The Silver Chalice is within reach

By: MF,

It’s finally time for Game One of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final where the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks battle to raise the silver chalice over their heads.

The best of seven series starts in Pittsburgh at Consol Energy Center. This will be a challenging series as these two teams rarely get to see each other during the regular season. The last time the Sharks were in Pittsburgh, they came out with a 3-1 victory, but that was against a different team. The Penguins have evolved and been reshaped by Head Coach Mike Sullivan and General Manager Jim Rutherford.

The Penguins have done a lot of scouting and video work to prepare for tonight’s game. The Sharks have good speed, skill, and get in on the forecheck, which is similar to what the Penguins experienced against the Washington Capitals. Also, the Sharks have a lethal power play. In the regular season, their power play was third-best in the league and is second overall during the postseason. They have gone 17 for 63 (27%) and have scored a power play in 11 of 18 games, where they have gone 9-2 when they do.

This will make defense key for the Penguins and leading them is Kris Letang. He has been critical for them and will be called on once again. With his skill to clear the puck, Letang can bring it up to create plays. Olli Maatta has also stepped up his game, since coming in after Trevor Daley was injured. Look for him to pick up his game. Another player that has picked up his play on the backend is Brian Dumoulin. He has been laying big hits and shutting down star players. He will look to match the Sharks hard hitting style with his own.

On offense, the “HBK” (Hagelin, Bonino, and Kessel) line has been on fire for the Penguins and helped the Penguins to this moment. As the Sharks look to shut down both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the HBK line will take advantage of the opening. Some guys are riding some point streaks going into this one. Bryan Rust is riding a three-game point streak (three goals and one assist), this is the first of his career. Malkin has a five-game point streak (one goal and five assists).

This isn’t the first time for many players to be playing in a Stanley Cup Final.  The 18-year veteran, Matt Cullen is making his second career Stanley Cup Final appearance. He had five assists in 2006 for the Carolina Hurricanes, who won the Stanley Cup that year. Chris Kunitz, Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Marc-Andre Fleury will be playing in their third Stanley Cup final for the Penguins. Kunitz is the only player in this series to have won two Stanley Cups. The Penguins now join the Chicago Blackhawks as the only teams to make three Stanley Cup Final appearances, since the 2007-2008 season.

The Penguins are 7-3 at home during these playoffs and have an all-time home record of 8-3 in the Stanley Cup Final. They will need to take the energy from being at home and put it to work. They need to take it the Sharks early and often. The Penguins have to stay disciplined, stick to their game, and play a full 60-minute game of Penguins hockey! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows: 

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Lovejoy

Cole-Schultz

Murray in net! 

Play by Play
PENS 3 Sharks 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN OVER THE SHARKS AND TAKE A 1-0 SERIES LEAD! IT WAS AN UP AND DOWN GAME FOR THE PENS, BUT THEY STUCK WITH THINGS AND GOT THE JOB DONE! KEEP IT UP! 

1:15 - Sharks have an empty net.

2:09 - Lovejoy will head to the box for hooking. Sharks to the power play.

2:33 - BONINO SCORES! Hagelin and Letang battle on the boards! Letang outlets to Bonino in front and he puts it over the blocker shoulder of Jones! 3-2 Pens

2:48 - Cullen filling in on the wing for Rust on Malkin's line.

3:16 - Pens and Sharks exchanging chances right now.

5:01 - Kessel gets the rebound off the back boards and Jones comes up with a huge pad save.

6:17 - Cole lays a huge hit on Marleau and it dumps him right onto the ice.

6:35 - Crosby with an incredible pass to Hornqvist who is robbed by Jones.

8:32 - Rust heads back to the locker room and looks to be done for the rest of this one.

10:21 - Hertl gets a few chance right in front, but Murray stays with him to deny every chance.

12:46 - Rust is back on the bench.

13:13 - Pens power play ends. Sheary with chance in tight, but Sharks clear. Rust heads to locker room.

15:13 - Marleau lays a high hit on Rust and will head to the box. He gets a two minute penalty. Pens to the power play.

16:33 - Not a fast pace start to this period. Much different then first two.

19:08 - Pens short power play to start this period comes to an end.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to come out with speed, play to their strengths, and put on the pressure! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - First period ends and things are tied 2-2.

1:07 - Pens get a late power play. Pavelski sits for tripping. Malkin and Thornton get matching minors.

1:48 - Marleau scores. Murray makes the first save on Burns' shot. Marleau gets the rebound and puts it in on a wrap around. 2-2 tie game

4:38 - Hornqvist with a blocked shot that goes off his hand.

6:49 - HBK line comes out and end up winning the offensive zone faceoff. The puck is loose in front and the Pens crash. Jones with solid saves.

8:42 - Murray shallows up a wrist shot from Burns.

10:13 - Defense for the Pens are not being as aggressive as the first period. They are backing up and giving the Sharks way too much room to work with.

14:24 - We all knew the Sharks were going to push back this period. The Pens need to play smart, stay disciplined, and take advantage of the Sharks pinching.

15:24 - Murray with a huge stretch pad save as the Sharks crash the net.

16:58 - Hertl scores on the power play. Hertl gets the puck down low and is able to put one off the stick of Murry through the five-hole. 2-1 Pens

18:46 - Now the Sharks get a power play chance as Cole heads to the box for hooking.

19:41 - Marleau with a 2-on-1 chance and he goes high glove on Murray. Looked like Murray got a piece of that show.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to be ready for the Sharks to push back! They need to keep at it and never let up! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Pens have the 2-0 lead!

1:30 - Pens dominating the Sharks with their speed and great play making. Sharks are lucky Jones has been making some great saves or the Pens lead would be greater.

3:22 - The HBK line had three chances on net. Jones comes up big. Sharks can't match their speed.

4:01 - Sharks seeing the speed of the Pens right now. They have yet to answer the challenge.

6:12 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby gets to the puck first, stops up to look at his options, and puts the puck right on Sheary's stick! He beats Jones! 2-0 Pens

7:13 - RUST SCORES! Sharks are caught pinching and Kunitz outlets to Schultz! He brings it into the offensive zone and fires a shot! It's blocked, but Rust finds the loose puck and puts it in. 1-0 Pens

8:12 - Solid start for the Pens. However, they are passing quite a bit. They need to get more pucks to the net.

9:08 - The Pens power play comes to an end. They had some good looks and chances.

11:08 - The first power play will go to the Pens as Zubrus sits for high-sticking.

11:26 - No whistles yet and the game has a nice pace to it.

13:10 - Lovejoy goes down and the Sharks have a chance, but Murray robs them.

13:46 - Crosby and Hornqvist with quality chances in tight, but Jones shuts them down.

15:42 - Murray with a nice glove save. He looks relaxed to start this one.

17:02 - Hagelin takes a shift with Crosby and Sheary. Sullivan showing the Pens speed factor.

19:10 - Good first shift by the Pens. Crosby does a great job to get the puck in to the zone. Lovejoy fires one wide and the rebound is just out of the reach of Kessel.

20:00 - The 2016 Stanley Cup Final is officially underway in Pittsburgh! The Pens have to some out with speed, pressure, and play a full game! Lets Go Pens!  

Nothing like Game 7

By: MF, 

Tonight is the all important, exciting, and nerve-racking Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals where the Pittsburgh Penguins will battle the Tampa Bay Lightning at Consol Energy Center. This pivotal game will determine who advances to the Stanley Cup Final to face the San Jose Sharks and who has their season come to an end.

For this game, the Penguins will have to play a full 60-minute game. This may seem like a no-brainer, but the Penguins have been known to lapses in their play as they gain a lead. Last game, the Penguins roared to a 3-0 win and in the last 20 minutes, they allowed the Lightning to get back into things as they scored two goals to make it 3-2. However, they did push back and end up with the win. Tonight, they need to keep the pressure on the Lightning throughout the game and now allow them to have any chances.

Head Coach Mike Sullivan’s main message to the team, embraced the moment and challenge. He also said to play the right way, play to their strengths, and be themselves. To show how far the Penguins have come since Sullivan took over, on December 14^th, 2014, they were ninth in the Eastern and 15^th in the League. Since then they have 93 points in 71 games, which leads all National Hockey League (NHL) teams. Also, the Penguins have 30 home goals that leads all teams. They have won 24 of 36 home games when Sullivan has been behind the bench with goals against average/per game of 2.56 and goals/per game average of 3.50.

Furthermore, the Penguins offense needs to keep putting up the numbers and keeping the Lightning pinned in their own zone. Sidney Crosby has scored three game-winning goals in this series and is the second Penguin to achieve that total in a playoff series. Jaromir Jagr holds the franchised record with 14 and Mario Lemieux is second with 11 game-winning goals in Penguins playoff history. Now Evgeni Malkin enters the game tonight with a four-game point streak (one goal, three assists, and four points). Also, Patric Hornqvist has scored all seven of his goals at home this spring. As for the lethal HBK line, Phil Kessel has five points (three goals and two assists), this year, in two home elimination games. While Carl Hagelin has played a team-high seven Game Seven games and he is 6-1 in such games. With all this offense, the Penguins need to keep putting pucks on net and good things will happen.

On defense, Matt Murray has 10 playoff wins and stopped 28 of 30 shots he faced in Game Six. He is the first rookie goalie in Penguins history to register a win with the team facing an elimination in the postseason. Even with Murray getting the job done, the Penguins need to box the Lightning out and give Murray a clear eye-line of sight.

This game will be a nail bitter, but the Penguins can get the job done if they stick to what they do best. Use their speed, pressure, fire everything on net, and never let up. Lets Go Pens!

Roster update for Lightning: Steven Stamkos will return to the lineup for the Lightning

 The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Lovejoy

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 2 Lightning 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 2-1 WIN OVER THE LIGHTNING! WE ARE HEADED TO THE STANLEY CUP FINALS EVERYONE! HUGE RESPECT FOR THE LIGHTNING AND WHAT THEY HAVE DONE! PENS WILL FACE THE SAN JOSE SHARKS! 

0:10 - Rust seems to get an empty netter, but it's ruled a no goal.

1:00 - Lightning with an empty net.

2:42 - Consol is going crazy.

4:26 - Stralman labors to the bench and is in some discomfort.

6:13 - Sheary gets a chance, but Vasilevskiy makes the save.

7:22 - Power play ends for Pens. Murray with a huge stretch pad save on Boyle!

9:22 - Pens getting a power play as Kucherov is nabbed for delay of game.

9:41 - This is an intense period.

10:23 - Murray with a huge save with two Lightning right on top of him.

12:41 - Bonino is back.

13:02 - The Pens get a chance to cycle the puck in the offensive zone. Rust is hungry for that third one, but Vasilevskiy has other ideas.

13:55 - Lightning have been pressuring the Pens in the offensive zone. Pens withstanding the storm, so far.

14:48 - Malkin is now centering Hagelin and Kessel.

16:29 - Lightning get some sustained pressure. Bonino blocks a shot and goes down. He is helped off the ice and heads down the runway.

18:34 - Rust has a slight breakaway, but is being hounded the whole time. Vasilevskiy makes the pad save.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to keep pressuring, play smart, and keep the Lightning pinned in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Pens have the 2-1 lead!

1:06 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end.

1:24 - The puck bounces around the front of the net and Kessel has a wide open net, but can;t get a stick in the loose puck.

2:47 - Pens power play for 1:40.

3:05 - 19 seconds of 4 on 4 hockey. Then power play for Pens as Hedman sits for slashing.  

3:06 - Drouin is set free.

3:31 - Stamkos gets a breakaway chance, but Murray shuts the door on him.

4:47 - Now Letang is sent to the sin bin for tripping. 4 on 4 hockey for 1:41.

5:06 - The Pens are head back onto the power play as Drouin sits for holding.

5:37 - Power play ends for the Pens.

5:38 - Schultz fires a shot on net and Vasilevskiy makes the save. Sheary tries to put in the rebound, but Hedman blocks. The Pens crash the net, but Vasilevskiy is able to cover for the whistle.

7:37 - The Pens have been buzzing in the offensive zone. Callahan will now head to the sin bin for high sticking and the Pens head onto the power play.

9:54 - RUST SCORES! Lovejoy intentionally misses the net to have the puck rebound off the back boards! Rust jumps in to get the loose puck and jam it past Vasilevskiy! 2-1 Pens

10:24 - Drouin scores. Drouin enters the zone, holds, gets space, and snaps a shot high over the glove of Murray. 1-1 tie game.

11:57 - Fehr gets a chance in tight and his backhander is gobbled up by Vasilevskiy.

13:36 - Crosby is flying on the ice. He is on a whole other level. Vasilevskiy has done a good job of keeping hi from scoring, but not sure if he can keep that up. Just unreal.

15:05 - 4 on 4 hockey is over. Crosby and Kessel had some great chances on net. It's unreal...they almost made it 2-0.

17:05 - More 4 on 4 hockey. Cole sits for elbowing and Paquette for roughing.

17:57 - Crosby slaps a hard shot just over the net.

18:01 - RUST SCORES! Kuntiz finds Rust driving center and makes a pass over to him! Rust rifles one past the glove of Vasilevskiy! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure, put shots on net, and get to the rebounds! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:33 - Hornqvist with a perfectly timed block.

2:26 - Rust with a backhander that just goes wide of the net.

3:10 - Solid save by Murray, who holds for a whistle.

4:07 - Malkin gets space in the slot area, but his shot goes high over the net.

6:03 - Shots are 5-4 in favor of the Pens.

8:15 - Crosby gets in tight and lets go of a wicked backhander, but Vasilevskiy is able to kick it out.

9:23 - Letang with a drive that is stopped by Vasilevskiy and Lightning are able to clear the rebound out of harms way.

10:37 - Power play chance for the Pens is over.

11:08 - Pens power play time for 31 seconds as Malkin is set free.

12:37 - 4 on 4 hockey for 1:29 as Boyle is called for slashing.

13:08 - First power play of the game will go to the Lightning as Malkin sits for interference.

13:32 - Fast pace to start this one.

14:55 - Hornqvist gets the first shot of the game. Puck going back and forth.

17:42 - Namestnikov gets a chance down the wing, but Maatta with great stick work to break up his chance.

20:00 - The puck has dropped on Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals! The Pens need to come out with speed, pressure, and never let up! Lets Go Pens! 

The Flower blooms again

By: MF,

We are back in Pittsburgh for Game Five of the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals. The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to take the series lead against the Tampa Bay Lightning as the series is tied up 2-2.

For tonight’s game, we will be seeing some changes to the lineup for the Penguins. For starters, the big change is in the net for the Penguins as Marc-Andre Fleury will start. Fleury came in to relieve Matt Murray in the third period of Game Four in Tampa. He stopped all seven shots he faced. Fleury was out of action for nearly two months after suffering a concussion on March 31. Murray has been the breakout star for the Penguins in these playoffs and has done a great job. However, it is nice to see Fleury back in net. The only concern is that he hasn’t really been challenged yet, but that will change tonight as the Lightning will look to exploit that.

That will not be the only change in the lineup. Sadly, Trevor Daley will be out for the rest of the postseason with a broken ankle, he suffered during Game Four. With Daley out, it looks like Olli Maatta will be stepping in to fill his spot. He has been struggling this postseason after battling some injuries. The big message Maatta received was from Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS) to keep his game simple, have fun, play, and relax.

In addition, the offense will see some change as Beau Bennett will be returning to the lineup. Bennett has suffered some injuries as the regular season came to an end. This will be his 2016 postseason debut. Hopefully, he brings some new energy and is hungry to get one tonight. During practice, his did line rushes with Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist. That means that Connor Sheary will be out.

Now let’s take a look at the numbers going into Game Five. Up front, Phil Kessel has been leading the charge with eight goals, which is only one behind Nikita Kucherov (Lightning) and Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks) for the playoff lead. He is currently riding a three-game goal streak in these playoffs (three goals and one assist). Also, Chris Kunitz has goals in back-to-back playoff games. He has been stepping up his game lately. Since the start of Round Two things look like this:

·         Kessel – 11 points

·         Carl Hagelin – 10 points

·         Nick Bonino – 8 points

·         Kunitz – 6 points

That HBK line has been on fire and it’s great that the Penguins have such a dangerous third line.

Evgeni Malkin tallied his 46^th career playoff goal, which ties him for fourth most in franchise history. Kunitz will also play his 98^th career playoff game with Pittsburgh, which is ninth most in club history. Kris Letang will go ahead of Mario Lemieux tonight for the Penguins all-time playoff games played with 108. Currently, Letang is tied with the legend with 107. Ahead of them are Crosby and Malkin both with 115 games played. Jaromir Jagr holds the lead with 140.

For those still feeling nervous and uneasy going into tonight’s game, the Penguins are 4-0 this spring following a loss. They have also outshot the Lightning in all four games of the series.

Tonight, the Penguins will have to play smart and not slack on the defense front. With some changes to the lineup, it may take some adjustment. They need to take it to the Lightning early and often. They cannot let them have any room to breathe. Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Bennett - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Rust

Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Lovejoy

Maatta - Letang

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 3 Lightning 4 OT

Overtime
0:00 - Johnson scores. 53 seconds into the overtime, Garrison fires one that is redirect by the shoulder of Johnson past the glove of Fleury. 4-3 Lightning overtime win and they take a 3-2 series lead.

20:00 - Here we are with another overtime! The Pens need to use the same concept as Game Two and get this done! Now or never! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:01 - The Pens became lazy again and the Lightning made them pay.

3:16 - Kucherov scores. Fleury makes the first save on Johnson, but Kucherov takes the puck and wraps it around. 3-3 tie game.

3:50 - It looks like Callahan ties things up, but it goes off the post and travels across the goal month out the other side behind Fleury. That was way too close!

5:21 - Fleury with a huge save on a shot by Hedman.

7:23 - Hornqvist's backhander is denied by Vasilevskiy. The puck was on edge and Hornqvist couldn't get much on that shot.

9:48 - Vasilevskiy with a big save on a wrister by Kessel.

10:44 - Kuhnhackl enters the offensive zone, stops, and turns to put it right on the stick of Fehr driving down center. Vasilevskiy with the save and gives up no rebound.

11:59 - Kunitz lays a punishing hit on Coburn!

12:45 - Kessel has speed up the wing and a step on the defense. He rifles one just wide of the far post!

13:17 - Johnson is set free.

13:24 - Now the Pens get a seven second power play.

15:17 - For the next 1:53, we will see some 4 on 4 hockey as Johnson sits for interference.

16:11 - Fleury with a nice save on Boyle's redirection.

17:24 - Huge penalty kill for the Pens right now as Maatta sits for high sticking and drew blood. That means a four minute power play for the Lightning.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to come out with some fire and keep their foot on the pedal! They can't let the Lightning have any chances! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:49 - KUNITZ SCORES! Malkin finds Maatta driving center and passes it off to him! Maatta goes behind the net and puts in back to the slot, where Malkin picks it up! He throws it on net and Kunitz puts in the rebound! 3-2 Pens

4:51 - The Pens defensive zone was a mess on that last goal. They need to push back and keep up the pressure. Giving the Lightning chances will cost you...and it already did...they need to take control of this one again.

5:35 - Kucherov scores. Namestnikov skates into the slot area with the puck and puts the puck right on the stick of Kucherov, who is wide open. He puts it in the open net. 2-2 tie game

6:45 - Killorn scores. Killorn snipes a shot short-side on Fleury. 2-1 Pens

6:58 - Power play time ends for the Pens.

8:58 - Time for the Pens to head onto the power play as Kucherov will take a seat for holding.

10:18 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was unreal.

11:25 - Fleury with an amazing stretch pad save to deny Johnson. He just went off his skate. Quick reaction time.

12:18 - Now the Lightning will have a chance on the power play as Letang sits for slashing.

12:38 - Fleury with a huge save on Drouin and Letang comes in to get the rebound out of harms way.

14:45 - Much better period for the Pens as they are utilizing the neutral zone to break out.

18:30 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby fights to gain the zone and turns to pass the puck to Maatta! He quickly releases a shot that is redirect by Hagelin in front! Hornqvist picks up the loose puck in the blue paint to put it past Vasilevskiy! 2-0 Pens

19:19 - Bennett with solid shot off the face-off that is gloved up by Vasilevskiy.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to take that late goal and keep it going! Take it to the Lightning! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:07 - DUMOULIN SCORES! As the clock counts down, Rust gets around Hedman to get a 1-on-1 chance against Vasilevskiy! Rust is denied, but Dumoulin comes in to put in the rebound! 1-0 Pens

1:05 - Fleury with two big saves. He gloves up the puck for a whistle and the crowd erupts into a "Fleury" chant.

3:44 - Even with the shots being low, Fleury has faced some great scoring chances and been up to the challenge.

5:32 - The Lightning have a 3 on 2 play developing, but Rust gets back to break-up the play. Great defense work by Rust.

7:24 - Power play times ends for the Pens. Shots are 3-2 in favor of the Pens. Not many shots getting through.

8:49 - Regular power play for the Pens for another 1:25.

9:24 - First power play of the game will go to the Pens as Johnson is called for hooking. 4 on 3 power play for 35 seconds and then a regular power play for the rest of the time.

10:49 - Now we will get some 4 on 4 hockey as Malkin and Carle both get unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

11:01 - Fehr lays a hard hit on Drouin. Wow, solid hit.

13:24 - The last few minutes has been a surge from the Lightning. Pens need to weather the storm and push forward.

14:40 - Both teams have had some chances on net. Fleury and Vasilevskiy have come up with some big saves.

16:30 - Callahan gets behind the Pens get a little one-on-one chance, but Fleury with the big stop.

17:47 - The Pens come out with some energy and speed to start, but whistle break up some of their momentum.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to come out and put the pressure on the Lightning early! Keep it coming early and often Pens! Lets Go Pens! 

Time to push back the Lightning

By: MF,

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins will have to step up their game for the Second Game of the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team got together on Sunday to discuss what they need to do in Game Two to get the win. There was a focus on the intensity level along with not beating themselves in the game.

However, the Penguins have done a great job of being resilient and at bouncing back. This is the perfect chance for the Penguins to get things back on track and tie the series up at two apiece. On the injury front, Ryan Callahan is out for the Lightning as he is sick with the flu, but they might see Anton Stralman return to the lineup.

Things will be different on the back end as Olli Maatta will be sitting this game and Justin Schultz will be in the lineup. This will help shack things up and hopefully get things going for the team. In the net will once again be Matt Murray. He was selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft (83^rd overall and the 10^th goalie selected), where Andrei Vasilevskiy (Lightning goaltender) was selected 19^th overall (1^st goalie selected) in that very draft. This will be a battle of the young goaltenders.

As for the offensive of the Penguins, Sidney Crosby earned an assist in Game One, which was the 83^rd of his playoff career. This moved him right into second place on the team’s all-time assist list. Look for both him and Evgeni Malkin to set up and light things up for the Penguins. This will be key for the team in the long run. A guy that has been coming up big in the playoffs is Patric Hornqvist, who has eight career playoff goals for the Penguins that all were scored at Consol. He has at least one goal in six of his nine home postseason games for the Penguins. Look for him to light the lamp and get the team going. Also, Phil Kessel has been on fire and leads the team in scoring during the postseason. He has 34 points (18 goals and 16 assists) in 34 playoff career games. As a whole, the Penguins have scored 24 goals at home in the playoffs, which is the most in the playoffs.

The Penguins will have to come out with speed, play smart, and keep the pressure on the Lightning. They have to get control of this game and get sustained offensive zone pressure. Lets Go Pens!

Last minute update: Hornqvist was hit by a puck in the face during warm-ups. He is questionable for the game now. Stralman in the lineup for the Lightning. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Daley-Lovejoy

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Lightning 2 OT

Overtime
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN IN OVERTIME AND TIE THIS SERIES 2-2! THEY WEATHERED THE STORM AND PUT ON THE PRESSURE! MURRAY BOUNCED BACK AND THE TEAM PUSHED BACK! THIS WIN WILL GIVE THEM SOME MOMENTUM AS THE SERIES SHIFTS TO TAMPA! 

19:20 - CROSBY SCORES! Dumoulin outlets to Rust rushing into the offensive zone! Rust holds and makes a great pass to Crosby! Crosby drags the puck, goes to one knee, and snipes one past the blocker side of Vasilevskiy! 3-2 Pens

20:00 - This game needed more time! The Pens have to come out and get this one done early! They can't let the Lightning have any chances against Murray! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:24 - Kunitz with a shot that is scooped up by Vasilevskiy.

3:55 - Crosby with a nice cross-body check on Hedman. Rather impressive, especially with the height difference.

5:33 - The Lightning create a chance and it gives Palat a one-on-one chance in front. Murray isn't fooled and makes a great save.

5:58 - Shots are 36-18 in favor of the Pens.

7:44 - Kunitz with a great chance in front, but Vasilevskiy shuts the door.

8:13 - Boyle almost sneaks one between the legs of Murray and he is able to push it out of danger.

10:20 - The Lightning get a two-on-one chance and Killorn fires one off the crossbar. He had Murray beat up high on the glove side.

11:00 - Malkin, Hagelin, and Rust had a really strong shift and the crowd shows their appreciation.

13:13 - Kunitz with a chance at the side of the net and is denied.

13:44 - Crosby is able to come up with the bouncing puck in the Lightning zone and Vasilevskiy gets a piece of Crosby's shot with his pad.

16:35 - Crosby with a good battle on the boards to get the puck out to Hornqvist. He tries to center to Kunitz in front, but the puck goes off the skate of Sustr.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to put on the pressure, get in the face of the goalie, and put everything on net! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends with things still tied at two.

0:08 - Killorn gets a breakaway chance, but Murray shuts him down with a pad save.

1:09 - More sustained offensive zone pressure need by the Pens at this point.

3:20 - The Pens have limited the Lightning shots this period, but still looking to generate some more offense.

5:12 - Letang with some nice stick work to separate Drouin and the puck.

6:39 - Crosby enters the zone and circles to get control of the puck. He finds Schultz flying down the wing. Schultz is stopped by Vasilevskiy. He didn't get much on that shot.

9:29 - Letang and Malkin start up the ice with Crosby trailing on the wing. Letang goes to Malkin who makes a great pass over to Crosby. He backhands one and is robbed by the glove of Vasilevskiy. Impressive save.

10:58 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

12:58 - Now the Lightning get a power play chance as Murray is called for tripping. He gave up a huge rebound and Hagelin ended up saving him.

14:37 - Crosby sets up Hornqvist in front, but Vasilevskiy with the save.

15:37 - Pens are out-hitting the Lightning 18-13.

17:48 - Before the period started, Head Coach Sullivan walked by Fluery and said, "Ready to go?" and Fleury replied "I am."

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to come out with the same speed and attack method as the first, but have to be smart with the puck! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end with things tied at two apiece.

0:49 - Drouin scores. Drouin comes flying into the zone and snipes one under the blocker arm of Murray. 2-2 tie game.

1:07 - Drouin is back on the ice and that brings an end to the Pens PP.

3:07 - The Pens are headed back onto the power play as Drouin heads to the box for hooking.

3:22 - Stralman scores. Marchessault finds Stralman trailing into the Pens zone and makes a nice pass across the center. Stralman puts it over the glove of Murray. 2-1 Pens

4:37 - Killorn is set free and the Pens power play comes to an end.

6:37 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Killorn sits for holding.

7:42 - Daley with a hard shot from the point and Fehr with the wicked redirect in front, but Vasilevskiy gets a pad on it. That was a hard save to make. The Pens are peppering him with shots.

8:45 - Shots are 9-3 in favor of the Penguins. It should be noted that Vasilevskiy has been stopping some hard shots. It could easily be a 4-0 game right now.

10:23 - KESSEL SCORES! Hagelin fires the puck towards the net and it hits Bonino in the slot! He tries to put in the bouncing puck, but it goes off the skate of Sustr! Kessel comes flying down the wing to pick up the loose puck and put it past Vasilevskiy! 2-0 Pens

11:31 - Drouin gets the puck at the side of the net and has an open cage to put it in, but Lovejoy comes in and plays some goalie.

14:21 - Such a fast pace start to this game. Not many whistles/stoppages.

15:28 - CULLEN SCORES! Cullen and Fehr get an odd-man rush! Cullen passes over to Fehr who is stopped by the pad of Vasilevskiy! Cullen follows up to put the rebound in the back of the net! 1-0 Pens

17:01 - Much more jump to the Pens as they start this game. Also Hornqvist is on the ice and looks no worse for wear.

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens have to come out with speed, attack, put pressure on the young Lightning goalie, and control the game! Lets Go Pens! 

Let the 2016 NHL Eastern Conference Finals begin

By: MF,

It’s time to start the third round of the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoffs! The Pittsburgh Penguins were able to beat out the President Trophy winning Washington Capitals in a 4-3 overtime win in Game Six. Now they will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Penguins will make their fourth visit to the Conference Finals since 2008. This is going to be a fast pace game as both teams play the same style of hockey.

This series will start out at Consol Energy Center. Home ice advantage has been huge for the Penguins in their fun for the Stanley Cup. They have won 21 of their last 26 home games and Matt Murray is riding a seven-game home winning streak, which includes being 4-0 at home in the playoffs. The Penguins have won both series-clinching games at home in overtime.

On offense, the line to be watching is the third line made up of Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel. Hagelin lead the Penguins with seven points (three goals and four assists) in Round Two. Bonino ended up scoring the overtime game-winning goal to move past the Capitals to face off against the Lightning. Also, Kessel leads the team with 12 points (five goals and seven assists) in these playoffs. At home, Kessel has nine points (five goals and four assists) in six home games that rank second in the NHL.

As for defense, this series will feature the face-off between two great defensemen in Kris Letang and Victor Hedman. Look for these guys to set up in plays and make things happen. For some other guys coming up big on the blue line, Trevor Daley has six points (one goal and five assists) in six home playoff games.

The Penguins have depth in their four lines producing every chance they get and not relying only on their star players. Look for Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin to start putting up some numbers as the ice will be open as both teams like to play a fast skating game. This game will see more ice open for the players and test each goaltender. The Penguins have to play smart, not get caught up ice, and keep the pressure on the Lightning. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Fehr

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rust

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Lovejoy

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 1 Lightning 3

3rd Period
0:00 - The Lightning take the first game 3-1 over the Pens. Can't say that I am completely concerned with the Pens dropping the first game. They have done it before in this playoff run and came out on top in the end. It's a race not a sprint. Just need to move on to the next game and bring it.

2:06 - Murray is back on the bench. Empty net once again for the Pens.

2:31 - Pens ice the puck and Murray comes back out.

2:46 - Pens power play comes to an end. Hornqvist had the best chance as the puck was loose in the blue paint, but he was unable to get a stick on it.

2:54 - Pens have an empty net.

4:46 - Dumoulin is hit into the boards by Palat and goes down on the ice. He is help to off the ice by Letang and Bonino. He heads straight to the locker room. Two minute minor for boarding given to Palat.

5:12 - Not much to update on. The Pens get in the zone then the Lightning clear and the cycle starts again. Time if running out for Pens, but this is only Game One. They have lost the first one before and ended up winning the series. So don't freak out yet, Pittsburgh Nation.

8:09 - The Pens are getting some chances, but time is running out for them. Quite a few whistles for face-offs, which is breaking up their pace.

10:59 - Maatta does a good job of pinching to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

13:33 - Looks like the referees are letting both sides play things out. Pens are getting some quality chances on net.

16:25 - Crosby from behind the net puts the puck right into the blue paint. Hornqvist's shot is stopped as he is pushed down. Great offensive pressure by the Pens.

17:28 - Cole with a hard low shot from the point that is redirect. Vasilevskiy makes the pad save. Nice puck cycling.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to take power play goal from last period and use that momentum! Put on the pressure! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Pens trail the Lightning 3-1.

0:54 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby wins the puck off the boards and makes a great pass right to Hornqvist! Hornqvist rifles one blocker side! 3-1 Lightning

1:11 - Another power play opportunity for the Pens. They need to capitalize here to gets going their way.

1:35 - Drouin scores. The Lightning get a three-on-two chance after a turnover by Dumoulin. Palat makes a saucer pass over to Drouin that puts it past the glove of Murray. 3-0 Lightning.

3:37 - Fourth line of the Pens gets two solid chances on net, but can't get it past Vasilevskiy.

5:42 - Malkin leads a three-on-two chance and makes a pass that goes through the blue paint, but misses a Penguin stick. Missed chance once again for the Pens.

7:09 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

9:09 - Lightning will get a power play chance as Cullen will sit for tripping. Huge penalty kill.

9:54 - Johnson is back on the bench for the Lightning.

10:10 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end. Lightning blocking machines on the penalty kill. Malkin was denied every time he shot with a block. Filppula gets a shorthanded chance at the end of the kill, but his shot hits the crossbar.

12:10 - The Pens start to get some offensive zone pressure going and draw a penalty. Nesterov heads to the box for hooking. Pens to the power play.

15:10 - Malkin gets some speed on the wing and puts a shot on net that is swallowed up by Vasilevskiy. The Pens need to get more time in the offensive zone to put pressure on the young goaltender.

17:27 - Palat scores on the power play. Filppula fires a hard shot from the side boards and Murray makes a pad save. He gives up a big rebound that Palat puts right into the open net. 2-0 Lightning

18:14 - Now the Lightning get a chance on the power play as Malkin sits for hooking.

19:17 - The puck is loose in the offensive zone and Rust comes up with it. He drives to the net, but the puck is poke off his stick by Vasilevskiy.

20:00 - Time for the first period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure and finish their plays! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:34 - Kunitz lays a pushing hit on Johnson into the boards. Johnson ended up turning to face the hit, which opened him right up. He is helped to the locker room. Sad to see that, but it was a clean hit.

1:14 - Killorn scores. Killorn beats Maatta at the blue line and is all alone. He crosses across the center to put it five-hole on Murray. 1-0 Lightning

3:42 - Both teams getting caught up in the neutral zone. Kucherov with speed gets a chance down the wing, but Murray swallows up the shot.

7:59 - Bishop is in a lot of pain. He ends up needed a stretcher to get off the ice and Vasilevskiy will replace him. Never wish for injury and hope is ok. Also, Letang is back!

8:00 - Bishop gets caught up trying to play the puck. He goes down after trying to get back in position. He stays down and the trainer comes onto the ice. Looks like he might of twisted something trying to get back. No one made contact with him.

8:07 - The Pens have been possessed since their power play expired. They have been pressuring the net like no other and taking it to the Lightning.

11:52 - The Pens get a flurry of chances at the net as the puck is bouncing around in front. Bishop is able to keep it out.

12:10 - Callahan is set free and the Lightning are made whole again. Pens still missing Letang.

13:53 - Daley with some unreal hand-eye coordination to keep the puck in the zone by batting it down out of the air. Good sequence by the Pens there.

17:10 - Callahan lays a vicious hit to Letang right into the boards. Letang had his numbers showing and looks like he was out when he hit the ice. Letang heads to the locker room and Callahan receives a five minute major penalty for boarding.

18:13 - Drouin makes a pass right through the slot area to Palat who is coming down the wing with speed all alone. Murray robs Palat with a wave of his glove!

19:34 - The Lightning get the first chance of the game. Hedman fires from the blue line and it's redirect. It bounces right off the goal post. Close one for the Pens.

20:00 - Let the Eastern Conference Finals begin! The Pens have to play smart, stay focused, and keep up the pressure! Lets Go Pens! 

No place like home

By: MF,

Tonight is another chance for the Pittsburgh Penguins to eliminate the Washington Capitals and move onto the Eastern Conference Finals. They missed a chance to move things on in Game Five on Saturday in Washington but still lead the series 3-2. Now they can finish things once again in Pittsburgh, just like in Round One when they beat the New York Rangers in Game Five at Consol in overtime.

On the injury front, the Penguins will welcome Olli Maatta back to the lineup. This will be a nice addition after Maatta suffered an upper-body injury in Game Two due to a high hit from Brooks Orpik. Orpik will also be returning from his suspension for the Capitals.

The Penguins will have focused on improving their special teams in this game. After going 13-fo-14 on the penalty kill, the Penguins ended up giving up two power play goals (1-for-3) during Game Five that lead to a 3-1 Capital win. They must buckle down and keep the Capitals power play from capitalizing. The best way to do that is to stay out of the box. Also, the Penguins finally scored on the power play for the first time in this series after going 0-for-14 in the first four games. If they get any chances tonight, they need to finish things and take advantage.

Being at home is a huge advantage in the playoffs. The Penguins are winners of 13 of the last 16 home games. They have not lost a back-to-back home game since December 18-19. Since hiring Mike Sullivan, their 22 home wins ranked second in the National Hockey League (NHL). The team is 3-1 all-time at home in Game Six when they have a chance to clinch.

This is the time to put the Capitals away and move onto the another team. The Penguins have to come out focused, use their speed, play smart, stay discipline, and keep the pressure on the Capitals. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Fehr

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rust

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Lovejoy

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Capitals 3 OT

Overtime
13:30 - BONINO SCORES! THE PENS HAVE WON 4-3 IN OVERTIME AND ELIMINATE THE PRESIDENT TROPHY WINNING WASHINGTON CAPITALS! THE PENS MOVE ONTO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS! WE ARE MOVING ON PITTSBURGH! HERE WE COME TAMPA! 

14:34 - Kunitz gets the up over to Malkin. He has a 2 on 1 with Fehr. Malkin with a saucer pass and Fehr goes crashing into Holtby as he comes out to make a glove save.

15:46 - The puck goes up over the glass in the defensive zone after a shot is deflected by Ovechkin. Referees get together and decide no penalty was committed.

17:17 - Daley has three unreal chances and the puck bounces all over the blue paint. I have not idea how that stayed out of the net.

18:10 - Sheary catches Orpik flat footed and he is tripped up. No call.

20:00 - Overtime is underway! The Pens need come out with speed and ends things early in their favor! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:46 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

2:46 - Letang to the box for interference. The referees are being very inconsistent with calls and it's confusing.

5:28 - The Pens are back to full strength.

6:57 - Carlson scores on the 5 on 3 power play. Carlson beats Murray to tie things up 3-3.

7:26 - Cole with delay of game. Capitals once again get 5 on 3 for 1:04 now.

7:28 - Capitals with regular power play for 1:06.

8:22 - 54 second 5 on 3 power play for the Capitals as Bonino gets a delay of game penalty.

9:28 - Horrible time to take a penalty as Kunitz flips the puck over the glass and receives a delay of game penalty. Capitals to the power play. Biggest penalty kill of the game for the Pens.

10:58 - Rust battles for position in front of the net. He can't get a stick on the loose puck in the blue paint.

12:37 - Williams scores. Williams is open at the side and puts one top shelf on Murray. 3-2 Pens

14:06 - The Pens power play comes to an end. They had some good looks on net.

15:01 - Crosby tires to jam one home from the side of the net. Holtby hugs the post to prevent him.

16:06 - Ovechkin makes a visit to the sin bin for slashing and the Pens head onto the power play.

17:32 - Crosby with a beautiful backhand saucer pass through traffic to Sheary. Sheary is robbed by the glove of Holtby.

17:44 - Kessel brings the puck out from behind the net to the front. He backhands a hard shot on net and Holtby is able to deny him the hat trick.

19:37 - Burakovsky gets around Maatta is all alone against Murray. Murray comes up with a huge pad save!

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to come out ready to face a Capitals team that is desperate! We need to put them down for good! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to a close with the Pens leading the Capitals 3-1!

1:28 - Oshie scores on the power play. Backstrom finds Oshie open in the face-off circle. Oshie rifles one over Murray. 3-1 Pens

2:23 - Capitals will head back onto the power play as Kunitz heads to the box for tripping. Horrible penalty to take. Pens need another solid penalty kill.

4:02 - Fehr is set free after the Pens put forth a solid penalty kill. Murray was huge in net.

6:02 - Now the Capitals will have a chance on the power play as Fehr takes a seat for interference.

6:57 - Even though the Pens have been dominating the offensive play, Murray has been on point when needed. His effort should not go unnoticed.

9:01 - Hagelin is able to get free and ends up ringing a shot off the goal post!

10:48 - Ovechkin tries to force his way into the offensive zone, but Letang has a different idea. Great work by Letang and Dumoulin to separate Ovechkin from the puck and clear it.

12:22 - HAGELIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Maatta fires a rocket shot from the point and Hagelin redirects the puck right up front past Holtby! 3-0 Pens

12:50 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kunitz stick works at the blue line to keep the puck in play and goes to Letang! Letang makes a pass to Kessel at the side! Kessel brings the puck to the front and puts it around the outstretched pad of Holtby! 2-0 Pens

13:35 - The Pens get some sustained pressure in the offensive zone with a tired bunch of Capitals and end up drawing the first penalty of the game. Orpik sits for high-sticking Hornqvist and will be a double minor penalty. Pens power play time.

15:02 - Hagelin is robbed by the pad of Holtby!

15:42 - Kunitz has been owning Niskanen this period. He is finishing his hits and pushing Niskanen off the puck.

17:31 - Hagelin uses his signature speed to develop a chance with Bonino. He dishes a pass over to Bonino driving the net. Holtby denies his shot.

18:09 - The Capitals get some scoring chances to start this period. Murray with solid work and the guys doing a good job of moving the puck out of their zone.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep pressuring the Capitals and not let them have any room! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds and the Pens have the 1-0 lead over the Capitals!

0:31 - Dumoulin stands tall at the blue line to force Ovechkin off the puck.

2:17 - Kunitz creating some quality chances with his extra efforts. Solid start for him.

4:20 - Some great scoring chances for the Pens. The Capitals finally get a chance to cycle the puck and get things going a bit. Murray shuts them down with a flash of his glove.

5:25 - Kessel gets a up ice pass and has Bonino and Letang entering the zone with him. Kessel goes to Bonino who gloves it down and makes a pass over to Letang while falling down. Letang almost puts one behind Holtby. Great play.

6:58 - Ovechkin is able to get a strong shot off while crossing through the slot area, but Murray is able to close the pads for a quick save.

7:53 - Letang has a hard drive from the blue line that is directed wide. Good cycle by the Pens.

10:30 - Capitals get 2 on 1 chance, but Murray makes a solid save on a shot by Johansson. He stayed square to the shooter.

12:07 - The Pens get a 4 on 2 chance, but can't capitalize. That sends the Capitals the other way with a 2 on 1 chance, however Daley does a great job to break things up.

14:19 - KESSEL SCORES! Hagelin makes a solid pass up the middle! Kessel comes flying up the wing with the puck! He uses Alzner as a screen, pulls back, and snipes one past the short side of Holtby! 1-0 Pens

15:01 - Ovechkin has some speed coming into the offensive zone, but Lovejoy is able to knock him off the puck. Nice work by Lovejoy.

17:44 - Letang with a rare turnover in the defensive zone leads to a chance for Richards. He fires wide and Murray scoops up the rebound off the boards. 

17:56 - The Pens come out with an aggressive fore-check to start this one. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Consol! The Pens have a chance to clinch at home! They need to come out with speed and get on the board early! Lets Go Pens

A chance to end things

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins could wrap things up tonight in Washington at the Verizon Center with a win against the Capitals in Game Five. The Penguins have the 3-1 series lead and took off after losing in Game One in overtime to the Capitals.

The Penguins have a record of 11-2 in their last 13 road games and won three of their last five visits to Verizon Center.

Last game, the team was without the services of their top defenseman, Kris Letang who was serving a one-game suspension. Trevor Daley and the rest of the defense stepped up big time to help the team to a win. Daley finished with 28:41 time-on-ice, one goal, and was a plus-3. He was also the only defenseman to log two-plus minutes on the power-play and penalty kill. Tonight, Letang will be back in the line-up and will help lighten the load for the rest of the guys.

Also returning to the lineup will be Eric Fehr and Bryan Rust. However, Olli Maatta is not ready to come back, just yet. 

The offense has been getting contributions from every line and not relying on a certain line to get things going. It’s great to see them clicking every shift. Matt Cullen has been on fire and has six points in his last six games against the Capitals. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone is bringing it for the Penguins.

Tonight the Penguins will have to stay discipline, come out with speed, play smart, and box out Murray. The Capitals are not going to go quietly, but if anyone can send them to the golf course, it would be this Pittsburgh Penguins team.  

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Daley-Letang

Dumoulin-Lovejoy

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 1 Caps 3

3rd Period
0:00 - The Caps stay alive with a 3-1 win and things will head by to Pittsburgh. A perfect place for the Pens to close this series out as they still lead have the series 3-2.

1:09 - Great chances by the Pens they are firing some hard shots.

3:15 - Empty net for the Pens.

4:35 - There is no way of telling where the line is in this game. The refs are calling small things, but then guys are hacking, whacking, and cross-checking with no calls being made.

8:30 - Penalty time is up. Murray with a huge save as a Cap is right on this doorstep.

10:30 - Another power play as Bonino sits for high sticking. The refs are letting them play and get away with unreal things then call something after a player falls to the ground. The calls are so inconsistent.

12:30 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

14:30 - Power play opportunity for the Pens as Schmidt takes a seat for interference.

16:14 - Head Coach Mike Sullivan is tossing up Malkin and Crosby's lines right now, looking for some scoring.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to wake up and get pucks past Holtby quickly! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:34 - Caps ice the puck. Good chance for the Pens.

3:35 - An unreal few minutes in this one. Hornqvist is robbed by Holtby and the Caps go back to the other end. However Letang dumps a Capital right onto the ice. Then Holtby robs Schutlz as the Pens march back.

5:12 - Great penalty kill by the Pens.

7:12 - Horrible penalty by Malkin who sits for tripping. The lethal power play of the Caps comes onto the ice.

9:50 - Williams scores. Dumoulin is pressured and puts the puck right on the stick of Williams in the slot area. He rifles one through the five-hole of Murray. 3-1 Caps

10:31 - Murray with another great chance on a bad angle, backhander.

12:19 - 2 on 1 chance for the Caps and Murray robs Backstrom. He makes another unreal save as Oshie tires to put in the rebound.

15:58 - Oshie scores on the power play. Oshie is able to get a stick on the loose puck in front before a Penguin can. He puts it in the open net. 2-1 Caps

16:54 - Oshie rings one off the crossbar. Murray with a huge save on Ovechkin.

17:07 - Cole heads to the box for slashing and the Caps will get a power play chance. Huge penalty kill for the Pens.

19:26 - Successful penalty kill by the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to come out ready to put the Caps in their place and kill off the Caps 34 second power play. ! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to a close and things are tied at one a piece.

1:18 - Caps with a power play for 1:52.

1:26 - The Pens are caught with too many men on the ice. Caps will get a 4 on 3 power play for eight seconds.

3:18 - Matching slashing minors will go to Cullen and Williams. Some 4 on 4 hockey.

3:43 - This is a fast game for both teams. Chances at both ends, but not much control towards one side right now.

6:52 - Cullen with some great fore-checking work. Just hassle Chorney as he tries to get the puck out of the Caps' zone.

8:27 - The Pens are able to clear and Kessel has some room. He fires a quick shot that is directed to the corner by Holtby.

11:23 - Daley with a strong stick to prevent the Caps scoring on a wrap around chance.

12:50 - KUNITZ SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby finds Kessel all alone in the slot area! Kessel fires a shot that is saved, but Kunitz puts home the rebound! 1-1 tie game

13:28 - Malkin gets a chance in front, but Holtby makes the first save. The puck is loose and everyone crashes the net.

14:13 - Now the Pens will head onto the power play as Backstrom is called for interference.

15:56 - Ovechkin scores on the power play. The Caps win the faceoff and get the puck back to Ovechkin. He puts one over the glove of Murray. 1-0 Caps

16:04 - Caps get the first power play of the game as Rust sits for hooking.

17:10 - Caps getting some shots towards Murray. The Pens are playing aggressive man-to-man coverage in the defensive zone.

19:00 - Lovejoy gets a solid chance to fire a hard shot from the point, but Holtby gloves it up.

20:00 - The puck has dropped at Verizon Center! The Pens have a chance to end things here! They have to come out ready, bring speed, play smart, and keep the pressure on the Caps! Lets Go Pens! 

Time to tip the scales!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Steel City to battle the Washington Capitals and take the lead in this 1-1 tied series in Round Two of the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Penguins will be without Olli Maatta who was hit high (head area) last game by Brooks Orpik. The NHL handed down a three game suspension to Orpik for the hit. It looks like Derrick Pouliot will replace the injured Maatta. Also on the injury front, Marc-Andre Fleury will return to the lineup. He will serve as the backup to Murray. Fleury is returning from having a concussion.

The team has been getting contributions from all four lines and it has propelled then into a new level. Their hasn't been one guy carrying the whole team, offensively. This will help them out in the long run. Nick Bonino is riding a four-game point streak (one goal and four assists). Evgeni Malkin has been on fire. He leads the team with nine points (three goals and six assists) during the postseason.

For defense, Kris Letang is a beast this playoff run. He is everywhere on the ice, back checking, jumping into plays, getting on the scoreboard, and making plays. Letang has been a solid player on defense and has elevated his play. Also, Matt Murray has been unreal between the pipes. Murray has won 11 of the last 12 decisions. He has been calm and held down the fort.

On a side note, Pascal Dupuis has been named a finalist for the Masterton Trophy. A well deserved honored for such a great hockey play and human being.

Back to the main event! The Penguins will have to come out with speed, play smart, protect their own end, get pucks on net, pressure, and get physical. This game could tip the scales in favor of the Penguins, if they get the win. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Fehr
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Pouliot - Daley
Cole - Lovejoy

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Capitals 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN OVER THE CAPITALS AND TAKE A 2-1 SERIES LEAD! MURRAY WAS UNREAL IN THE NET WITH 47 SAVES! GREAT HOME WIN FOR THE PENS! 

0:11 - Pens ice the puck again. They need to win the face-off or stop icing the puck!

0:30 - Another icing by the Pens.

0:55 - Williams scores. Ovechkin fires a shot that is saved by Murray, but Williams picks up the rebound to put it in the open net. 3-2 Pens

1:06 - Caps all over the Pens zone right now. Murray with big saves. Pens collapse around Murray. Timeout for the Caps.

2:09 - Empty net for the Caps.

4:41 - Good kill for the Pens as Hagelin is released. Murray is unreal in net for the Pens.

6:41 - Huge penalty kill right now for the Pens as Hagelin sits for hooking.

7:35 - Murray stands strong on the post as the Caps crash the net.

9:56 - Caps are putting a lot of shots on net and getting offensive zone time. The Pens need to put their foot back on the gas pedal. They only have 18 shots in this game.

11:58 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin fires a quick shot from the boards that goes in up high. 3-1 Pens

12:21 - Kunitz gets in behind the defense and passes over to Daley. Daley tries to get the puck to Malkin who would have an open net, but the play is broken up.

15:23 - Murray makes a solid save with traffic in front. He holds for a face-off.

18:18 - Dumoulin is hit hard into the boards by Ovechkin. He sits in the runway with the trainer and a towel over his nose/face. Dumoulin is back on the bench.

19:07 - Rust not on the bench for this period either. Murray with a wave of the glove to stop a hard shot from the point by Carlson.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to keep up the pressure, box out the Caps to keep Murray's vision clear, and finish this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens have extended their lead 3-0 over the Caps!

0:13 - Sheary makes a drop pass to Crosby who does the same to Letang. Letang skates into the open slot area and rings one off the post!

2:34 - Caps still out-shooting the Pens, but Murray is locked in.

4:55 - HAGELIN SCORES! Bonino sits in front and waits out Holtby! He puts the puck around the legs of Holtby in the blue paint! Hagelin pushes on Schmidt in front to get a stick on the puck and put it in! 3-0 Pens

5:49 - Kunitz with a drive that is gloved up by Holtby. The Pens are spending way too much time in their own zone. They need to push back and give Murray a break.

7:46 - Murray has been great in the net. Letang lays a huge hit on Ovechkin!

11:30 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end. The first unit didn't get much going. Sheary did some nice work on the second unit.

13:30 - Power play chance for the Pens as Williams takes a seat for tripping.

14:11 - Murray makes a save with his mask on a shot by Johansson.

15:40 - Lovejoy's stick is tangled up, so he kicks the puck to Kessel who spins around to backhand a shot. It just goes wide of the net.

18:47 - Pens kill off the short Caps power play.

19:33 - Rust still not back since blocking a shot in the first. Johansson is back for Caps.

19:50 - Short power play for the Caps.

19:59 - 4 on 4 hockey for nine seconds.

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens have to pressure, get traffic in front, and keep the Caps pinned in their zone! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Pens lead the Caps 2-0!

0:37 - Kessel heads to the box for slashing. 4 on 4 hockey for 46 seconds.

1:51 - Now the Pens will head onto the power play as Winnik is called for a slash on Letang.

2:19 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens. Murray with another point blank shot save!

2:54 - Caps ring one off the goal post.

4:19 - Letang comes across with a slightly late hit on Johansson. He gets a two-minute minor penalty for interference. Caps to the power play. Letang may regret that hit later...League will review most likely. Johansson heads to the locker room under his own power.

5:01 - Oshie and Ovechkin have a 2-on-1 chance develop. Murray denies Ovechkin who blasts a hard shot. Defense follows up to get the rebound clear from the front. Murray is on it.

5:48 - Sheary with some great moves to keep the puck in the zone and get the puck to Crosby. Nice offensive zone pressure by the first line.

7:52 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens as Pouliot is released. Murray with a huge save through traffic. Solid play by the penalty killers.

9:25 - Williams is set free and the Caps have a power play for 1:32.

9:52 - Caps get a shorthanded 2-on-1 chance and Pouliot ends up with a hooking penalty. 4 on 4 hockey for 20 seconds.

11:25 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Williams takes a seat for interference.

12:23 - KUHNHACKL SCORES! Letang makes a lead pass up to Cullen! Backstrom reads the play wrong and it gives Cullen and Kuhnhackl a 2-on-1 chance! Cullen makes a dish pass over and it bounces off the back of Kuhnhackl into the open net! 2-0 Pens

12:35 - Murray makes another solid save on a shot by Oshie.

13:23 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Letang starts the play up the ice with a solid zone exit pass! Daley fires from the blue line! Hornqvist gets a piece to put it past Holtby! 1-0 Pens

14:26 - Pens are not getting much offensive zone time right now. Look for them to start surging soon.

16:21 - The Caps have come out flying to start this game. They are controlling the puck at this moment. Murray bailing out the Pens. Also good blocking by the Pens.

17:57 - Oshie gets around Dumoulin and cuts across the goal mouth, but Murray robs with with a glove save!

18:41 - Rust blocks a shot with the outside of his leg and hobbled to the bench. He headed down the runway.

20:00 - Time to do this! The Pens are back in Pittsburgh! They need to come out with speed, play smart, and put on the pressure! Lets Go Pens!