Metropolitan Division Showdown!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back on the road, and their first stop is in Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Penguins are coming off a four-game homestead where they went 3-1 against Western Conference teams. They had two great wins against the Minnesota Wild and St.Louis Blues, two teams that are bringing it this season.

The Blue Jackets did not get off to a good start this season going 0-7. The team decided to make a change as they hired John Tortorella to replaced Todd Richards as head coach. The first game was a loss for the new coach. Since then, the team has gone 9-6 and are 5-2 in their last seven matchups.

Last Wednesday, the Penguins beat out the St.Louis Blues and Sidney Crosby had a two-goal game. In his last 12 games, Crosby has four goals and six assists (10 points). With his goals against the Blues, he has now scored a goal versus all other National Hockey League (NHL) teams, excluding the Penguins. Evgeni Malkin also was great in that game. He scored the game-winning goal, with was his fifth, which leads the NHL. He also scored his ninth career overtime goal in that match. However, the shining stars of the game were the fourth line for the Penguins. Eric Fehr, Matt Cullen, and Sergei Plotnikov were an impressive trio that were relentless on the forecheck and played a hard game. The team and coaching staff raved about them and how they affected the game. Look for them to impact the game tonight.

As for defense, Ben Lovejoy notched his second multi-point game on Wednesday night. Marc-Andre Fleury was solid once again between the pipes and will get the start tonight. The defense will have to keep Fleury’s line of sight clear and make simple plays out of the zone.

A quick look at some stats/numbers

The Penguins are 5-1-2 in their last eight visits to Columbus, and they have a 2.11 goals-against average when on the road, which places them fourth in the league in that category. Also, Phil Kessel is riding a four-game point streak! Let’s hope he continues that streak on tonight with a win in the column for the team!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Dupuis - Crosby - Hornqvist

Perron - Malkin - Kessel

Kunitz - Bonino - Bennett

Plotnikov - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Scuderi - Letang

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Cole - Clendening

Fleury in the net! 

Play By Play
Pens 1 Blue Jackets 2 OT

Overtime
The Blue Jackets get the 2-1 win in overtime. Fleury fought hard the entire game and kept the Pens in it. Refs didn't do anything to help. Glad it's over.

2:18 - Atkinson Scores. Dubnisky holds the puck and passes to Atkinson at the side. He puts it in. 2-1 Blue Jackets.

3:05 - Kessel fires a shot that goes up into the netting.

4:10 - Fleury with a huge save and lays down to cover up the loose puck in the blue paint!

4:41 - Letang and Kessel get a 2 on 1 chance, but Bobrovsky with the pad save!

5:00 - The puck has dropped on overtime! The Pens need to end this one early! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:16 - Fleury makes two back-to-back saves on Johansen.

2:12 - Bonino tries to chip a backhander into the net, but Bobrovsky makes the save.

4:45 - The second line comes flying into the offensive zone. Malkin goes to Kessel and he tries to get it over to Perron (driving down the slot), but it's blocked.

6:24 - The Pens get some chances on net, but just can't get to the rebound chances.

8:03 - Johansen Scores. Fleury makes the first save, but Johansen puts in the bad angle shot. Hartnell takes a whack at Fleury and it hinders him from pushing off fully. Johnston challenges, but the refs rule it a good goal. 1-1 tie game.

8:18 - The Pens kill it.

8:41 - Fleury holding down the fort!

10:18 - Scrum ensues in front of Fleury and only Kunitz will go to the box. Blue Jackets to the power play. Horrible time to take one.

10:45 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin's first shot is saved by Bobrovsky and it's loose! The Pens crash and Malkin gets the rebound back! He buries it! 1-0 Pens

11:48 - Murray sits for hooking and the Pens get a power play chance.

11:51 - 4 on 4 play ends.

13:51 - Rychel starts to push around Plotnikov, who pushes back and puts him on the ice. Both to the box for roughing. 4 on 4 hockey.

16:26 - Fleury with a high shoulder save!

19:20 - The Pens power play is killed off.

20:00 - Third period is underway! The Pens have a 40 second power play to start this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and things are still scoreless.

0:41 - Malkin lets out some Russian anger on Jack Johnson!

1:20 - Crosby is viciously crosscheck in the back of the head (bare neck area) by Dubnisky. Crosby to the locker room and Dubnisky in the box. Hartnell and Hornqvist also in box. Pens power play.

1:42 - Calvert is trying to get Hornqvist to drop them, but he is having no part of it.

3:02 - Letang carries the puck down to the offensive zone and drops the puck off to Crosby, he just fans on the shot.

4:49 - The Pens power play is killed off.

5:33 - Blue Jackets get a 2 on 1 shorthanded chance, but Fleury keeps the puck out!

6:59 - Murray is off to the box for roughing and the Pens are headed onto the power play.

7:05 - Crosby hits the crossbar!

11:42 - Another good kill by the Pens.

13:42 - The Pens are finally getting some momentum going, but Malkin takes a slashing penalty. Blue Jackets to the power play.

14:48 - Clendening comes into the offensive zone and goes to the net. Bobrovsky with the toe save.

16:08 - Fleury has been unreal in the net. The Blue Jackets are peppering him with shots.

18:13 - Successful penalty kill by the Pens.

20:00 - The guys are back for the second period! The Pens have to kill off a Blue Jackets' power play for 1:47 to start! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens escape with things tied at zero.

0:14 - The Pens battle in front and Malkin ends up taking a penalty for slashing. Blue Jackets to the power play late in this one.

1:25 - Fleury with another good stop. The Blue Jackets are very aggressive on the forecheck and firing everything at the net.

4:04 - Perron and Dubnisky battle hard on the boards. Malkin and Savard also battle. The Pens starting to push back.

6:12 - So much for that power play as the Pens register zero shots on it. Blue Jackets very aggressive on the kill.

8:12 - Now the Pens will have a chance at the power play as Falk is called for tripping.

11:32 - Fleury is on his game right now. The Pens need to push back! 

13:08 - Shots are 10-2 in favor of the Blue Jackets. 

15:00 - That penalty is kill off and Cole is released. 

15:28 - Fleury with a huge save and makes a another quick glove save on Dubinsky's shot. 

17:00 - The first power play will go to the Blue Jackets as Cole sits for hooking. 

19:28 - Kessel makes a rocket fast pass up to Perron who has Malkin going with him! Perron fires and it tickles past Bobrovsky and spins at the goal line/post area. Bobrovsky just pushes it out with his skate before Malkin can get a stick on it! 

20:00 - It is game time in Columbus! The Pens need to come out with speed and get to work early! Time to show consistency! Lets Go Pens! 

Time to make St.Louis sing the Blues!

The Pittsburgh Penguins will close out their four-game homestead as they host the St. Louis Blues at Consol Energy Center tonight. All four games have been against Western Conference teams. The Penguins are ranked first among Eastern Conference teams as they have 40 wins against the West in the last three years.

Currently, the Blues are 8-4 on the road and only trail the Dallas Stars by four points for the Central Division’s top spot. On the road, Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Sheen have scored six goals each in the last 12 road games for the Blues. They are a team that knows how to put up points while on the road. This will be even truer as Paul Statsny is healthy once again. He will join Steen and David Backes, giving the Blues a more solid offensive front that will go perfectly with their deep defensive core, which is tops in the league.

With such a solid team, the Blues are a force that is not to be taken lightly. The Penguins will have to get their power play on track to start. Through the first nine games, the power play went two for 31 (6.5%). Then from October 29-November 7, they went five for 13 (38.5%). Now in the last three games the power play is four for 16 (25%). It has improved, but it should be lethal with the amount of talent on it. It still has flaws and is not very consistent. If they want to get wins and make a deep run in the playoffs, their power play woes need to be solved.

The Penguins must also focus on getting traffic in front of Jake Allen, who has been great in the net for the Blues. The Penguins have to pressure him and make his job even harder. That means firing shots, shots, and more shots on him every chance they get.

As for defense, there must be cleaner playing and puck clearing. The Penguins cannot afford any messy plays or turnovers. They must also keep the front of the net clear for Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been a wall and kept the team in games. He needs a clear front to make the crucial saves. Most importantly, the Penguins have to help him out. He has been left out to dry way too much.

This game needs to be a consistent, 60-minute effort by the Penguins!

Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Dupuis - Crosby - Hornqivst
Perron - Malkin - Kessel
Kunitz - Bonino - Bennett
Plotnikov - Cullen - Fehr

Defense
Scuderi - Letang
Dumoulin - Lovejoy
Cole - Clendening

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 4 Blues 3

Overtime
THE PENS GET THE 4-3 WIN IN OVERTIME! WHAT A GREAT JOB BY THE GUYS TO GET THIS WIN! WAY TO CLOSE AT HOME! 

3:40 - MALKIN SCORES! Kessel and Malkin come flying into the offensive zone! Kessel passes over to Malkin who stick handles around Allen's outstretched pad into the net! 4-3 Pens!

5:00 - Time for overtime! The Pens need to end this one early! Lets Go Pens!


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

3:22 - Malkin stick handles around two Blues, but is denied by a sprawling save.

5:41 - Pietrangelo Scores. Pietrangelo comes flying in and sneaks one between the arm and body of Fleury. 3-3 tie game.

7:40 - Lightning quick pad by Fleury to deny Tarasenko!

10:48 - The Pens kill it!

12:48 - Bortuzzo hooks up Kunitz and will go to the sin bin.

13:11 - LOVEJOY SCORES! Perron puts the puck back to the point, where Lovejoy fires a rocket shot past Allen! 3-2 Pens!

14:35 - The Pens kill off the Blues power play.

15:45 - Fleury with a few great saves to keep things tied at two.

16:33 - Now a power play for the Blues.

16:35 - Pens power play ends as Kunitz heads to the box. Crosby also had the hatter. 4 on 4 for two seconds.

18:33 - The Pens will head onto the power play and look to take back the lead.

18:48 - Fabbri Scores. Fabbri skates backwards into the Pens zone and looks like he is going to pass the puck. He holds and fires a wrister past Fleury. 2-2 tie game.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens have to keep their foot on the gas pedal! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period

0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens have the 2-1 lead over the Blues!

2:20 - Plotnikov is on it tonight. I wouldn't be surprise to see him get one.

4:21 - Fleury is looking good in net.

8:02 - The Pens fourth line is grinding things out.

10:03 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin fires the puck on net and Crosby deflects it past Allen! 2-1 Pens!

11:30 - Power play for the Pens.

11:53 - Crosby protects the puck while coming down the wing. Allen makes the save on Crosby's backhand shot. 

15:35 - The Pens fourth line is doing work as they keep the Blues from getting any offensive momentum. 

17:37 - Fleury makes an unreal left arm save on Tarasenko. 

17:58 - The Blues fire one over the net. Close one there. 

20:00 - Second period is underway! The Pens have to get more shots on net and pressure the Blues in their own zone! Lets Go Pens! 

1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and this game is tied at one a piece. 

3:41 - CROSBY SCORES! Dupuis forces a turnover in the Blues zone and the puck is left in the slot area! Crosby gets to it and slaps one past Allen! 1-1 tie game. 

4:51 - The Pens power play ends with zero registered shots. 

6:51 - Malkin draws a hooking penalty on Statsny. Pens to the power play. 

7:55 - Plotnikov just misses a rebound chance. 

10:45 - Statsny Scores on the power play. Steen makes a shot pass to Statsny down low by the goal post. He doesn't miss. 1-0 Blues. 

10:52 - Cole to the box for holding the stick and the Blues get the first power play of the game. 

12:06 - Crosby backhands one that is saved and Dupuis just misses the rebound chance. 

12:52 - Kunitz fires, but Allen makes the save. 

15:38 - Blues creating some traffic in front of Fleury. 

17:20 - The first line gets to work. Crosby with some unreal stick handling moves!

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Consol! Lets Go Pens! 

A Wild Night!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are hosting the Minnesota Wild at Consol Energy Center! The Wild are getting the job done despite missing some of their top players. They are 10-3-3 this season with points in their last four.

This game is coming after a horrible loss to the New Jersey Devils, Saturday night. Even Head Coach, Mike Johnston admitted that it was a “low point” for the team, and players were frustrated. A change needs to be made, and someone has to pump this team back up. That person should be Johnston. They need to motivate. Johnston seems to be out of his league and shows no emotion, almost like he does not care what happens during the game. I could be completely wrong, but I can understand why the players seem to be in a slump. They do not have someone to lead them as a Head Coach should. They are not the Penguins I have come to know and are no way consistent with their play. Tonight’s game could be a turning point; we shall see.

One key part of them getting things back on track is their power play, which is currently ranked 30^th in the league (that would be the last place). That is horrible, especially when you look at the firepower they have on hand. They must focus on getting traffic in front and the puck on net at every chance. Shots lead to opportunities, which equals goals. It is not about trying to use nice plays, but getting those dirty, hardworking goals instead.

On the injury front, there was some concern about Patric Hornqvist. He practiced and will be in the lineup.

The Pens lineup is as follow:

Forwards

Dupuis - Crosby - Hornqvist

Perron - Malkin - Kessel

Kunitz - Fehr - Sprong

Plotnikov - Cullen - Bennett

Defense

Maatta - Letang

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Cole - Clendening 

Fleury in the net! 

Play By Play
PENS 4 Wild 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-3 WIN OVER THE WILD! MALKIN WAS ON FIRE TONIGHT AND IT WAS A GREAT TEAM EFFORT! FLEURY WAS SOLID AGAIN! WAY TO GO GUYS! KEEP IT UP! 

1:05 - Wild with an empty net.

1:24 - The Wild and Pens have some disagreements at the Wild net. Fehr is punched by Carter and mayhem ensues. Carter in the box for roughing and Perron to the sin bin also. 4 on 4 hockey.

1:32 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

3:32 - Suter heads to the box for delay of game and the Pens get a late power play chance.

5:10 - Fleury is holding strong in the net as the Pens hold onto a one goal lead.

8:15 - Fleury makes a solid save on a Wild rush play.

10:58 - All is all she wrote for the Pens power play.

12:58 - The Pens are going onto the power play as Crosby draws a high sticking call.

14:11 - Malkin fires a hard shot off a feed from Kessel, but it goes wide. What a hard shot!

15:46 - The Pens kill of remaining time for the Wild power play.

17:36 - Koiuv Scores. Koiuv fires one past Fleury after horrible call by the refs. 4-3 Pens

17:46 - Now Cullen joins Kessel for holding. 5 on 3 power play for 1:24.

18:22 - Kessel is now visiting the sin bin for slashing. Wild to the power play.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to keep pressuring the Wild and not let them have any chances on Fleury! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period

0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens have the 4-2 lead! It was Malkin's period for sure!

1:04 - Wild get a 2 on 1 chance, but Fleury gets the pad out!

3:37 - Spurgeon Scores. Spurgeon receives a pass right in his wheelhouse. He fires one over the shoulder of Fleury. 4-2 Pens

4:20 - Regular power play for the Wild for 1:19.

4:59 - Dang it! Cole goes for slashing. 5 on 3 power play for the Wild for 39 seconds.

6:20 - Perron is called for goalie interference and Wild get a power play opportunity.

8:46 - MALKIN SCORES AGAIN! Kessel passes to Malkin while he enters the zone! Malkin drags the puck around a Wild defender and to the front of him! He rips one past the blocker of Dubnyk! 4-1 Pens

9:44 - Maatta is pushed hard from behind and falls right into the open door opening at the Wild's bench. He stays down and has to be helped off the ice. He goes down the Wild runway and it doesn't look good.

11:45 - MALKIN SCORES! The Pens get two chances with the puck loose in the blue paint! The puck comes back out to the point! Malkin fires a rocket shot and it blows past Dubnyk! Yeo challenges for goalie inteference, but the call stands! 3-1 Pens

12:54 - Porter is sent off for high sticking. Power play for the Pens.

13:01 - Shots are 16-8 in favor of the Pens.

15:59 - Not to much excitement right now. Just some back and forth hockey. Not many shots.

20:00 - Second period is underway! The Pens have to keep working hard and continue to get pucks on net! Lets Go Pens! 

1st Period

0:00- First period ends and the Pens lead the Wild 2-1!

1:19 - 4 on 4 time for 1:57. 

1:22 - Plotnikov to the box for slashing. Wild power play. 

2:49 - BENNETT SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin finds Bennett in the slot and Malkin puts it right in his wheelhouse! 2-1 Pens

4:18 - Pominville takes a penalty. Pens to the power play. 

4:27 - Pens kill off the Wild power play. The Wild had zero shots on net. 

6:27 - Clendening is off to the sin bin. Wild get a power play chance. 

7:03 - Granlund Scores. The Wild get a rush started after a turnover by Malkin. Granlund is found open in the high slot. He blast one past the blocker of Fleury. 

8:00 - Wild are starting to get chances. Shots are now 7-7. 

10:15 - Fleury with a save on a point blank shot! 

13:25 - Fleury makes a nice save! 

15:44 - Power play ends. It was not good at all. 

17:44 - Scandella heads to the box and the Pens onto the power play. 

18:48 - PERRON SCORES! Malkin fires from the point, but Dubnyk makes the save! Perron gets to the rebound and puts it in! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Puck drop at Consol! The Pens have to come out with speed and get the puck on net early! Lets Go Pens! 

Time to hang up the Blue Jackets!

By: MF,

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins will face off against a desperate team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets started the season losing their first eight games, which is the worst start in the National Hockey League’s 72 years. Since they hired John Tortorella as their head coach, the team has gone 4-5. Desperate teams can be the most deadly to face, so the Penguins will have to keep their heads on a swivel.

The forward line combinations will be the same as last game since they seemed to click well. However, there will be changes to the defensive pairings as every pairing will be shaken up. They will be listed below in the lineup combinations.

The Penguins will have to stay focus and keep the pressure on the Blue Jackets. They cannot afford to let the Blue Jackets get any momentum. Lets Go Pens!

The lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Dupuis – Crosby – Bennett

Perron – Malkin – Kessel

Kunitz – Bonino – Hornqvist

Cullen – Fehr – Sprong

Defense

Dumoulin – Lovejoy

Maatta – Letang

Cole – Scuderi

Fleury in the net 

Play By Play
Pens 1 Blue Jackets 2

3rd Period
0:00 - That will do it for this one. The Pens are unable to comeback and the Blue Jackets come out with 2-1 win.

0:13 - It looks like the Pens have tied things up, but the refs rule it no goal as Hornqvist kicks in the puck. He did make a kicking motion. They review and the call stands.

0:31 - Empty net for the Pens again.

0:57 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Letang fires a rocket from the point and it's deflected by the stick of Hornqvist in front! 2-1 Blue Jackets.

1:42 - Timeout for the Pens.

2:20 - Pens with the empty net!

2:38 - Fleury makes a good pad save, but the puck slips through. Fleury dives back to stick the puck away from the goal line! What a great save! He didn't give up!

3:09 - The Pens are not generating any offense and are not looking good. Hard to believe this team beat the Montreal Canadiens (#1 team in the NHL).

7:03 - Another horrible power play showing for the Pens that looked more like a penalty kill. Fleury makes an unreal stretch pad save on a 2 on 1 chance!

9:03 - Connauton to the box and another power play chance for the Pens.

9:19 - Fleury makes unreal left pad save and dives to get the rebound.

9:35 - The Pens are now 0-5 on the power play and it have any shots on this one as it's easily killed.

11:41 - Power play for the Pens, they need to generate something on this one. Feels like their last chance to get something going.

11:56 - Finally the Pens get a quality chance on net, but can't get it past Bobrovsky.

13:34 - The Pens only have 17 shots. They need to pick it up.

15:06 - More line changes for the Pens as Fehr is now out with Crosby and Dupuis.

18:57 - The power play for the Pens is killed off.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens have a power play for 1:01 to start this one! Time to capitalize on the power play! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Blue Jackets lead 2-0.

0:02 - Malkin rings one off the goal post!

0:59 - Pens power play.

1:32 - That is a successful kill for the Pens.

3:32 - 1:51 power play for the Blue Jackets.

3:41 - 9 seconds of 4 on 4 then the Blue Jackets will get a power play as Kunitz is off to the sin bin.

5:32 - Power play time for the Pens...not sure if I should be happy about this.

7:11 - Saad Scores on the power play. Murray finds Saad in the slot with space. Saad's backhand goes past the glove of Fleury. 2-0 Blue Jackets.

8:38 - Now Malkin is headed to the box for tripping. Blue Jackets power play. Horrible time to take a penalty.

8:52 - Hartnell Scores. Fleury makes the initial save, but Hartnell is left alone beside the net. Hartnell puts the puck in the open net. Fleury had no chance. 1-0 Blue Jackets.

10:09 - Things are still scoreless. Pens need to make an extra push offensively.

12:39 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

13:47 - 1:08 power play for the Pens.

14:39 - 51 seconds of 4 on 4 as Cullen is tripped up by Connauton.

15:47 - Hornqvist takes a seat for tripping and the Pens have to kill a Blue Jackets power play.

16:38 - The Pens are playing a solid game, but need to generate more offensive pressure and shots.

20:00 - Second period time! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and this one is still scoreless.

0:35 - Fleury makes a snow angel save!

2:20 - Fleury with a good glove save to get the whistle.

4:41 - Solid penalty kill by the Pens and Kunitz is set free.

6:41 - Now the Blue Jackets will get a power play chance as Kunitz goes to the sin bin for tripping.

7:12 - Fleury makes a fantastic poke check save.

8:49 - Sprong with a great shot that is saved by the toe of Bobrovsky!

9:48 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end and the Blue Jackets had the best scoring chance.

11:48 - The Pens are getting the first power play of the game. Campbell for tripping.

14:05 - Perron just misses a huge rebound chance from Bobrovsky! Perron does a some great backchecking to get the puck away from the Blue Jackets. 

16:02 - Kunitz with a golden chance, but the fires wide! 

17:32 - The Pens have had some good looks on the Blue Jackets net. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Pittsburgh! Time for the Pens to shut down the Blue Jackets! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins are finally back in Pittsburgh!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back home at Consol Energy Center to face the National Hockey League’s (NHL’s) team, the Montreal Canadiens (Habs). The Habs hold the NHL-best record of 13-2-1 with all 13 of their wins coming in regulation. Since their last meeting on October 13, the Penguins have improved going 9-2 that included a six-game winning streak. They have scored a power-play goal in each of their last five games and have a goal-against average of 2.00, which is ranked third in the NHL. Also, the penalty kill leads the NHL as they have killed 31 of 33 (93.9%) and they are fourth in the league in the faceoff circle with a 52.1 faceoff percentage.

As for the lineups, there has been some shifting over the past few games. The biggest change will be to the top line centered by Sidney Crosby. He will now have Pascal Dupuis and Beau Bennett. Dupuis will be returning to the lineup tonight as all his test came back negative and deemed that his symptoms were not related to his previous blood clot issues. Hopefully, this line can get something going and it will be nice to see the energetic Dupuis back on the ice to fire things up. 

As for the second line, they have been doing well together, since David Perron was added onto the wing with Phil Kessel and center Evgeni Malkin. Perron and Kessel have been producing well on Malkin’s line. Perron was switched to the second line on October 28^th. Over the last six games on that line, he has four points and averages 3.33 shots on goal per game. Two of his four points have come on the power-play. Kessel also has clicked well with Malkin as he has seven points (four goals and three assists) in seven games played with him. Kessel is also riding a three-game point streak (two goals and two assists). In addition, Kessel has a total of 18 points in the last 15 games he has played against the Habs. Look for this line to contribute big time.

A Challenging Matchup

The Penguins will have to stay focused, disciplined, and ready to play a full 60-minute game. The Habs are not top in the league for no reason; they are a strong and focused team. When they do get out of sync, which rarely happens, they bounce right back. The Penguins will not be able to let down their guard, evening if they have the lead. Many might think their weakness for tonight would be the goaltending as they will be without the services of Carey Price. However, Mike Condon is 6-0-1 when he is in between the pipes and as a 1.57 goals-against-average. It will not be an easy task to get goals past him. 

Lets Go Pens! 

The lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Dupuis - Crosby - Bennett

Kessel - Malkin - Perron

Kunitz - Bonino - Hornqvist

Sprong - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Cole - Letang

Maatta - Scuderi

Fleury in the net! 

Play By Play
PENS 4 Habs 3

Shootout
THE PENS GET THE 4-3 WIN IN A SHOOTOUT! FLEURY HELD DOWN THE FORT AND PERRON/CROSBY FINISHED THINGS UP IN THE SHOOTOUT! WHAT A GREAT COMEBACK BY THE PENS! 

CROSBY SCORES! He comes in fast and stops! He stick handles the puck a few times and puts it past Condon!

Desharnais is denied by the stacked pads of Fleury!

PERRON SCORES! He comes in quick and blast one past Condon!

Galchenyuk is poke checked by Fleury!


Overtime
0:00 - Overtime and regulation are not enough. We are headed to a shootout.

0:26 - Pens power play ends.

1:10 - Letang rings one off the goal post!

2:26 - Habs have too many men on the ice and the Pens are getting a power play opportunity in overtime.

2:37 - Crosby is coming in fast to the goal, but couldn't handle Perron's pass.

4:35 - Malkin leaves the puck for a defensemen, but the Habs get there first. Almost made the Pens pay for that one.

5:00 - The puck drops on the 3 on 3 overtime period! Pens need to take control earlier and keep it! Lets Go Pens!



Third Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime.

0:16 - Power play ends for the Pens.

1:20 - Timeout for the Pens.

2:12 - The Pens are getting a late power play chance as Gilbert is called for holding.

2:29 - Kunitz gets the puck behind the Habs' net and finds Hornqvist in the slot! Condon with the save!

3:42 - Consol has erupted and the crowd is back in this one.

6:10 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby finds Hornqvist, who comes flying into the Habs' zone! He rifles one past Condon! Things are tied at three a piece!

7:50 - The Habs have an odd-man rush and Fleury makes the glove save!

8:31 - Kunitz and Bonino both have quality chances, but Condon makes the necessary saves.

11:30 - The Pens get some offensive zone time, but their shots are wide of the net. They need to get more traffic in front and get that puck on the net.

15:58 - Finally some offensive pressure is created by the second line of the Pens. Kessel's shot is turned away by Condon!

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to pick up their game and get some shots on net! Lets Go Pens!


Second Period

0:00 - Second period ends and the Habs have the 3-2 lead over the Pens.

0:06 - Perron backhands one that goes off the goal post!

1:36 - Maatta hits the ice with Letang.

2:14 - Maatta is back on the bench! 

3:58 - Pens kill it. 

5:58 - Crosby now in the box for unsportsmanlike conduct. Habs to the power play. 

5:58 - Flynn Scores. Habs get another 2 on 1 chance, Flynn takes the shot and gets it past Fleury. The Habs have the 3-2 lead. 

8:36 - The Pens kill off the Habs power play! 

7:15 - Maatta takes a puck to the mouth and is bleeding. 

10:36 - Letang is headed to the sin bin for interference and the Habs go onto the power play. 

12:13 - Gallagher Scores. Cole mishandles the puck and give it up to Gallagher who is all alone behind the defense. He goes high glove. 2-2 tie game. 

14:30 - Fleury makes a save as the Habs come crashing into the net area. 

16:04 - Power play for the Pens come to an end. 

16:44 - The Pens now have a short power play. 

18:04 - 4 on 4 hockey time as Subban is called for tripping. 

18:44 - Habs will head onto the power play. Kunitz is called for tripping. Crosby looks to be ok now. 

19:30 - Crosby is hit and hobbles to the bench. He is in some discomfort. 

20:00 - Second period is underway! The Pens have to stay focus and keep pressuring the Habs! Lets Go Pens! 

First Period

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

0:43 - MAATTA SCORES! Kessel fires one from the point area and it goes off Maatta's leg right past Condon! The Pens retake the lead 2-1!

2:37 - Fleury is back in net! 

4:13 - Pens get their own 2 on 1 chance and Crosby's shot rings off the goal post! 

4:47 - Lovejoy's stick is caught in the eye hole of Fleury's mask and he heads straight for the locker room. Zatkoff is now in the net. 

5:42 - The Pens power play comes to an end. 

6:42 - Habs get a 2-on-1 chance, but Letang makes a beautiful sliding play to break it up! 

7:14 - Condon robs Malkin! 

7:42 - Power play for the Pens as Gallagher is called for tripping. 

9:24 - Condon makes a great save as the Pens crash the net after Hornqvist is robbed in front! 

11:50 - Dupuis comes flying into the offensive zone, but Condon denies him. 

15:48 - Markov Scores. Subban puts a pass right into the wheelhouse of Markov and he blows one past Fleury. A power play goal for the Habs. 1-1 tie game. 

16:49 - Malkin will take a seat for slashing. The Pens third ranked penalty kill will take on the third ranked Habs power play. 

17:22 - Fleury makes a solid save as he is pushed around a bit by the Habs. Letang take exception and a scrum ensues.  

19:47 - DUPUIS SCORES! 13 seconds into this one Crosby finds Dupuis alone in the blue paint! Dupuis welcomes Condon to Pittsburgh! 1-0 Pens! 

20:00 - The puck has dropeed at Consol! It's officially hockey night in Pittsburgh! Lets Go Pens! 

Fire extinguisher needed!

By: MF,

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins will round out their West Canada tour in Calgary! The Penguins are ready to battle the Flames and extend their winning streak to seven games. Nothing has really changed, since the game last night against the Edmonton Oilers. The only change is that Marc-Andre Fleury will be between the pipes. He has been performing on a consistent basis for the team and jumped started this winning streak along with aiding in it growing.

A quick injury update: Pascal Dupuis who went to the hospital is back with the team. All his test came back negative, but he will be done again in Pittsburgh. Glad for the good news and hope he is back in the lineup soon!

The Penguins have to come out with speed and get pucks on net. They have to keep their foot on the gas pedal and not let the Flames have any room. Lets Go Pens!

Forwards
Fehr - Crosby - Hornqvist
Perron - Malkin - Kessel
Kunitz - Bonino - Bennett
Poltinkov - Cullen - Sprong

Defense
Cole - Letang
Dumoulin - Lovejoy
Mattaa - Scuderi

Fleury in the net!

Play By Play
Pens 2 Flames 5

3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens winning streak is snapped as the Flames get the 5-2 win.

2:14 - Gaudreau scores an empty netter. Cole with a horrible turnover that lead to that goal. Letang is very angry and shows it. 5-2 Pens.

2:40 - We have an empty net.

5:24 - Time is becoming the enemy of the Pens right now.

8:12 - The Pens don't capitalize on the power play, but Kessel and Cole both had great chances.

10:12 - Another power play chance for the Pens as Bonino draws a penalty.

11:04 - Flames get a 2 on 1 chance as Letang is caught pinching, but the shot goes high and wide.

12:16 - The Flames look to be on their heels this period. Pens getting a lot more offensive zone time, but not much showing with only one shot registered, so far in the third.

17:59 - Bennett and Kunitz are now on a line with Crosby. Just picking guys out of a hat and putting them on the top line, while crossing their fingers, hoping it will work.

20:00 - Third period is underway! Time for the Pens to pressure the Flames in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to an end and the Pens have cut the Flames lead in half 4-2.

0:18 - We are getting a penalty shot as Jones' is hooked up on a break away. Jones fires his shot high over the net...Fleury must of scared him!

1:30 - The Pens have more fire in their game now. Fleury holding strong.

3:23 - Some offensive chances by the Pens as Malkin in denied in front!

5:43 - BONINO SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! The Pens second unit comes out and gets the job done! Bonino blows a shot past Ramo! Pens cut the Flames lead in half! 4-2 Flames.

7:41 - The Pens are headed onto the power play as Bennett is called for interference.

8:00 - Finally a good shot on net by the Pens, but Perron's shot is gloved up by Ramo.

10:55 - Monahan Scores. Monahan bats in the puck over a diving Fleury. Not looking good. 4-1 Flames.

12:05 - The Pens are not generating many chances or offensive plays.

17:06 - Fleury makes an unreal save with his mask. Wow! He is trying to give the Pens a chance in this one.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have to step up their offensive game and clean up things on defense! Get things into gear guys! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period finally comes to an end and the Flames have the 3-1 over the Pens.

2:49 - Bennett Scores. Bennett comes flying into the Pens' zone and stick handles his way around Cole. Then he puts it under the outstretched pad of Fleury. 3-1 Flames.

3:39 - Gaudreau Scores on the power play. The Pens penalty killing streak comes to an end at 21. Gaudreau is left wide open on the backside and puts it in an open net. 2-1 Flames.

4:55 - Another power play chance for the Flames as Lovejoy is sent to the box for delay of game. The Pens bring out their penalty killers.

6:47 - KESSEL SCORES! Malkin takes the puck from the corner and feeds it to Kessel! He walks to the front of the net and puts it five-hole! 1-1 tie game.

8:17 - The Pens need to get more time in the offensive zone and give Fleury a break.

12:23 - Colborne Scores. Colborne is left alone and unaccounted for in the slot. He finishes the play with a top shelf goal. 1-0 Flames.

12:30 - Pens kill it and that makes it 21 in a row.

14:30 - Crosby to the box for holding. Horrible call as he was unended onto the ice and held on for the ride to the ice. Flames to the power play.

15:12 - Flames are peppering Fleury with shots. The Pens haven't got much going to start this one.

16:46 - The Pens kill off another penalty and make that 20 in a row!

18:46 - Early power play for the Flames as Perron is sent to the sin bin for a delay of game penalty.

20:00 - The puck has dropped and we are off! The Pens battle the Flames! Lets Go Pens! 

A well oiled machine!

By: MF

We are in for another late night of hockey as the Pittsburgh Penguins continue their Western Canada tour as they are in Edmonton to take on the Oilers. Tonight was supposed to be the first matchup between two National Hockey League (NHL) players, Sidney Crosby and the Oilers rookie sensation, Connor McDavid.

However, during the Oilers’ Tuesday night game against the Philadelphia Flyers, McDavid fractured his left clavicle. Though McDavid is out of the lineup for the Oilers, they are still a team full of talent. They have the trio of Leon Draisaiti, Taylor Hall, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who have combined for a total of seven goals and 13 assists (20 points) in their last three games. They will also welcome back the services of Jordan Eberle, who has missed the team’s first 13 games with a shoulder injury.

Currently, the Penguins are riding a five-game winning streak. They have also won eight of their last nine games. Tonight, there will be a netminder chance for them as Jeff Zatkoff will be in the net. In his last appearance, Zatkoff stopped a total of 50 shots in the Penguins 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres last Thursday.

In addition, the Penguins penalty kill is on a roll as they have killed 27 of their last 28 shorthanded. This includes killing 17 straight, putting them at an 89.7% success rate, which is third in the NHL. Adding to the penalty kill success on an offensive note is Eric Fehr, who scored a shorthanded goal Wednesday night against the Vancouver Canucks. He became the first player in NHL history to score a shorthanded goal in his first two games with a team. CONGRATS!

As for defense, Brian Dumoulin had back-to-back assist games for the first time in his NHL career. He has also been a plus or even player in 11 straight games. It goes to show that the young Dumoulin is learning and putting it to good use. His hard work has added to the Penguins winning streak. Also, the team has only allowed a total of 41 shots in their last two games.

As for the numbers against the Oilers, the Penguins are 3-0-2 in their last five visits to Rexall Place. They have also gone 7-0-2 in their last nine meetings against Edmonton.

Lastly, some huge career milestone will be accomplished tonight! Ian Cole will be playing in his 200^th game and Evgeni Malkin in his 600^th! 

Last minute injury update: Pascal Dupuis was taken to the hospital after experiencing symptoms that may or may not be related to his blood clot history. 

Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Fehr - Crosby - Hornqvist

Perron - Malkin - Kessel

Kunitz - Bonino - Bennett 

Plotnikov - Cullen - Sprong

Defense

Cole - Letang

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Maatta - Scuderi

Zatkoff in the net!

Play By Play
PENS 2 Oilers 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 2-1 WIN OVER THE OILERS! MAKE THAT SIX IN A ROW AND WHAT A GREAT GAME! ZATKOFF WAS SOLID IN NET! HERE WE COME CALGARY! 

0:37 - Oilers are pressuring, but Zatkoff is able to make the save. Unreal!

1:26 - It looks like Pouliot scored, but Zatkoff makes the save. The play is reviewed and the refs rule that it is not a goal as the puck never crossed the goal line.

2:00 - Oilers hit the goal post!

2:05 - Pens kill it!

4:05 - Oilers are going to head onto the power play as Cole sits for delay of glass. Huge kill for the Pens!

4:09 - Malkin with a great play to break up a chance in front of the net. Zatkoff makes a great save and holds for the whistle.

5:28 - The Oilers ring a shot off the goal post! Way to close.

6:33 - Great backchecking effort by the Pens tonight. Really helping out the defense.

10:15 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel fires a rocket shot from the point and it blows past the glove of Nilson! 2-1 Pens!

10:30 - Nilsson trips up Perron in front of the net to break up his scoring chance. Pens to the power play.

10:55 - Fehr's shot is blocked!

15:23 - Cole is a blocking shot machine.

16:48 - Plotnikov gives Davidson a rough ride into the boards.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens have to get to work and get some bodies in front of Nilsson! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period

0:00 - First period ends and this game is tied at one. The Pens out shot the Oilers 26-19.

1:29 - Back and forth hockey right now. Not much shooting by either team.

4:53 - The Pens are under siege right now by the Oilers. Finally, the puck goes back over the blue line and the Pens can change lines.

6:22 - Davidson is set free and the Pens are now 0-3 on the power play tonight.

7:10 - Letang breaks up an Oilers 2 on 1 chance!

8:22 - Power play for the Pens once again as Davidson is in the sin bin for interference.

9:17 - Zatkoff makes a unreal save on Gryba's shot!

10:54 - SPRONG SCORES! The Pens fourth line goes to work behind the net! Plotnikov and Cullen get the puck free to pass to Sprong all alone in the slot! Sprong fires it past Nilson! 1-1 tie game.

15:43 - Oilers have come out with more fire and getting some good offensive zone time. The Pens need to pick it up.

19:15 - Klefbom Scores. Klefbom comes flying down the wing and blast a slap shot. It flies over the blocker shoulder of Zatkoff. 1-0 Oilers

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens have to keep pressuring Nilsson and put pucks on net! Lets Go Pens! 

1st Period

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

1:01 - Oilers starting to come on late in this period. They have had some good looks at Zatkoff. 

3:12 - The Pens power play is now over. 

3:43 - Hornqvist scores on the power play. Nilsson saves Crosby's side net shot, but can't stop Hornqvist. He puts in the rebound. Oilers challenge the play saying it was offsides. The refs rule no goal as the Pens were found to be offsides when they entered the zone. 1:05 left on the power play. 

5:12 - Hendricks will head to the box for hooking. The Pens head onto the power play. 

5:53 - Shots are 8-4 in favor of the Pens. 

6:12 - Some good puck movement by the Pens. They need to get the puck on net more often. 

8:41 - The defense for the Pens are getting more offensively involved in this one. 

11:52 - Bennett with a shot that is blocked! 

14:56 - The Pens power play comes to an end. 

15:45 - 49 second power play for the Pens as Poltnikov is set free. 

16:56 - Some 4 on 4 hockey for 1:11 as Nugent-Hopkins takes a seat in the box. 

17:45 - The Pens are going onto the penalty kill as Poltnikov interference. 

19:30 - Crosby gets a quality chance on net, but Nilsson denies him. 

20:00 - Game time! The Pens are in Edmonton to battle the Oilers! Lets Go Pens!