Time to finish this series in five

By: MF,

A huge day for Pittsburgh hockey as the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare for Game 5 against the New York Rangers at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins have a 3-1 series lead over the Rangers and can eliminate them with a win, today, to move onto the Second Round of the National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs. The Penguins are 9-3 all-time when they lead a series 3-1.

However, it will not be an easy task as the Rangers will be in desperation mode with their season and chance of winning the Stanley Cup at stake. Memories of last season come to mind as the Penguins were in the same situation last year, but that ended with the Rangers winning three in a row to move on and end the Penguins playoff run. This was a learning experience for those Penguin players that still remain. Captain Sidney Crosby’s biggest takeaway from that series was to make sure that the team’s desperation level is where it needs to be for today’s game. As for Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS), the past is in the past. He wants the team looking forward. HCMS stated that this group is completely different and they are not going to let old ghost haunt them.

The Penguins have been getting able to win with a great netminder to back the team up. Matt Murray has been exceptional the last two games. He became the youngest goalie in Penguins history to start and win a playoff game. Murray also became the Penguins first rookie goalie to record a postseason shutout. With this two postseason wins he joins Les Binley (four wins in 1970) and Frank Pietrangelo (two wins in 1991) as goalies in Penguins history to win their first two playoff starts. Murray did admit to having nerves at the start of each game, but it has helped him to have veteran teammate Marc-Andre Fleury around to help him through such times.

With Murray holding down the fort in net, the Penguins offense has been doing their part. For starters, Evgeni Malkin is getting his groove back. In Thursday’s game, Malkin had a four-point net (2^nd career four-point playoff game). Under HCMS, the power play is 23.6% with Malkin. Malkin also joined the top five Pittsburgh all-time playoff goal scorers coming in fifth with 44 goals. Crosby holds third with 46 goals and of course, Mario Lemieux sits at the top with 76 goals. In addition, the Penguins are getting production from their other lines. Conor Sheary scored his first NHL playoff goal in Game four while Eric Fehr’s game-winning-goal in the same game was the first of his NHL playoff career.

The Penguins will have to stay focus, play smart, put pucks on net, and keep the pressure on the Rangers. They have to meet the desperation level of the Rangers and put them down early. Time to finish this series in five! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Fehr

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rust

Defense

Maatta-Letang

Dumoulin-Daley

Cole-Lovejoy

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 6 Rangers 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS HAVE WON 6-3 AND ELIMINATED THE RANGERS! WE ARE MOVING ONTO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE 2016 PLAYOFFS! WHAT A SERIES WIN AND A WAY TO PUT THIS ONE BEHIND US! WE WANT THE CUP! 

3:29 - First line for the Pens get some offensive zone time, which was the most they have had this period.

6:28 - Rangers are dumping the puck in or trying to skate with the puck into the zone, but the Pens are clearing well. For the times they don't clear, Murray is there to hold off the pucks.

8:46 - The Pens are playing defense right now. Murray is having to make some huge saves as the Rangers are throwing everything at the net.

11:19 - Murray with another big save on a knuckler by Yandle and saves the second chance.

11:57 - The Pens get a 3 on 2 chance, but Giradi makes a sliding play to break up the play.

12:54 - Murray with a huge save on Kreider. The Rangers are getting some quality chances on net.

14:00 - Rangers out shooting the Pens 9-1 in the third.

14:22 - Diaz scores on the power play. Diaz fires from the point again and is able to put this one past Murray. 6-3 Pens

14:57 - Murray makes a huge on a shot from Diaz at the point with Nash in front.

15:02 - Kessel sits in the box as Murray is called for tripping and the Rangers head onto the power play. Another huge penalty kill for the Pens.

15:14 - Murray holds strong as Hayes cuts across the goal mouth trying to put one in.

16:51 - The Pens defense is doing a good job of keeping the Rangers from getting quality chances. Rangers don't seem to have the same jump in their step as the first period.

19:58 - Raanta will replace Lundqvist for the third period.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure as the Rangers will be beyond desperate! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens have the 6-2 lead over the Rangers!

0:58 - RUST SCORES! Malkin forces a turnover! Malkin and Rust get a 2 on 1 chance! Malkin goes over to Rust who puts one past the glove of Lundqvist! 6-2 Pens

1:28 - Consol is full of energy and this crowd is going nuts. Taunting Lundqvist, cheering, and having fun. Great energy for the Pens.

2:06 - Crosby has been all over the ice today.

3:42 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby fights off M.Staal and gets a pass across to Sheary in the slot area! Sheary fires a laser shot past the glove of Lundqvist! 5-2 Pens

3:54 - The Pens kill it! Murray was huge in net and the defense in front was on it.

5:54 - Rangers to the power play as Sheary sits for high-sticking.

6:46 - Zuccarello is stopped point blank by Murray. The Pens collapse and Murray is able to cover the loose puck.

7:34 - Rangers kill off the Pens power play.

8:50 - Crosby rings one off the post!

9:34 - Moore heads to the box and the Pens onto the power play.

10:34 - CULLEN SCORES! The Pens lift the puck out of their zone and Rust goes flying down the ice! He battles and the Ranger coughs up the puck! Cullen follows to pick up the loose puck and fire it past Lundqvist! 4-2 Pens

11:12 - Murray with a solid pad save on a deflected shot.

14:39 - RUST SCORES! Cullen goes back to Daley who is cutting across! Daley makes a shot/pass to Rust at the side of the net! Rust puts it in the open net! 3-2 Pens

16:35 - Daley with a shot that is loose in the blue paint. Crosby tries to get a stick on it, but Rangers fall down along with Lundqvist to protect the net. What a close one for the Pens.

17:11 - Malkin fires a shot while falling down that is saved by Lundqvist.

19:33 - Kreider rips a quick shot on net, but Murray's glove is faster. He holds for the whistle.

20:00 - Second period is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed and take control of this one! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and this one is tied 2-2.

1:03 - Shots are 14-10 in favor of the Rangers. However, the Pens are starting to take control.

2:44 - Letang and Nash are released. Both teams back to full strength.

3:35 - Crosby with two great chances. One hits the post and the other is stopped by Lundqvist. Sheary and Crosby are clicking well.

4:44 - We will get some 4 on 4 hockey as Letang and Nash get matching minors for slashing.

5:18 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens! Murray was solid.

7:18 - Now the Rangers will get a chance on the power play as Malkin heads to the sin bin for tripping. Huge penalty kill for the Pens.

8:21 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby finds Kessel entering the zone with speed! Kessel is in alone and snipes one top shelf! 2-2 tie game

9:18 - Skjei sits for boarding and the Pens will get the first power play of the game.

9:25 - Rangers score. Murray makes the first save on a Ranger shot, but the puck is loose in front. Hornqvist comes crashing with his guy, but the puck bounces off his skate and into the net. 2-1 Rangers

10:10 - HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin passes behind the net over to Kessel then goes to the far post! Kessel finds Hagelin, who directs the puck past the toe of Lundqvist! 1-1 tie game

10:28 - Sheary does some good defensive work to keep the Rangers from forming an odd-man situation.

12:49 - Kuhnhackl gets a quality chance on Lundqvist, but is unable to put it past the netminder.

13:09 - Starting to see a bit of a push by the Pens. They get some time in the offensive zone, which they haven't really see much of yet.

15:33 - Pens are on their heels, but they need to weather the storm. Nothing new for them. They need to gather themselves and push back.

17:24 - The start of this one has been all Rangers. They have come to play and with speed. Pens need to bounce back.

18:58 - Nash scores. Girardi fires from the blue line and Nash is able to get a stick on it to deflect it past Murray. 1-0 Rangers

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens have to put the pressure on the Rangers early and match the desperation level of the Rangers! Time to finish this in five! Lets Go Pens! 

Series lead at stake in the Big Apple

By: MF,

We are in the Big Apple at Madison Square Garden (MSG) to watch Game 3 in the first round of the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers.

On the injury front, Marc-Andre Fleury (concussion) has been ruled out for this one. However, Matt Murray (upper-body) is an option per Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS). UPDATE: Matt Murray will be starting in the net for the Penguins tonight. For the Rangers, Ryan McDonaugh will be back in the lineup since breaking his hand.

The series is currently tied at one a piece and the Penguins look to steal a win on the road tonight. The Penguins are 23-11 all-time in Game 3 on the road and have won 15 of their last 24 visits to MSG (both regular season and playoffs). This season they swept the Rangers at MSG, winning both road games, making it a first since 2012 for Pittsburgh.

The offense is going to be key against the Rangers as Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best netminders in the NHL. Phil Kessel has had success this series as he scored two goals on Saturday. He has been picking his game up lately. Also, the team has received a boost with the return of Evgeni Malkin. Malkin returned in Game 2 after missing 16 straight. He was not happy with his performance in that game and believed that his play wasn’t at 100%. However, Malkin is feeling much better heading into tonight’s game. This year, Malkin has four points (one goal and three assists) in two games played against the Rangers.

With the Penguins having plenty of offensive power, they must also focus on playing smart hockey. They have to be ready to play defensive hockey and keep Murray’s crease empty. They need to pressure often and not give the Rangers any room. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz-Crosby-Hornqvist

Sheary-Malkin-Fehr

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rust

Defense

Maatta-Letang

Dumoulin-Daley

Cole-Lovejoy

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 3 Rangers 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-1 WIN OVER THE RANGERS IN GAME 3! MURRAY WAS SOLID IN THE NET! THE GUYS STEP THINGS UP TO TAKE BACK CONTROL OF THE GAME! THEY LEAD THE SERIES 2-1!

0:12 - LETANG SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Letang with great defensive work to get the puck and puts it in the empty net! 3-1 Pens

1:22 - Empty net for the Rangers.

3:52 - Stalberg goings flying into Lundqvist. The netminder is shaken up on the play, but remains in the game.

5:05 - Bodies are flying all over the ice. Mostly the Pens doing the flying, but they are bouncing right back up and keep pressuring.

5:32 - Fehr with some good defensive work to keep the Rangers from setting up in the Pens' zone.

6:28 - Kessel gets a chance with only one Ranger defender back. He gets two shots off, but they go wide. Quality chance.

7:29 - Murray makes two quick pad saves and the Pens are able to clear. Rangers re-enter the zone and Murray comes up with a save on Yandle.

8:54 - Nash lays a hard hit on Fehr in front of the benches. Fehr bounces right back up to get involved in the play.

11:10 - Things are getting more physical, which is saying something since the whole game has been physical especially the Rangers play.

12:32 - The first line gets some good offensive zone time and get a chance or two on net.

15:42 - CULLEN SCORES! Cullen gets the loose puck as Yandle and Boyle run into each other at the blue line! Cullen is in all alone and puts it through the five-hole of Lundqvist! 2-1 Pens

16:18 - Sheary uses his speed to get to a loose puck on the boards in the offensive zone. Lundqvist stays in net. Sheary fires one, but Lundqvist makes the necessary save.

17:55 - E. Staal gets a pass up ice, but his slapper is sit into the netting by the stick of Malkin. Nice defensive work.

20:00 - Third period is underway! The Pens need to keep pressuring, get traffic in front, and play smart! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:43 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel makes a shot/pass to Crosby, who is at the side of the net! Crosby deflects the puck with his stick past Lundqvist! 1-1 tie game

1:01 - Late power play chance for the Pens as M. Staal is called for hooking.

1:46 - Lines are being mixed up for the Pens. Sheary and Kunitz have switched spots.

2:57 - Rangers get some extended zone time, but the Pens are finally able to clear.

4:50 - Kessel with a shot that is kicked out by Lundqvist. Murray makes his own pad save at the other end.

5:59 - Letang jumps up to keep the play alive in the offensive zone and pivots to backhand one on net! Lundqvist with the save. Good chances for the Pens.

6:54 - Bodies are flying everywhere as both teams are dealing out some big hits.

8:57 - The Pens are starting to come on a bit in the second. Need to keep pressuring.

10:03 - The penalty kill for the Pens is on it as they kill another Ranger power play. Nice work by Murray on that one.

12:03 - Malkin is nabbed for tripping and the Pens will have to kill off another Ranger power play.

12:05 - The Pens get some sustained pressure in the offensive zone and they do a good job of cycling. Nice work after having a bad start to this period.

14:42 - Successful penalty kill once again for the Pens. They need to get some offense going and put traffic in front of Lundqvist.

16:42 - Now the Rangers will head onto the power play as Daley is sent to the box for roughing after a scrum ensues in front of Murray.

17:38 - Kreider is set free and the Pens power play comes to an end.

19:21 - Nash scores a shorthanded goal. Klein throws the puck up the ice and Nash picks it up. He flies by the defense and rifles one past Murray. 1-0 Rangers

19:38 - Another power play opportunity for the Pens as Kreider is called for boarding

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure, get traffic in front, and not the Rangers have any room! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end with things scoreless.

0:49 - Kreider gets a chance down the wing and has a step on the Pens. Murray gets a piece of it!

3:02 - Letang and Kunitz sit for the Pens. Hayes and Stalberg sit for the Rangers. Scrum ensued between them all in front of the benches. No manpower lost for either team.

4:04 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Bonino did a great job to get a scoring chance for Hagelin. The penalty killers were on it and did an unreal job to kill off the Ranger power play.

7:04 - The Rangers ended up scoring on the power play, but the Pens use their coach's challenge. The referees rule the play offsides and the goal doesn't count. The Rangers still have a power play for over three minutes.

7:18 - Now the Rangers will have a power play for 3:28.

7:50 - Sheary is sent to the box for high-sticking and it will be a double minor. 4 on 4 hockey for 32 seconds.

9:18 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as M. Staal sits for tripping.

9:50 - Good start for both teams. It's currently a battle of the goalies. Both Murray and Lundqvist are making huge saves.

12:01 - Murray is making alert and solid saves to start this one. Good to see him getting into this one and getting the rust off...if there was any to begin with.

13:57 - Murray comes out to cut down the angle and makes a huge save. The Pens head down to the other end where Lundqvist makes a big save.

16:56 - The Pens are buzzing around the Rangers' net. Sheary does some great stick work to keep the puck alive and to get some chances. Lundqvist is finally able to cover for the whistle. 

18:49 - Murray makes a solid glove save to start off. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped at MSG! The Pens have to play smart, get traffic in front, and keep up the pressure! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins look to vote Senators out of Office

By: MF,

The magic number is three as the Pittsburgh Penguins look to clinch home-ice advantage heading into the 2016 NHL Playoffs. A win tonight would be a significant step towards that goal. They will have to get past the Ottawa Senators tonight for those points. Even though the Senators were eliminated from the playoffs, they can still put a damper on things for the Penguins.

Even with the team battling injuries to some key players, the Penguins are finally clicking under the director of Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS). Since his take over on December 14, 2015, they are 31-15-5. Overall they are 12 for their last 13 games and have won 20 road games for the ninth consecutive season, excluding the 2012-13 shortened season. Currently, the team is riding a six-game win streak and have won six-straight on the road. This is a team that is getting help from the whole lineup, and everyone is invested in the systems set up by HCMS.

During their six-game win streak, the Penguins have 19 players that have a point, 14 have a goal, and eight have five-plus points. They are also averaging 38.7 shots per game. The Penguins are putting shots on net and getting rewarded for it. No one is on fire more than Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, who are leading the way. Crosby has two goals, four assists, and six points during the streak and earned his 600th National Hockey League (NHL) career assist. As for Letang, he has two goals, seven assists, and nine points during the same span.

The defense has been a key to the Penguins winning. They have the confidence to jump up on rushes and give the Penguins numbers on plays. A big reason for that is the great work by the netminders. Matt Murray has been holding down the fort lately as Marc-Andre Fleury is currently out with a concussion. Murray has gone 3-0-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average this week, which is why the NHL named him the third star of the week. He also earned his first NHL shutout, and his shutout sequence lasted for 122:05. Murray is even riding his five-game winning streak going into tonight's game.

The Penguins need to continue to play their game, pressure and stay focused. If they keep playing the way they have been, then the Senators should be worried along with the rest of the NHL. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr
Sheary - Sundqvist - Bennett

Defense
Daley - Letang
Dumoulin - Lovejoy
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Senators 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS EXTEND THEIR WINNING STREAK TO SEVEN GAMES WITH A 5-3 COMEBACK WIN OVER THE SENATORS! GREAT TEAM EFFORT AND MURRAY HELD DOWN THE FORT WHEN IT COUNTED! 

0:06 - CROSBY SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Letang starts up ice passes over to Crosby who puts it in the empty net! 5-3 Pens

1:50 - Sens have an empty net.

3:12 - Kunitz with a chance!

5:57 - HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin rips a backhanded from the side (hard angle to score from) past the left pad of Hammond! Pens take over the lead 4-3!

9:05 - Murray is caught out of his net and leaves behind a wide open net. Letang comes in big time to prevent a goal. Part-time goalie.

9:36 - Sheary takes a stick blade to the face on a follow through. He heads straight to the locker room as a result. No call on the play.

11:32 - What a great penalty kill by the Pens as Fehr is set free. Unreal job.

12:00 - Five-on-three is killed off as Sundqvist is released. Murray was unreal and the penalty killers were amazing. 28 second power play remaining for the Senators.

13:32 - Not good at all as Fehr is called for elbowing, which gives the Senators a five-on-three power play for 1:32.

14:00 - Now the Senators will get another crack at the power play as Sundqvist is found guilty of high-sticking. Penalty kill time for the Pens.

15:41 - HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin drives down the center and gets the puck around a Senator to put it past Hammond! Things are tied up at three.

17:19 - Good kill by the Pens. Great work by Murray.

19:19 - Penalty killers are called out for the Pens as Letang is off to the box for tripping.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the third period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and take over the lead! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds with the Pens trailing the Senators 3-2.

2:29 - The Pens have gotten their legs moving and are starting to play like they have been for the past six games.

4:47 - CROSBY SCORES! The Pens win the offensive zone faceoff! Letang fires from the blue line, but it's blocked! The puck bounces around the slot area! Crosby picks up at the side and puts it behind Hammond! 3-2 Senators

7:23 - Another successful penalty kill for the Senators.

9:23 - Pens are headed back onto the power play as Robinson makes a return visit to the box.

10:44 - Zibanejad gets a breakaway, but Murray shuts him down! Things are starting to open up.

11:22 - Cullen and Kuhnhackl get a two-on-one chance, but Cullen fires wide!

12:12 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Hornqvist battles behind the net and brings the puck to the front! Hammond makes the first stop, but Hornqvist keeps whacking at the loose puck! It bounces up over the skate of Hammond! 3-1 Senators

12:21 - Senators kill off the Pens power play. Hammond was solid for them in the net. Schultz is back from the locker room.

14:21 - Now a chance for the Pens on the power play as Robinson takes a seat for boarding. His his on Schultz was hard. Schultz heads to the locker room.

15:13 - The Pens need to get moving, play physical, work it deep, shoot the puck, and play their system of hockey if they want to get back into this one.

16:27 - Smith scores. This is not good. Smith comes flying in and fires a hard shot over the shoulder of Murray. 3-0 Senators

17:39 - Hoffman scores. Hoffman fires from the side and it bounces off the stick of Murray, then the arm, and ends up in the back of the net. 2-0 Senators

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to step up offensively, which usually happens during this period! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:08 - Crosby rings one off the goal post! Now shots are at seven for the Pens.

0:41 - Cullen is able to hunt down the puck and get behind the Senators' defense, but Hammond robs him of a goal.

1:21 - Only four shots so far for the Pens, which is the lowest they have had in a period.

2:10 - Still not much offense for the Pens right now as the Senators are commanding more time in the offensive zone.

4:28 - Murray makes two great saves up front as a result of Dumoulin's stick breaking in front.

6:02 - Kessel makes a great pass play over to Hagelin coming down the wing. He goes over to Schultz who is driving the center. Hammond makes the save.

7:45 - The Senators are getting some quality offensive zone time and the Pens have been more on the defense.

8:17 - Karlsson scores. The Pens lose a defensive zone faceoff. Karlsson tries for a cross-ice pass, but it bounces off Hornqvist and it goes past Murray. 1-0 Senators

10:56 - Not the most exciting start we have seen this season. Though the Pens have proven they are more of a second period team.

14:02 - Good pace to start this game. 

16:28 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens as Lovejoy is set free. 

18:28 - The first power play of the game will go to the Senators as Lovejoy sits for hooking. Murray made two great saves to start this one. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is underway! The Pens need to stick to their systems and play smart! Lets Go Pens!  

Lazy Sunday

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are celebrating fan appreciation night as they host the Philadelphia Flyers in their last home game of the regular season!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz – Crosby – Hornqvist

Hagelin – Bonino – Kessel

Kuhnhackl – Cullen – Rust

Sheary – Fehr – Bennett 

Defense

Daley - Letang

Pouliot - Lovejoy

Cole - Schultz 

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 6 Flyers 2

3rd Period
0:00- THE PENS GET THE 6-2 WIN OVER THE FLYERS IN THEIR LAST HOME GAME OF THE 2015-16 REGULAR SEASON! SIX GAME WINNING STREAK! GREAT WORK ONCE AGAIN! 

0:07 - Another sucessful penalty kill by the Pens!

1:39 - FEHR SCORES A SHORTHANDED EMPTY NET GOAL! Cullen and Fehr get a 2 on 1 chance! Cullen makes the pass over the Fehr who doesn't miss! 6-2 Pens!

2:00 - Flyers have an empty net.

2:07 - Flyers will now get a power play chance as Bonino sits for hooking.

3:47 - Simmonds knocks the puck out of the air with a high stick. It bounces off the back of the net behind the crossbar, off the back of Murray, and into the net. The referee waves it off for the high stick by Simmonds. No goal.

4:42 - The power play for the Pens comes to an end.

6:42 - Gostisbehere will head to the box for holding, sending the Pens onto the power play.

7:47 - Things are starting to get out of hand. Kessel gets a slash on the hands after the play.

9:02 - Simmonds puts his stick under the mask of Murray and no call by the ref. Very dirty play.

10:17 - FEHR SCORES! McDonald is falling as Kuhnhackl is going in for the hit and the puck is coughed up! Cullen makes a pirouette play to get the puck to Fehr in the slot! Fehr puts it past Mason! 5-2 Pens

11:56 - Voracek scores. Voracek gets a stick on a shot in front and deflects it past the shoulder of Murray. 4-2 Pens

15:46 - HAGELIN SCORES! Letang fires from the blue line and Bonino redirects the puck to the side! Hagelin gets a stick on it while on his belly to put it in the open net! Hard work pays off! 4-1 Pens

17:24 - Glad to Letang back on the ice and looking alright after the Simmonds hit.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to keep pressuring and playing smart hockey! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:41 - Simmonds scores. Simmonds toe drags and fires one over the shoulder of Murray. 3-1 Pens

1:21 - Murray makes three unreal saves as the scramble ensues in front. Kessel keeps track and helps out defensively.

3:11 - Letang takes a hard elbow/forearm to the head from Simmonds. No call. He seems to be ok, but he is flexing his jaw on the bench.

4:39 - The Pens are still controlling this one. The defense is doing a solid job of jumping up into plays, but not without someone to cover. Not giving the Flyers any odd man chances.

6:30 - Crosby gets a chance at the side, but his shot goes over of the net. I don't think Mason touched that one.

9:26 - HORNQVIST SCORES! HIS FIRST GOAL AGAINST THE FLYERS! Hornqvist gets the puck back as he pressures the Flyers in their zone! His first shot is blocked at center, but he gets the rebound and rifles one past Mason! 3-0 Pens

11:24 - The puck bounces up in the air and Kessel bats it out of air towards the net. Mason had to makes the save. Great hand-eye coordination.

12:09 - Hornqvist gets back to break up a breakaway chance for Voracek and gets his stick in the way. Murray takes care of the rest.

13:07 - Schultz rifles a shot from the point that finds its way through traffic and Mason makes the pad save.

15:19 - The defense of the Pens does a great job of forcing the Flyers offsides.

17:26 - A Flyer is without a stick and Sheary is able to get the puck to Sundqvist right on the doorstep! Mason just gets a piece of the shot.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and stay out of the box! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends with the Pens leading 2-0!

3:14 - BENNETT SCORES! Sheary comes into the zone with two guys covering him! He protects the puck against the back checker, holds, and makes a pass across to Bennett! Bennett finishes the play off! 2-0 Pens

4:22 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel fires a shot that is redirected by Crosby right in front, but Mason makes the save! Crosby gets the rebound and bangs it home as he falls down! 1-0 Pens

4:57 - Now time for a Pens power play as Simmonds heads to the sin bin for hooking.

6:29 - Shots are now 10-4 in favor of the Pens. Not many shots getting to the goalies right now.

8:02 - The Flyers get a cycle going in the offensive zone. Kuhnhackl comes up with two huge blocks and the Pens are able to clear the puck. Kuhnhackl is hunched over the bench though.

11:08 - Nice puck movement by the Pens and they are getting chances, but Mason is doing a good job of controlling things with the glove.

13:57 - Shots are 9-4 in favor of the Pens.

15:39 - Successful kill for the Pens as Cole is set free.

16:21 - Murray does a great job of shutting down two quality chances by the Flyers. Also, the Pens did a solid job of boxing out Flyer players.

17:39 - The first power play of the game will go to the Flyers as Cole is sent off for interference. 

17:51 - Still no shots registered for the Flyers. 

19:36 - Crosby gets a early chance, but Mason lays out to make the save.

20:00 - The puck has been dropped at Consol! Let the battle begin! The Pens have to come out with speed and not let the Flyers control the tempo! Lets Go Pens!