Penguins find themselves on the wrong side of Pennsylvania

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves on the other side of the Pennsylvania in enemy territory for tonight’s game as they are set to take on the Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins have proven they can get the job done at Wells Fargo Center, but it won’t be an easy feat. When these two teams face-off they are anything but cordial.

In the net, the Penguins will have Marc-Andre Fleury for his eighth straight start, which is his third-longest streak to start a season. His career high being 11 in the 2006-2007 season. Fleury will look to finish out October strong as the month draws to a close. He is 5-2-1 and is career starts over the season have been great in October. Last season, he went 6-4-0; 2014-15 he went 6-2-0; and in 2013-14 he went 9-2-0, which makes his career record 26-10-1 in October.

The Penguins are getting career numbers from their netminder and the team has responded with their own surge. Sidney Crosby has two goals and two assists in his first two games of the season after missing a few games due to a concussion. With Crosby in the lineup, options have opened up and the Penguins power play has picked up. The power play was at a 20% success rate before Crosby’s return on October 25^th. Since then, they have amped up their efforts and now have a 25% success rate. The steady increase is promising.

Another thing that the Penguins can take advantage of is how the Flyers have allowed the first goal in seven straight games. This is the perfect chance for the Penguins to get an early lead and put up some goals so that they are not working out of a hole for the rest of the game. The Flyers will instead be working to get out of that same hole and will be easily worn down. This game is going to be a physical and grueling game, so the Penguins need to get on the board early, play smart, and stay disciplined. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Bonino - Rust

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Mattaa - Daley

Dumoulin - Cole

Warsofsky - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Flyers 4

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS BATTLED TO GET THE 5-4 WIN OVER THE FLYERS! CROSBY AND MALKIN SHOWED THE CITY OF PHILLY JUST HOW GOOD THEY ARE! FLEURY WAS SIMPLY AMAZING IN NET! ONTO THE NEXT GAME! 

1:36 - Flyers have an empty net.

3:27 - The Pens are allowing way too many shots on net. Fleury has been solid between the pipes, but he is only human. Pens need to tighten things up.

5:13 - Crosby uses his speed and protects the puck against Streit. Crosby is able to elevate the on-edge puck with one hand. Neuvirth with the save and then the rebound is loose. Neuvirth ends up covering it eventually.

6:11 - That will be the end of the Pens power play. Flyers did a good job on the penalty kill.

8:11 - A power play opportunity for the Pens as Voracek is off to the sin bin for hooking.

11:27 - MALKIN SCORES! HIS 300TH CAREER GOAL! Maatta fires a shot from the boards that goes off the leg of Manning! It bounces to Malkin who is setting all alone at the side of the net! He guides the puck into the open net! 5-4 Pens

14:53 - The Pens need to step up their offensive game. Fleury is pulling out all the stops as he is getting hammered right now. The Pens need to answer his effort.

15:32 - Flyers get a 2-on-2 rush, but they have the jump on the defense. VandeVelde crashes the net, but Fleury comes out with the poke check to break up his play. Raffl tries to put in the rebound, but that is a no go.

16:52 - Simmonds finds some time and space down the wing. Fleury comes out to cut down the angle and makes the save.

18:00 - Two solid saves by Fleury with one being deflected up front.

18:25 - Provorov blasts a slap shot from the blue line that rings off the goal post.

18:49 - Successful penalty kill effort by the Pens.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens have to kill off a Flyers' power play to start! They need to come out with speed and stick to their game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and this game is now tied 4-4.

0:49 - Now the Flyers will head onto a late power play as Wilson is called for tripping. Huge penalty kill for the Pens.

1:22 - A flurry of action after things were tied up. Fleury with some good saves as the Flyers get a burst of speed. Rust's wrap around chance is stopped by Neuvirth.

4:32 - Voracek scores on a penalty shot. Voracek is able to wrap the puck around the out stretched pad of Fleury into the net. 4-4 tie game.

4:33 - Voracek is held up on a breakaway chance by Dumoulin and he will get a penalty shot on Fleury.

5:47 - Fleury with two amazing saves as the Flyers have a spark of life after the Giroux goal.

6:44 - Giroux scores. Giroux is all alone with plenty of space. He rips one past the glove of Fleury. The Pens challenge for offsides, but the referees rule the review inconclusive and the goal stands. 4-3 Pens

7:02 - Hagelin and Streit will both go to the box. Hagelin for embellishment and Streit for hooking. Flyers still on the power play.

8:43 - Even with the lead, the Pens need to watch themselves. It's never a good time to take a penalty. Cole heads back to the box for holding and the Flyers head onto the power play.

10:12 - MALKIN SCORES! Couturier tries to make a blind, backwards pass to get the puck out of the zone, but Kunitz ends up getting to the loose puck! He passes to Kessel, who snaps it over to Malkin in front! Malkin directs the puck past Neuvirth! 4-2 Pens

12:44 - Cole is set free. Great penalty kill by the Pens and Fleury was solid in net.

14:44 - The Flyers hot power play will get a chance to tie things up as Cole is called for holding.

15:06 - Kunitz with a great tie up to deny the Flyers a wide open net goal. Great teamwork by Fleury and Kunitz.

16:00 - Quite a few whistles to start this period and it's making it hard for either team to get something going.

19:59 - Neuvirth is now in the net for the Flyers.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice for the second period! The Pens need to stay focused and play their style of hockey! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to a close! It was a roller coaster of a period and the Pens come out with the 3-2 lead over the Flyers.

1:11 - Konecny gets around Warsofsky and fires a shot that is kicked out by Fleury.

3:21 - CULLEN SCORES! Cullen with a beautiful wrap around shot that he stuffs past the left pad of Mason! 3-2 Pens

3:33 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel passes to Hornqvist at the side of the net! He makes a quick pass to Crosby at the hash marks! Crosby snaps a quick shot past Mason. 2-2 tie game

3:45 - First power play of the game will go to the Pens as Provorov sits for hooking.

4:18 - CROSBY SCORES! Crosby and Hornqvist with a give and go as they enter the offensive zone! Crosby receives the pass at a sharp angle (by the red line). He snaps one on his forehand over the blocker shoulder of Mason! 2-1 Flyers

4:34 - Giroux is back on the ice.

5:35 - Crosby comes flying down the wing and backhands one on net. Mason with the save. Crosby was pushed into the boards by Provorov after the save. Things are heating up.

6:58 - Simmonds scores. The Flyers keep the Pens pinned and are firing everything on net. Fleury is caught out to take down an angle. Simmonds is open and puts it in the net. 2-0 Flyers

7:33 - Flyers with two hard shots on net. One is saved by Fleury and the other goes wide. The momentum is in their favor. The Pens need to get their legs moving.

10:12 - Voracek scores. The Flyers keep up the pressure in the Pens' zone. Voracek has space and fires from the blue line while using Cole as a screen. Fleury gets a piece with his glove, but it still tickles into the net. 1-0 Flyers

10:19 - Fleury with a pad save while he was falling backwards.

10:47 - Hornqvist lays a hard hit on Giroux who seems to fall into the boards awkwardly. He is in pain on the bench and heads to the locker room.

11:46 - Not the best start for the Pens as they haven't had many chances in the offensive zone. Schultz fires from the blue line and that shot is gloved up by Mason. Good idea to get shots on net.

14:31 - It didn't take long for the "Crosby sucks" chants to get going. He seems to thrive on that though.

16:24 - Two scoring chances to start this game. Mason and Fleury with the saves.

20:00 - The Pens are in enemy territory! They need to play smart, stick to their game, and stay disciplined! Lets Go Pens!  

Tired Islanders face off against energized Penguins

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to host the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena. This is the second game for the Islanders in a back-to-back situation. They are coming off a loss to the Montreal Canadiens (3-2) last night. This is the perfect setting for the Pens as they will be facing a tired Islanders team.

On the injury front, the Penguins will be without the services of Kris Letang (upper body) and Conor Sheary (eye). Letang practiced with the team during the morning skate and is much closer to returning to the lineup.

Tonight’s game will be the eighth straight start for Marc-Andre Fleury. He has been a rock for the team in net and kept them in many games to allow the Penguins a chance to get the win. Matt Murray will back him up tonight. The Penguins also have more options up front and on the power-play with the return of Sidney Crosby. Crosby did score his first goal this season in his first game of the season against the Florida Panthers, Tuesday night. The Penguins also capitalized on the power play against the Panthers. Having Crosby back on the ice gives the whole team a boost.

The Penguins look to take advantage of playing on home ice as they are 4-0-1 this season at PPG Paints Arena. They need to come out with speed and pressure the Islanders early. This will wear them down early and allow for the Penguins to use their fresh legs against the Islanders to get ahead. Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Bonino - Rust

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Maatta - Daley

Dumoulin - Cole

Warsofsky - Schultz

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 4 Islanders 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-2 WIN OVER THE ISLES! ANOTHER GREAT HOME WIN AND THE PENS WITH A STRONG THIRD PERIOD! FLEURY WAS AMAZING ONCE AGAIN! 

1:24 - Islanders have an empty net.

1:53 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin finds Kessel in the slot area! Kessel holds and rips one past Halak! 4-2 Pens

2:08 - Ladd hits Hagelin hard from behind into the boards. Hagelin heads straight to the locker room and the Pens get a power play

2:25 - CROBY SCORES! Crosby lays a hard hit on Boychuk who ends up dropping his stick! Crosby goes to the front of the net, stops the Pens shot, and turns the puck to his forehand to put it past Halak! 3-2 Pens

4:22 - Prince scores on the power play. Fleury comes out to play the puck behind the net and the puck takes an odd bounce. Prince catches Fleury out and puts it in the open net. 2-2 game.

5:33 - Malkin will head back to the box for tripping. Islanders with a critical power play. Huge kill ahead for the Pens.

7:12 - MALKIN SCORES! Kunitz finds Kessel up ice! Kessel stops at the blue line and feeds a pass to Malkin flying by! Malkin stops, turns the puck to his forehand, and uses Seidenberg as a screen to put the puck through the five-hole of Halak! 2-1 Pens

9:23 - Crosby holds the blue line with a chip pass to Wilson in the slot. Wilson is hounded by two Islanders. Seidenberg gets away with a slashing call. Halak is able to make the save and hold for the whistle.

10:46 - Kunitz slaps one that Halak makes a save up high. After that Hornqvist with a redirected shot chance. The crowd is getting back into the game.

12:23 - Wilson gets behind the defense and has a little space. Halak with the pad save. The Pens are starting to get more chances.

12:42 - Kessel's shot down low is kicked away by Halak.

14:46 - Watching Crosby play is never boring. He creates another chance and almost puts it past Halak. Nice work down low.

16:00 - Penalty is over as Kunitz comes back onto the ice.

17:07 - Pens are now on the penalty kill as the Islanders have a power play for 1:07.

18:00 - Bad penalty for Kunitz to take. He will sit for tripping and some more 4-on-4 hockey for 53 seconds.

18:07 - Now the Pens have a power play for one minute.

19:07 - Strome is off for high-sticking on Daley. 4-on-4 hockey for one minute.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to kill off the Islanders power play for 1:53! After they must put the pressure on Halak! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and this game is tied 1-1.

0:07 - Malkin gets a late holding penalty. Islanders with power play for seven seconds and will finish their power play in the third.

0:36 - Islanders have not been afraid to match the Pens speed. It has been a fast pace hockey game. We will see if they hold this up in the third after playing last night.

2:16 - Fleury with some solid saves and the Pens kill off the power play.

4:16 - Back onto the penalty kill for the Pens as Fleury takes a penalty and Kuhnhackl will serve the penalty.

4:47 - Hamonic scores. The Pens miss an opportunity at one end and the Islanders get their own rush. Prince passes across the ice to a wide open Hamonic, who put it past the blocker of Fleury. 1-1 tie game

5:21 - Malkin and Kessel get some time in the offensive zone, but nothing comes of it. Pens doing a better job of dumping in pucks behind the Islanders.

8:14 - The Pens need to clamp down and limit the Islanders' scoring chances. They are leaving to much room for them.

11:11 - Momentum has shifted a bit to the Islanders side as they Penguins are trying to ride the surge by the Islanders. Fleury has been a wall.

12:56 - Successfully penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury with another huge save on a point blank shot as the Islanders power play expires. He is holding the Pens lead and keeping them in this game.

13:39 - Fleury with another huge save. He is keeping the Islanders at bay.

14:56 - Cizikas gets behind the defense, but is hooked up by Warsofsky on his way to the net. Fleury grabs his shot out of the air and the Islanders will head onto the power play.

16:31 - Another icing call. Quite a few to start this period.

19:24 - Daley with a wrist shot in front, but Halak with the save. Great start for the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and trap the Islanders in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - Pens have the 1-0 lead after one period of play! First period was all about the Pens and Fleury!

1:28 - That will be it for the power play. The Pens first unit had complete control, but couldn't get it past Halak. Solid power play effort.

3:28 - Another power play opportunity for the Pens as Cizikas is off to the sin bin for holding.

4:55 - Both teams now have more open ice to work with. Up and down hockey with chances at both ends of the ice right now.

6:30 - Prince gets behind the defense and is all alone with a 1-on-1 against Fleury. Fleury does a scorpion move as Prince dekes. The goal post saved the day for the Pens.

7:07 - Islanders have had a hard time getting the puck out of their zone clearly to start this game.

8:50 - Crosby with a scoring opportunity up front, but Halak is just able to get the save. He doesn't look like he is rusty at all.

11:47 - Some good chances for the Pens on the power play, but they are unable to capitalize. Islanders back to full strength.

12:47 - Crosby and Malkin get a 2-on-1 chance. Crosby goes to Malkin, but he fanned on the shot. Pens with a power play now for 1:06.

13:37 - The Pens penalty kill ends up drawing a penalty as Clutterbuck is found guilty of goalie interference. 4-on-4 for 54 seconds.

14:27 - Hagelin gets a burst of speed and gets behind the Islanders. Halak is able to make the save, but it almost slip past him.

14:43 - Now the Islanders get a chance on the power play as Daley heads to the box for high-sticking.

15:38 - Solid puck movement by the Pens, who have come out with a buzz to start this one. 

19:14 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel passes across to Crosby at the side of the net! As Halak is going East to West, Crosby slides the puck to Hornqivst in the blue paint! Hornqvist puts it in the open net! 1-0 Pens

19:35 - First power play of the game goes to the Pens as Tavares sits for hooking. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens need to come out with speed and take it to the Islanders early! Wear them down! Lets Go Pens! 

Welcome back Sidney CRRRRRRROSBY!

By: MF,

Hockey fights cancer tonight at PPG Paints Arena as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Florida Panthers. The team and arena will be wearing some special gear, while the league looks to raise awareness for cancer research.

The fans received some good news today as Sidney Crosby will be returning to the lineup. This will be his first game back for the 2016-2017 season. It’s good to see the Captain back on the ice and potentially lighting the lamp in Pittsburgh. Also, Matt Murray will be back in the lineup. He will be backing up Marc-Andre Fleury. Good to see the Penguins injury list becoming smaller.

However, not everyone is off the injury list. Kris Letang took part in the morning skate but wore the yellow “no contact” jersey. Derrick Pouliot was absent from the skate. While, Connor Sheary saw a doctor on Monday for his eye injury and is set to get re-evaluated in a week.

Now back to the game at hand. It will mark Brian Dumoulin’s 100^th NHL career game! He is the first player from Maine to win a Stanley Cup (this surprised me). He has been off to a great start this season. Dumoulin is currently first on the team for total minutes on ice (16-17 season) with 130:36 total minutes. He is 2^nd on the team in TOI/GM at 21:46. He has earned his stop and has developed into great defensemen. Look for his responsibilities to grow with Letang out of the lineup.

The Penguins will have to play a smart game against the Panthers, who are 3-1-1 to start the season. A key area will be special teams. The Penguins penalty kill is at 80% (20/25), while the power play is falling short at 20% (5/25). With Crosby back, this should open up the options on the power play for the Penguins to capitalize. They need to come out with speed, put pucks on net, and follow up on loose pucks. Lets Go Pens!  

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Rust

Hagelin - Bonino- Rust

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Maatta - Warsofsky

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 3 Panthers 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN OVER THE PANTHERS! THEY CAME BACK TO GET THE WIN AND FOUGHT HARD FOR IT! GREAT WORK GUYS AND TAKE THIS FEELING INTO THE NEXT GAME! 

0:15 - Reimer is on the bench. Panthers with an empty net.

2:41 - Malkin finds Kunitz and Kessel alone behind the Panthers defense. Kessel tries to go five-hole, but Reimer makes the stop.

4:24 - Panthers having trouble getting the puck past the neutral zone as the Pens keep them down in their own end of the ice.

5:27 - Malkin battling at the blue line to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Panthers eventually get the puck out, but Malkin with some hard battling.

6:36 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens as Malkin is released from the sin bin.

8:36 - Malkin called for tripping and the Panthers get a power play. Huge penalty kill for the Pens right now.

10:18 - FEHR SCORES! Kuhnhackl with speed a burst of speed down the wing and he leaves the Panthers behind. He makes a beautiful dish pass to Fehr! Fehr directs the puck right under the pad of Reimer! 3-2 Pens

11:17 - Pens with a great pace to their game right now. You can feel the momentum on their side as they keep pressure in the offensive zone on the Panthers.

14:24 - HAGELIN SCORES! Bonino with some solid work at the defensive blue line to set up a two-on-one chance! Hagelin holds with Rust waiting at the side! Hagelin wrist one, blocker side, past Reimer! 2-2 tie game

16:29 - Kessel blows a shot past Reimer, but he doesn't beat the post. It rings as the puck bounces off it.

18:24 - Fleury with two solid saves to start this period.

19:50 - Daley is back for the third period.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to pressure Reimer and keep pucks on net! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds. The Pens cut the Panthers lead in half 2-1, thanks to Crosby on the power play.

2:10 - Lots of whistles and faceoffs these last few minutes. Daley is still in the locker room.

4:45 - Rust with a chance on the doorstep, but Reimer holds for the whistle.

6:00 - Daley heads back down the runway to the locker room.

6:19 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! The Pens win the battle on the boards! Malkin outlets a perfect pass to Crosby in the slot! Crosby wrist a laser shot past Reimer! Welcome back Sidney CRRRRRROSBY! 2-1 Panthers

6:25 - Daley takes a stick up high from McKegg in front of the Pens net. He heads to the locker room, but returns after the TV timeout ends. Pens head onto the power play.

8:44 - Panthers successful kill the Pens power play chance. They had majority of puck control during that Pens power play.

10:44 - Pens will now get an opportunity on the power play as Jagr heads to the penalty box.

11:19 - Dumoulin is back on the bench for the Pens.

13:52 - Pysyk scores. Shane passes over to Pysyk who is flying down the center. Pysyk with a hard redirection to put it past Fleury. 2-0 Panthers

15:21 - Malkin with a quick move to get past Ekblad at the blue line and he finds Kunitz open on the wing. Kunitz fires a hard shot that is stopped by Reimer.

17:43 - The "HBK" line gets to work. Bonino with a chance down low, but Reimer comes up with the save.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have to stay out of the box and get their four lines cycling this period! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period ends and the Panthers lead the Pens 1-0.

1:10 - Dumo heads to the bench hunched over and then off to the locker room. Possible puck deflection into his face area.

1:58 - Smith scores on the power play. Fleury makes the initial save, but Smith gets in behind to put in the rebound. 1-0 Panthers

2:18 - Undisciplined play for the Pens once again. Dumoulin to the box for high sticking.

3:56 - Hornqvist gets some ice in the offensive zone and fires on net. Crosby and Hornqvist crash the net for the loose puck. Panthers are able to clear.

7:37 - Crosby comes flying down the wing and does a little "in and out" stick maneuver to get around Ekblad. His shot jut goes wide.

9:46 - Good penalty kill for the Pens and Daley is set free.

11:46 - Another power play chance for the Panthers as the Pens receive a stick infraction penalty, once again. Daley sits for tripping.

12:41 - Kessel takes a shift with Malkin and Kunitz as Bonino and Hagelin were tried after the penalty kill. They get some good looks on net.

13:40 - Fleury with a beautiful glove save on Harper's shot as the Pens failed to clear at the end of the penalty kill. Hornqvist is set free.

15:40 - Hornqvist receives the first penalty of the game. He will sit for hooking as the Panthers bring out their power play unit.

15:43 - Yandle with the first shot on net for the Panthers. Fleury with the glove save.

16:14 - Crosby with some good shifts. Laid a hit and did some great defensive work. Panthers still have zero shots on net.

18:52 - Kunitz fires a shot that is saved, but the rebound is loose. The Pens are unable to put it in. Rust with some good net front work.

20:00 - It's Hockey Fights Cancer night at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens look to send the Panthers back to Florida with a loss! Lets Go Pens! 

Road jersey debut

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Montreal, Canada to battle the Montreal Canadiens. This is the second game in a back-to-back set for the Penguins. They are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche last night.

The Penguins are looking ahead to tonight's game and not letting last night's loss affect them. Marc-Andre Fleury will make his fourth consecutive start this season. He has been a fort for the Penguins and has been making some unreal saves. It's good to see him off to a great start.

Fleury isn't the other Penguin on fire as Phil Kessel has scored a power-play goal in consecutive games. While Matt Cullen is showing that he can still put up some points as he has one goal and two assists in his past two games.

On the injury front, two big names will be missing from tonight's game. Sidney Crosby will once again be out and the Canadiens will be without Carey Price, who is suffering from the flu.

Without Price in the net for the Canadiens, the Penguins need to attack the net often and make sure to pounce on second/third chance opportunities. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Cole - Daley
Maatta - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Habs 4 Pens 0

3rd Period
0:00 - That is it for this game and the Habs shutout the Pens 4-0 in their home opener. Fleury was solid, but the rest of the team let him down a bit. All thoughts turn to the welfare of Letang and Sheary.

1:32 - Fleury with another bid save as he stretches across to make the pad save. He has been solid and carried the team during this game. Score doesn't reflect his play.

2:47 - Pens power play comes to an end.

4:47 - Delay of game penalty for Beaulieu. Pens to the power play.

6:16 - Desharnais scores. Fleury makes some unreal saves as the Habs get some chance, but they don't let up. Desharnais finally puts one in. 4-0 Habs

10:19 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

12:00 - Also the Pens are without Letang as he went to the locker room holding his left leg.

12:19 - This game is a game of penalties. The Pens get the latest. This time for too many men on the ice. Habs bring out their power play unit.

15:29 - Radulov scores on the power play. Radulov skates across the center and put one past Fleury as Gallagher is right on top of Fleury. Sullivan challenges for goalie interference, but the referees deem it a good goal. 3-0 Habs

15:43 - A lot of up and down hockey as all the penalties are served.

15:44 - Habs with short power play for 18 seconds.

16:18 - 4-on-4 hockey now for 33 seconds.

16:33 - Fehr is out and Pens get a short power play for 14 seconds.

17:26 - Schultz is the first to be released. 3-on-3 play for 53 seconds.

17:33 - Wow more penalties. Letang to the box for slashing.

17:45 - Pacioretty is called for tripping also. 3-on-3 for 17 seconds. Pacioretty is helped down to the locker room.

18:19 - Now Weber is off to the box for tripping. 4-on-3 Habs power play for 53 seconds.

18:34 - Melt down for the Pens as Fehr is called for boarding. Habs with a 5-on-3 power play again for 1:07.

19:27 - Another bad penalty for the Pens. Schultz sits for tripping and Habs have a 4-on-3 power play and then 5-on-3 for 51 seconds.

20:00 - The third period is underway with some 4-on-4 hockey for 1:24! The Pens need to tie things up early and put the pressure on Montoya! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That is it for the second period. The Habs extend their lead to 2-0 over the Pens.

0:35 - The Pens power play is no more as Malkin is called for hooking. 4-on-4 hockey for 1:59.

0:36 - Late power play for the Pens once again. Flynn off to the box for high sticking.

1:48 - Fleury with another solid glove save. Maatta is caught up ice and Habs take advantage. Fleury has other ideas.

3:58 - Solid penalty kill by the Pens. They didn't allow Habs to set up and kept them passing around looking for an open lane.

5:58 - Bad penalty by Letang as he is caught holding the stick (of an opponent). Habs head onto the power play and the Pens have a huge penalty kill ahead of them, while they are missing a key defensemen in Letang.

7:53 - Desharnais scores. The Habs battle down low in the corner and end up winning the battle. Desharnais is left all alone a the side and receives the puck. He buries it. 2-0 Habs

8:58 - Time expires on the Pens power play and Radulov is set free from the sin bin.

10:27 - Fleury stacks the pads to shut down Byron.

10:49 - Bonino's penalty time expires and the Pens have 1:48 left on the Radulov penalty.

12:49 - No power play for the Pens as Bonino is sent to the box for playing the puck with his hand in the face-off circle. 4-on-4 hockey time.

12:58 - Sheary goes down on the ice and is in distress. He gets up and goes right to the locker room with a cut on his face. He took a hard hit under the visor from a high stick by Radulov. Pens to the power play.

13:33 - Montoya has been the only reason that the Habs till hold the lead. The Pens have been pressuring and have come alive this period.

15:20 - Habs get a 2-on-1 rush and Gallagher fires a wrist shot. Fleury flashes the glove to deny him.

16:16 - Kuhnhackl goes crashing into the net and Montoya losses his stick in the scramble. Habs are able to clear.

19:24 - Pens power play concludes and the Habs are back to full strength.

20:00 - The Pens are back out on the ice for the second period! They have a 36 second power play to start and they need to capitalize on it! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and the Habs hold the 1-0 lead over the Pens.

1:24 - Late power play chance for the Pens as Radulov sits for interference.

3:14 - Another unreal save by Fleury as he stretches out the pad to deny a short side shot.

4:01 - Fleury has shut the door late in this period. He has been a brick wall even after playing last night also.

5:15 - Miscommunication between Montoya and the Habs' defense as he comes out to play the puck. It leads to Cullen with a chance in the slot, but Montoya gets back in time for the save.

5:59 - Pens have had some good scoring chances, but Montoya has bested them at every turn. However, the Pens need to take advantage of rebounds and crash the net.

7:29 - Kuhnhackl with another blocked shot from a hard shot. He is a blocking machine...doesn't seem human blocking those hard shots by the Habs.

8:08 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end. Lack luster power play. Pens look slow.

10:08 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Pacioretty sits for holding on Bonino.

10:18 - Not the most exciting or fast pace game right now. Quite a few whistles, which have broken up the game. Pens need to show some fire.

13:24 - Kunhnhackl is back on the ice and looks to be no worse for wear.

14:57 - Kuhnhackl is shook up after blocking a shot and hobbles to the bench.

16:01 - Kunitz gets an excellent chance off the rust, but Montoya kicks the puck out to the corner.

18:26 - Wilson, Hornqvist, and Malkin crash the Habs net as the puck is loose in the blue paint. Montoya gets the pad out to keep the puck out.

19:37 - Pacioretty scores. The Pens are caught sleeping on the first shift of the game and Pacioretty takes advantage to put one past Fleury. 1-0 Habs

20:00 - Puck drop in Montreal! The Pens are looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season! They just have to come out and take it to the Habs! Lets Go Pens!  

Starting the season right!

By: MF, 

Hockey season is officially underway and the Pittsburgh Penguins have started off right going undefeated! Now, I know that it's only two games into the season, however, I may not get the chance to say that word again. The season is long and grueling, but I believe the Penguins can get back to the Stanley Cup Finals with this team. Head Coach, Mike Sullivan (HCMS) has put a system that works well for the guys and they seem to be clicking early.

The Penguins will look to continue their winning with a victory over the Colorado Avalanche tonight. The Avalanche begin a four-game road trip tonight. Both teams have yet to lose a game, so someone will walk away with their first defeat of the season. Let's hope it's the visiting team.

Tonight, the Penguins will once again be without Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, and Matt Murray. HCMS stated that Rust was close to returning. While Crosby and Murray practiced together today. Murray is close to joining team practice. It's good news to hear that the guys are improving each day.

Records are already being made this season for the guys. Matt Cullen passed Mark Recchi as the fourth oldest player to record a point as a Penguin at 39 years, 348 days. Gary Roberts holds the lead (41 years, 214 days). Furthermore, under HCMS, the Penguins have scored 180 goals in 56 games, which is the top total in the National Hockey League (NHL). The majority of the goals were scored in the second period with 83.

So far this season, the Penguins are 83.3% (5/6) on the penalty kill and their power play is 40% (2/5). Also, with time-on-ice, Nick Bonino is leading the charge up front, followed by Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, and Matt Cullen. 

Tonight, the Penguins have the chance to start a back-to-back set off right with a win. They must come out with speed and take control of this game early. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Wilson - Malkin - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Kunitz - Cullen - Sheary
Sestito - Fehr - Kuhnhackel

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Avalanche 4 Pens 3 OT

Overtime
0:00 - The Avs take the 4-3 win over the Pens. The first defeat of the season for the Pens, but they worked hard in that game. Time to move on and look to tomorrow night's game.

4:45 - Landeskog scores. Letang gets a piece and Landeskog's shot finds it's way into the net. 4-3 Avs

5:00 - Regulation wasn't enough! Time for some 3-on-3 overtime hockey! Lets Go Pens!


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

2:03 - Solid late push by the Pens as they generate two great scoring chances.

4:02 - Avs with some chances, but the Pens defense steps up to keep things tied up. The Pens need to pressure more in the offensive zone. Fleury working hard this period.

4:10 - Cullen rings one off the crossbar...it was soooooo close!

6:32 - Landeskog scores on the power play. Landeskog holds and fires a shot over the glove shoulder of Fleury. 3-3 tie game.

6:50 - Huge chance for the Avs as Malkin sits for tripping.

10:48 - DALEY SCORES THE POWER PLAY! Daley rips a hard shot from that point that goes through traffic and past Pickard! 3-2 Pens

11:26 - Maybe the Pens will be able to take the lead without doubt with a power play goal as Colborne sits for high sticking.

12:53 - The Pens battle on the boards and come up with the puck! Malkin and Tyutin skate behind Pickard! Tyutin trips over Pickard's skate and Malkin puts it in the open net! Avs challenge for goalie interference and the referees deem it a no goal!

13:55 - The Pens are back to full strength. A huge penalty kill by the Pens and Fleury! They should gain some much needed momentum from those Fleury saves.

14:11 - Regular power play for the Avs for about 20 seconds.

14:16 - Fleury with some unreal saves to keep things tied. He was standing on his head to make saves.

15:01 - Now the Avs have a 5-on-3 power play for 50 seconds.

15:55 - Kunitz makes another visit to the box and this time for high sticking. 4-on-3 power play for the Avs.

16:11 - Kessel is off the box for hooking. 1:10 of 4-on-4 hockey play.

16:14 - MacKinnon gets a burst of speed, but the goal post saves the Pens.

17:01 - Another power play chance for the Pens as R. Bourque heads to the sin bin for hooking.

18:24 - Busy start to the third period for Fleury, but he holds strong.

20:00 - It's time for the third period! The Pens need to come out and play more like they did in the beginning of the game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and things are still tied up at 2-2.

0:29 - Iginla and Kunitz are set free and both teams are back to full strength.

2:29 - Iginla goes after Kunitz as Kunitz laid Iginla into the boards. They push each other around as the referee comes in before a fight breaks out. Both head to the penalty box. 4-on-4 hockey time.

3:19 - The last few minutes of play have been back and forth. One team enters the zone and the defense turns the play around, only to have to come back after they enter the offensive zone.

5:36 - Power play time concludes for the Pens. Avs with a solid penalty kill and they even had a scoring chance. Pens were not much of a factor.

7:36 - Power play time for the Pens as Wiercioch heads to the box for tripping.

8:23 - The HBK line along with Dumoulin and Letang get some extended offensive zone time. They have been missing that all period. Some good chances and they end up drawing a penalty.

10:25 - Cullen with a chance at the side of the net, but the play is broken up and Pickard is able to glove up the puck for a whistle.

10:58 - It looks to be a 3-2 lead for the Avs, however, the referees rule it a no goal as Martinsen kicks in the puck. Things still tied at 2-2.

11:33 - Both teams working hard and grinding through the period. Not much space available and everyone is working to get a little time and space to make something happen.

14:10 - Kessel with a hard wrister that is blocked.

15:27 - Fleury flashes the glove to deny Beauchemin!

15:45 - MacKinnon gets some speed coming into the Pens zone, but Daley lays out to break up the play.

16:30 - Fleury with two big saves on G. Bourque and R. Bourque.

17:19 - Solid start for the Pens as they have had some good zone time. Pickard the only thing that was standing in their way to retaking the lead.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to get back to their game and stay disciplined! They need to play smart and limit the Avs chances! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and things are tied at 2-2.

2:10 - Wiercioch score. Letang lays back and ends up loosing the puck battle in the corner. Wiercioch receives the puck at the blue line and fires a rocket shot to tie things up 2-2.

2:39 - The Pens are back to full strength.

3:32 - Regular power play for the Avs for a little over 30 seconds.

3:33 - Iginla scores on the two-man advantage. Iginla fires a hard shot through four bodies in front and past Fleury. 2-1 Pens

4:39 - Kunitz will join Bonino for hooking, which gives the Avs a 5-on-3 power play chance for 1:11.

4:40 - Now the Avs with have a power play for 1:12.

5:28 - Bonino is called for tripping. 4 on 4 for 48 seconds then the Avs will head onto the power play.

6:40 - The Pens will head back onto the power play as Soderberg is called for tripping.

7:36 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Nice work by Letang. He didn't let up.

9:36 - Now the Avs with have a chance on the power play as Maatta sits for hooking.

10:27 - CULLEN SCORES! Kunitz and Sheary battle in the corner behind the net! The puck bounces out to Cullen! He fires and Pickard makes the save! Kunitz drives to the net and Cullen puts in the loose puck in front! 2-0 Pens

10:55 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang draws a player towards him as he passes off to Kessel! Kessel moves in from the side and rips a laser shot through the five-hole of Pickard! 1-0 Pens

11:09 - Malkin is back on the ice.

11:36 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Zadorov sits for cross-checking.

12:37 - Hornqvist fires a shot on net and Malkin follows up as Pickard makes the save. He takes a stick to the mouth and headed down the runway to the locker room.

13:38 - Huge chance for the Pens, but the puck somehow stays out of the net. Nice puck movement by the Pens.

15:52 - Letang with a steal and gets the puck going up ice. Nice chance for the Pens, but Pickard makes the save.

16:50 - Fleury makes two solid saves on shots by MacKinnon. MacKinnon outworked Maatta for the second chance, but Fleury was ready to deny him.

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is underway! Time for the Pens to extend their winning streak to three with a victory over the Avs! Lets Go Pens!