No Jet lag

Hello Pittsburgh nation! I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday season and was able to relax some. Tonight, the Penguins are in Winnipeg to take on the Jets. The Penguins are coming off a solid win against the Minnesota Wild, last night.

During last night’s game, Kris Letang returned to the lineup and became the fifth defensemen in franchise history to join the 300-point club. Congrats to Letang and what a great way to come back. Also, joining the Penguins again was our Captain, Sidney Crosby. He earned a goal and an assist during that game. He had a great night and will look to continue that tonight against the Jets. Crosby has had many successful games against the Jets. In his 28 career games against them, Crosby has 47 points (15 goals and 32 assists). In the last three, he has five points (one goal and four assists). Look for him to jump right into things.

As for the net situation for the Penguins, Marc-Andre Fleury is still out with a concussion. However, Matt Murray has stepped up and shown that he is ready to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). He earned his first road win last night. In his last three starts, Murray has gone 2-1-0, has a 1.68 goals-against-average, and a .934 save percentage. It will be interesting to see who Head Coach, Mike Sullivan puts between the pipes tonight.

Currently, the Penguins have an active six-game winning streak against the Jets and have gone 4-2 in their past six visits to Winnipeg. They have won nine of their last 11 meetings.

The Penguins will have to come out with speed and get on the board early. They just need to play a consistent 60-minute game and keep focused on getting pucks on net. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz - Crosby - Perron

Sheary - Malkin - Hornqvist

Plotnikov - Bonino - Kessel 

Porter - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Warsofsky

Zatkoff in net!

Play by Play
Pens 0 Jets 1

3rd Period
0:00 - The Jets come out with the 1-0 win over the Pens. A penalty shot did the Pens in. Jets kept the Pens frustrated for almost the entire game.

0:20 - Timeout for the Pens.

0:35 - Kunitz, Bonino, and Malkin get amazing chances, but Hellebuyck and Meyers make the saves!

1:18 - Empty net for the Pens.

3:13 - Lovejoy's face is cut by a Jets player skate as he falls. He heads to the locker room.

3:53 - Crosby and Malkin get a chance, but Crosby's pass is deflected.

4:54 - Time is running out for the Pens. The Jets are taking back control of this game and keeping the Pens out of their zone or to the outside.

8:20 - One can see the fatigue setting in for the Pens, who played last night.

11:06 - The Jets are left with a wide open net chance, but Zatkoff dives back to get the paddle and blocker down to make the save! Amazing!

14:48 - Great penalty kill by the Pens as Malkin is set free. Dumoulin made great clears to get the puck down the ice.

16:48 - Jets get an officially power play as Malkin sits for high sticking.

19:01 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end. Probably for the better as the Jets were getting the chances instead of the Pens.

20:00 - Now it's time for the third period! The Pens have a 59 second power play to start and need a quick goal to tie things up! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:22 - Jets get a shorthanded breakaway chance, but Zatkoff makes the save!

1:01 - Late power play for the Pens as Burmistrov heads to the box for delay of game.

2:06 - Crosby does some amazing stick / skating work. Unreal.

3:12 - Head Coach Mike Sullivan is changing up some lines, looking to get something going.

4:45 - Crosby makes a good pass to let Sheary enter the Jets zone. His backhander is turned away by Hellebuyck.

5:44 - Zatkoff makes a great glove save on a blue line shot.

6:51 - That will do it for the Pens power play. Not much on that one.

8:51 - The Pens are getting their first power play of the game as Halischuk sits for interference.

9:45 - Hellebuyck makes another unreal save. The Pens are starting to mount an offensive attack on him.

11:22 - Crosby whacks at the puck a couple of times, but Hellebuyck gets the pad down for the save.

11:50 - The fourth line for the Pens gets some offensive zone time, but the Jets keep the puck to the outside and end up with the clear.

14:15 - The Jets ring another shot off the goal post. They are controlling the puck very well and the Pens are just chasing after them.

15:53 - The Pens are trying for more long, stretch passes to get a jump up ice.

18:52 - The Jets are clogging up the neutral zone and giving the Pens a hard time.

20:00 - The guys are back for the second period! The Pens have to clean up their puck control and get more offensive zone pressure! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period horn sounds and the Pens trail the Jets by one.

0:40 - Hellebuyck has not been tested in this period. Pens have had trouble getting shots on him and getting offensive zone time.

2:37 - The Pens are having trouble entering the Jets zone. They keep turning over the puck at the blue line. Not good puck control.

3:30 - Zatkoff makes a blocker save on a slot shot.

5:14 - Little Scores on a penalty shot. Little gets a breakaway chance and is hooked up by Lovejoy. The refs call a penalty shot. Little fakes out Zatkoff and puts it in. 1-0 Jets

5:33 - Kessel and Plotnikov get a chance on net, but Plotnikov fans on the shot.

5:53 - The Jets ring a shot off the goal post!

8:00 - Good pace to this game. Crosby gets a backhander chance in front, but it is steered wide.

11:10 - Zatkoff makes a huge save and the Pens get to the rebound to clear it. Nice teamwork.

12:08 - A successful kill for the Pens. Zatkoff doesn't seem to have settled into the net. He was a little panicky on the penalty kill.

14:08 - The first power play of the game will go to the Jets as Plotnikov sits for hooking.

18:24 - Solid start for both teams. The Pens look good.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Winnipeg! The Pens need to come out with speed and take control early! Lets Go Pens!  

Penguins have no need for Blue Jackets

By: MF,

Tonight in Pittsburgh, the Penguins will look to snap their five-game losing streak with a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

However, the Penguins will be without their Captain, Sidney Crosby. He will miss the game due to a lower-body injury. Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS) doesn’t believe it is a long-term injury and hopes the four-day break will give him time to recover. That is another significant blow to the Penguins lineup, especially when they are searching for more scoring.

There was no morning skate. The lines with definitely changed up to reflect Crosby’s absence. The Penguins did call up Bryan Rust from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Evgeni Malkin will see his role increase even more. He accounts for 21.4% of the team’s total goals (15 goals), which ranks him 8^th in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is tied for fifth in the league in power-play goals with seven. Malkin also has 13 home goals, which is third in the NHL. He loves scoring at Consol.

As for the netminder, Matt Murray will get the nod over Jeff Zatkoff. HCMS liked what he saw from Murray after he settled into the game the other night against the Carolina Hurricanes. Murray made his NHL debut during that match. He stopped all 19 even-strength shots. The Hurricanes only scored on power play chances.

The defense will be essential for both the forwards and defenders. Trevor Daley seems to have meshed well with the Penguins. His numbers for time on ice and shifts per game were above those numbers when he was in Chicago. Daley has led the Penguins defensemen in ice time for each of the last two games. He has also tallied points in each of the last two games, a goal, and assist.

The Penguins will have to get things going early and play a smart game. The less Murray has to deal with the better. They must stay out of the box. Six of the last nine games against the Blue Jackets have been one-goal games, which means the first goal will be crucial. The Penguins need to play a consistent 60-minute game and stay focused. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary – Malkin – Hornqvist

Kunitz – Bonino – Kessel

Wilson – Cullen – Perron

Porter – Fehr – Plotnikov

Defense

Maatta – Daley

Dumoulin – Lovejoy

Cole – Warsofsky

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Blue Jackets 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 5-2 WIN OVER THE BLUE JACKETS! GREAT TO SEE THEM GET SOME SCORING GOING! MURRAY WAS SOLID IN THE NET! FIRST WIN FOR HEAD COACH SULLIVAN! GREAT WAY TO HEAD INTO THE HOLIDAY BREAK! 

0:44 - Prust goes to the locker room and gets a four minute penalty. The Pens have a power play of the rest of this one.

1:29 - MALKIN SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Malkin doesn't let Jenner get to the puck and puts it in the empty net! 5-2 Pens

2:00 - Empty net for the Blue Jackets.

4:18 - Blue Jackets are out hitting the Pens 47 to 30

5:48 - Kunitz just crushed Jenner!

7:31 - Lovejoy is set free!

9:31 - Blue Jackets get a power play chance as Lovejoy sits for hooking.

12:06 - Dumoulin and Lovejoy are doing a good job and shutting the Blue Jackets down.

14:37 - Jenner Scores. Jenner comes flying down the wing and sneaks one past the blocker side of Murray. 4-2 Pens

15:22 - The Pens are controlling the puck well and keeping good offensive pressure.

17:53 - Murray makes a great stretch pad save.

20:00 - The guys are back for the third period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and not sit back! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens take the lead 4-1 over the Blue Jackets!

0:44 - WARSOFSKY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Warsofsky fires a rocket shot from the blueline past the glove Korpisalo! 4-1 Pens

2:00 - Bourque sits for cross-checking and the Pens are on the power play.

2:10 - Malkin battles to get a shot on net, but him and the defender go down at the last moment.

4:00 - KESSEL SCORES! Mattaa gets the puck up to Bonino, giving him and Kessel a 2 on 1 chance! Bonino makes a beautiful saucer pass to Kessel, who puts it into the wide open net! 3-1 Pens

5:26 - Malkin does some work and the 2nd line is peppering the net with shots!

6:16 - Malkin takes his first shift and looks good.

8:28 - Malkin returns back to the bench and takes a quick skate on the ice.

10:57 - The Blue Jackets are able to kill off the Pens power play.

12:57 - Jenner sticks out his knee/leg to hit Malkin's left knee. Malkin goes down and is in pain. He limps his way to the locker room. Dirty hit. Two minute power play for the Pens.

15:36 - KESSEL SCORES! Maatta clears the puck up ice and Kessel gets a breakaway! He elevates the puck and puts it under the blocker arm! 2-1 Pens

16:54 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Perron works his way to the net and the puck is knocked off his stick! Malkin finds the loose puck and puts it past Korpisalo! Torts challenges for offsides, but it is ruled a good goal! 1-1 tie game

18:17 - The Pens will not get their first power play of the game as Korpisalo is called for delay of game.

19:30 - Dubinsky and Fehr drop the gloves in front of the Blue Jackets bench. Dubinsky got the better of it.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to take control and pepper the net with shots! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and the Blue Jackets have the 1-0 lead over the Pens.

0:04 - Wilson almost puts one in right before the period ends.
  1:56 - The Pens have started to get some more offensive zone time and gets some shots towards the net.

3:55 - The Blue Jackets are out shooting the Pens.

5:24 - Successful kill of both penalties and the Pens are made whole again.

6:30 - The Pens kill the 5 on 3 power play. Blue Jackets now have a regular power play for 36 seconds.

7:24 - Unreal. Cullen is called for slashing. Blue Jackets get a 5 on 3 for 1:24.

8:30 - The first penalty of the game goes to Malkin for elbowing. Blue Jackets to the power play.

11:41 - Malkin and Sheary seemed to have found some good chemistry. Sheary almost puts one past Korpisalo.

14:19 - Wennberg Scores. Blue Jackets blueliner fires a hard shot from the blue line and it bounces off the back boards. It bounces all the way to the front of the net and a trailing (also alone) Wennberg puts it past Murray. 1-0 Blue Jackets.

15:34 - Murray makes another solid save and holds for the whistle.

18:54 - Murray has to make a quick first save. Flashed the pad and controlled the rebound.

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Consol and the Pens are off! Time for them to take control and keep it! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins are in Boston to ruin the Bruins!

By: MF

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Massachusetts to face-off against the Boston Bruins. Unfortunately, the Penguins will be without the services of key members. Not a great time as the Penguins are trying to get the season turned around, but this is not something new for the team. They have seen this plenty of times in the past and worked through it.

Firstly, Beau Bennett will be out for four to six weeks due to an upper-body injury, which he sustained during Monday’s game against the Washington Capitals. The injury happened after he was hit into the boards awkwardly by T.J. Oshie. It is sad to see Bennett suffer such an injury after he has been playing well on the first unit. He seems to have the worse luck when it comes to injuries. To add to the bad news, Marc-Andre Fleury will be missing from the lineup as he is suffering from a concussion. Doctors evaluated him, but not much else has been said about it. Fleury has been the most consistent player on the ice, and he is heavily relied on during games. The Penguins will have to pick up their game big time as he will not be there to clean up their mistakes. Also, Nick Bonino woke up not feeling well this morning and will be a game-time decision.

In response to the growing injury list, the Penguins have recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton goaltender Matt Murray and forwards Kevin Porter and Conor Sheary. Sheary, a Massachusetts’ native, could make his National Hockey League (NHL) debut. He is tied for the American Hockey League (AHL) assists lead with 19. As for Murray, he earns his first call up. He has been a top goaltender in the AHL. Currently, his record is 12-4-0 with a 1.84 goals-against average and four shutouts. He is a reliable backup to Jeff Zatkoff. Neither Zatkoff or Murray have faced the Bruins.

In addition, the Penguins announced the trade of Rob Scuderi to the Chicago Blackhawks for fellow defensemen Trevor Daley. He will make his Penguins debut tonight and will wear the number six. He had 16 goals, 22 assists, 38 points, and six power play goals last season (2014-15) with the Dallas Stars. He is a fast skating defenseman and should mesh well with the Penguins. He was paired with Olli Maatta during the morning skate.   

The Penguins have averaged 43.5 shots in their last two games and need to keep that up. They are 7-1-1 in their last nine visits to TD Garden. The Penguins have to come out with speed and pepper the net. Shots equal goals. They also have to get second chances and get in the dirty areas. It is time to battle! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz- Crosby - Perron

Plotnikov - Malkin - Kessel

Sheary - Cullen - Hornqvist

Porter - Fehr - Sprong

Defense

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Warsofsky

Zatkoff in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 0 Bruins 3

3rd Period
0:00 - The Bruins shutout the Pens with a 3-0 win. The Pens are a work in progress.

0:45 - The Pens have out shot the Bruins the entire game, but cannot even get one in.

2:41 - Spooner Scores on the power play. Spooner puts one in the empty net. 3-0 Bruins

3:00 - Empty net for the Pens.

3:20 - Hornqvist off to the box for cross checking. Bruins to the power play. Horrible call as Hornqvist was pushed into Spooner by McQuaid.

5:21 - There needs to be more net front presence by the Pens to block Rask's vision or he will keeping making saves.

7:17 - The Pens have had a solid game for the most part. They have been getting shots, but Rask has been up to the task. Not to mention, luck doesn't seem to be on their side as they have hit post and such.

9:16 - Zatkoff makes an amazing toe save as he holds his leg strong at the post, while Marchand whacks him a few times with his stick.

12:15 - Successful kill for the Pens and they held the Bruins to a single shot.

14:15 - Kunitz skates to the box for tripping and the Bruins get a power play. Huge penalty kill for the Pens right now.

14:41 - The first line for the Pens gets some great offensive time, but can't get any solid shots on net.

16:15 - Maatta is caught pinching and the Bruins get a 2 on 1 chance, but Krejci fires it wide of the net.

17:34 - Cullen makes a behind the back pass, but the puck is deflected away from Sheary in the slot.

20:00 - Last period of regulation! The Pens have to get a goal early to start the third and jump start their comeback! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Bruins still lead the Pens 2-0.

0:25 - Bruins kill off the Pens power play.

2:25 - Kunitz gets behind the defense, but his shot rings off the goal post!

2:49 - Third power play chance for the Pens tonight as Chara heads to the sin bin for interference.

3:53 - Daley has been solid in this game. He carries the puck well and is a great skater. Looks to be a good addition to the blue line.

6:12 - Shots are 12-4 in the second period in favor of the Pens.

8:35 - Malkin fires one that is just wide of the net. It was super close.

11:15 - The Pens are starting to push back and gets things going. They need to get a goal soon to get the momentum going their way.

15:28 - The Pens are playing more defense then I would like.

16:00 - Haley Scores. Spooner makes a cross ice pass to Hayes driving to the net. The puck goes off the skate of Cole and maybe Haley. 2-0 Bruins.

16:38 - Crosby slaps shot that seems to explode off his stick, but Rask is able to get a piece to send it away.

17:41 - Kessel gets around Chara to get the shot off, but Rask directs the shot to the corner.

19:49 - Good kill for the Pens.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the second period! The Bruins start with a 11 second power play! The Pens have to kill and then attack! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and the Bruins have the 1-0 lead over the Pens.

0:40 - Cullen gets a shorthanded chance, but Rask makes the pad save!

1:49 - Kunitz's shot is saved, but Perron ends up taking a penalty for interference. Late power play for the Bruins.

1:55 - The Bruins have come on as the period whines down.

3:50 - That is all for the Pens power play. Looked more like a Bruins power play as they controlled the puck for the majority of the time.

5:50 - Another power play chance for the Pens

6:02 - Zatkoff with a huge save!

7:02 - Rask with a huge save to keep the Bruins in the lead.

10:08 - Talbot Scores. Turnover by the Pens and Talbot goes the other way. He snaps one past the glove of Zatkoff. 1-0 Bruins

11:34 - Good kill by the Pens as Crosby is set free.

13:34 - Now the Bruins have a power play opportunity as Crosby heads to the box for tripping.

13:40 - The Pens are hammer the Bruins right now. Malkin gets behind the defense, but not cleanly to get a shot off. Fast start for the Pens. 

15:21 - Bruins kill off the Pens power play. 

16:12 - Kessel fires one off the goal post! 

17:21 - The Pens will get the first power play of the game as McQuaid sits for hooking. 

17:50 - Hornqvist battles to the bring the puck to the net, but the play is broken up at the last minute. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped at TD Garden! Game time! The Pens have to come out with speed and be aggressive offensively! 

I take your King!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at Consol Energy Center after a 12-day road trip, which they came out with two losses and two wins. Tonight, they face the Los Angeles Kings in Pittsburgh!

Changes to the lineup will be seen on the defense as Kris Letang will be out of the lineup again, due to an upper body injury he suffered in the Colorado Avalanche game. Rob Scuderi was a healthy scratch that game, so look for him to fill in the open spot.  

The Penguins will have to stay a focus and play a full game. They have had trouble playing consistently for an entire game.

Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows: 

Forwards

Kunitz - Crosby - Bennett

Perron - Malkin - Kessel

Fehr - Bonino - Hornqvist

Plotnikov - Cullen - Sprong

Defense

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Maatta - Warsofsky

Scuderi - Cole

Fleury in net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Kings 3 SO

Shootout
The Kings get the 3-2 win over the Pens in a shootout. The Pens made a good effort to come back and take things to a shootout. At least the Pens picked up a point after this one.

Gaborik puts one past the glove of Fleury.

Bonino is denied.

Pearson robbed by the Flower!

Malkin can't control the puck.

Brown is denied by Fleury!

Crosby is denied.

Kopitar puts the puck around Fleury into the net.

Perron beats Quick!


Overtime
0:00 - Shootout here we come!

1:26 - Crosby lobs the puck up for Kessel who gets a one on one against Quick! Quick makes the save.

2:13 - Another 2 on 1 chance for the Pens, but Bennett misses on the shot as the puck bounces.

3:20 - Malkin and Perron get a 2 on 1 rush. Malkin passes over to Perron. Perron fires, but Quick gets the pad out for the save.

4:04 - Kings have held the puck in the offensive zone this whole time. Pens are tired.

5:00 - Well the Pens came back to tie things up! Now it's time to get the win! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:10 - MALKIN SCORES! Kessel fires from the point and Quick makes the save! Malkin gets the rebound and puts the puck around the pad of Quick! 2-2 tie game

2:14 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:24 - Still not much going for the Pens as time whines down.

4:37 - Not much going for the Pens. They can't seem to get any quality chances on Quick.

6:32 - Time is becoming the enemy of the Pens. They need one here soon.

11:24 - Crosby fights his way through interference to get a stick on a pass from Bennett, but it just goes over the net.

13:22 - The Pens successfully kill the Kings power play, but the Kings still control the puck in the offensive zone.

15:22 - Perron heads to the sin bin for holding and the Kings get a power play chance.

19:26 - Muzzin Scores. Muzzin fires from the point and the puck seems to have eyes, as it finds its way under the pad of Fleury. 2-1 Kings

20:00 - Third period is underway! The Pens have to pressure Quick more and keep getting shots on net! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and things are tied up at one.

1:02 - 1:35 power play for the Kings.

1:12 - FEHR SCORES! Cullen finds Fehr in front! Fehr goes down to one knee to beat Quick! 1-1 tie game.

1:29 - Now Maatta takes a hooking call and 4 on 4 hockey for 21 seconds.

2:01 - Crosby puts a pass right on Kessel's stick, but he hits the goal post. He had a wide open net.

2:43 - Regular Pens power play.

3:05 - 5 on 3 for 15 seconds. Three Kings in the net and Malkin in the box. Carter slashed Malkin's leg from behind and no call made. Malkin gets angry and a scrum ensues.

4:43 - Gaborik sits for hooking and the Pens get their second power play of the game.

7:37 - Bennett is back on the bench!

9:27 - Fleury robs Gaborik in front!

11:20 - Bennett is nailed into the boards, face first, after a cheap crosscheck on the numbers. Horrible hit and no call. Bennett heads to the locker room.

12:13 - Some glorious scoring chances for the Pens. Bonino's shot is saved and Dumoulin gets the rebound, but Quick gobbles up the puck.

13:46 - The Kings crash the net, but Fleury gloves up the puck for the whistle.

14:33 - The first line gets a huge chance. Crosby goes across to Kunitz, but Quick is able to get over to make the save!

15:04 - Last few minutes have been some back and forth hockey. The Pens have to work for every inch of ice.

18:15 - Kessel gets a great chance, but Quick robs him!

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to come out with a more of an offensive presence this period! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period horn sounds and the Kings have the 1-0 lead over the Pens.

1:13 - Too much defensive play for the Pens. They need to possess the puck more and get more shots on net.

3:17 - Fleury makes three consecutive saves. He has been solid in the net.

4:55 - The Pens kill it off and Fleury makes a post-to-post pad save to keep the Pens within one.

5:25 - Carter fires a hard and fast shot, but Fleury is up to the challenge.

6:55 - McNabb takes a seat for tripping and the Pens get the first power play of the game.

7:35 - Once again Bonino gets a chance in front, but he can't get a stick on the loose puck.

9:30 - Perron gets a chance, but is taken down by Doughty.

12:26 - Pearson Scores. Pearson carries the puck and compelty undresses Cole at the blueline. He gets a one on one with Fleury. Pearson finds room between the arm and body of Fleury. 1-0 Kings

15:00 - Fleury flashes the glove at Brown's shot! Solid save!

16:03 - Bonino lets go of more at close range, but Quick makes the pad save.

17:39 - The Kings come out with pressure to start this one and pin the Pens in their own zone.

20:00 - It's Hockey in Pittsburgh! The Pens battle the Kings! Lets Go Pens! 

Win it for Duper!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Colorado Avalanche tonight. This is only a day after Pascal Dupuis announced he will be stepping away from hockey, due to health reasons that are related to his blood clot history. I wish Duper and his family all the best and hope he finds a place within the Penguins organization. Tonight, the Penguins will have to focus on the game. They are looking to come off this road trip with two wins and two losses. That means they need a win against the Avalanche.

Some good news is that Kris Letang will return to the lineup after missing two games, due to an undisclosed injury.

They will have to stay focused and consistent the entire game to achieve this. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Maatta - Letang
Dumoulin - Lovejoy
Warsofsky - Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Avalanche 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS DEFEAT THE AVALANCHE 4-2! WHAT A GREAT ROAD VICTORY AND COME BACK FOR THE PENS! FLEURY HELD DOWN THE FORT AND BENNETT WAS ON FIRE! 

1:32 - Avalanche empty net once again. 6 on 4 power play for Avalanche.

1:37 - Avalanche with late power play as Perron sits for high sticking.

2:01 - Empty net for Avalanche.

3:31 - Bennett is in some discomfort as he heads to the bench. He took a nasty hit.

4:50 - The Avalanche survive the Pens power play.

6:50 - Power play chance for the Pens as Holden brings down Perron. The call is holding.

9:17 - BENNETT SCORES AGAIN! Dumoulin finds Bennett up at the red line! Bennett and Kunitz have a 2 on 1 chance! Bennett holds and fires a wicked shot past Berra! 4-2 Pens

10:36 - MAATTA SCORES! The Pens win an offensive zone faceoff! Maatta takes the puck to the net and fires one! It goes up in the air off of Berra's pad and falls over the goal line! The goal is reviewed and it stands! 3-2 Pens

12:41 - BENNETT SCORES! Kunitz carries and Crosby drives center! Kunitz chips to the trailing Bennett, who controls the bouncing puck! He backhands one to the back of the net! 2-2 tie game

13:05 - Another successful kill for the Pens.

14:30 - The Pens kill off the first penalty. Avalanche with regular power play for 1:25.

15:05 - The Pens are called for too many men on the ice. Perron sits. 5 on 3 for 35 seconds.

16:00 - Fleury flashes the glove on shot from Johnson!

16:30 - Malkin skates to the box for delay of game and the Avalanche get their third power play of the game.

17:08 - Malkin is denied by Berra!

17:58 - Plotnikov steals and brings the puck to the front, but he can't get the puck under control.

18:29 - Successful kill by the Pens as Lovejoy is set free.

20:00 - 20 minutes of regulation left in this one! The Pens have to kill off a Avalanche power play for 1:31 to start! Kill it and then attack! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Avalanche still hold the 2-1 lead over the Pens.

0:29 - Lovejoy takes a late hooking penalty and Avalanche get a power play opportunity.

1:09 - Crosby fights to keep the puck in the zone and goes to Bennett. Bennett drops the puck off to Kunitz. His shot is gloved up by Berra!

3:11 - Cullen and Plotnikov get a rush. Cullen holds and hands off to Plotnikov, who is robbed by the pad of Berra!

4:16 - That will do it for the Pens power play, which only registered two shots.

4:24 - Bonino's shot is gobbled up by Berra.

6:16 - Berra body checks Plotnikov behind the net and is called for interference. The Pens get their first power play chance of the game.

6:53 - Scoring chances are 6-2 in favor of the Pens.

8:34 - Avalanche hold the Pens in their zone for an extended period of time. Fleury gets the puck for a whistle.

10:40 - Dumoulin carries the puck right to the blue paint, but losses an edge before he can get a shot off.

11:43 - Once again the Flower is holding down the fort to keep the Pens in this one.

14:23 - Fleury makes a solid save on Iginla.

17:25 - Warsofsky drags the puck and fires from the point. Berra makes the pad save.

19:02 - The Pens first line comes out with some fire to start this period. They had a few looks on net, but Berra was up to the task.

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to pick up their game and take control! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and the Pens trail the Avalanche 2-1.

1:00 - The Pens have a late surge.

3:02 - Sprong rings one off the goal post!

5:00 - Johnson Scores. Johnson leads the rush from the Avalanche's own zone, passes the puck over upon zone entry, and continues to drive down the center. Johnson deflects a shot off his backhand into the net. 2-1 Avalanche

5:15 - Berra turns away a shot by Letang.

7:28 - The Pens 4th line is doing some work. Really working hard in the corners and getting some quality zone time.

9:04 - CULLEN SCORES! Maatta fires a shot from the point and Cullen, who is parked in front of the net, redirects the puck past Berra! 1-1 tie game

10:52 - Good kill by the Pens.

12:04 - Crosby gets a shorthanded opportunity, but Berra denies him.

12:52 - Cullen heads to the box for interference and the Avalanche will get the first power play of the game.

14:26 - Duchene Scores. Mackinnon comes rushing into the Pens' zone and his shot is deflected. It goes right to Duchene, who puts one five-hole. 1-0 Avalanche

14:52 - Bennett and Crosby connect to get a shot off on net, but it's just pushed wide.

18:52 - Bonino gets a quality chance that is stopped by Berra.

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is on! The Pens need to come out with speed and get going early! Lets Go Pens! 

Hunting some Ducks

By: MF,

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins will do some hunting as they face the Anaheim Ducks. This will be the second of back-to-back games for the Penguins. They lost yesterday afternoon 5-3 to the Los Angeles Kings. It was a poor showing by the Penguins, especially during the second period. That is when the Kings surged ahead, and the Penguins were unable to dig themselves out of the hole.

The Penguins will have to come out a play a consistent 60-minute game, which is something I say almost every game. That is because they are very inconsistent. Each period a different team seems to emerge from the locker room and most of the time it is not for the better. They need to come out every shift and get shots on the net with traffic in front. It is time to get back to simple hockey, which will lead to wins and building of a solid foundation for the team in the long run.

It will not be an easy task for the Penguins, but this is the time to turn things around. They will have to stay focused and play smart as Kris Letang will be missing another game. Hopefully, the Penguins can turn things around even though Mike Johnston is at the helm. He has yet to prove that he can lead the Penguins to victory, let alone a successful playoff run.

Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz - Crosby - Bennett

Perron - Malkin - Kessel

Dupuis - Bonino - Hornqvist

Plotnikov - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Maatta - Warsofsky 

Scuderi - Cole

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Ducks 2

3rd Period
0:00 - The Ducks get the 2-1 win over the Pens. Something needs to change for the Pens and quick. Last two games have been lack luster to say the least.

1:20 - Late power play for the Pens as Bieksa sits for slashing. Net is still empty for the Pens.

1:46 - The Pens now have an empty net.

2:37 - Time is becoming the enemy of the Pens. Fleury still making unreal saves to keep the Pens in this.

5:19 - The puck is getting into the offensive zone more for the Pens, but they are being forced to the outside and not getting much on net.

8:05 - The second line of the Pens gets some time in the offensive zone, but can't step anything up as the Ducks do a good job of breaking up plays.

11:33 - Plotnikov puts the puck right in the slot area, but Fehr can't get a stick on it.

13:41 - Fleury with a huge glove save!

15:50 - The Ducks survive the Pens power play as the Pens have four quality chances that Gibson denied.

17:50 - Now the Pens will get their first power play of the game. Stoner to the box for hooking.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens have to take control of the puck movement and hammer Gibson with shots! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Ducks have taken the lead 2-1 over the Pens.

2:32 - 2 on 1 chance for the Pens. Bennett holds and decides to shoot, but his shot goes off the far goal post.

4:05 - Stewart Scores. Thompson gets a pass to Stewart, who directs a quick one-timer into the net. 2-1 Ducks

5:33 - The Pens are starting to push back and pin the Ducks in their own zone. They need to keep this up and pepper Gibson with shots.

9:12 - Fleury is once again doing the impossible to keep this game tied up.

11:10 - The Pens start to get a little surge going. The second line gets two quality chances, but Gibson makes the necessary saves.

13:27 - Cole fires a shot from the blue line that goes right off the crossbar!

15:00 - Shots are 12-6 in favor of the Ducks. The Pens need to get control of the puck.

19:15 - Perry Scores. The puck bounces around the slot area and Perry is able to get the shot off. Fleury gets a piece, but not enough. 1-1 tie game.

19:59 - Malkin and Kesler both received roughing minors at the end of the first. So we start with some 4 on 4 hockey.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep the puck down in the offensive zone and reduce the chances for the Ducks! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

1:08 - The Ducks with some good chances, but Fleury shutting them down. The Pens need to turn this around and get the puck down to the other end.

2:12 - Fleury makes an unreal save on a point blank shot from Perry!

4:42 - Up and down opening period, but the shots are only tied at four a piece. Not many whistles, but quite a few shot attempts.

7:29 - Gibson robs Malkin!

11:02 - Fleury makes two quick saves in front.

11:23 - Mark that down as a successful penalty kill for the Pens.

12:30 - Rakell gets a goal as he is left all alone. However, the Pens coaching staff challenges the goal, saying it was offsides at the start. The refs rule in favor of the Pens! NO GOAL!

13:23 - The Ducks will get the first power play of the game as Plotnikov is headed to the sin bin.

14:12 - Some back and forth plays, but not much going on. Like a chess match at this point. Shots are 2-1 in favor of the Pens.

16:58 - MAATTA SCORES! Crosby chips the puck to Maatta in the slot! Maatta blows one past Gibson! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Game time in Anaheim! The Pens need to come out with speed and play a consistent 60-minute game! Lets Go Pens!  

The Pens look to dethrone the Kings

By: MF,

Good afternoon Penguin fans! This afternoon the Pittsburgh Penguins are in Los Angeles to battle the Kings. The Penguins are on a long 12-day road trip through the West, which started off in San Jose with a huge win. It was the first time the team has won in San Jose in 18 years and the first time this season they have scored five goals.

Hopefully, the Penguins can keep the momentum going in their favor today in LA. However, that could prove to be harder as Kris Letang could be out of the lineup. Letang missed the team’s Friday practice with an undisclosed injury. Per Head Coach Mike Johnston (HCMJ), Letang has been a lingering injury for the defenseman. He will be a big loss on the backend for the Penguins. Some good news though for the defense, Olli Matta will make his return after missing six games with an upper-body injury. The Penguins will have to pick up the slack if Letang is out. They cannot allow Marc-Andre Fleury to carry the defense on his back as they have in the past. Though Fleury earned two shutouts last season against the Kings, he needs to be helped out.

The Penguins have the second line clicking on all cylinders with Evgeni Malkin, David Perron, and Phil Kessel lighting the lamp often. I have a feeling that Sidney Crosby will break out soon, but HCMJ must stop juggling the first line. It seems he is messing with that line every game and every few shifts. Crosby needs time to mesh with his linemates. I hope HCMJ will leave that line alone for a bit and see if it works for a few games, not one.

This game will not be an easy one for the Penguins. They must stay out of the penalty box, battle for pucks, get pucks on net, and put traffic in front. Time to play a consistent 60-minute game! Lets Go Pens!  

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz - Crosby - Dupuis

Perron - Malkin - Kessel

Bennett - Bonino - Hornqvist

Plotnikov - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Maatta - Cole

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Warsofsky - Scuderi

Fleury in the net! 

Play By Play

3rd Period
0:00 - The Kings get the 5-3 win over the Pens. I feel especially bad for Fleury once again as he was pepper all game. The Pens got behind early and couldn't dig themselves out.

1:10 - Lucic Scores an empty netter. Lucic blows past Kessel and puts the puck in the empty net. 5-3 Kings

2:20 - Dupuis is on the bench. Equipment issue. The Pens have an empty net.

2:21 - Bonino lets go of a fast shot that is gobbled up by Quick.

3:04 - Dupuis doesn't appear to be on the Pens bench. Not sure why.

5:03 - Fehr causes the Kings to turnover the puck and Cullen comes flying into the slot area to direct it on the net! Quick is just able to get the save.

7:27 - Fleury makes a huge pad save while sliding on Lucic's chance! Unreal save!

8:27 - Kings will get a penalty shot.....Fleury makes the save!

8:38 - Crosby gets the puck from behind the net and outlets to Bennett in the slot. Bennett just can't get all on the shot.

9:05 - Successful kill by the Pens. Malkin gets a chance, but Quick makes the save.

10:05 - Crosby gets a shorthanded chance, but his shot is blocked!

11:15 - Horrible time for the Pens to take a penalty. Bonino will sit for tripping as the Kings head ont the power play.

11:40 - Maatta does some a great job of keeping Clifford from getting a shot off.

12:29 - The Pens power play is killed off.

14:29 - Clifford takes a seat for high sticking. Huge chance for the Pens to tie things up on the power play.

17:21 - CROSBY SCORES! Dumoulin makes a hard pass from the blue line and Crosby (in front) deflects the puck over the shoulder of Quick! 4-3 Kings

17:44 - Fleury makes two solid saves to start this period.

20:00 - The guys are back for the third period! The Pens better come out as a different team and get things back on track! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and the Kings lead 4-2 over the Pens.

1:58 - MAATTA SCORES! Kunitz finds Maatta in the slot area! Maatta puts in a backhander! 4-2 Kings

2:15 - Kessel with a shot that just goes wide. Best chance the Pens have had in a long time.

4:02 - Kings getting too many chances and Pens are allow them to crowd the front of the net.

7:42 - Muzzin Scores. A big battle in the corner and the Kings come out victorious. They find Muzzin wide open on the weak side and he scores. 4-1 Kings

8:40 - KUNITZ SCORES! Crosby finds Kunitz in the slot from behind the net! Kunitz fires it past the blocker and off the post into the net! 3-1 Kings

9:03 - Lucic Scores. Lucic skates right in and goes five hole. 3-0 Kings

10:07 - Ehrhoff Scores. The Pens fall back and give Kings room. Ehrhoff enters the zone and uses Scuderi as a screen to put the puck past the blocker of Fleury. 2-0 Kings

11:03 - The Flower once again saves the Pens.

12:10 - Perron is robbed by Quick!

12:25 - Fleury makes another save on a point blank shot. He is holding down the fort.

14:01 - Plotnikov emerges from behind the net and gets a backhander off that is saved by Quick.

14:45 - Fleury makes an unreal save. Keeping the Pens in this one as the Kings are getting chances.

16:41 - Malkin and Kessel make a tic-tac-toe play. Malkin fakes a shot and slides the puck to Kessel. Kessel shoots it wide.

17:34 - Doughty Scores on the power play. Doughty fires a rocket shot while sliding back to the boards. The laser shot goes over Fleury's glove. 1-0 Kings

17:38 - Scuderi heads back to the box for delay of game. Kings back to the power play.

19:07 - The Pens kill off the Kings power play.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to kill off a Kings power play for 54 seconds to start! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

1:07 - Now the Kings will head to the power play as Scuderi is off to the box for holding.

1:56 - The Pens turnover the puck in their own zone. Shore is all alone in the slot, but blows a tire as he fires the puck and it goes wide. Lucky break for the Pens.

2:28 - The power play for the Pens is killed off by the Kings. They need to get the puck to the net more often, way too much passing.

3:24 - Warsofsky fires from the blue line, but it's deflected into the netting. At least someone is shooting the puck towards the net.

3:55 - Kessel makes a diving play to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

4:28 - The Pens are getting the first power play of the game as Shore heads to the box for tripping.

6:13 - Fleury once again makes a tough save with tons of traffic in front of him. Kings are out shooting Pens 7-1.

8:24 - The Kings crash and get traffic in front, but Fleury is able to make two great saves to keep things scoreless.

9:15 - Kings get a chance for a 2 on 1 rush, but Fehr with the great back-checking effort to break things up.

11:54 - Carter gets a chance on a rush, but the pass doesn't get through cleanly.

16:41 - Crosby and Kunitz battle in the corner for the puck. Crosby was battle hard against a big Kings defense. 

18:04 - Warsofsky fires a shot that is steered to the corner by Quick. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped in LA! The Pens battle the Kings! Lets Go Pens!