at this point.

17:48- Richardson rings a shot off the goal post. Way to close for comfort!

20:00- Time to get back to Pens hockey! Second period is underway and lets take the lead Pens! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- Greiss with two big saves right before the horn sounds. The first period comes to an end with the Canucks leading 1-0 over the Pens.

0:37- The Pens ice the puck as tie whines down.

3:58- Sid comes flying down the wing, but he is rushed. He lets go of a hard backhander, but Lack is ready to make the save.

4:17- Mark that as a successful penalty kill for the Pens.

4:46- Goc and Sutter get a shorthanded chance. Goc makes a beautiful saucer pass across the ice to Sutter. Lack denies Sutter's shot with the glove!

6:17- Comeau sends Tanev into the boards and is called for boarding. It was the right call as Tanev was in a vulnerable position. The Pens bring out the penalty kill unit.

6:24- The Pens power play is killed off by the Canucks.

7:10- Sid had a wide open net, but his shot went wide of the net. His shot came off a rolling puck.

8:24- Edler heads to the box for slashing and gives the Pens the first power play of the game. Edler slashed Malkin so hard, it broke his own stick.

8:54- Malkin lets go of a nice backhand shot, but Lack is up to the task. Malkin looks to be doing fine after talking to the trainer.

10:24- Malkin and Higgins collide. Both look shaken up after the big collision.

11:27- Richardson scores. Maatta turns over the puck and Matthias gets behind the defense. He circles the net and outlets to Richardson, who puts one past Greiss. Canucks up 1-0 on their second shot of the night.

12:36- Adams gets a chance up front, but his shot is blocked away.

13:48- This game is back and forth with little whistles to start.

15:19- The Pens with a good start to this game and get an early game on net. Greiss hasn't had to handle the puck yet. 

20:00- Welcome back to Goc! The puck drops and it's officially hockey night in Pittsburgh! Time for the Pens to get to work! Lets Go Pens!

A Devil of a Time!

By: MF,

It's December already!? The month of November has been a good one for the Penguins, as they tied a franchise record of 10 wins for the month, which was also accomplished during the 1992 and 2010 seasons. In addition, the Penguins lead for 80.8% of minutes for November. Whereas Sidney Crosby notched 18 points in November, which was the most in the National Hockey League (NHL) during that span. Also, Crosby leads the league with 16 assist in the same month. Both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were tallying up numbers, which are Art Ross material numbers.

They will look to continue their good fortune, starting off by taking on the New Jersey Devils at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins have a record of 9-2 against the Devils at Consol. The Penguins should be able to showcase their talents and start of December with a win.

As for other milestones, Christian Ehrhoff scored his first goal in a Penguin uniform, on Saturday, against the Carolina Hurricanes. While Adams appeared in his 311 consecutive game against the Hurricanes. Furthermore, Chris Kunitz has recorded 299 points in 367 career games with the Penguins.

On another note, the Penguins held a morning skate today and the only absent players were Sidney Crosby and Robert Bortuzzo along with the injured players (Marcel Goc, Pascaul Dupuis, Beau Bennett, and Kris Letang). Aside from that, the Penguins have called up Brian Dumoulin and Scott Wilson from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Baby Penguins.

Now on the injury front, Pascal Dupuis did skate before the team's morning skate along with, Marcel Goc and the strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar. There are no other updates on the injured players. The Penguins did avoid a scary situation, as Paul Martin took a puck to face. The puck hit his upper left eye and required a few stitches, but he is no worse for wear.

The Penguins are not just moving forward as a team, but individuals are obtaining career high numbers. The hard work is paying off and the numbers show that. Even with the injuries, the team is looking ahead and not back.

Breaking News: Scott Wilson will make his NHL debut as Kunitz is out of the lineup.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Spaling, Sid, Hornqvist
Megna, Geno, Comeau
Wilson, Sutter, Downie
Sill, Ebbett, Adams

Defense
Martin, Bortuzzo
Maatta, Ehrhoff
Scuderi, Despres

Flower in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 1 New Jersey Devils 0

3rd Period
0:00- PENS SNEAK BY WITH THE 1-0 WIN OVER THE DEVILS! FLEURY ENDS UP WITH HIS 5TH SHUTOUT OF THE SEASON! BIG HITS ALL AROUND! WAY TO GO PENS! LETS GO PENS! 

1:07- The Devils have an empty net.

2:25- Mark that as another successful PK for the Pens!

4:25- Malkin is involved in a scrum after the whistle. He ends up with a roughing minor and a 10 minute misconduct. Devils get a PP opportunity.

4:59- The Devils get a 2 on 1 against Maatta. Maatta goes to one side and Ehrhoff knocks the puck out of the air to disrupt the Devils' pass attempt.

5:34- Fleury makes another solid pad save. He has been good in the net and is seeing everything.

7:15- Since Malkin's goal, the Devils have stepped up their game and have been pressuring the Pens more.

7:23- Scott Wilson is out with an injury. I am not sure the nature of the injury.

10:39- Malkin gets in the middle of a scrum and Maatta comes in to take Bernier away, dragging him down. Malkin and Maatta with roughing penalties. Two Devils in the box are also in the box.

14:34- The Pens goal has brought some life to this game!

17:28- MALKIN SCORES! Megna finds Comeau and he passes to Malkin, who is driving the net! Malkin rips one past Schneider! 1-0 Pens!

18:23- Bortuzzo has found another victim as he levels Ruutu with a hit.

19:55- Jagr is not on the bench for the Devils to start this period.

20:00- Only 20 minutes left of hockey in regulation! The Pens need to break down the defenses of Schneider! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period horn sounds and we are still scoreless.

0:20- Crosby and Hornqvist crash the net, but Schneider holds strong once again.

2:03- Bortuzzo lays another hard hit on Jagr, who stays down on the ice. A trainer attends him. Jagr skates off to the locker room.

2:27- The Pens crash the net, but Schneider holds strong.

4:41- Bortuzzo and Jagr exchange words after the play. That won't be the end for those two.

5:52- Megna comes flying down the wing and flings a shot on net. Schneider with the pad save.

6:10- The defense for the Pens is playing a smart game and making sure Fleury can see the puck. Maatta is playing another great game.

9:28- Fleury has been solid in the net and had to make a couple of tough saves.

12:25- Megna powers his way around a Devil defender, but Schneider puts out the pad for the save. Great stick work by Megna.

14:14- Ehrhoff is set free and now the Devils have a regular PP for 1:58.

14:16- Bortuzzo is sent to the sin bin for holding. 5 on 3 PP for the Devils for 2 seconds.

14:46- Sutter gets a breakaway chance, but Schneider shuts the door on his attempt.

16:14- Now it's the Devils turn for their second PP of the game as Ehrhoff sits for interference.

16:52- The Pens PP is killed by the Devils again. Malkin is hunting for a goal and was right on the doorstep, but was denied.

18:52- As a result of the previous play, Jagr is called for hooking and the Pens get their second PP of the night.

19:01- Crosby and Hornqvist get a 2 on 1 chance. Crosby makes the pass and Hornqivst rings one off the goal post!

20:00- Second period is underway! Put pucks on net and pressure Pens! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- That is it for the first period and things are scoreless. Pens lead shots 6-5 over the Devils.

0:44- Fleury poke checks Brunner, but it goes under his pad. Fleury makes a snow angle and Sutter finds the loose puck to clear it.

2:44- The teams have a seven combined shots through the first period...yes only seven.

5:39- Dang that was close! Megna gets the loose puck in front of the net, but just can't jam it home. It did go behind the goalie, but was cleared by a defensemen.

7:58- What a kill for the Pens! Sutter and Sill forced the Devils back at the end of that PK...great job.

9:58- Now it's time for the Devils to bring out their PP unit as Malkin is called for hooking.

11:03- Bortuzzo has been laying hard hits on Jagr, every time he enters the Pens' zone.

12:58- Malkin is freed up ice with the puck and roars into the offensive zone, but Zidlicky breaks up the play before Malkin can get a shot off.

13:39- Crosby makes a beautiful steal in the offensive zone, but tries for the pass instead of shooting the puck. The Devils clear it.

15:16- That will do it for the Pens PP as Tootoo is released. Their top PP unit is missing both Letang and Kuni.

17:16- The Pens will get the first PP of the game as Tootoo goes off for interference.

20:00- It's Hockey Night in Pittsburgh! The Pens take on the New Jersey Devils at Consol! Puck drop and they are off! Lets Go Pens!