With the Penguins till the end! Game 5

By: MF,

It's now or never for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they face elimination against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden (MSG). The Penguins are 24-20 all-time in Game 5 situations. They also have a record of 10-4 all-time at MSG in the postseason. The Penguins have been able to limit the Rangers shots in this series. They have limited the Rangers to 26 shots or fewer in three of four games in this postseason. However, the Rangers have had golden chances and rarely let those chances slip by, so the Penguins will have to eliminate those types of chances on Marc-Andre Fleury.

This game will push the Penguins to their limits and offensive pressure for a full 60 minutes will be key to getting a win at MSG. The Penguins have scored an average of 3.05 goals in their last 21 games at MSG, which is a combination of regular and postseason statistics. In those last ten games, they have scored four or more goals. The Captain, Sidney Crosby has entered into a beast mode for these playoffs. He has been playing hard, scoring goals and getting plays going. Crosby will be appearing in his 100 career playoff games, which is only one game behind Evgeni Malkin and Tom Barrasso. This puts him in seventh for all-time playoff games played leaders for the Penguins. Another guy stepping up in the postseason is Patric Hornqvist, winger on Crosby's line (first line of the team). He has six points (three goals and three assists) in his last nine playoff games. Hornqvist has a three-game postseason point streak, which is the first time since April 26, 2010-April 15, 2011 (three games). The Penguins will have to pick up their game and one guy who will have to do that is Evgeni Malkin. There is a lot of talk of him not being 100%, but that isn't an excuse anymore. If he is injury, then he should sit, he is doing more harm than good. However, I think Malkin is in a bit of a funk and just needs one goal to get the beast going. Malkin is an offensive giant and once you wake him, then you better stand back and watch him wreak havoc.

Now offense isn't the only key to winning. The defense will have to be at the top of their game tonight and keep the Rangers at bay. Fleury has been unreal in this series and worked his butt off. He has allowed two or less goals in seen of his last 10 playoff games. Fleury ha a 2.24 goals-against-average and .921 save percentage. He will be big in net, but he will need help from the rest of the Penguins. The team has to stay disciplined throughout the game, but Ben Lovejoy has stepped up on the penalty kill. Lovejoy leads all National Hockey League (NHL) defensemen averaging 5:01 time-on-ice shorthanded per game. He has two assists in four games. Paul Martin is another top blueliner and he has two assists over his last three playoff games. Another guy stepping up on the back end is Ian Cole, who has two assists in four games. The Penguins defensemen have accounted for 42.9% of team assists.

No matter what the end result ends up being, I will be with the Penguins till the end whistle. Time to take out your lucky pennies, horse shoes, four-leaf clovers, rabbit foots and anything else!

This game will be close, but the Penguins have to stick with things. They have to stay disciplined and play a consistent 60 minute game. Let's take this back to Pittsburgh! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz, Crosby, Hornqvist
Comeau, Sutter, Malkin
Perron, Winnik, Spaling
Wilson, Lapierre, Downie

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole
Dumoulion, Chorney

Fleury between the pipes!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Rangers 2 OT

Overtime
0:00- It's with a heavy heart that I say, the Pens have been eliminated from the playoffs by the Rangers. Fleury was phenomenal in this series and unreal in this game. No words can describe what he has done for this team and he is truly our MVP. It's sad to see the Pens lose, but we will be ready next year with a fully healthy team and a great netminder.

9:14- Hagelin Scores. 

11:32- Martin with an unreal shot block.

14:09- Nail bitter...unreal pace for both teams.

15:40- Lundqvist robs Lapierre and Crosby!! UNREAL!

16:01- Great work by Dumoulion to keep the play alive in the offensive zone.

18:06- Fleury makes a save with the end of his stick on a shot by Kreider.

19:12- Sutter starts a play, but Lundqvist made the save. Great chance!

20:00- Here we are getting ready to start overtime! It is do or die for the Pens right now! LETS DO IT! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- This game is headed to overtime as this game is still tied at one.

0:24- Kunitz lays a punishing hit.

1:54- Amazing work by Hornqvist to enter the zone while being mauled down.

3:36- The Rangers finally get some sustained pressure and pepper the net. Fleury holds strong and the Pens get a little luck. Way too close for comfort.

4:23- It has been all Pens, but they really need that goal. The Rangers have had great chances also, but Fleury has held strong. Something has to give.

6:42- Great offensive zone pressure by the Pens and kept the Rangers in their zone. The Rangers get a half change, then ice the puck.

9:12- The Pens are playing with determination and passion. Let's hope they keep it up and don't make any mistakes.

11:33- Now the Rangers ring a shot off the goal post. Exciting hockey, but it would be better if the Pens weren't facing elimination.

13:47- The Rangers kill off the Pens power-play.

13:52- Crosby rings one off the goal post!

15:47- Crosby battles hard at the side of the net and draws a tripping penalty on Girardi. The Pens bring out their power-play unit.

17:43- The Rangers block an unreal amount of shots, but the Pens have to push forward.

20:00- We head into our last 20 minutes of regulation in this game! The Pens have to crash the Rangers' net and be relentless! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- The second period comes to an end and the Pens have tied this game up at one.

1:50- Malkin comes flying into the zone and passes off to Comeau, but the play is broken up.

2:37- SPALING SCORES! Crosby fires a shot on net and the Pens crash the net! The puck goes off Spalings upper arm and Lundqvist ends up kicking it in with his skate! This is a tie game after a dirty goal! That is how you do it! 1-1 tie game.

2:50- Not much to say about any of the other guys at this point. Fleury has been the star and had the most action. Hopefully, they can give him a rest and get a few goals.

5:00- Amazing penalty kill by the Pens, thanks to the guy between the pipes.

7:00- Horrible time to take a penalty as the Pens were getting some things going in the offensive zone. Comeau to the box for holding.

9:06- The Pens get a 3 on 2 rush. Crosby fires the puck on net, which is saved by Lundqvist. Hornqvist crashes the net, but Lundqvist holds and even ends up in the net himself.

11:28- The Pens have had some offensive zone pressure going, but either Lundqvist makes the save or their shots are blocked.

14:47- What saves by the Flower. He has stood on this head to keep the puck out.

17:24- Fleury is single handily keeping the Pens in this game. Words can't describe what he has done tonight or at least not ones that haven't already been said.

18:09- The Pens power-play is over. Other news: Zuccarello will not return to the lineup tonight.

20:00- Time for the second period and the Pens have a power-play for 1:45 to start this one! The Pens have to come out with speed and crash the net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- The first period ends and the Rangers have the 1-0 lead.

0:15- Brassard takes a late penalty for hooking and gives the Pens a power-play chance.

2:31- Without Fleury this team would of been done by now, most likely not even in the playoffs. He gives the Pens a chance every night and in every game. They need to take advantage of that.

5:13- Big penalty kill for the Pens as Winnik is set free. Fleury is a fortress in the net and is giving the Pens a chance to take control of this game.

7:13- Another power-play chance for the Rangers as Winnik is called for holding.

7:41- Crosby fires a shot that is blocked by Girardi, but at least they are shooting the puck!

9:56- The Pens third line of Perron, Winnik and Spaling get a great opportunity on net, but Lundqvist shuts the door...only barely.

12:48- One shot on goal for the Pens on their power-play chance and the Rangers are back to full strength.

13:22- Malkin battles to keep the puck in the zone and gets a chance in front, but Lundqvist robs him.

14:45- Fleury makes two unbelievable saves to hold the Rangers at bay. Bassard is called interference and the Pens will have a power-play chance.

15:36- Stephan Scores on the power-play. Boyle fires from the point and Stephan gets position on Scuderi. He jams in the loose puck after Fleury made the first save.

15:49- Spaling heads to the box for hooking and Pens head onto the penalty kill.

16:15- Cole pinches and gives Kreider a chance one-on-one down the wing. Fleury makes a great pad save.

17:21- Good start for both teams. Fleury makes a solid first save.

20:00- The puck has dropped at MSG! It's now or never for the Pens and they will have to play a disciplined and consistent 60 minute game! Let's take this back to Pittsburgh! Lets Go Pens!  

This Means War! Game 4 in Pittsburgh!

By: MF,

Another playoff hockey night in Pittsburgh, but sadly the Pittsburgh Penguins are trailing the New York Rangers 2-1 in this round one series. Now, the Penguins can tie this series up with a win in Game 4 at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins are 26-27 all-time in Game 4s.

The Penguins have shown promise in the this series and have been doing well. However, they are down in the series 2-1. The Penguins have had some trouble in the opening of the games and getting to their game. Then for the games in which they loss, they started to come on a little too late. In Game 3, the Penguins had 43 hits, which was the most they have recorded since June 6, 2013 at Boston when they recorded 46 hits. A big positive for the team has been the faceoff circle. As a team, they have a faceoff percentage of 54%, which is fourth among current playoff teams. Also, they have stepped in from the regular season in their goals against average (GAA) per game and their penalty kill percentage. Their GAA per game in the regular season was 2.49 and in the playoffs it's 2.33. While, their penalty kill percentage in the regular season was 584.8% and has climbed to 85.7% in the playoffs. It shows an overall tightening up in their play.

The offense for the team has been stepping up in this playoff series and looks very promising. Our Captain, Sidney Crosby has three points (two goals and one assist) in his last two games and it tied for the team lead in points with Chris Kunitz. Crosby has been playing with a fire in him and really bringing it every game. Once Evgeni Malkin breaks the goal drought, the two-headed monster will be fully unleashed on the Rangers. The Penguins first line has been contributing every game and that is not just because of Crosby. Patric Hornqvist has five points (two goals and three assist) in his last eight playoff games. He finally scored his first playoff goal since April 29, 2012 and it was his first career playoff goal with the Penguins. Hornqvist even established a new career high of seven hits in Game 3. On a side note, Scott Wilson made his NHL postseason debut in Game 3 and skated a total of 6:50.

Not everything lies with the offense to get a win, but the defense has to hold their own. With the injuries on defense, the Penguins have been able to deliver. A newer addition to the lineup was Ian Cole before the trade deadline and he has become one of the best for the Penguins. Cole led the Penguins in time on ice during Game 3 with 23:22. Cole also has back-to-back playoff assists for the first time in his career. Another big guy behind the blue line has been Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been the team MVP all season long. Fleury has been playing great in the net and giving the Penguins every chance to win their games. Look for him to come up big again tonight.

As for the injury front, the only update from head coach Mike Johnston was that Derrick Pouliot (upper-body injury) was close to playing.

Tonight is a huge game for the Penguins and this is a chance to tie up this series. They have to come out with speed and passion! They have to take it to the Rangers and take away their speed! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz, Crosby, Hornqvist
Perron, Malkin, Comeau
Spaling, Sutter, Downie
Wilson, Winnik, Lapierre

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole
Dumoulin, Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Rangers 2 OT

Overtime
0:00- The Rangers take Game 4 in overtime and take both games in Pittsburgh. Now the Pens face elimination in their next game. I hope they can pull through this one.

15:28- Hagelin Scores. The Rangers crash the net and Hagelin gets the loose puck to put it in the back of the net. 2-1 Rangers.

17:43- This is a back and forth overtime.

20:00- The puck has dropped on the first overtime of this series! Time for the Pens to take this game back! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00- We are headed to overtime as this game is still tied at one a piece.

0:28- The Pens have a wide open chance, but Kunitz misses his chance.

1:39- The Rangers ice the puck.

2:58- Time is fading away and this game is still tied. All Pens' fans have 911 on speed dial as they are on the verge of a heart attack.

3:34- Ugly battle in the corner of the Rangers' zone with Downie and Sutter in the mix.

5:50- This game is a nail biter, heart raiser and intense game right now.

8:29- Malkin gets behind the defense and battles to get the puck on a rush, but his pass attempt is broken up.

10:00- Malkin has picked up his play in the last few minutes.

12:09- Malkin shoots out of a canon and backhands one on net. Lundqvist with the save.

13:32- Fleury has been the heart and soul of this team. He proves that every game.

15:58- Fleury makes a huge pad save! Great save!

17:05- Crosby makes an outlet pass to Hornqvist at center and Lundqvist makes a glove save.

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens need to tap back into the momentum they had in the first period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and this game is tied at 1-1.

1:51- Fleury makes another huge save as the Rangers come on strong.

2:45- Brassard Scores. Fleury makes the first toe save on Brassard, but can't get the second attempt as everyone crashes the net. 1-1 tie game.

3:35- The Rangers are shooting more on the rush into the zone and missing the net a few times. The Pens have to shut that down.

5:16- Fleury has been tested more in this period and stepped up to the plate.

9:45- Fleury denies St. Louis's wrist shot!

10:40- The Rangers have come on a little more and had some offensive zone pressure. Fleury holding down the fort.

13:08- That is all she wrote for the Pens power-play.

15:08- Malkin's line dominates and Perron draws a penalty. Power-play for the Pens!

16:25- The Pens kill off another Rangers power-play. Fleury was strong in the net.

18:25- A early power-play to start this period for the Rangers as Cole goes for boarding.

20:00- The puck has dropped to get this second period underway! The Pens have to stay consistent and keep the Rangers on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:02- Power-play ends for the Pens. Malkin was awesome at the blue line.

2:02- Power-play for the Pens as Moore goes to the box for roughing. Lapierre is being attended to by a trainer.

3:48- Pens are dominating the play right now.

6:22- A successful kill for the Pens!

8:22- Right after the Rangers finally register a shot, they get a power-play. Comeau to the sin bin for hooking.  

10:07- The Rangers are still looking for their first shot of the game.

10:35- The Pens power-play comes to an end. Had a few good looks, but needed to shoot more on their one-man advantage.

12:35- Now the Pens will get a power-play chance as Stepan sits in the box for tripping.

13:23- Martin keeps the puck in the offensive zone and gives Comeau a chance, alone, in front. Lunqvist makes the save.

15:20- The Pens are made whole again.

17:20- Downie heads to the box for interference.

17:30- HORNQVIST SCORES! Dumoulin drops in the puck to get a play started! Hornqvist and Crosby work behind the net to outlet the puck to Lovejoy at the point! Lovejoy fires and Hornqvist redirects up front! 1-0 Pens!

18:45- The Pens come out with speed and get a shot on net. Much earlier then the last few games.

20:00- It's playoff hockey in Pittsburgh! Time for the Pens to come out with speed and take charge of this game early! Lets Go Pens! 

Playoff Hockey in Pittsburgh! Game Three!

By: MF, 

We are finally back in Pittsburgh for some playoff hockey! The Pittsburgh Penguins will take on the New York Rangers in Game Three at Consol Energy Center! Currently, the series is tied one a piece. The Penguins go into this game with a record of 35-21 all-time in Game Three games.

The Penguins will have to pressure the Rangers early and often, they can't let up on Henrik Lundqvist. Sidney Crosby will be key after his performance in Game Two. In the faceoff circle, he has a 63.2% win percentage, which is ninth in the National Hockey League (NHL). Crosby also recorded his eight career mulit-point game in Game Two. He has multiple points in 43 of his 97 career playoff games. Another key guy in the last two games has been Brandon Sutter, who recorded his first career multi-point effort in the postseason in Game Two (one goal and one assist). Also, Sutter has three goals in his last six playoff games. One guy who has faced questions at the end of the season was finally able to break out. Chris Kunitz scored a goal in Game Two and had two assists that tied his career playoff high with three points during Game Two. The Penguins are 11-2 when Kunitz records multiple points. Look for all the guys to step up to the plate. Evgeni Malkin has been quiet at the start of this series, but when he does break through it will be like a dam breaking.

As for defense, the Penguins have been doing well with the new additions and making sure to get the job done right. Ian Cole has stepped up and been a huge asset to the team. Cole recorded his first career playoff point with an assist on Crosby's first goal in Game Two. A lot of the stability on defense has come from having confidence in the netminder. Marc-Andre Fleury has answered the call and played phenomenally in net. Fleury has a .574 home win percentage all-time in the playoffs, which puts him fourth among active goaltenders in the playoffs. He has a 2.52 goals-against-average (eight in the NHL) and .922% save percentage (fifth in the NHL). Fleury has given the Penguins every chance to win and they came through in Game Two.

The Penguins are back in their home and will have to take speed away from the Rangers early. They have to pressure Lundqvist and put the Rangers on their heels. It's no time to hold back! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz, Crosby, Hornqvist
Winnik, Malkin, Perron
Wilson, Sutter, Downie
Spaling, Lapierre, Comeau

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole
Dumoulin, Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Rangers 2

3rd Period
0:00- The Rangers take Game three with a 2-1 win over the #Pens. The Pens came on late, but it was too late. Good thing this is a best of 7 series.

1:00- Empty net for the Pens.

1:29- Back to five on five.

2:54- Time is becoming the enemy of the Pens.

3:29- Some more 4 on 4 hockey. Perron and Boyle get matching penalties.

4:22- The Pens and the crowd have a new life in them. Time to take advantage.

6:48- HORNQVIST SCORES! The Pens crash the net and battle for the loose puck! Hornqivst finds it and puts it over the pad of Lundqvist! 2-1 Rangers.

10:20- The first line for the Pens is creating some great chances on net, just need the finishing touch.

11:52- Lundqvist robs Crosby.

14:29- Martin just denied Stepan a wide open net chance.

16:01- The Pens need to show more passion to get back into this one. Really missing the services of Letang and how he is able to carry the puck.

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens have to come out with speed and some passion! Fleury can't do it all! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Rangers extend their lead to 2-0.

1:56- Staal sits for interference. Late power-play for the Pens.

2:16- Stephan gets a breakaway at the blue line, but Fleury is aggressive to break up the chance.

3:47- Crosby sets up a battle in front. Lundqvist holds for now.

5:47- Crosby stickhandles around Boyle and his backhanded shot is stopped by Lundqvist.

5:36- Both teams are made whole.

7:36- 4 on 4 hockey as Kunitz for cross-checking and McDonagh for slashing.

8:53- Kreider Scores. Lapierre is hooked up on a breakaway chance and the Rangers come the other way. Staal's shot goes off the backboards and Kreider bats in the loose puck. 2-0 Rangers.

9:03- Rangers power-play comes to an end.

11:03- Martin now sits in the box for cross-checking. The Rangers will get their second power-play of the game.

12:55- Downie fires one that is saved by Lundqvist.

16:50- Fleury has been sharp to start this period.

20:00- The puck has dropped on the second period! The Pens have to pick up their game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period comes to an end and the Rangers have a 1-0 lead.

2:36- The Rangers only have six shots on goal to the Pens three, so neither team are getting much offense in this one. The Pens will have to make the most of them.

3:52- Crosby rings one off the goal post!

4:49- Power-play comes to an end.

4:50- Lovejoy fires one from the point and tallies the first shot for the Pens.

6:49- Now the Pens will get a crack at the power-play. Nash heads to the box for high-sticking.

8:54- Fleury with a great pad save on a redirected shot up front.

11:17- Hagelin Scores. The Rangers catch the Pens during a bad change and that gives Hagelin a breakaway chance. He doesn't miss. 1-0 Rangers.

11:48- Mad scramble in front of the net and Fleury holds down the fort with a few saves. Rangers with some good pressure in the last few plays.

13:36- Six minutes into the game and the first shot is recorded for the Rangers.

14:50- Great penalty kill by the Pens and they held the Rangers to zero shots on their power-play chance.

16:50- The Rangers will yet again get the first power-play of the game. Cole to the box for cross-checking. 

18:47- Nice offensive zone pressure by the Pens. 

20:00- It's playoff hockey in Pittsburgh! The Pens have to come out with speed and take it to the Rangers! Lets Go Pens!

Let's take Game Two!

By: MF, 

Are you ready for Game Two of the Pittsburgh Penguins versus New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden! The Rangers won the first game, but the Penguins showed a great effort in the last game and it looked promising. Now it's time to tie this series up and come back home to take the lead! The Penguins have an all-time record of 33-24 in the second games of playoffs.

As for the Penguins on offense, they showed promising after the first period. They led in shots and dominated the play. Blake Comeau scored his first career goal during Game One against the New York Rangers, last Thursday. The Penguins were great in the faceoff circle, Maxim Lapierre won 9 out of 15 faceoffs and recorded 5:07 shorthanded time-on-ice, which was second among Penguin forwards. Also, Sidney Crosby had a 75% faceoff percentage. On another note, Nick Spaling earned his tenth career point in last Thursday's game.

On to the defense side of things. Ian Cole led the Penguins in ice time with 26:06 during Game One. He also led the team with six shot attempts. Brian Dumoulin and Taylor Chorney made their playoff debuts. Dumoulin had one shot, one blocked shot and 10:20 time-on-ice. Chorney had two shots and 12:51 time-out-ice.

Now it's time for the Penguins to get things going and tie this series up at one! They have to come out with speed and passion to get the win! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz, Crosby, Hornqvist
Winnik, Malkin, Perron
Bennett, Sutter, Downie
Spaling, Lapierre, Comeau

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole
Dumoulin, Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 4 Rangers 3

3rd Period
0:00- PENS WIN 4-3 AND TAKE GAME 2! FLEURY WAS AWESOME AND THEY BROUGHT IT TONIGHT! NOW LET'S GET TWO IN PITTSBURGH! GREAT EFFORT! 

0:05- Nash Scores. Nash puts the puck over the glove of Fleury. 4-3 Pens.

0:23- Pens power play is over.

1:12- Empty net for Rangers again.

2:23- Kreider to the box for tripping and the Pens get a late power-play.

2:31- Empty net for Rangers.

5:13- The Pens have to keep the pressure on the Rangers.

7:58- A good penalty kill for the Rangers on this Pens power-play.

9:56- Comeau is cross-checked by Yandle is slowly gets up. The Pens will get a power-play as a result.

10:19- KUNITZ SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! Sutter brings the puck to the front and is denied by the stick of Lundqvist! Kunitz drives to the net to put in the rebound! 4-2 Pens!

11:25- Hagelin interferes with Crosby on his way to the bench. Crosby goes down and is slow to get up, but appears to be ok. No call.

12:04- The Pens will have another power-play chance. Hayes takes a seat for hooking.

12:14- Successful kill for the Pens! Now stay out of the box guys!

14:14- UN-FREAKING-REAL! Sutter goes to the sin bin for hooking.

14:22- The Rangers have a new fire after the goal, craziness going on.

16:44- Bassard Scores on the power-play. Fleury is holding strong and making unreal saves, but you can only ask so much. Bassard puts in the rebound chance. 3-2 Pens.

18:15- Sadly the Pens get another penalty. Comeau takes a seat for slashing.

20:00- Time for the third period! The Pens have to sustain the pressure and keep the Rangers on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens take over the lead 3-1!

1:13- CROSBY SCORES AGAIN! Kunitz makes a perfect pass to Crosby crossing the center area! Crosby holds strong and puts the puck in the right spot! 3-1 Pens!

1:56- Another great kill.

3:56- This penalty situation is unreal. Cole now heads to the box for hooking. The Pens bring out their PKers.

5:50- CROSBY SCORES! Cole sets up Hornqvist coming into the zone. Hornqvist gets the puck to the net and Crosby drives to the net! Crosby puts the puck in the wide open net! 2-1 Pens!

7:07- Another successful kill!

9:11- Penalty kill time for the Pens again as Spaling takes a seat for boarding.

9:59- SUTTER SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! The puck bounces up and the guys look for it! The puck bounces in front of Sutter and it whacks it into the open net! 1-1 tie game!

11:48- Now the Pens will get a power-play chance as Hagelin goes for tripping.

12:31- The Pens kill it!

12:53- Fleury holds strong in the net. Sutter goes flying down the ice and fires one off the goal post!

14:31- Now Hornqvist will head to the sin bin for slashing and the Rangers bring up their power-play unit.

15:28- Martin holds a strong stick to deny Brassard a shot attempt.

16:40- Downie finds Lovejoy at the point! Lovejoy fires and Lundqvist makes the glove save!

18:37- Kunitz is set free from the penalty box.

19:31- Fleury makes a agressive stick move on Kreider and breaks up the play.

20:00- The second period is underway and the Pens have to kill a Rangers power-play for 1:22! Keep your skate on the gas pedal and take it Lundqvist! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Rangers have the 1-0 lead.

0:38- Kunitz sits for high sticking and the Rangers get a power-play. Horrible penalty to take.

1:31- Rangers have been playing better down low in this one compared to the last game.

2:55- Stephan Scores. Miller finds Stephan all along flying down the wing. Stephan puts the puck in the perfect spot. Rangers take the 1-0 lead in the first period.

3:21- Stephan is denied by Fleury!

3:55- Hornqvist lets go of a quick shot that is turned away by Lundqvist.

6:08- That is a great kill for the Pens. Nice stick work by Winnik and Spaling. The Pens have to stay discipline in this one.

8:08- The Rangers will get the first power-play of the game as Cole sits for high-sticking.

9:05- Perron fires one on goal and the Pens crash the net!

12:58- Fleury with a great save on Zuccarello!

15:44- Great outlet pass by Crosby to Kunitz, but the play is broken up.

16:52- Nice start by the Penguins, getting to the net early.

20:00- The puck has dropped on Game Two and the Pens are ready! They have to come out with speed and passion! Lets Go Pens! 

With the Penguins till the end!

By: MF,

As I sit here writing this little game preview, which I have done for almost every game this year, a dark cloud hangs over my head. The same cloud that hangs over every Pittsburgh Penguin fan’s head. A feeling of dread and uncertainty follows us everywhere we go. All we think of are the possible playoff scenarios for our team and sadly one of them points to the end. I am one of the most loyal Penguin fans, like many others. No matter what, I will always cheer, support and defend my team. I have also tried to be more optimistic about this season and how things have progressed. I always look for that silver lining.

Now it all comes down to one game at the First Niagara Center against the Buffalo Sabres. If we win, then we clinch a playoff berth. Now as for the other scenarios: if we earn at least one point, then we need the Ottawa Senators to lose in regulation (playing at the Philadelphia Flyers) and the Boston Bruins to lose in any fashion (playing at the Tampa Bay Lightning). Now, worse case possible is the Penguins loss, which means that we need the Bruins to lose to make the playoffs. Instead of leaving our fate up to another team, let’s win this one at all cost!

It’s sad to think this could be the last game that I write about for the Penguins, this year (not counting the after review). I go into this with hope that my…I mean our Penguins, will come through. Many have already given up and maybe rightfully so, but I could never give up on this team. I know many things point to us being done for, however I will still hold till the last horn. I hope you will too, as I go into this game preview and get ready to watch the Penguins battle the Sabres.

It has been no secret that the Penguins have some serious fire power, but they haven’t been able to get contributions for the rest of the lineup. Their depth in offense and defense, for that matter, has not been shown in the last few games. The Penguins have won five consecutive games against the Sabres. They also have won four consecutive games at the Sabres home arena. As for one of the Penguins top forwards, Sidney Crosby has eight assists in two games against the Sabres. Crosby also had five assists on the November 8th against the Sabres. Crosby and Kris Letang are the only Penguin players who have five assist games, this season. Our Captain is tied for the National Hockey League (NHL) lead with John Tavares (New York Islanders) with 84 points apiece (Tavares holds the lead, since he has more goals). Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars) is close behind with 83 points. Jakub Voracek (Philadelphia Flyers) has 81 and Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) rounds up the top five with 80 points.

As for the Penguins defense, they have had a heavy workload lately without the services of both Kris Letang and Christian Ehrhoff. Now they Penguins are without the services of Derrick Pouliot, who didn’t play last night due to an injury. This has ramped up the time on ice for all defenders and put a heavy weight on their shoulders for every game. Another guy with some bigger responsible has been Marc-Andre Fleury, who was named the team’s MVP. He is tied for the league lead in shutouts at nine and has a career number high season, along with putting up making new franchise records.

Tonight’s game is a huge one, to say the least. So get your four-leaf clovers, horse shoes, rabbit feet, lucky pennies and whatever else you use for luck, and hold it close to your heart during the game tonight. We need have as much luck in our favor as we can get and hopefully the Penguins come through for not only us, but for Fleury! We both deserve a playoff run! Lets Go Pens!       

A chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth!

By: MF,

We are down to the wire with only two games left in the regular season. The Pittsburgh Penguins will got into their last regular season home game sitting in the second wild card position, only one point separating them from the Ottawa Senators (first wild card) and the Boston Bruins (ninth seed). Tonight, the Penguins face off against the New York Islanders who are currently third in the Metropolitan Division (two ahead of the Penguins). The magic number for them is two! With a win tonight, in regulation, the Penguins can clinch a playoff berth and will be tied with the Islanders for third in the division (also both have 39 regulation plus overtime wins). If the Penguins win in overtime or a shootout, the Islanders will only be a point ahead of them. Now...for losing that would put the Penguins in a valuable position. Let's not think of that just yet...even with a loss the Penguins wouldn't be out, but the best they could finish is the top wild card spot.

In their last 21 games against the Islanders here in Pittsburgh, the Penguins are 17-3-1. Getting on the board early and often will be key for tonight's game, where there is a lot of fire power on both sides. Sidney Crosby is tied for the points lead (83 points) with John Tavares (Islanders), along with Jamie Benn. Tavares is riding a four game point streak in which he has two goals, seven assists and nine points. As for Crosby, he has four goals, five assists and nine points in his last seven games. Another big guy for the Penguins, Evgeni Malkin. Malkin has two goals, four assists (team leader) and six points (team leader) this season against the Islanders. Look for the two-headed monster to get on the board early! Also, Patric Hornqvist has been a key winger on Crosby's line. He is a perfect guy for getting to the blue paint and making the opposition's goalie feel uncomfortable. Hornqvist has six points (three goals and three assists) in three games versus the Islanders this year. For the third time in his career, Hornqvist has achieved 25 goals and 50 points. I hope he can build on that tonight.

Offense isn't everything, defense will be key. Since Kris Letang's injury, every blueliner has been getting their minutes bumped up. One guy who is no stranger to that is Paul Martin. Martin lead the team with 29:33 minutes (time on ice) last Tuesday against the Senators. In his last four of five games, he has played 24-plus minutes. Ian Cole has been stepping up and really bringing it. He has been a great addition to the Penguins' blueline. Cole has six assists since March 29th, which ties time for the NHL lead among defensemen. Marc-Andre Fleury will have to solid and sharp in the net. He is 13-3-3 in career home games against the Islanders.

A little side note, Rob Scuderi and Nick Spaling look to play in their 81st game of the season. They are the only Penguins players to appear in every game this year. Wish there was more names on that list.

As for the team awards:

Fleury - Team MVP and Players' Player Award
Letang - Masterton Nominee and Defensive Player of the Year
Paul Martin - The Edward J. BeBartolo Community Service Award
Derrick Pouliot - Michel Briere Memorial Tropy and Rookie of the Year

The Penguins have been able to come out and get on the board early, in the last few games. However, after that they don't stay consistent. Consistency will be key and make this a memorable game...in a good way! Lets Go Pens!                  

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Winnik, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Malkin, Perron
Bennett, Sutter, Downie
Spaling, Lapierre, Comeau/Adams

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole
Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Halak 3

3rd Period
0:00- That is it. The Islanders take the 3-1 win over the Pens. It will all come down to Buffalo. 

1:35- Empty net for the Pens. 

3:40- Grabner Scores. Grabner takes the puck from his own zone and out-skates both Pens defense. He puts it in. 3-1 Islanders

3:55- Time to becoming the enemy of the Pens. 

6:27- The Islanders are collapsing on their net and every shot has to go through a lot of bodies. Lots of loose pucks and battles in front. 

9:16- The Pens first line works hard down low in the Islanders zone. 

9:52- Sutter gets the puck to the Downie in front. Halak makes the pad save. Downie is behaving well in front as Okposo messes with him. 

11:46- The Pens are having trouble getting out of their own zone and getting some offensive zone pressure. 

13:40- The Islanders have been coming on strong, but Fleury has been holding down the fort. 

17:14- Tavares Scores. Strait fires from the point and Fleury makes the pad save. Everyone is busy looking at the puck and Tavares is left alone. He buries it. 2-1 Islanders.

17:32- Fleury with a huge glove save! 

17:53- Two great chances for the Pens, but Halak says no. 

20:00- The third period is underway! The Pens have to keep attacking and not let up! This is no time to let up! Lets Go Pens! 


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and this game is tied 1-1.

0:05- SCUDERI SCORES! Crosby outworks and out-skates Tyler Kennedy behind the net! Martin's shot goes wide, Crosby puts it out front and Scuderi slaps one home! Halak can't stop it! 1-1 tie game!

1:02- The good thing for the Pens is their pressure. They haven't stopped.

3:21- The penalty is killed off.

5:21- Downie is called for clipping. I didn't see anything wrong with the hip check. Not a good call.

5:29- Downie goes across the ice to Kunitz, who fans on the shot.

8:13- Lovejoy blasts one from the point, but it's blocked up front.

9:16- Winnik blocks a hard shot and looks to be in some pain. Stays on for the rest of his shift though, then skates off to the bench. 

12:14- That is it for the Pens power-play. 

13:12- Fleury makes a huge glove save on Hickey as the Islanders get a 2 on 1 chance! 

14:14- Power-play for the Pens as Boulton sits for interference. Now is the time to take advantage of a power-play chance! 

14:57- The Pens are still outshooting the Islanders, but haven't been able to put any behind Halak yet. 

18:34- Crosby is robbed by the pad/glove of Halak! Crosby gives the goalie a death stare after. He will be coming back for more! 

20:00- We are back for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the speed and bring the passion! Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period
0:00- First period ends and the Pens are down by one. 

0:15- Kunitz gets away and is all alone. He gets the puck and fires from the side, Halak with the pad save. 

3:47- The Pens are dominating right now, but not on the scoreboard, which really matters. 

5:05- Shots are 15-3 in favor of the Pens. 

7:26- The Pens are getting some offensive zone time and pressure. Islanders are just getting the puck out and doing nothing more...at least for now. 

10:30- The Pens power-play comes to an end. 

12:00- Cizikas Scores. The Islanders go the other way and Cizikas gets behind the Pens all alone. He snaps one past Cizikas. 1-0 Islanders. 

12:08- The puck is loose in the blue paint and the Pens crash. Hornqvist whacks at the puck and it looks to cross the goal line. It's called a no goal and then it's reviewed. The call stands. 

12:30- Hickey to the box for slashing and the Pens get a power-play chance. Now is the time to make good on the power-play! 

13:38- Hornqvist fires one wide!

16:30- Clutterbuck's shot attempt is blocked, during a scrambling situation in front of the Pens' net. 

17:49- Both teams come out with speed and some back and forth plays. You can feel the atmosphere of Consol through the TV. 

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol! Hopefully not for the last time...Come on Pens, get those two points! Lets Go Pens!          

It's Time!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins need a little bit of luck tonight as they face the Ottawa Senators in enemy territory. This game is one major game for the Penguins, they can clinch a postseason berth with a regulation win tonight. The Senators are the only team in the Eastern Conference looking from the outside in and are only two points behind the Penguins, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings. Though the Senators are at a disadvantage, as they do not hold a tiebreaker against the three teams they trail. They need to win their remaining games and have one of the other three teams earn less than three points. Saying this game is important, is rather an understatement for the Penguins.

As I said earlier, with a win tonight the Penguins in regulation will allow them to clinch a playoff berth for the ninth consecutive season. Only the Red Wings hold a longer active streak (23 years). Also, a win tonight would give the Penguins 20 road wins for the eighth consecutive season (aside from the 2012-13 season). Even though they lost last Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers, they outshot them 47-20, a +27 shot differential. That is the second highest total this season (+29 at the New Jersey Devils on January 30). The last five games for them have been less than desirable and they seemed to be on the bad end of most things. Saying they have had some bad luck is only touching the surface and they haven't always dealt with that in a positive way. Usually a team's five-on-five shooting percentage plus save percentage will hover around 1000. However, the Penguins have a 891 total the past five game, which indicates bad luck among other things. If there was ever a time and game to turn things around, it would be tonight!

There is a sense of struggle on the offense side of things. They have had trouble putting the puck in the back of the net and not because of the opposing team's goaltender. As for the Senators goalie, Andrew Hammond or as they call him "The Hamburglar" is 17-1-2 with a 1.86 goals-against-average (GAA) and a .939 save percentage (SVP). To crack him, the Penguins have the necessary firepower and that starts with the Captain Sidney Crosby. He is in the top five in the National Hockey League (NHL) when it comes to points per 60 minutes, assists per 60 minutes and first assists. Crosby is still leading the NHL in points at 81 with Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) and John Tavares (New York Islanders) are tied for second with 80, Jakub Voracek (Philadelphia Flyers) sits in third with 79. Another big guy is Evgeni Malkin, who has been a driving force behind plays this entire season. In addition to the Penguins top centers, Brandon Sutter has four goals in his last eight games. He has climbed in goals by season with the Penguins, going from 13 goals (2013-14 season) to 19 this season.

However, it all doesn't fall on the offense alone. Defense has to step up their game and help pull the team up from their slump. Kris Letang is still out of the lineup with concussion symptoms. Letang has done some light bike exercise and there is a possibility of him being ready for the playoffs. So there is some good news. There is nothing new on Christian Ehrhoff. That means the Penguins defense will have ramped up minutes and every guy will have extra work added to their workload each game. Ben Lovejoy has racked up the most minutes on the ice, since Letang's injury. He has done well and has a very lethal shot. They need to use him more for that, it turned out well the last time they did. Ian Cole is another guy, who has been a more recent acquisition for the Penguins and has done well. He has an assist in four consecutive games, which is a career-long streak. During this span, Cole has assisted on five of the Penguins' 10 goals.

It's no secret that the Penguins have struggled at points in the season and when they slump it's a major catastrophe. The Penguins have to come with speed and play with passion tonight! Time to clinch a playoff berth! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Winnik, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Malkin, Comeau
Spaling, Sutter, Perron
Bennett, Lapierre, Adams

Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole
Pouliot, Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 Senators 4

Overtime
0:00- The Sens win it in overtime 4-3. Horrible way to blow a lead and Fleury was unreal. Sucks the Pens couldn't get it done for him. The Sens are only one point behind the Pens. At least we got a point.

2:16- Stone Scores. The Sens take it the Pens, who back up. Stone puts it in. 4-3 Sens

3:19- Fleury makes some unreal saves. The Pens kill off the Sens power-play.

5:00- The Sens have a power-play for 1:32 to start this overtime! The Pens have to survive and come back with some passion! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:28- The Sens get a late power-play as the Pens are called for too many men-on-the ice.

1:48- Hoffman Scores. The Sens with the faceoff and Hoffman fires it over the glove of Fleury. 3-3 tie game.

2:04- Sens with an empty net.

2:55- Thank goodness for Fleury...that is all I can say. Holding down the fort.

5:09- We are in the eye of the storm!

7:24- That is it for the Pens power-play, but that may be for the better.

7:44- Malkin is robbed by Hammond.

9:24- Condra high-sticks Martin on a play and skates to the box. Power-play for the Pens.

10:19- The Pens are not in attacking mode, but defending mode. They need to get more time in the offensive zone and give Fleury/their defense a break. Pens playing with five defense.

13:38- Crosby finds Chorney at the blue line, who lets go of a wicked shot that rings off the goal post!

15:17- Crosby continues to fly and his line crash the net. Nice change of pace there.

17:48- Fleury makes a spectator save to direct the puck up into the netting. Sens are peppering the net and the Pens look to be in deep trouble.

19:26- Stone Scores. The Pens turnover the puck in the slot area and Stone makes them pay. 3-2 Pens.

20:00- The third period is underway! Now is the time to fight and take the Sens down! Time to wrap things up Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Pens still have the lead 3-1 over the Sens!

0:38- No more power-play time for the Pens as Ryan is released.

1:02- Pouliot heads to the Pens locker room. Not sure why, but will update when I can.

2:38- Ryan takes a seat for tripping and a power-play opportunity for the Pens, but that doesn't always end in the Pens favor.

5:19- Sens score a shorthanded goal. A centering pass goes off of Pouliot's stick and the Sens start up ice. Pageau tries a cross-ice pass, but it goes off Pouliot's skate into the open net. 3-1 Pens.

5:56- Methot skates to the sin bin for cross-checking and it's power-play time for the Pens.

7:37- Bennett is now on Malkin's line replacing Comeau. His hard work is paying off and he is doing good in this game.

9:40- The Sens are a different team from the one that played in the first period. The Pens are weathering a storm during the second period. Fleury is holding down the fort.

12:03- Fleury is shutting the door in the faces of the Sens over and over again!

15:11- Fleury is dealing with an Sens barrage and making it look easy! He is engaged in this one and playing a solid game. "The Flower" is in beast mode!

16:29- Lovejoy is set free and gets a breakaway chance and Hammond makes a pad save on Lovejoy's backhanded shot!

18:38- Now Lovejoy is called for cross-checking and the Sens get a power-play chance. The Pens bring out their penalty killers.

19:12- Lovejoy turns over the puck and the Sens go across to Karlsson, who is absolutely robbed by the glove of Fleury!

20:00- We are back for the second period! The Pens have to pick up where they left off in the first period and keep the Sens on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens have the 3-0 lead! What a great first period by the Pens and a passionate showing!

0:34- The Pens power-play comes to an end.

0:47- Malkin is taken hard into the boards by Methot and is shaken up after the hit. He gets up and continues on the power-play.

2:34- The Pens will get a power-play chance. Wiercioch to the box for high-sticking Crosby, who has been flying.

3:10- Fleury makes a nice save on Macarthur after the Pens turn over the puck.

5:04- HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby slaps a sicken backhander on net, which Hammond gets a piece of with his glove! The puck goes behind Hammond and Hornqvist gets the garbage! 3-0 Pens!

6:02- Hammond gets a piece to rob Malkin!

6:29- Malkin comes off the bench and feeds one to Comeau. He puts it wide!

8:08- Solid start by the Pens and Fleury. The Pens are showing their passion in this one.

9:41- An excellent penalty kill for the Pens and Lapierre is set free.

11:41- Fleury bails out Chorney after he turned over the puck in front of the net. Lapierre ends up with a high-sticking penalty. Penalty kill time for the Pens.

12:06- Turris fires a tricky shot that Fleury gets a piece of.

14:44- BENNETT SCORES! Cole makes a great play to get the puck up to Bennett and Sutter up front! Bennett puts the loose puck in the open net!

15:43- Fleury makes a huge save on Legwand's shot.

19:50- CROSBY SCORES! What a way to start a game! The Senators win the opening faceoff, but Martin intercepts and goes to Hornqvist. Hornqvist feeds a pass to Crosby on the rush and rifles one past Hammond! 1-0 Pens! 

20:00- The puck has dropped in Ottawa! Big game for the Pens! They have to come out with speed and a fire! Lets Go Pens! 

Now or Never!

By: MF,

Things are not looking good for the Pittsburgh Penguins right now. They have been unable get further the distance between them and other playoff hunting teams. The Ottawa Senators have pulled within three points of the Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers will look to push them further into the abyss. Today in Philadelphia, the Penguins have come out with a fire under their butts and get those precious two points. Five is the magic number to clinch a playoff berth. They go into this game with a 11-3-2 record in their last 16 games at Philadelphia, dating back to January 13, 2009. Also, the Penguins are only one win shy of 20 road wins for the eighth consecutive season (excluding the shortened season).

The woes continue for the Penguins and it starts with the offense. Yesterday's game started out promising and Sidney Crosby was flying throughout the game. Crosby leads the National Hockey League (NHL) in points with 81. He is second on the team with 27 goals and is riding a five game point streak (three goals and four assists). Crosby also has 31 career goals against the Flyers, which is his most versus any NHL team. Things will be a bit easier for our Captain, as Evgeni Malkin will be back in the lineup and he is a much needed guy. Though the rest of the forwards/lines must step up and help out the two star players. Patric Hornqvist has 15 points (nine goals and six assists) over his last 15 games. Brandon Sutter has reached the 30 point mark, this season (18 goals and 12 assists), for just the third time of his career. Nick Spaling has 130 hits, which is more than triple his previous career high of 43 in 2011-12. The offense will have to step up their game and put even more points on the board. It's crunch time!

In addition, the defense has not had the best of luck. Down two big guys in Kris Letang and Christian Ehrhoff. That doesn't mean they can slack off at any time. Last game, Derrick Pouliot was having a rough one. He was on the ice for four of the goals and didn't help the situation on the ice. Look for him to have a big game and turn things around! Ben Lovejoy has been getting big minutes lately and he scored his first goal, since rejoining the Penguins. Another new addition, Ian Cole ranks second on the team with five points (one goal and four assists) since March 26th.

Injury update: Steve Downie will not play, due to an upper body injury.

This is a monstrous game for the Penguins and they have to play with some passion! Time to bring out the reserves and take it to the Flyers! Lets Go Pens!

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Malkin, Comeau
Winnik, Sutter, Bennett
Spaling, Lapierre, Adams

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Pouliot
Cole, Chorney

Greiss in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Flyers 4

3rd Period
0:00- The Flyers end up with the 4-1 win. The Pens will have to search their hearts and come out a different team on Tuesday. It's not over yet, but they have to change it up.

0:09- Del Zotto scores on the power-play. Del Zotto comes in unchallenged and puts it through the five-hole. 4-1 Flyers.

0:38- Regular Flyers power-play.

0:43- Hornqvist joins Bennett for goalie interference. 5 on 3 power-play

0:51- Empty net for the Pens

2:38- A nice way to end this game as Bennett goes off for goalie interference.

2:46- Turnovers are the death of teams.

4:55- White Scores. The Pens don't clear the puck and it bounces around in their zone. White beats Greiss. 3-1 Flyers.

7:23- Comeau holds the puck and draws out Mason. He puts the puck through the blue paint and over to Malkin. He has a wide open net, but it goes off the post.

10:19- The Flyers have had a few chances on their past few rushes.

12:20- Both teams are back to full strength.

14:20- Bennett gets a tripping penalty. Kunitz rifles one off the post for a touch up call. Voracek jumps him and disagreements happen. Voracek gets a 10-minute misconduct and Giroux goes for roughing. 4 on 4 hockey.

15:58- Turnover and B. Schenn goes the other way. He is one-on-one with Pouliot and stickhandles around him. Greiss comes up with the save.

20:00- The third period is underway! The Pens HAVE to turn things around, be disciplined and get traffic in front of Mason! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Flyers have the 2-1 lead.

0:13- Spaling gets a slight breakaway, but fires it over the net.

1:51- Kunitz with a hard shot that is directed into the netting.

3:54- Too many turnovers for the Pens right now and Mason is coming up big. The Pens have to keep pushing.

7:40- B. Schenn scores on the power-play. B. Schenn directs the puck to the net and it pops up. It goes right over Greiss and into the net. 2-1 Flyers.

7:58- Comeau is called for hooking and the Pens bring out their penalty kill unit. Not a good thing for the Pens, they must hold them off.

8:15- Greiss holds off a wrap-around chance.

9:57- Giroux fires a wrister high over the glove side of Greiss.

10:08- The Pens power-play is killed.

12:08- The Flyers get two great scoring chances on net, but the Pens end up with a power-play opportunity. Streit sits for interference.

14:54- Cole had a great shift and it wasn't an easy one.

17:21- Malkin just pushes the puck wide of the net! Great work on the forecheck by the second line of the Pens.

18:14- The Flyers come out with more jump in their step. The Pens have to match their first period effort.

19:23- Del Zotto fires one off the goal post.

20:00- Time for the second period! The Pens have to stay on track and not engage the Flyers in extra activities! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and this game is tied at 1-1.

0:39- Voracek Scores on the power-play. Voracek just snaps a one-timer right past the blocker of Greiss. 1-1 tie game.

1:29- Winnik goes to the box for cross-checking and the Flyers get a power-play chance.

1:40- Sutter is denied twice by Mason! Unreal chance by Sutter!

3:35- SUTTER SCORES ON THE POWER-PLAY! Perron passes up to Sutter at the side of the net! Sutter fires a hard shot that goes under the down goal stick of Mason, into the net! 1-0 Pens!

4:25- Hornqvist camps in front of Mason and creates havoc. Pouliot just can't jam home the loose puck. Nice job on the power-play.

5:24- Kunitz tips the puck up to Comeau, who goes right to the net. Mason saves, but Raffl heads to the box for hooking. Pens to the power-play.

5:59- Shots are 12-2 in favor the Pens. They have come out with some vigor and look good. They need to sustain this type of play.

7:35- Bennett puts the puck at the toe of Mason. Sutter and Winnik crash the net.

8:40- Our Captain is back on the ice. The Pens are outshooting the Flyers 8-1.

9:08- Crosby looks to be ok on the bench now.

10:37- Perron and Hornqvist are tripped up in front by Mason. Crosby goes to the bench and is having his arm looked at.

14:09- Spaling battles and gets the puck towards the net. Adams finds the rebound, but his backhanded is gloved up by Mason.

16:33- Malkin snaps a pass across ice to Perron and his shot is stopped by Mason.

17:38- Sutter pushes the puck wide in front!

20:00- Here we go! The Pens have to come out with a fire and play with some passion! Lets Go Pens! 

Playoffs are near and the number is five!

By: MF,

The regular season is coming to a close and the Pittsburgh Penguins only need five points to clinch a playoff berth. That means that every game counts and they need to get to work starting today. The Penguins are on the road and that starts with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets are out of the playoffs, but are all finally healthy and been on a roll as of late. Only one win shy of 20 road game wins for the Penguins, which would make it eighth consecutive times for them.

Offense is key, but the Penguins are missing half of the two-headed monster. Evgeni Malkin was a last minute scratch for Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He commented saying, he wasn't ready for the game tonight, but maybe for Sunday's game in Philadelphia. That will put more weight on the shoulders of Sidney Crosby, who has 19 points (five goals and 14 assists) in 13 career contests against the Blue Jackets. In two of those games, he was held scoreless and the Penguins have a 10-0-1 record when he records a point. Crosby achieved a career milestone during last Wednesday's game, where he recorded his 300th career goal and is one of 18 active skaters with 300 career goals. He became the fifth player in franchise history to achieve this milestone and he is still looking to add to that total. However, Crosby won't be alone. He will be able to call on the other lines and get contributions from everyone on the ice. Guys like, Patric Hornqvist who has 14 points (nine goals and five assists) over his last 14 games. During that span, the team has gone 9-4-1. Another guy coming up big is Chris Kunitz, who recorded 200 hits in a season for just the second time in his career, the other time was in 2008-09 with 206 hits.

A game is not won with offense alone, but defense will be key. The Penguins have been playing with only five defenseman, which has put them on edge and tired the remaining guys out. Ben Lovejoy has skated for over 27 minutes in back-to-back games that accounts for two of his highest time-on-ice (TOI) totals in his career. Also, Ian Cole has stepped up his game and his having a career year. He has tied his previous season totals in goals (five), assists (eight), points (13) and hits (68). He is a +15, which is a +2 from last season and ties a career high set in the 2013-14 season. It's great to see a new addition, adding to the blueline prowess of the Penguins. The goaltenders have been called on even more lately, since the defense has gone down a man. Marc-Andre Fleury is 7-2-1 in his career when he faces the Blue Jackets and has never loss in regulation at Columbus.

Good news for all! The Penguins were finally able to call up a blueliner from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. That man is Taylor Chorney! Now the Penguins can have a full lineup of players.

The Penguins have to come out with speed and get on the board early. Crashing the net and putting shots on the Blue Jackets' netminder is key! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Perron, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Sutter, Comeau
Winnik, Spaling, Downie
Bennett, Lapierre, Adams

Defense
Martin, Lovejoy
Pouliot, Scuderi
Cole, Chorney

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 3 Blue Jackets 5

3rd Period
0:00- Pens fall to the Blue Jackets 5-3. Huge question mark hangs over them. Hopefully, they come out with a fire tomorrow and get back on track.

0:56- Foligno Scores. Empty net goal. Hat trick for him. 5-3 Blue Jackets.

1:19- Empty net for the Pens!

1:26- Bennett with a chance on the backhand!

3:13- Hornqvist is pushed into the net/Bobrovsky. Foligno goes after Hornqvist. Disagreements all around. No calls.

4:42- Scuderi makes a nice play to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

5:21- The Pens power-play comes to an end and they are still down a goal.

7:30- Hornqvist is sucker punched by Johnson and get a power-play as a result.

7:51- Hornqvist fires a hard shot that is gloved up by Bobrovsky!

9:50- LOVEJOY SCORES! The Pens go crazy in the Blue Jackets' zone! Kunitz was everywhere battling! Lovejoy gets the puck and fires a rocket shot from the blue line! It blows past Bobrovsky! 4-3 Blue Jackets.

10:31- Blue Jackets Score. The Pens and Blue Jackets crash the net. The ref never blows the whistle and somehow the puck stays in play. It goes in. 4-3 Blue Jackets.

13:14- Foligno Scores. Pouliot turns over the puck and the Blue Jackets get two men on a rush alone. Fleury makes the first save, but Foligno is let wide open. 3-2 Blue Jackets take the lead.

14:44- The Pens kill it.

14:59- Fleury flashes the pad to make a huge save on Johnson's shot!

16:44- Downie back to the box, this time for holding. Horrible time for a penalty.

18:01- Pouliot is not playing well defensively today. Looks a bit loss and not his confident self, he has been in the last few games.

20:00- We are back for the third period! The Pens have to come up with a new fire and put the Blue Jackets back on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period comes to an end and this game is all tied up at two.

1:25- Calvert Scores. Calvert hits the post, gets the rebound and throws it on net. Unsure of what Scuderi and Pouliot were doing on that shift. 2-2 tie game.

3:35- Foligno Scores. Perron turns over the puck in the Pens zone. Two Blue Jackets get behind the defense alone in front. Foligno puts it in. 2-1 Pens.

3:45- Fleury makes three unreal pad saves, one after another.

5:13- Fleury comes up with a huge shoulder save after Scuderi turned over the puck in the center.

5:51- The Pens are getting more chances on net.

6:25- Crosby is flying all over the ice. Setting up plays and getting back to play defensively.

8:53- SUTTER SCORES! Downie goes to the blue paint and takes Johnson with him! Johnson ties up Bobrobsky! Sutter fires the puck on net, through traffic and it finds it way in! 2-0 Pens!

12:32- Tired group of guys on the ice for the Pens and the Blue Jackets get sustained pressure in the defensive zone. The Pens finally get the puck up ice.

14:26- The Pens are doing a good job of close checking the Blue Jackets.

17:40- Chroney carries the puck down the right side and shoots towards the toe off Bobrovsky. Smart play.

19:54- The Pens power-play is over.

20:00- Second period time! The Pens have a six second power-play to start! They need to keep up the hard work and pressure! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:38- Shots are 15-12 in favor in the Pens.

1:55- Late in this period, the Pens will get a power-play. Dubinsky to the sin bin for tripping.

2:32- Winnik has been playing a smart offensive/defensive game. Also, good at getting into shooting lanes on the penalty kill.

5:08- Another great penalty kill by the Pens. Martin was very aggressive in checking players off the puck. He did a great job of checking Dubinsky off the puck.

7:08- The Pens are called for too many men-on-the-ice. Blue Jackets power-play.

7:15- Pouliot snaps a pass up to a fast skating Crosby. Crosby and Comeau get a give and go going! Comeau gets the puck to Crosby who directs to towards the net. Bobrovsky with the pad save.

9:19- The Pens survive the Blue Jackets power-play.

9:40- The Blue Jackets dominate in the Pens zone on the power-play. Two defensemen sticks break, while blocking shots. Fleury coming up big. Shots 12-9 in favor of the Blue Jackets.

11:19- Downie will head to the box for goalie interference.

11:39- CROSBY SCORES! Cole pinches to win a puck battle on the boards and gets the puck to Hornqvist, at the side! He makes a little pass to Crosby in the slot and he doesn't miss! 1-0 Pens!

12:52- The Blue Jackets turn over the puck in their own zone. Adams backhand is directed to the corner by the pad of Bobrovsky.

13:48- Fleury has been working hard and looks sharp. He made a real nice save in close on Hartnell.

16:17- The Pens power-play comes to an end. Great offensive zone pressure for the Pens on that power-play.

16:30- Crosby fires a slapper that hits the goal post. What a shot!

18:17- Winnik drives down the center and is hooked up. Comeau tries to jam on the loose puck, bu Bobrovsky denies. The Pens will get a power-play chance as Connauton sits for hooking.

19:48- Fleury working early in his one.

20:00- The puck has dropped at Columbus! The Pens need to come out with speed and put the Blue Jackets on their heels! Lets Go Pens! 

Pennsylvania versus West New Jersey!

By: MF, 

It's another rivalry night at Consol as the Pittsburgh Penguins go into battle against the Philadelphia Flyers. When these two teams come together, it's never a friendly meeting. The Penguins are looking to get closer to locking up a playoff berth, while the Flyers have been officially eliminated from the playoffs. Tonight will be another tough and dirty game, hopefully the Penguins come out with the win and two much needed points.

The Penguins have to stick to their game and get on the board. The Flyers get an edge on the Penguins when they take them off track. They have to stay focused and try to stay out of the box. Evgeni Malkin has points in 25 of his last 29 games against the Flyers. He does well when he doesn't like the Flyers get under his skin. The Penguins will have to engage every line on every shift to keep the Flyers on their heels. Daniel Winnik has four points in his last five games, but that is in large part to playing on the first line with Sidney Crosby. Another key is the fourth line centered by Maxim Lapierre, who won 13 of 14 faceoffs during last Sunday's game against the San Jose Sharks. He also had 4:22 minutes of shorthanded time, which was his second-highest total this season.

A big focus tonight for the Flyers will be the Penguins defense, which is down to only five guys. The defense has to step up with a man down. All the guys minutes jumped up during last Sunday's game by almost nine minutes each, give or take a guy. Ian Cole was able to establish a new career high with his 12th point of the season (five goals and seven assists). A young guy stepping up for the Penguins and gaining confidence with every game, that guy is Derrick Pouliot. Four of Pouliots seven career goals have come on the power-play. He is ranked third with a 2:24 power-play, time-on-ice per game among rookie defensemen.

The Penguins will have to come out ready and with speed to start this game. They have to get on the board early and not engage in the Flyers side-business. If they can stay focused and keep to their systems, they will get the two points! Lets Go Pens!

Injury update: No news on Kris Letang. Christian Ehrhoff skated during the morning skate. Malkin will be out of the lineup tonight due to an injury. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Winnik, Crosby, Hornqvist
Kunitz, Sutter, Comeau
Perron, Spaling, Downie
Bennett, Lapierre, Adams

Defense
Martin
Pouliot, Lovejoy
Scuderi, Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 1 Flyers 4

3rd Period
0:00- That is it for this game. The Pens fall to the Flyers 4-1. Definitely missing Letang and Malkin. They have two days to rest and regroup.

1:36- Fleury makes a save on Giroux.

3:39- The Pens are having a difficult time transiting out of their zone. Letang helped with that...missing him big time.

5:06- The Pens have had a couple of chances on net, but they are lacking energy/fight in this game.

14:26- Colaiacovo Scores. Fleury makes two big saves, but the Pens are unable to clear the puck. Colaiacovo fires one over the shoulder of Fleury through traffic. 4-1 Flyers.

14:37- Kunitz and Rinaldo are released from their prisons.

14:49- Crosby backhands one that goes off Mason.

16:37- Some 4 on 4 hockey time as Rinaldo and Kunitz sit in the box.

19:05- B. Schenn Scores on the power-play. Voracek passes across the ice to B. Schenn, who is at the side of the net behind Lovejoy. Fleury has no chance as Schenn directs the puck in. 3-1 Flyers.

19:50- Martin is on the bench to start this period and looks to be fine.

20:00- 20 minutes of regulation left to go! The Pens have to start peppering Mason with shots and drive to the net! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00- Second period ends and the Flyers lead 2-1.

0:01- Martin takes a shot to the helmet as the period ends. He skates away and looks to be fine. Hope he is ok.

1:03- Downie sits again, this time for tripping.

1:58- Mark that down as another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

3:58- Perron will now keep the sin bin's seat warm as he is called for interference. Flyers to the power-play.

4:19- Crosby fires a high rising shot that goes off the corner of the goal.

7:17- B. Schenn scores. The Flyers come in three strong, the puck bounces around. Schenn finds the puck as he drives down the center. He rifles one into the net. 2-1 Flyers.

8:01- The Pens crash the net, but just can't get the puck behind Mason.

8:45- Chris "The Tank" Kunitz lays a punishing hit on Schultz and the plexi-glass can't handle it. The glass pops out and the crew gets to work on fixing it.

11:11- Huge penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was sharped and Scuderi laid down his body to block shots.

13:11- Downie is sent to the box for roughing. It was nowhere near a penalty, but he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt on calls. Penalty killers come over the boards for the Pens.

14:10- Penalty time is up and Sutter is set free. Great penalty kill by the Pens, didn't give the Flyers a chance to set-up.

16:10- Sutter throws the puck over the glass in the defensive zone. He gets a delay of game penalty and the Flyers get a power-play opportunity.

16:36- The Pens power-play comes to an end. Way too many passes on that one.

18:36- Power-play time for the Pens. Winnik draws a slashing penalty on Schultz.

19:25- Kunitz is robbed by Mason!

20:00- We are back for the second period! The Pens have to come out with more speed and get back in the lead! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period comes to an end and this game is all tied up at one.

0:48- The last few minutes have been in the Flyers favor. Fleury has been sharped and kept them in this one.

2:43- Lacavalier Scores. Lacavalier pushes Spaling off the faceoff to win it. Bellemare finds Lacavalier at center and he puts it in. 1-1 tie game.

4:09- The Pens kill off the Flyers' power-play. Fleury made two amazing saves on the penalty kill and held down the fort.

6:09- Spaling takes a seat in the box for cross-checking and the Pens bring out their penalty killers.

8:29- The Pens first line throws the puck on net a few times, Mason is up to the task. Great offensive zone time for them.

9:31- The Flyers are able to kill off the Pens power-play.

11:31- Time for a Pens power-play as Rinaldo skates to the box for tripping.

13:42- Fleury has made a few solid saves to start this game.

16:18- CROSBY SCORES HIS 300TH CAREER GOAL! Cole fires from the point and Crosby picks up the loose puck to put it past Mason! 1-0 Pens!

17:49- Cole fires a shot from the point and the Pens crash. Flyers clear and end up icing the puck.

18:13- Crosby sends a pass to Hornqivst, who goes up to Winnik. Winnik pushes the puck wide of the net!

20:00- The puck has dropped at Consol! Time to buckle up and get ready for this one! The Pens have to stay focus and get on the Flyers early! Lets Go Pens!