The battle of the black and gold

By: MF,

Can the Pittsburgh Penguins make it seven in a row? It will be more of a challenging game for the Penguins as they face off against the Boston Bruins.

The Penguins are averaging 5.8 goals per game during their six-game winning streak. The team has been an offensive powerhouse that hasn’t been stopped. They lead the Metropolitan Division in every offensive category. This is in large part due to all the lines getting on the scoreboard. Every shift is a threat and that makes it harder for the opponent to shut them down.

Leading the charge among both the Penguins and the National Hockey League (NHL) is Sidney Crosby. He is riding an eight-game scoring streak that totals 13 points (seven goals and seven assists), which is the longest active point streak in the NHL. Crosby also leads the NHL with 21 goals in 23 games. This feat is the most goals an NHL player has scored in their first 23 games over the last 20 years. His playing has been unbelievable and reflects the unreal play that the Penguins have been producing.

In net, the Penguins will have Matt Murray for the fourth straight game. He is 9-0-1 in his last 10 home games. The Bruins will turn to Tuukka Rask, he is 4-1-2 in his last seven starts.

Every single player has been contributing and this team has been on fire. It will be an interesting game as the Penguins have been known to struggling when playing the Bruins. The Bruins have won five straight games against the Penguins, but hopefully, this proves to be different. They are also eighth overall in goals against and third on the penalty kill. Both these will be tested as the Penguins have been finding the back of the net often. The Bruins are coming off a hard fought 2-1 win in overtime against the Montreal Canadiens. The low-scoring affair shows how the Bruins are able to shut down offensive powerhouses. The Penguins will look to change that.

Will the offensive powerhouse of the Penguins prevail or will the Bruins’ defense finally shut them down? Time to find out. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist

Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel

Kunitz - Bonino - Rust

Wilson - Cullen - Kuhnhackl 

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Bruins 3 OT

Overtime
THE PENS GET THE 4-3 OVERTIME WIN OVER THE BRUINS! A GREAT WORKING EFFORT BY THE PENS AND THEY KEEP WITH THINGS THROUGHOUT! THIS TEAM IS SOMETHING SPECIAL! THAT MAKES IT SEVEN STRAIGHT FOR THE PENS! 

3:37 - RUST SCORES! Schultz makes a quick outlet pass up the ice to Malkin as he enters the zone with Rust ahead of him! Malkin slides the puck to Rust who puts it over Rask! 4-3 Pens

4:22 - Murray has had to make two early saves to start this overtime. The Pens have yet to have any offensive zone time.

5:00 - Nothing like three-on-three overtime hockey! The Pens need to finish things up quickly and make it seven straight! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime as this game is tied up 3-3.

0:54 - Sheary gets a breakaway, but Rask makes an unreal save with the back of his pad that goes off the goal post and back in between Rask's legs. Once again, Rask comes up big for the Bruins, along with some luck.

2:10 - Time is whining down for both teams.

3:49 - Chara and Hornqvist battle in front of Rask, but Hornqvist seems to thrive in that type of situation.

4:57 - The Pens not looking their usual third period self right now. They need to pressure the Bruins more.

6:40 - Pastrnak scores. Murray and Dumoulin with a misplay of the puck behind the net, which results in Pastrnak getting the puck and putting it in the wide open net. 3-3 tie game

10:58 - SHEARY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Dumoulin makes a heads up play to put the puck on a silver platter for Sheary in front of the goal! Sheary directs the puck past Rask! 3-2 Pens

12:39 - A perfect power play opportunity for the Pens as Marchand is ticketed with a cross-checking penalty.

15:36 - Rask with another huge save, this time on Malkin.

16:54 - Daley rifles a shot from the point that saved by Rask up high. He falls down to glove up Wilson's backhanded shot of the loose puck. Rask is shaken up on the play, but appears to be ok and stays in.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have been the best in the third and they need to keep that going! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and this game is tied 2-2.

0:20 - Bruins with last minute surge.

1:55 - Murray has been tested a lot in this game. He has appeared soild, aside from that first goal. Bruins are out shooting the Pens 30-23.

2:47 - Crosby with the extra effort to force a Carlo off the puck on the forecheck. He outlets a pass to Sheary and Rask makes the save. Hornqvist takes an extra poke, but to no avail.

4:00 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens and things are still tied up 2-2.

6:00 - Grzelcyk to the box for slashing and the Pens are headed onto the power play once again.

6:28 - Malkin is set free. He gets a breakaway chance, but is robbed by Rask!

7:20 - Backes with a hard hit on Letang and follows it up with a punch to the face. The crowd is not pleased with the no call.

8:28 - Malkin takes a trip to the box for hooking and that will send the Bruins onto the power play.

10:13 - BONINO SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Daley passes up to Bonino who flies into the offensive zone, pushing back the Bruins! Bonino snaps a shot through traffic past the glove of Rask! 2-2 tie game

11:52 - Now Crosby takes a high stick to the face from Marchand. Marchand will head to the box and the Pens get a power play chance. Crosby's face has had a rough few games of hockey lately.

12:31 - Crosby takes a puck up high, but looks to be alright. The crowd was a bit worried there.

13:20 - Krejci scores. Murray turns over the puck. Pastrnak outlets a pass to Schaller in front. He bounces off his body and finds Krejci in front. Krejci kicks the puck to his stick and slips it past Murray's outstretched pad. 2-1 Bruins

13:49 - Pens getting their legs moving. Malkin's line had an incredible shift, but Rask was up to the task this time.

17:24 - More of a defensively start for the second period. Just waiting for the Pens to get their legs going then they are unstoppable.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to get to their game and start pressuring the Bruins more! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - 20 minutes are in the books now and this one is tied up 1-1.

0:48 - The Pens are back to full strength!

1:29 - Hornqvist is set free and now Bruins with a regular power play for 41 seconds.

1:34 - Cole and Bonino get back to make a stick save as Murray is caught out of his net. Then soon after Murray denies Marchand. Unreal effort by the penalty kill.

2:48 - Bad luck for the Pens as Letang will join Hornqvist for interference. Bruins with a five-on-three power play for 1:19.

3:25 - Bruins power play for 1:57.

3:29 - Three seconds of four-on-four hockey as Hornqvist is set off for boarding on Marchand.

5:25 - Now a power play goes to the Pens as Hayes is called for boarding on Dumoulin.

7:11 - SCHULTZ SCORES! Crosby slides a perfect pass across the ice to Schultz as Hornqvist ties up Nash and Chara! Schultz rips a shot past Rask! 1-1 tie game

9:12 - Marchand scores. Slow change and miscommunication for the Pens leads to Marchand getting time and space. He rifles one past Murray. 1-0 Bruins

10:33 - Malkin with a spin-o-rama shot that is stopped by Rask.

12:27 - Quite a few turnovers by the Pens. Murray getting tested in the first.

14:11 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens and Murray has been solid to start. He is being tested more in this game then his last game (Coyotes).

16:11 - Penalty kill time for the Pens as Kunitz is ticketed with the first penalty of the game for tripping. Bruins bring out their power play.

16:43 - Murray has to fight off an shot. Then the Bruins crash the net, but Murray is able to cover up the puck.

20:00 - Can the Pens make it seven? They just have to show the Bruins what everyone is marveling at! Game time! Lets Go Pens!

Coyotes caught roaming in Pittsburgh

Good evening Pittsburgh Penguins fans!

I know it has been a few days, I have been very busy at the arena and the days have overlapped with Penguin games. Now I am back and ready to take in a Penguins home game!

The Penguins are back in PPG Paints Arena to take on the Arizona Coyotes after a dominating effort in Florida. The trip started in Sunrise, Florida where the Penguins took care of the business with a 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers. They went on to finish the trip in Tampa where they came out with the 4-3 win over the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning.

The game against the Lightning started off a bit boring, but it didn’t stay that way for long. It was a pure joy to watch the game from the press box and get a chance to see the plays develop. The Lightning ended up with a 3-2 lead going into the third period, however, the Penguins thrive in that situation. The Penguins came out and netted three power-play goals to take the 4-3 lead. It was an unreal effort of offensive dominance by the Penguins and a complete undoing of the Lightning. However, to be fair to the Lightning, no one has seemed to figure out how to stop the Penguins when they get going.

Now the Penguins are looking to extend their winning streak to six games. Even with the high-scoring efforts, they have shown on the road, their home numbers are just as impressive. Six Penguin players have current home-game point streaks going:

·         Evgeni Malkin – 11 games with 19 points

·         Sidney Crosby – Four games with six points

·         Phil Kessel – three games with six points

·         Ian Cole – three games with six points

·         Justin Schultz – three games with five points

·         Kris Letang – three games with three points

**  Matt Murray has a nine game home unbeaten streak (8-0-1)

That is an impressive list, which also shows that the Penguins are getting production from others that are not their star players. Though the star players are playing like stars. Since, December 12, 2016, Crosby has 97 points in 74 games, while second play Patrick Kane has only 89 points in 82 games. Crosby is outdoing everyone in the league, even though he missed some games to start the season. On defense, Kris Letang has 71 points in 69 games during that same span, which makes him third among NHL defensemen. Brent Burns leads the charge with 77 points in 82 games. Letang is proving to be a Norris Trophy nominee for this season, nothing new to Penguin fans. He is the only defensemen in the league to be averaging a point per game.

Tonight’s game will be a hard-fought game for the Coyotes. They are ranked 27^th in the league, offensively, only averaging 2.22 goals per game. The Penguins just need to stick to their game and keep up the offensive domination to edge out a win tonight. They must also remember to focus on smart defensive plays and limit turnovers that will be key to keeping the Coyotes frustrated. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist

Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel

Kunitz - Bonino - Rust

Wilson - Cullen - Kuhnhackl 

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 7 Coyotes 0

3rd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of this game, officially, as the Pens come out with a dominating 7-0 win over the Coyotes! A special team doing some special things! No team has been able to answer or match what the Pens are doing right now! 

1:14 - Murray chant has erupted at PPG Paints Arena.

1:59 - Some missed clear attempts by the Pens. Doan fires two shots from the blue line that are pushed aside by Murray.

3:01 - Not much to update you one...Pens still controlling the puck. Not much happening. Just marvel at what this team can do. Special time right now.

7:34 - SCHULTZ SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz rifles a shot from one knee at the blue line that goes off a Coyote stick past Domingue! 7-0 Pens

8:25 - Top power play unit back on the ice for the Pens this time around. No mercy after that hit.

9:03 - Hanzel with another hard hit, this time on Malkin. Dirty hit. He is hunting down the stars of the Pens. Hanzel will now sit for boarding. Pens to the power play.

11:12 - Pens with a solid penalty kill.

11:13 - Murray lays down to stretch out his glove to rob Doan in front!

13:12 - Different look for the Pens as Rust skates to the box for tripping and the Coyotes get a chance on the power play.

15:04 - Letang is hit hard by Hanzel. He has some difficultly getting to the bench.

15:59 - That will bring an end to the power play for the Pens. Sullivan opted to play the second power play unit for the majority of their power play. Showing respect to the struggling Coyotes.

17:59 - Ekman-Larsson to the box for tripping and the Pens get a power play.

18:40 - KESSEL SCORES! Malkin receives the puck as he crosses the blue line and leaves it for Kessel on the wing! Kessel slaps a rocket shot past the glove Domingue! 6-0 Pens

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens don't need to change anything, just keep up the good work! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Pens have extended their lead to 5-0!

0:54 - Murray gloves up the puck. He hasn't seen a whole lot of action, but has been solid when needed.

2:47 - Ekman-Larsson is set free.

4:40 - Pens still on the power play for two minutes as Ekman-Larsson received a double minor.

4:47 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin's shot is goes off the goal post and it bounces up in the air! Crosby waits for the puck to drop below the crossbar and bats the puck into the net! 5-0 Pens

5:38 - Well the Pens will get another crack at the power play as Ekman-Larsson will sit for delay of game and unsportsmanlike conduct. It will be a long four minute power play.

6:17 - Coyotes are able to kill off the Pens' power play.

7:40 - Martinook with a shorthanded chance that is denied by Murray.

8:17 - Power play time for the Pens as a hooking penalty is handed out to Chychrun.

9:05 - Pens showing that every line is a threat. Coyotes have no answer.

11:29 - Goalie chance for the Coyotes as Domingue will come in to replace Smith.

11:30 - RUST SCORES! Rust carries the puck around the offensive zone and goes untouched to the center! He fires one that is redirected by the stick of Stone past Smith! 4-0 Pens

11:48 - Coyotes having a meltdown defensively right now and Smith is on the losing end of that.

13:02 - DALEY SCORES! Another giveaway by the defense of the Coyotes and this time Stone coughs up the puck to Daley! Daley snipes one past Smith! 3-0 Pens

15:27 - That giveaway by the Coyotes was by their star defenseman, not a rookie making that mistake. Smith has holding down the fort as the Pens pepper the net, then he is rewarded with that turnover.

15:30 - BONINO SCORES! Ekman-Larsson turns the puck right over to Bonino at the side of the net! Bonino makes them pay! Pens lead 2-0

16:03 - The penalty will come to an end and the Pens had a few good looks. Smith is getting a workout.

18:03 - Doan to the box for slashing and the Pens get a power play. Crosby receives a cheer from the crowd as he steps onto the ice.

18:14 - Crosby is back on the bench!

19:59 - Crosby is not back on the ice to start the second period.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! Just need more of the first period effort by the Pens and the Coyotes will have no chance! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be the end of the first period as the Pens hold the 1-0 lead!

0:03 - Crosby goes down on the ice and gets up slowly, he goes off to the locker room. Hanzel caught Crosby up high with the stick.

2:22 - Nothing, but the Pens right now. I wonder if they will continue this in the second period. Hasn't been their best period, but time will tell.

5:24 - Scoreboard is only telling a little of the story. Pure domination by the Pens, but only one goal to show for it.

6:56 - Daley is set free. All is equal again...well player wise.

7:13 - White's penalty ends and the Coyotes have a 18 second power play.

8:56 - Letang mishandles the puck at the blue line and Rieder picks up the puck for a breakaway. Murray denies him with an outstretched pad, but Daley hooks him up on the play. 4-on-4 hockey for 1:41.

9:13 - Now the Pens are getting a chance on the power play as White heads to the box for hooking.

11:20 - WILSON SCORES! Wilson goes across the blue line up to the side boards and he shots just as Fehr screens Smith! He blows past the glove of Smith! 1-0 Pens

14:32 - That will be the end of the power play for the Coyotes. Very aggressive penalty kill by the Pens.

15:41 - Aggressive penalty kill. Letang fires a shot off the goal post.

16:32 - Daley will be ticketed with a high-sticking minor. The Coyotes head onto the power play.

18:41 - The Malkin line peppers the net early with a ton of shots. Putting everything on net and looking for second chances. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens look to keep the streak going with a win over the Coyotes tonight! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins shut down Senators' campaign

Tonight the Penguins (15-7-3) take on the Ottawa Senators (15-8-2) at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh!

Pregame notes

• ·         Marc-Andre Fleury will be in net for the third consecutive time. In that span, he has stopped 61 of 66 shots. 
• ·         Craig Anderson will return to the Senators lineup after taking a leave of absent after his wife was diagnosed with cancer.
• ·         The Senators come into tonight’s game 5-1-1 in their past seven games. They are 6-3-0 on the road. 
• ·         The Penguins have won their past two games and will look to extend that streak.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist

Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel

Kunitz - Bonino - Rust

Wilson - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz 

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 8 Senators 5

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 8-5 WIN OVER THE SENS! What a crazy comeback by the Pens and they took a commanding lead! Rust working hard for his hat-trick! A goal scorers favorite type of game! 

1:00 - What a game...the Pens goal horn has gotten a workout tonight. Goals for days.

2:27 - The Sens did challenge the play as offsides. It's ruled a good goal.

2:28 - RUST SCORES AND MAKE THAT A HAT-TRICK FOR HIM! Rust gets to the air dumped puck and puts it into the empty net! 8-5 Pens

2:30 - Condon is out and Sens have an extra attacker.

3:05 - Cole breaks his stick right at the blue line and the Sens get the puck. Cole is unable to grab a stick and ends up using his body to check two Sens into the boards. Pens are able to clear.

7:23 - We will have another goalie change as Anderson is replaced by Condon.

7:24 - RUST SCORES! Rust gets a breakaway and is slashed on the play! He gets a penalty shot chance! He goes backhand, forehand, and back to his backhand to put it past Anderson! 7-5 Pens

9:26 - Kessel is set free and solid penalty kill by the Pens.

10:19 - Hoffman rifles one that rings off the goal post.

11:26 - Now Kessel will go off for holding. Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens, they need to kill this one.

13:43 - Phaneuf scores on the power play. The puck is bouncing in front of the net and Pahneuf is able to backhand the puck past Murray. 6-5 Pens

15:12 - Cullen gets ticketed with a tripping penalty. Missed call by the referee as he didn't touch the guy.

15:55 - That will be the end of the Pens power play.

17:55 - Power play for the Pens as Phaneuf gets a high sticking penalty.

18:55 - MALKIN SCORES! Kessel finds Malkin who runs the gauntlet trough center! He is forced to the side of the net, but gets the puck around Borowiecki and puts a shot on net! He beats Anderson! 6-4 Pens

20:00 - Time for the third period! Pens need to stay focused and play smart, along with limiting the Sens time and space! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be all for the third period and what a crazy period it was! The Pens come out with the 5-4 lead!

3:00 - The power play comes to an end as Pageau gets a shorthanded, breakaway chance at the end of the time. Murray with the huge pad save to deny him.

5:00 - Letang takes a stick up high and then is driving into the boards by Pyatt. Pyatt will take a seat for the high stick. Pens head onto the power play.

5:23 - SCHULTZ SCORES! Malkin pushes the Sens back into their own zone and he finds Schultz driving center! Schultz rips one past the blocker of Anderson! 5-4 Pens

5:47 - KESSEL SCORES! Kessel gets his arch going in the neutral zone to build speed and drive center into the offensive zone! Kessel creates time/space and snaps one past Anderson! 4-4 tie game

6:43 - The first line of the Pens gets some offensive zone time.

8:03 - Murray with a big save as Wideman slides a pass to Pageau. Murray shuts the door with a pad save.

10:30 - Sens' power play comes to an end. Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

11:32 - CULLEN SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Cullen gets the lead pass and beats Karlsson for a one-on-one breakaway! He doesn't miss! 4-3 Sens

12:30 - Another Pens penalty as Schultz sits for interference.

12:51 - Sullivan pulls Fleury and replaces him with Murray, looking for a spark. Pens not playing the best in front of Fleury, especially on the penalty kills.

12:52 - Hoffman scores. Hoffman with a sniper of a shot that beats Fleury. 4-2 Sens

13:20 - Daley is off to the sin bin for high sticking. Sens back onto the power play. Huge kill ahead for the Pens.

14:29 - Great tape to tape passing by the Pens and they are controlling the puck. The Sens have not been able to get past the neutral zone for about three/four minutes.

17:23 - Crosby with some amazing stick work to juke Anderson and Crosby goes for the wraparound. Karlsson just gets his stick in the way to prevent the play. The puck is loose in the blue paint and the referee blows the play dead even with the puck still loose. What a play by Crosby!

19:00 - Stone scores on the power play. The puck is up in the air and Stone bats the puck over Fleury into the net. The referee rules it a no goal as a high stick play. They review the play and turnover the call. 3-2 Sens

19:27 - Hornqvist takes a slashing penalty, which gives the Sens their first power play of the game.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure, play discipline, and control the tempo! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The horn sounds on the first period and things are tied 2-2.

2:53 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end and this game is still tied 2-2.

4:48 - Malkin wins the faceoff and the puck gets to Letang at the point. He rips a shot off the goal post!

4:53 - Crosby with a crazy amount of puck control in the offensive zone as he skates around the zone and into the slot. He draws a penalty as Borowiecki is off to the box for slashing. Pens to the power play.

6:16 - Karlsson scores. The Sens start to get some offensive cycles going and Karlsson gets some time/space at the half boards. He fires a wicked shot that just goes under the left pad of Fleury. 2-2 tie game

7:11 - Brassard is set free and the Sens kill off the Pens' power play.

9:11 - The Pens get the first power play of the game as Brassard sits for goalie interference.

9:21 - Pageau knocks down the puck in front of the net and looks to stuff the puck into the net, but he is denied by the left pad of Fleury!

11:15 - CROSBY SCORES! Crosby picks up the loose puck in the neutral zone and fends off Kelly as he enters the zone! He flies down the wing and snaps one over the blocker shoulder of Anderson! 2-1 Pens

11:41 - The last goal was challenge by the Pens citing offsides. It's reviewed and the goal stands.

11:42 - Turris scores. Dzingel feeds a perfect pass to Turris, who gets behind the Pens defense. He puts one five-hole on Fleury. 1-1 tie game

12:13 - Fleury stands up to make a solid save on a two-on-one play. The Sens get some offensive zone time.

14:26 - Good start for the Pens and they are using their speed to control the puck.

18:15 - RUST SCORES! Malkin receives a pass from Letang in the center and draws multiple Sens! He finds the passing lane to Rust on the wing side! Rust slides one through the five-hole of Anderson! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Puck drop at PPG Paints Arena! Time for the Pens to take it to the Sens! Lets Go Pens!  

Can the Pittsburgh Stars outshine the Dallas Stars?

By: MF,

Another back-to-back game scenario for the Pittsburgh Penguins who have been struggling lately to put together consistent wins. They are 4-5-1 in their past 10 games after going 9-2-2 to start the season. They will be facing off against another struggling team, the Dallas Stars who have been having trouble winning on the road. The Stars are 3-6-4 when away from home and 0-2-2 in their past four road games.

As for the Stars, they will look for a solid game from their netminder, Antti Niemi. He is 5-2-3 in 13 games, while also earning a 3.05 goals-against average (GAA) and .906 save percentage (SVP). The Stars will also turn to Tyler Seguin who leads them with 24 points. He has an assist in each of his past two games. A struggling team can be the most deadly of teams to face. The Penguins need to stay on their toes during this one.

Now the Penguins will also be dangerous as they look to rebound from their past game performances. Tonight, Marc-Andre Fleury will have hold down the fort on the backend. Though Fleury is 0-4-2 in their past six games, look for both him and the team to bring their best. Even though the team has struggled both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been putting up points on the scoresheet. Crosby has five goals and nine assists in his past seven games. He leads the National Hockey League (NHL) with 15 goals in 17 games. While Malkin has seven points in his past six and is tied with Crosby with 22 points for the team lead.

Special teams will be key for both teams and the Penguins need to get their power play up to par. They have an offensive powerhouse on paper, but they have not been producing on the man-advantage. The Penguins power play is 15 for 78 (19.2%). This is unacceptable for this team and they need to get to work right away. Also, they all need to stay out of the penalty box. The Penguins have the tenancy to get things moving in their direction only to end things when they get a penalty against them. When their penalty killing unit comes out, it stops all the forwards progress and keeps the stars on the bench. This benefits the opposing team and needs to be fixed. On the penalty kill, the Penguins are 65 for 83 (78.3%).

Tonight, the Penguins need to focus on playing a consistent and disciplined game against the Stars. This will allow them to rebound and get things back on track. They need to come out with speed and put the Stars on their heels, they cannot be caught off guard again. Lets Go Pens!   

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist

Hagelin - Malkin - Rust

Wilson - Bonino - Kessel

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Maatta - Letang

Dumoulin - Daley

Cole - Schultz 

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 6 Stars 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 6-2 WIN OVER THE STARS! A HUGE PART OF THEIR WIN WAS THE AMAZING EFFORT OF FLEURY! HE WAS A FORCE IN TONIGHT'S GAME WITH 33 SAVES! GREAT WORK GUYS! 

1:29 - Even with the score at 6-2, we can't forget the efforts by Fleury earlier in the period to keep the Pens in the lead. The Stars pressured and he was a brick wall. 32 saves, so far, for the Flower.

2:05 - BONINO SCORES! Wilson directs the puck onto the net and Niemi makes the first save, but the puck bounces around in front! Bonino gets a stick on it first to put it behind Niemi! 6-2 Pens

2:46 - FEHR SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! 5-2 Pens

3:00 - Stars get an extra attacker as they empty their net.

3:05 - Great reward for the efforts of Fleury to keep the Pens in the lead. He has been unreal in the net tonight.

3:38 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby comes down the wing and makes a pass through the center and two Star defensemen to Sheary! Sheary directs the puck into the open net! 4-2 Pens

5:07 - Kessel with a quick turn shot that is kicked out by Niemi.

7:08 - Fleury has been a fort for the Pens in this one. It would be nice if the Pens could get another goal to give their goalie a little breathing room.

9:30 - Fleury with save after save as the puck bounces around in front of the net. Cole and Schultz step up to help their netminder by boxing out Star players searching for the loose puck. Fleury finally is able to cover for the whistle.

10:25 - Cullen and Kuhnhackl cross paths entering the zone. Kuhnhackl goes wide and fires a shot that is stopped by Niemi. The Stars are able to clear the rebound.

13:03 - Crosby kicks the puck up to his stick and around Johns to give himself a one-on-one with Niemi. He snaps one on net and Niemi is able to get a piece of it. Unreal play by the Pens Captain.

15:06 - The Stars survive the Pens power play. Solid job by the Stars to block shots.

17:06 - Power play chance for the Pens as Oleksiak sits for hooking.

18:42 - Seguin comes flying down the wing with Maatta right with him. Fleury gets out on the angle to deny him. Then Fleury stretches out to the far post to deny Eakin's wraparound chance.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the third period! The Pens need to limit the Stars time and space by keeping them pinned in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period as the Pens take the 3-2 lead!

0:21.5 - CROSBY SCORES! Sheary makes a pass behind the net to Crosby at the side! Crosby tries to bank a shot off Niemi that bounces back out! Crosby takes another swing at the puck in the air and the bank shot works! 3-2 Pens

1:18 - Spezza with a sneaky shot that is stopped by Fleury and cleared by Cullen.

3:17 - Some offensive pressure by the first line of the Pens. Crosby goes back door to Schultz who jumps into the play. He just can't get a clean stick on the puck as the Stars break up the play.

4:05 - All Stars right now, the Pens are just chasing the puck in their own zone.

6:22 - Stars have been throwing a bunch of pucks on net and Fleury has looked sharped. The Pens need to limit these chances and start generating their own.

8:39 - Seguin scores on the power play. Seguin snaps a shot from a bad angle, almost parallel with the goal line, that goes over the blocker shoulder of Fleury. He had no chance on that one. 2-2 tie game

9:07 - Seguin's shot goes off a few bodies and trickles to the side of the net. Jamie Benn gets a stick on the puck, but whiffs on an open net chance.

10:25 - Fehr takes an interference penalty and the Stars get a chance to tie things up on the power play.

10:47 - A huge amount of credit needs to be given to Fleury. He shut down those numerous odd man rushes the Stars had to start this period. This allowed the Pens to take the lead after that power play goal instead of just tying things or closing a big goal gap.

11:13 - That will be the end to Jordie Benn's penalty.

12:16 - The Pens still have a regular power play for 1:03.

12:17 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin finds Hornqvist with some space in the slot! He takes time to switch to the backhand for a blind shot backwards! Niemi opens the five hole and the puck goes through! 2-1 Pens

13:13 - Hockey Gods seems to be looking out for the Pens as Jordie Benn gets a delay of game penalty. Five-on-three power play for 1:48. The Pens need to capitalize.

13:25 - Malkin is tripped up at the point by Seguin and the Pens get a power play opportunity.

13:57 - Sheary tries to put in a wrap around chance, but he ends up on his backhand and is unable to handle the puck.

14:44 - Pens need to clamp down on these chances the stars are getting. Way too much open space for the Stars.

15:17 - Hamhuis jumps up into the play and receives the puck while driving down center all alone. Fleury out to challenge and ends up with the puck.

15:40 - Stars get a two-on-one chance. Ritchie makes a cross-ice pass through the middle to Roussel who directs the puck wide.

16:37 - A man is caught up the ice for the Pens, which allows for a four-on-one chance for the Stars. Fleury squares up to Ritchie's shot and kicks it out of harms way.

20:00 - We are back for the second period of play! The Pens need to keep pressuring the Stars and create havoc in front of Niemi! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds as this one is tied at 1-1.

1:14 - Daley blocks a shot in front and goes down in some discomfort. However, he looks to be no worse for wear. Don't know if you have heard, but hockey players are pretty tough guys.

2:33 - Hornqvist takes a few shots right in front of the net, but Niemi holds strong to keep the puck out of the net.

3:16 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens. They kept the Stars from really setting up their power play unit.

5:16 - Now the Stars will get a chance at a full two minute power play as Kuhnhackl is sent to the sin bin for tripping.

5:34 - Kuhnhackl chips one over the net!

8:35 - Shore scores. Johns fires a hard shot from the point that goes off a few bodies. It looks to go off the skate of Shore in front and behind Fleury. 1-1 tie game

10:13 - Letang is released from the box and the Pens get a rush into the offensive zone. Stars end up getting the puck out of danger.

10:22 - Short nine second power play for the Stars.

11:13 - COLE SCORES! The Pens go forward on a neutral zone face-off and Kessel battles to win the puck! He finds Cole after entering the zone! Cole fires a rising shot that blows past the blocker of Niemi! 1-0 Pens

12:13 - So much for that power play for the Pens as penalties still plague them. Letang is called for hooking, lazy play by him. Four-on-four hockey for 1:51.

12:22 - Now Eaves skates over to the box as the Pens head back onto the power play.

13:57 - Another Pens chance denied by Niemi. Solid start for the Stars goalie.

15:08 - Successful penalty kill for the Stars, thanks to their goaltender Niemi.

16:56 - Niemi comes flying across the goal line to rob Malkin on the doorstep!

17:08 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Jamie Benn sits for hooking.

17:37 - Big pad save by Fleury on Eakin's shot down low.

20:00 - We are back for another night of Pens hockey! The Pens need to play a consistent and disciplined game to get back on track! Lets Go Pens! 

Rivalry night in Brooklyn

By: MF,

Good evening Pittsburgh fans! I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving and had a chance to relax a little. The Pittsburgh Penguins were also able to get some rest after a tough couple of games. They are back in action tonight against the New York Islanders in Brooklyn.

The Penguins have been missing some key net-front players in recent games, but that will start to change tonight. Patric Hornqvist will be returning to the lineup after missing the last six games due to a concussion. As for Chris Kunitz, he did practice with the team yesterday and is making progress. He is on the Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury and has missed the last four games. Also, Derrick Pouliot has been recalled to Wilkes-Barre Scranton after a good conditioning stint in three games for the Baby Penguins.

The offensive power stars for the Penguins have been showing up. Sidney Crosby has three goals and one assist in his past three games. While Evgeni Malkin has six assists in his past five. A new guy who has been lighting the lamp recently is Jake Guentzel. He has three goals in his first four games in the National Hockey League (NHL). Guentzel has fought for his chances and made them count. It’s great to see a rookie getting rewarded for his hard work.

As for defense, some of the pairings have been changed on the backend. Matt Murray will be between the pipes tonight. The goalie schedule still doesn’t seem to have settled down. It’s tough for both goaltenders not having a solid schedule and not really knowing who is the number one goalie. Only time will tell how things go from here.

On a side note, Brian Dumoulin was a healthy scratch for the Penguins last game against the New Jersey Devils. Dumoulin will play tonight and hopefully, he has learned something from his time off. We will see tonight as he is paired with Trevor Daley.

These two teams are known for having been rivals for years now. Though that was very evident during the big brawl on February 11, 2011. That is one that I will not forget. There was a combined 65 penalties (15 fighting majors and 21 game misconducts). That resulted in a combined total of 346 penalty minutes. Pittsburgh had 163 penalty minutes, while the Islanders had 183. Hopefully, the Penguins let their scoring talk instead, they usual fair better that way. 

The Penguins will have to stay disciplined, play smart, limit turnovers and space, and keep putting pucks on net. Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Guentzel-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Maatta-Letang

Dumoulin-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 3 Islanders 5

3rd Period
0:00 - That will bring an end to this one as the Isles get the 5-3 win over the Pens. The Pens battled back to tie things up, but a late period goal by Lee gives the Isles the edge.

0:23 - Kulemin scores. Isles win the faceoff and Kulemin fires it into the empty net. 5-3 Isles

0:26 - Lee scores. Hickey rifles a shot from the point that is redirect by Lee in front to put the shot past Murray. 4-3 Isles

3:00 - Crosby fires a shot off the half boards that is fought off by Greiss. On a side note, Crosby's assist on Malkin's tying goal is his 100th NHL career point against the Isles.

3:46 - This game has turned into a whole other animal. Crowd is restless after their Isles gave up a 3-0 lead. Pens fans have also been on a roller coaster of emotions in just a single game.

6:52 - MALKIN SCORES TO TIE THE GAME UP! Crosby fights his way into the zone and sticks with it after being hit! He finds Malkin that goes across the ice to Dumoulin! Dumoulin goes back to Malkin, who guides the puck into a wide open net! 3-3 tie game

8:40 - Letang and Cizikas receive matching roughing minors, which means we will get some four-on-four hockey.

9:20 - SCHULTZ SCORES! Schultz stick handles around Chimera to give himself some time and space in front! He wrist over through traffic and over Greiss! 3-2 Isles

10:21 - Pens need to get more second, third, and fourth chances on shots. Greiss has been on his game tonight. The way to beat him is to get those dirty, second chance opportunities.

14:00 - The first line for the Pens gets some sustained offensive zone time. Probably the most all game long.

17:04 - Isles crash the net and the puck is loose in front. Murray with the help of Letang keep it out. Then a shot goes through Murray, who gets a piece of it, ending up on the goal line. Letang gets there to make the save. Unreal shift by Letang.

18:17 - Kessel gets in behind the Isles defense and has a one-on-one with Greiss. Greiss closes the five-hole to deny Kessel.

19:28 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby outskates and pushes Hamonic off the puck to fling the pass to Hornqvist driving center! Greiss makes the save on Hornqvist, but Sheary follows up to put the rebound into the net! 3-1 Isles

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to stay out of the box and give themselves a chance to get back in this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Horn sounds to end the second period of play. The Isles extend their lead to 3-0 over the Pens.

1:31 - Letang rips a shot from the blue line that is gloved up by Greiss.

2:39 - Cizikas scores. The Isles get numbers going to the net and make some nice passes. Cizikas gets behind the Pens defense and is alone at the side of the net. He finds the bouncing puck and puts it past Murray. 3-0 Isles

3:35 - Zero shots on that power play for the Pens as Lee is set free. At least they were able to get some offensive zone time after killing off some penalties.

5:35 - Pens are now on the right side of the penalty calling as they are getting a power play. Isles will be shorthanded as Lee sits for hooking. This has been a period of penalties.

7:29 - Penalty time is up for Cole. The Pens hang on after that in large part due to Murray.

9:29 - This is getting ridiculous as the penalties keep coming for the Pens. Cole now takes a sit in the box for delay of game. Isles right back onto the power play.

9:59 - That will be it for both penalties. Murray with some huge saves as the Isles throwing everything on net. Time for the Pens to push back.

11:05 - Tavares fires the puck on what looks to be a wide open net. Murray makes a falling back save, while throwing up the glove to caught the puck.

12:00 - Now the Isles will get a 5-on-3 power play. Cullen is called for a faceoff infraction, playing the puck with his hand.

12:02 - Not a good time for the Pens to take a penalty. Too many men on the ice for the Pens and Isles head onto the power play.

14:37 - Isles are playing with much more confidence. The Pens need to push back and get some sustained offensive pressure going.

17:50 - Mayfield scores. Mayfield fires a hard shot from the blue line. Murray makes the first save, but the rebound goes off either Schultz or Chimera. Then as Murray tries to kick out the loose puck, but it is directed into the net. 2-0 Isles

18:28 - Lee makes a backwards pass between his legs to Cizikas who is coming down the wing. Murray dives back as he is a out of position to block Lee. Dumoulin gets his stick out to disrupt Cizikas as his backhands hits the goal post!

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to get their game back on track and finish their chances on net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be it for the first period. The Isles have the 1-0 lead over the Pens.

0:12 - Boychuk scores. Boychuk rips a slapper from the half boards through traffic and right pass the blocker of Murray. 1-0 Isles

0:25 - Isles are able to kill off the Pens power play chance.

1:25 - Greiss robs Kessel right in front. Great pass by Crosby to find Kessel driving down center all alone.

2:25 - Back onto the power play for the Pens as Nelson is called for tripping.

3:06 - Tavares with a chance in front and he is denied. Isles with some good looks in front of Murray.

3:59 - Prince cuts to center and fires a shot on net. Murray makes the initial save, but the puck is loose in the blue paint. Rust tries to jam the puck back between the pads of Murray. The puck emerges in front and Murray dives out to cover it up.

5:47 - Penalty time is up for Hickey. The Pens only had one shot on net during their power play. Kessel had the best chance at the side of the net, but put it wide.

7:47 - First line for the Pens crashes the net and they end up drawing a penalty. Hickey will head to the box for interference on Sheary.

8:21 - Penalty box is empty now and the Pens penalty kill is successful.

10:21 - The first power play of the game will be rewarded to the Isles as Sheary takes a seat for high sticking.

10:29 - Crosby gets a leading pass and has the edge on Boychuk. Crosby goes down to one knee, but he puts it high over the glove side of Greiss.

13:09 - Hornqvist showing a little bit of rust after missing some games, which is to be expected.

13:47 - Guentzel with some solid work behind the net to get the puck out to Malkin at the side. Greiss kicks the puck out of harms way.

15:20 - De Haan drags the puck to the center of the offensive zone. He whiffs on his first shot attempt, but his second shot gets through and Murray holds for the whistle.

18:25 - Prince makes his way into the slot area and snaps a shot that rings off the goal post. Murray needs to give that post some love.

19:17 - Tavares with a turnover in the slot area. Sheary's shot is kicked away by Greiss.

20:00 - Puck drop in Brooklyn! The Pens need to come out and establish their game early! Take it to those Isles! Lets Go Pens! 

Rangers meet the 2016 Champions

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at PPG Paints Arena to host the New York Rangers for the first time this season. The Rangers are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers last night. While the Penguins are also trying to rebound from a 2-1 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.

Both teams are suffering some tough losses to their lineups. The Penguins will now be without Chris Kunitz who has been placed on ‘Injured Reserve’ (IR) with a lower-body injury. He is a week-to-week case. The Penguins will be missing his net front presence and ability to create plays. He has 11 points in 18 games. Kunitz joins Patric Hornqvist as he will miss another game with a concussion. Hornqvist did skate on this own before practice today. As for the Rangers, they will be missing Mika Zibanejad for the first this season. He suffered a broken fibula during last night’s game. The timeline for him is 6-8 weeks. Zibanejad has 15 points (five goals and 10 assists) in 19 games for the Rangers.

To help create a spark without Kunitz or Hornqvist in the lineup, the Penguins recalled Jake Guentzel from Wilkes-Barre Scranton. He has 17 points (seven goals and 10 assists) in 16 games and leads the American Hockey League (AHL) with a +14. Tonight will be his National Hockey League (NHL) debut.

In net, Marc-Andre Fleury will make his second consecutive start after making 32 saves during Saturday’s game. Fleury was outstanding in that game and gave the Penguins the chance to win it. The Rangers will have Antti Raanta between the pipes as Henrik Lundqvist started in last night’s game.

The Penguins and Rangers are both looking to bounce back after taking some losses back-to-back. The Penguins started to get back to their game on Saturday but didn’t finish the game right. While the Rangers are 0-1-1 in their past two games after winning eight of the previous nine games. Both teams will be desperate to get things back on track and that makes them dangerous. The Penguins will have to play smart, stay disciplined, limit the Rangers’ time/space, and pepper the net with shots. They just need to play a consistent 60-minute game. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Hagelin-Crosby-Sheary

Guentzel-Malkin-Kessel

Wilson-Bonino-Rust

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz 

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Rangers 5

3rd Period
0:00 - The Rangers end up with the 5-2 win over the Pens. The Rangers were able to hold off the Pens in the third and keep them from establishing anything.

1:23 - Stephan scores. He fires one down the ice and into the empty net. 5-3 Rangers

1:47 - Bonino with a quick shot that is saved by Raanta.

1:52 - Schultz is robbed by Holden. He had a point blank shot.

2:20 - Fleury skates over to the bench. The Pens have an empty net.

3:59 - Hayes and Daley exchange some words behind the play.

5:37 - The Pens have been working hard on the boards and getting pucks into the offensive zone, but the Rangers defense has done a good job of boxing them out.

7:14 - Hayes scores. Hayes stations himself in the blue paint and is able to get the puck into the net with all the confusion in front. 4-2 Rangers

9:50 - The Pens are not letting on the Rangers, but Rangers have been up to the task.

12:39 - The tempo of the game has picked up especially from the Pens.

15:04 - Some good pressure by the Pens in the offensive zone to start this period.

19:48 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have a short power play to start and they need to capitalize on it! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to an end and the Rangers take the 3-2 lead over the Pens.

0:48 - Miller scores a shorthanded goal. Hayes and Miller rush down the ice. Hayes tries to make a pass over to Miller. The puck goes off the tip of Letang's stick, Malkin's body, then off Miller's body past Fleury. Lucky bounce. 3-2 Rangers

1:11 - Late power play opportunity for the Pens as Skjei sits for interference.

1:49 - Two-on-one chance for the Rangers. Hayes holds and fires a shot up high. Fleury stands to make the save!

5:37 - Grabner scores. The Pens are unable to clear the puck and the puck starts to bounce around the net area. Fleury rushes to get into position as the puck cross in front from the back of the net. Grabner gets the puck and is able to put one past the blocker. 2-2 tie game

6:04 - Successful kill for the Pens and Fleury was huge on that kill. He had some amazing saves to keep the Pens up by one.

8:04 - Crosby is ticketed with an interference penalty. Rangers get a huge chance to tie things on the power play.

10:05 - Fleury with a huge pad save with quick a bit of traffic in front as the Rangers get something going.

10:17 - Raanta with another big save as Schultz fires one.

11:17 - Crosby fakes a pass and instead fires a rocket shot in net that rings off the crossbar!

12:29 - Some good looks for the Pens on the power play, but they are unable to capitalize on the chance.

14:29 - Fast is penalized for tripping, which sends the Pens onto the power play.

15:09 - Nash scores. Schultz goes down in front to blocks Nash's cross-ice pass, but he is unable to clear. Nash catches Fleury moving side-to-side thinking the pass would get through and buries it. 2-1 Pens

15:47 - Malkin fights in the corner and is able to outlet a pass to Guentzel who is camping in the slot. He directs the pass one net, but Raanta is able to make the save.

18:03 - Pens come out with speed to start this one and starting off right where they left off during the first period.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and continue to frustrate the Rangers! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and Guentzel has put the Pens ahead 2-0 over the Rangers!

0:02 - Fleury with a huge late pad save as Pirri tries to stuff one in up front.

0:48 - Malkin and Girardi are set free.

0:50 - Two-on-one chance now for the Pens, but Kessel's fires it wide.

1:05 - The Rangers get a two-on-one chance as Zuccarello carries the puck. Schultz skates back to disrupt the play and pushes Zuccarello to the outside of the zone.

2:48 - Malkin and Girardi have a disagreement behind the play. They both head to the box. Four-on four hockey once again.

4:41 - Raanta comes up with a huge pad save as Sheary gets a lead pass and tires to stick handle a shot past the netminder.

6:43 - GUENTZEL WITH HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT! Malkin dives to the net and puts the puck in front! Raanta makes the first save that goes off the skate of Klein right to Guentzel! He lifts the puck over the pad of Raanta into the net! 2-0 Pens

8:51 - Klein blocks a shot with his skate and hobbles to the bench in some discomfort.

9:23 - Maatta boxes out Nash and takes the pass intended for him up the ice.

10:39 - The Pens are taking it to the Rangers and making them work for every bit of space. Trying to wear down the Rangers as they played last night.

12:52 - Crosby's shot is just tipped by the pad of Raanta. Crosby was at his signature shot at the side of the net. He gets another chance a few seconds later, but just redirects the shot wide.

14:05 - Jooris fires a shot on net and it looks to be tipped. Fleury gloves it up for the whistle.

15:45 - Both teams are back to full strength. Fleury with a good save as the teams are made whole again. Solid start for him.

17:45 - Jooris and Letang will head over to the box and we will get some four-on-four hockey.  

18:58 - GUENTZEL SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL! Guentzel comes out for his first shift in the NHL and fires his first shot that blows past Raanta! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - It's hockey night in Pittsburgh! The Pens faceoff against the Rangers for the first time this season! Time to introduce them to the 2016 Champs! Lets Go Pens!  

Penguins have the number of the Sabres

By: MF,

It’s another back-to-back game scenario for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they are coming off a win last night against the New York Islanders. Kris Letang scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Penguins the 3-2 win. Tonight the Penguins battle the Buffalo Sabres.

Sidney Crosby started the scoring for that game and even assisted on Letang’s goal. Crosby seems to have the number of the Buffalo Sabres. The last time Crosby loss to the Sabres was on February 29, 2009. He has 49 points (14 goals and 35 assists) in 31 games played against the Sabres. He also has five points in the last three games. Another player that is on fire for the team is Phil Kessel who is riding a two-game point streak with one goal and one assist notched.

Tonight in net will be Marc-Andre Fleury who has a seven-game win streak against the Sabres. He has allowed six goals in those seven games. Also in those seven games, he has 0.86 goals against average (GAA), .963 save percentage (SVP), and three shutouts. In the Sabres home arena, Fleury is 10-1-1. All time he has a 2.04 GAA and a .931 SVP. On the other side of the ice, Andres Nilsson will be between the pipes and he has a .917 SVP when facing off against the Penguins.

In addition, the Sabres are trying to end a six-game losing streak. That will mean that they will be a desperate team and will put everything out on the ice. The Sabres are playing with a depleted lineup, but that doesn’t mean they won’t fight for the win. As for the Penguins, they are coming off a hard-fought win last night, so they need to strike early and get a lead. This way they are not trying to battle back as the game progresses, which is when they will be most tired. Special teams will be key tonight, both the power play and penalty kill. The Penguins power play is 14 for 60 (23.3%) and the penalty kill is 52 for 65 (80%).

Furthermore, the Penguins need to come out with speed, eliminate turnovers, limit the Sabres’ time/space, and play a consistent game. Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Hagelin-Crosby-Sheary

Kunitz-Malkin-Kessel

Wilson-Bonino-Rust

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 1 Sabres 2 SO

Shootout
The Sabres get the 2-1 shootout win over the Pens. Fleury was unreal in the net and did a great job. The Pens just weren't able to get anymore past Nilsson, but they tried. Hard loss.

Nilsson closes the five-hole on Letang.

Cal O'Reilly snaps a shot past Fleury.

Nilsson uses his long legs to deny Malkin.

Reinhart is stopped by the toe of Fleury who did a cartwheel!

Nilsson gets a piece to send Crosby's shot over the net.

Okposo denied by Fleury!


Overtime
0:00 - Shootout here we come.

0:47 - Fleury with some highway robbery on Okposo. What a glove save!

1:07 - Kane flips the puck over Daley who drove trying to block the pass to Reinhart. Fleury with another amazing save in front!

2:55 - Crosby gets a lead pass and stops up at the blue line. He finds Letang driving center and he is robbed by the pad of Nilsson!

3:00 - The puck is loose in front of Fleury and he is able to make two great saves.

3:35 - Daley finds a lane down the wing and gets a one-on-one. Crosby jumps on the ice to create a two-on-one chance. Daley shots and Nilsson is just able to grab up the puck.

5:00 - Another night of overtime hockey for the Pens! They need to keep hammering the net and get to the rebounds! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime for the second night in a row as this one is tied 1-1.

0:02 - Hagelin lets go of a hard slap shot that is blocked by Foligno. He does down hard and is on the ice for a bit. He does get up and skate to the bench.

1:09 - 16 shots for the Pens in this third period.

2:15 - Dumoulin lifts the stick of Kane and Kunitz takes the puck away from harm. Both of them saved a goal there. Fleury took one player, while they backed him up.

3:40 - The guys in their respective penalty boxes are set free.

5:10 - Crosby comes flying into the zone and cross the center. He passes the puck backwards to Sheary, who directs the puck on net. Nilsson with the save.

5:52 - Tempers flare after the whistle. Malkin gets into a shoving match, which causes a scramble. The big scramble breaks up into some smaller shoving matches. Malkin and Kunitz are in the box for the Pens. The Sabres have Gionta and McCabe in the box. Still five-on-five hockey being played.

8:27 - Malkin goes around Franson and is one-on-one with Nilsson. Malkin's shot goes off the pad of Nilsson.

9:34 - Hagelin is robbed by Nilsson!

11:51 - A new fire is under the Pens after finally scoring a goal. The Pens are not giving the Sabres any room and are pressuring them at every turn.

14:14 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel fires some the side and Nilson makes the first save! The puck is loose in front of the net and Kunitz finds it first! He makes a quick pass over to Crosby, who puts it in the open net! 1-1 tie game

14:23 - A second power play chance for the Pens as Franson heads to the box for interference.

15:32 - Crosby's line sustains some offensive zone time and get some shots on net. Sabres do a good job of cleaning up the rebounds and keeping the Pens from getting to them on that shift.

17:49 - Kane gets some space and time down the wing. Fleury comes out to challenge and flashes the glove to deny Kane's shot.

18:31 - Another good penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury with a solid save on a wrist attempt by Ristolainen.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to kill off a Sabres power play for 1:30! Kill this penalty and take it to them! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and the Sabres still have a 1-0 lead over the Pens.

0:31 - Foligno goes hard, face first, into the boards after getting shoved from behind by Dumoulin. He is down on the ice for a bit and ends up going to the locker room. Dumoulin goes to the box for cross-checking. Sabres get a power play.

0:40 - The Pens have out shot the Sabres 9-8 in the second.

2:14 - The third line of the Pens gets chances on net, but can't convert. It seems to only be a matter of time for the Pens.

4:00 - Sabres are finally able to get out of their own zone.

4:33 - The Pens hold the Sabres in their own zone for an extended period of time. They even changed lines in the middle of the time. Sabres end up icing the puck and Bylsma calls a timeout.

6:58 - Malkin tries to sneak in a backhanded shot, but the Sabres carry the puck out of the zone.

8:35 - Good penalty kill. Fleury had to make a snow angle, on his stomach, to save one of the loose pucks in front.

10:35 - Sheary finds himself in the box for tripping, which will give the Sabres a power play chance.

12:53 - Okposo gets a chance after getting off the bench, but Fleury denies him with a pad save.

13:45 - Grant bats the puck out of the air in front of Fleury. Fleury makes the save and holds strong as Foligno comes crashing into the net to get to the loose puck.

14:43 - Moulson heads down the runway to the locker room.

17:44 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

19:44 - An early power play will be awarded to the Sabres as Dumoulin is penalized for holding.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep pushing and pressuring the Sabres in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:11 - Malkin comes flying down the wing with three guys on him. He is still able to fire a shot on net. Nilsson makes the save, but Malkin backhands the rebound opportunity back at him. It just goes a little wide.

2:33 - The fourth line for the Pens gets to work behind the net on the boards that leads to Letang getting a shot at the net.

3:50 - Nilsson has been up to the challenge this period, but he has left some loose rebounds around the net. The Pens need to capitalize on those loose pucks in front.

5:34 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end. They had some amazing chances on the net and created some quality chances.

7:34 - Letang comes flying down the win, but is denied by Nilsson. He is clipped by Ristolianen up high and goes crashing into the end boards. He will head to the penalty box for high-sticking. Pens get a power play chance.

8:21 - Daley playing a strong defensive game. He did a great job battling against Girgensons on the boards and was able to clear the puck up ice.

10:28 - Some good offensive zone pressure, but Nilsson is up to the task. Great cycling of the puck in the zone by the Pens.

11:44 - Carrier scores. The Pens fail to clear the puck and Fedun makes a shot/pass from the blue line. Carrier redirects the puck up front past Fleury. 1-0 Sabres

14:14 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens as Daley is released. Sabres did some passing, but didn't really shot the puck.

16:14 - Daley skates over to the box for hooking and the Sabres get the first power play of the game.

18:21 - The Pens get some early offensive zone time. Doing a good job to start this one.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Buffalo! The Pens need to play consistent 60-minute game and take control of this game this early! Lets Go Pens! 

Time to respond

By: MF,

It’s time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to respond after an embarrassing 7-1 loss to the Washington Capitals Wednesday night. They had a team meeting to discuss and express their feelings of the loss. After the meeting, the two words that were repeated during interviews was mindset and consistency.

They will need to put those words to work tonight against the New York Islanders. Phil Kessel was the lone goal during the loss to the Capitals. He has one goal and three assists in his last four games. The Penguins will need their other stars up front to respond and the defense to have the back of the goalie. Sidney Crosby has been on fire, since coming back from a concussion, but he was frustrated in the last game as he was held scoreless, along with Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins have to turn that frustration into motivation. As for defense, they need to back up their goaltender. Last game, both Matt Murray and Marc-Andre Fleury were left out to dry on multiple occasions. The Penguins need to limit turnovers, space, and get to the rebound/loose pucks first.

The Penguins will have to pick up tonight, but they may be missing some key players. Patric Hornqvist is day-to-day with a concussion and didn’t participate in the team’s morning skate. He is not expected to be in the lineup tonight. Chris Kunitz is a game-time decision as he suffered a lower-body injury.

The Islanders are 1-3-3 in November but have scored 40 goals in 16 games. They may be struggling to get ones in the win column, but they know how to score some goals when they are clicking. It will be critical for the Penguins to shut down lanes, limit space, and keep the Islanders pinned in their own zone. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Hagelin-Crosby-Sheary

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Wilson-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Isles 2 OT

Overtime
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 OVERTIME WIN OVER THE ISLES! THE PENS HAD A GOOD START, BUT TOOK THEIR FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL! THEY DIDN'T LET THAT GET THEM OFF TRACK! THEY TOOK THE GAME OVER AND ENDED UP GETTING THE WIN! GREAT WAY TO RESPOND IN THE THIRD! 

3:36 - LETANG SCORES! Crosby fakes a shot and tricks Nielson! Prince comes out to challenge Crosby, who passes the puck over to Letang at the side! Malkin screens up front and Letang fires right into the open net by the red line! What a pass and shot combination! 3-2 Pens

4:16 - Kessel tries to take a lead pass up ice, but the play is broken up by Leddy.

5:00 - The Pens and Isles need some more time to decide this 2-2 tie game! End this game early and with a win guys! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - This game is going to overtime as things are still tied 2-2.

2:33 - Cullen with a great chance, but it goes off the skate of Halak and through the blue paint. The Pens are starting to push more as the period whines down.

3:08 - The puck bounces around in front of Halak. Crosby and Sheary crash the net, but the puck somehow stays out.

6:31 - Cullen's shot is blocked in front and Wilson gets a stick on the loose puck. Halak gloves it up for the whistle.

7:05 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens. Good kill for the Isles.

9:05 - Power play time for the Pens as Ladd sits for holding.

10:59 - Not much to report on in the last few minutes. Some up and down hockey, but nothing to note.

15:50 - Boychuk sucker punches Sheary in the face and doesn't receive a penalty. That kind of thing should be a quick call.

17:12 - Hamonic throws the puck on net and it skips off the leg of Murray.

19:29 - Sheary and Hagelin get a two-on-one chance. Sheary's shot is kicked away by Halak, but Hagelin gets to the rebound. He has a wide open net, but his shot goes off the goal post.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure, put pucks on net, and play smart defensively! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and things are tied at two a piece.

1:05 - There was some good puck movement during that power play, but the Pens are unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

3:05 - The Pens will get their fourth power play of the game as Lee sits for hooking.

3:48 - Schultz drives one from the blue line that goes high and wide of the net.

6:05 - DALEY SCORES! Kessel ends up winning the battle on the boards to outlet a pass to Daley at center! He rifles a shot past the blocker of Halak, it goes off the goal post, and into the net. 2-2 tie game.

7:58 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. The puck ends up loose in front and everyone crashes the net. Murray scoops up the puck.

9:58 - Daley is back on the ice as the Pens are called for too many men on the ice. They will have to kill off a Isles' power play.

11:57 - That will bring an end to the Pens power play. They are still looking to tie things up.

13:33 - Daley has not been out at all this period. I just noticed this.

13:57 - Ladd high sticks Letang and goes to the box. Power play for the Pens.

15:11 - Malkin's line pins the Isles in their own zone for an extended period of time. Nice work after the Isles have been buzzing.

17:26 - Beauvillier scores. The Pens turnover the puck right in front of their own net and Beauvillier gets a one-on-one against Murray. He holds and backhands one over the outstretched pad of Murray. 2-1 Isles

18:09 - Nielson scores on the power play. Nielson receives a pass right on his stick and snaps one that goes right under the arm of Murray on the blocker side. 1-1 tie game.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens will start the period on the penalty kill as Malkin will be in the box! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead over the Isles! A scramble ensues after the period ends and Malkin will get a penalty.

2:01 - Murray makes a quick save as the puck makes a weird bounce.

4:11 - Dumoulin is back on the ice.

4:41 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang fires a shot from the point and it ends up bouncing to the side area! Crosby comes flying in and goes to one knee to put it in the wide open net! 1-0 Pens

5:21 - Another power play chance for the Pens as Nielson heads to the box for hooking.

6:15 - Some good puck movement by the Pens and they brought up the intensity. They are also blocking quite a few shots and keep the pressure on them.

9:37 - Malkin with a chance down the wing, but he is tied up a bit by Hickey, which allows Halak to get the paddle down for the save.

10:53 - Not much of a power play for the Pens as they didn't get things set-up.

12:53 - Strome goes flying down the center and he cross-checks Mattaa right into Murray. He will head to the box for goalie interference as the Pens bring out their power play unit.

16:40 - Lee takes a forearm to the head of Dumoulin as his head of tucked in as he was battling with Chimera. He heads down the Pens runway.

16:51 - Beauvillier gets on the inside of the Pens defense, but his shot goes off the side of the net.

18:28 - Some great offensive zone time for the Malkin line. The puck ends up loose in front of the net and Daley crashes, but Halak comes up with a save.

20:00 - It's time for the Pens to respond! Game time against the Isles! Need to limit the Isles space, time, and keep them pinned in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!  

Stanley Cup Champions are finally in Washington, D.C.

By: MF,

Tonight is going to prove to be another tough rivalry night for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they are in Washington, D.C. to take on the Washington Capitals. The Penguins have gone 10-3-2 to start the season and the Capitals are 9-4-2. 

This is the second time the two teams have met this season. The Penguins came out with the win in the first game, which was the home opener for the Penguins, in a 4-3 shootout. These two teams always prove to be an interesting game and a tough one. 

Last time, Sidney Crosby was not in the lineup due to a concussion. He will be in the lineup tonight and he has been on fire. Crosby has points in eight of nine of his appearances. He has 10 goals, which leads the Eastern Conference and second in the NHL. These numbers could be higher as he missed the first six games of the season. Crosby has been great for the team and has opened up options. He draws attention and that allows other guys to get going with some open room. Look for him to be big on the scoreboard, but also making plays that lead to chances. Also, the Penguins will have Matt Murray between the pipes and that will give them some stability on the backend. 

The Penguins will have to look out for the Capitals setting up the one timers for their star shooters, including Alex Ovechkin. However, the Penguins know how to limit his time and space. They just need to stick to their game and not let the Capitals get them off their game. 

The Capitals are coming off a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in overtime last night. The Penguins need to take advantage and use their speed to wear down the Capitals early. The Capitals won’t be able to match the Penguins tempo for the full 60-minute game. Lets Go Pens! 

On the injury front, Derrick Pouliot (lower body) practiced with the team and was wearing the yellow “no contact” jersey. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Sestito-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Capitals 7

3rd Period
0:00 - The Caps get the 7-1 win over the Pens. It was one of the worse games for the Pens to start this season. It was a bad overall game and one can't blame goalies this time. Time to move onto the next game.

1:50 - Pens will get a power play for the rest of this game as Wilson sits for interference.

3:02 - Backstrom scores. Backstrom gets some time and space on the wing. He snaps one between the arm and leg of Fleury (glove side). 7-1 Caps

3:31 - KESSEL SCORES! Schultz fires a rocket on net that Bonino redirects past Holtby in front! Kessel finds the loose puck in the blue paint and puts it into the net. 6-1 Caps

3:57 - Not much time left in this one for the Pens. Looks like the best they can hope for is to spoil Holtby's night by scoring at least one.

7:21 - The Pens are falling to pieces tonight. They are not playing their game and look like a completely different team. I have to give credit to the Caps, who are skating very well.

9:34 - Ovechkin scores. Dumoulin falls down in the offensive zone and turns over the puck. Ovechkin out skates Letang to wrap one around the out-stretched leg of Fleury. 6-0 Caps

10:59 - Crosby snaps the puck on net and it takes an odd bounce to find Malkin in front. Somehow Oshie is able to get a pad on Malkin's shot.

14:21 - Caps now have a regular power play for 1:32.

14:22 - Williams scores on the power play. Just before the five-on-three power play expires, Oshie finds Williams in the slot. Williams snaps one past Fleury. 5-0 Caps

14:49 - Things have gotten worse for the Pens as Dumoulin is called for delay of game. Caps with a five-one-three power play for 31 seconds.

16:12 - Letang joins Sestito in the box for closing his hand over the puck on the ice. Caps to the power play.

16:26 - Caps have the Pens back on their heels. Unreal amount of offensive zone time for the Caps.

19:59 - Sestito was given a misconduct penalty at the end of the second period. He will start this period in the box.

20:00 - Time for the third period! It will take a lot for the Pens to get back into this one, but they would be the team to do it! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Caps extend their lead to 4-0 over the Pens.

0:26 - Pens come up with a successful penalty kill.

1:45 - Ovechkin rifles a shot that rings off the crossbar.

2:20 - Hagelin with a short handed chance that is saved by Holtby.

2:26 - This is getting out of hand. Sheary is called for tripping and the Caps are right back on the power play.

3:41 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

5:41 - Malkin heads back to the box for hooking. Caps bring out their power play unit and Ovechkin is back out on the ice.

5:50 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end.

6:48 - Pens now have a power play for 58 seconds.

7:50 - Cole takes a stick up high from Kuzentsov, who will head to the box. Four-on-four play for 1:02 before the Pens get a power play chance.

8:48 - Ovechkin gets a the puck and makes a move to go around Letang. Letang's stick is caught up and Ovechkin ends up going down hard. He heads to the locker room. Letang to the box for tripping. Caps to the power play.

10:06 - Oshie has a chance at getting a breakaway, but Dumoulin comes in to stick the puck away. Great defensive work by him.

11:53 - The Pens kill off the power play and Crosby is set free. Fleury made a big save on an Ovechkin shot with his mask.

13:53 - Now Crosby heads to the box for slashing and the Caps will get a power play opportunity. Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens.

13:57 - Caps are the buzzing team and the Pens are falling flat. They are giving up scoring chances, odd-man rushes, and giving them way too much space/time.

14:41 - Orlov scores. Another odd-man rush for the Caps and Orlov puts one under the blocker of Fleury. 4-0 Caps

15:50 - The Caps with a great three-man rush into the offensive zone. Schmidt snaps one on net that Fleury gets a piece of, but the puck starts to tickle behind him towards the goal line. Daley gets to the puck first and bats it away.

16:34 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

18:00 - Looks more like a power play for the Capitals. Fleury with a huge stretching save to keep things as they are.

18:34 - Pens to the power play as Williams sits for hooking.

19:00 - Ovechkin gets the puck and looks like he will get a one-on-one chance. However, Daley is solid and sticks the puck away from Ovechkin.

19:06 - Both teams are back to full strength.

19:08 - Fleury with a quick pad save. Great save.

19:59 - Fleury is in the net for the second. Murray is on the bench. 1:14 left on the four-on-four.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have to step up their game, put pucks on net, and clean up their defensive work! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to a close and the Caps have the 2-0 lead over the Pens.

0:07 - Oshie scores on the power play. Fleury makes the initial save on Ovehckin's shot. Oshie and Backstrom are left wide open at the side of the net. Oshie puts in the rebound. 3-0 Caps

0:24 - Alzner gets a feed from Ovechkin. Murray makes the save and Alzner jostles with him. Malkin comes and to defend Murray. Murray losses his helmet in the scramble and gets hit in the face by Malkin's stick. He heads to the locker room and Fleury comes in. Malkin will head to the box. Caps with four-on-three power play.

0:42 - Matching minors and we will get some four-on-four hockey. Orlov and Kessel.

0:45 - Johansson gets a chance at a wide open net as Murray dives down. Johannsson fires his shot over the net.

2:30 - Backstrom scores. The Caps start up ice and Backstrom gets the puck as he enters the offensive zone. He uses Dumoulin as a screen and sneaks one past Murray. 2-0 Caps

4:06 - Dumoulin puts a perfect shot on net, Holtby tries to hold the puck, but it bounces around the blue paint. Hornqvist crashes the net, but the net is dislodged.

4:31 - Holtby makes a great save as he dives back to stop the puck with his stick. Malkin goes into the blue paint and kicks the puck into the net. Goal is reviewed and it's announced as a no goal.

7:36 - Schultz blasts a hard shot on net that is grabbed up by Holtby.

11:12 - Caps with a successful penalty kill as Connolly is released.

12:28 - Oshie scores a shorthanded goal. Malkin tries to make a pass to Letang in a small area, but Oshie breaks up the pass and send Beagle down the ice. Beagle has the advantage on Letang and has a one-on-one chance with Murray. Murray makes the first save, but Oshie is able to put in the rebound. 1-0 Caps

13:12 - Connolly will head to the sin bin for checking on Crosby. The Pens head onto the power play.

14:14 - Orlov fires a shot from the blue line that is redirect up front by Wilson. Murray is able to track the puck, even with the direction change, and makes a pad save.

16:05 - Oshie finds Backstrom at the side of the net, but Dumoulin doesn't allow him to get a shot off. Caps with some chances, but Murray and the defense are up to the task.

17:33 - Good start by the Pens and they have some jump in their game. Some solid puck movement.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Washington! The Pens need to use their speed and wear down the Caps early! Lets Go Pens!