Rivalry night in Brooklyn

By: MF,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Guentzel-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Maatta-Letang

Dumoulin-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 3 Islanders 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


1st Period

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rangers meet the 2016 Champions

By: MF,

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

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

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

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

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

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Hagelin-Crosby-Sheary

Guentzel-Malkin-Kessel

Wilson-Bonino-Rust

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz 

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Rangers 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


1st Period

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

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

0:48 - Malkin and Girardi are set free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penguins have the number of the Sabres

By: MF,

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

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

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

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

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

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Hagelin-Crosby-Sheary

Kunitz-Malkin-Kessel

Wilson-Bonino-Rust

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 1 Sabres 2 SO

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

Nilsson closes the five-hole on Letang.

Cal O'Reilly snaps a shot past Fleury.

Nilsson uses his long legs to deny Malkin.

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

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

Okposo denied by Fleury!


Overtime
0:00 - Shootout here we come.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:34 - Hagelin is robbed by Nilsson!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


1st Period

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time to respond

By: MF,

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

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

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

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

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Hagelin-Crosby-Sheary

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Wilson-Bonino-Kessel

Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Isles 2 OT

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


1st Period

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

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

4:11 - Dumoulin is back on the ice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: MF,

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist

Kunitz-Malkin-Rust

Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel

Sestito-Cullen-Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin-Letang

Maatta-Daley

Cole-Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Capitals 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


1st Period

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crosby vs McDavid Part One

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at home after a long road trip out in California and they are hosting the Edmonton Oilers. The Penguins are currently 8-2-2, so far this season and their home record is 5-0-1. While the Oilers are 9-3-1 on the season and have a road record of 5-1-1.

This game goes beyond two teams, all eyes will be on Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. Crosby is the veteran and McDavid the rookie. McDavid calls Crosby is ideal and he has been deemed the next “Great One” for the league. He currently leads the Oilers with 14 points and the most striking thing about his game is his speed. He can make it look like a player is standing still, even when they are skating their hardest. Tonight, he faces off against the 2016 Stanley Cup Champions and Crosby, who has a resume that speaks for itself.

Crosby has been on fire even with missing the beginning of the season due to a concussion. He has eight goals and 10 points in six games. He has scored in six of the seven games he has played. Crosby has been a force on the ice and picking up where he left off last season. He has silenced the critics and is blazing a new trail in the NHL. Crosby isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and he is making it known.

As for the rest of the team, Tom Sestito has been reassigned to Wilkes-Barre Scranton. Also, Steve Olesky and Chad Ruhwedel were recalled. They will be on the scratched list for tonight’s game, along with Tom Kuhnhackl. Derrick Pouliot will also be out with a lower-body injury.

Tonight is a game where two powerhouses face-off, but their play alone will not be enough. Their teams will have to back them up and the Penguins are ready to get a win tonight. They just need to play their game, use their skill, and shut down McDavid. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Oilers 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-3 WIN OVER THE OILERS! CROSBY COMES OUT WITH THE WIN! GREAT TEAM EFFORT AND MURRAY STRONG IN THE NET WHEN IT COUNTED! AWESOME COME BACK FOR THEM! 

1:11 - Oilers have an empty net.

1:42 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby and Hornqvist go to work on the boards! The puck outlets to Sheary at the side of the net! Talbot saves the first shot and Pouliot tries to clear the puck! It bounces off his stick and into the net! 4-3 Pens

2:17 - Another good penalty kill for the Pens. One of the best penalty kill efforts by the Pens this season.

3:09 - What an amazing effort by Cullen. He kept control of the puck in the Oilers' zone and battled hard for possession.

3:32 - Now the Oilers will head onto the power play for 1:10.

4:17 - Pens are caught with too many men on the ice. 45 seconds of 4-on-4 hockey.

5:32 - Dumoulin gets a stick to the face from Maroon, who will be heading to the box. The Pens will head onto the power play.

6:14 - Pens working hard to get their fore-checking going. Third line does some good work down below (behind Talbot).

8:33 - McDavid's speed is unreal. The Pens need to limit his room and mobility.

11:51 - Great movement by the Pens and their second line. Malkin rips one on net that goes wide and Kessel is denied by Talbot.

14:27 - MALKIN SCORES! Murray makes a huge save and this sends the Pens the other way with a rush! Kessel goes across the ice to Malkin, who directs a pass past Talbot with one hand! 3-3 tie game

17:43 - Still back and forth hockey going on right now. Neither team showing signs of tiredness.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to capitalize on their chances and put them behind Talbot! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Pens have closed the gap. 3-2 Oilers

2:42 - Pens are getting quite a few chances, but just aren't converting like the Oilers have been.

3:41 - Kunitz, Malkin, and Kessel have a three-on-one chance. Kunitz holds and slides a pass across for Malkin to direct in. However the puck just goes past Malkin's stick.

5:59 - A lot of up and down hockey, much like the first period.

7:53 - HAGELIN SCORES! The Pens take advantage of the tired Oilers defense! Crosby goes to Daley, who makes a pass across the center to Hagelin! The puck bounces off Hornqvist skate, but Hagelin gets a piece of the puck to put if past Talbot! 3-2 Oilers

9:50 - Sekera blasts a slap shot from the point, but Murray is out on his angle to glove up the shot.

12:25 - Pens haven't been able to establish offensive zone time. There are just trading chances with the Oilers and the Oilers have taken advantage of their opportunities.

16:40 - Eberle scores. The Oilers get an odd-man break after the Pens were denied on their chance. Eberle holds to wrap it around the out-stretched pad of Murray and puts it into the net. 3-1 Oilers

16:46 - The Pens get a four-on-one chance, but Talbot denies Hornqvist on the rush.

18:03 - Oilers having trouble clearing the puck out of their zone, cleanly. Pens create chaos in front of Talbot.

19:00 - That is end of the power play for the Pens. At the end of the power play, the Pens crashed the net and had a wide open chance, but the puck somehow stays out of the net.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have a minute remaining on the power play to start! Take advantage of the power play and take that momentum to grow a lead over the Oilers! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Pens trail the Oilers 2-1.

1:00 - Late power play chance for the Pens as Benning hooked up Crosby.

2:42 - Maroon scores. McDavid uses his speed to get around Dumoulin and he backhands a pass across the ice. Letang is unable to block the pass and Maroon directs the pass behind Murray. 2-1 Oilers

3:08 - Fast pace to this game with not many whistles.

5:37 - Eberle scores. The Oilers turn the play around and start up ice. McDavid puts a pass right on the stick of Eberle, who is in behind the defense. Eberle goes above the glove shoulder of Murray. 1-1 tie game

7:07 - Shots are 6-5 in favor of the Oilers.

8:01 - Murray in perfect position to make a save on Eberle in front.

8:59 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end. A lot of passing, but not many shots on that power play effort.

10:59 - Nurse will now visit the box for interference and the Pens will head onto the power play.

11:39 - That will end the penalty kill for the Pens. The Oilers registered zero shots on that power play.

13:39 - First power play of the game will go to the Oilers as Letang is called for hooking. Pens bring out their penalty killers.

14:17 - The Pens are getting their fore-checking game going. Great start to this one.

16:34 - Murray denies Eberle up front in the blue paint.

18:03 - SHEARY SCORES! Rust with a great takeaway and he fires the puck over to Sheary who is flying down the wing! He gets time and space to let go of a rocket shot, which beats Talbot! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - It's Hockey Night in Pittsburgh! Crosby vs McDavid! Puck drop and here we go! Lets Go Pens! 

Late night battle in Anaheim

By: MF,

Good evening everyone and what a late night game this one will be, at least for those on the East coast. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in California for a back-to-back game series and first up is the Anaheim Ducks.

This 10:30pm (eastern) will be the first start for Matt Murray between the pipes this season. He was previously sidelined due to a hand injury. It is the perfect time for Murray to start and give Marc-Andre Fleury a much-needed break after starting in the first eight games for the Penguins. Fleury has been a rock for the Penguins and now Murray will have to set into that role.

The Penguins will also get Kris Letang back into the lineup after missing five games due to an upper-body injury. He has been sorely missed on defense for the Penguins and it will be great to get him back into the lineup. Letang is a great two-way player and he will add more depth to the backend.

In addition, the Penguins are looking to celebrate this special day with a win for Matt Cullen who turns 40 today. The boys celebrated before the game at the morning skate with Cullen getting a towel full of shaving cream to the face by none other #29. Cullen made his NHL debut with the Ducks against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 28, 1997. He has 19 points and is a +6 in 24 games against the Ducks.

It has been a great start for the offense and many guys are red hot for the Penguins. Sidney Crosby, no surprise, has four goals and one assist in his three games back from a concussion. While, Phil Kessel is riding a three-game point streak with one goal and five assists. Evgeni Malkin has three goals and one assist in his past two games.

On special teams, the Penguins are 9 for 34 (26.5%) on the power play. Their penalty kill is 30 for 38 (78.9%). The power play has picked up since the return of Crosby and been clicking lately. Though the penalty kill is suffering due to the loss to Letang and the power play could also use his offensive skill at the blue line.

As for the Ducks, they are coming off a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings, last night. They will also be without the services of Ryan Getzlaf and Nick Ritchie who are both suffering from upper-body injuries. The Penguins will have to take advantage of the Ducks having played last night and them missing to key players. They will have to play smart, stay disciplined, and stick to their game. Lets Go Pens!

On a side note, the Penguins announced that they acquired a 2017 fifth-round draft pick from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Mike Condon.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Wilson - Crosby - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Bonino - Rust

Sestito - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Ducks 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 5-1 DOMINATING WIN OVER THE DUCKS! IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST COMPLETE GAME FOR THE PENS THIS SEASON! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! 

3:23 - Murray shuts the down on Rakell in front.

3:57 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens as Vatanen is set free.

5:57 - Vatanen heads over to the penalty box for hooking on Wilson. Another power play chance for the Pens.

7:04 - The Pens have looked great tonight. With Letang back, the defensive end of things are definitely improved, which has allowed the offense to focus on putting pucks behind Gibson.

12:40 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby strips a Duck of the puck at the blue line to get a play going! Hagelin with a backward pass from behind the net to Crosby in front, Crosby puts a pass to the right wing! Hornqvist pops up to take the pass and direct it behind Gibson! 5-1 Pens

17:15 - Wilson is awarded a penalty shot. He tries to go blocker side, Gibson gets a piece, but the post saves the day.

17:16 - Wilson gets a breakaway chance, but he is hauled down on the play. He crashes into Gibson, who is in some pain after the play. He appears to be ok and stays in net.

18:33 - LETANG SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! WELCOME BACK TANGER! Schultz comes flying down the win with Letang driving down center! Schultz makes a perfect pass on net that Letang is able to direct past Gibson! 4-1 Pens

18:52 - The 4-on-4 comes to an end and the Pens have a 52 second power play opportunity.

20:00 - We are back for the third period with some 4-on-4 hockey for 1:06! The Pens need to stay focused and keep to their game! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period, which was dominated by the Pens. They have the 3-1 lead over the Ducks.

0:02 - Kesler is called for tripping on Daley and we will have some 4-on-4 hockey for 1:08.

0:54 - A little misunderstanding takes place on the ice in front of the benches. Malkin will get two minutes for interference and another two for roughing, while Cogliano sits for embellishment. Ducks will get a late power play.

3:18 - RUST SCORES HIS FIRST OF THE SEASON! The Pens put the puck right on net and crash! The puck slides out from behind Gibson in the blue paint! Rust gets his stick on the puck first to put it over the red line! 3-1 Pens

5:57 - It's officially midnight here on the east coast. The Pens working hard and getting some good chances.

8:21 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

10:21 - Boll and Sestito drop the gloves. Sestito held his own during that little exchange. Sestito will get an extra 2 minute roughing penalty. Ducks go to work o the power play.

10:25 - Hagelin and Wilson have switched spots.

12:32 - Pens pressure Gibson right now. Ducks still in this because of him.

13:27 - Rust with a wrap around chance, but Gibson with the save.

15:10 - The Ducks crash the net and Murray ends up falling back to cover a loose puck that gets behind him. It pops out and Daley gets there first to clear it. That was way too close.

17:21 - Power play for the Pens comes to an end.

19:21 - Now the Pens will get a power play chance as Vermette heads to the sin bin for holding on Malkin.

19:34 - Crosby wrist one on net, but Gibson makes a diving same to keep the puck out of the net.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to stick to their game, stay out of the box, and limit chances for the Ducks! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds and the Pens have the 2-1 lead over the Ducks.

0:23 - Late 2-on-1 chance for the Pens. Crosby holds and he fires a shot that just goes over the net. Very close.

3:04 - Ducks have more jump to their game after the power play goal. Kesler fires a shot that just goes wide.

4:11 - Fowler scores on the power play. Fowler lets go of a laser shot from the point that goes five-hole on Murray. It was a rocket shot. 2-1 Pens

5:12 - First power play of the game will go to the Ducks as Kunitz sits for slashing.

5:24 - Bieksa rings a shot off the goal post.

8:01 - Rakell with a quick shot in the slot area that goes under the pad of Murray and sits in the blue paint. Luckily Cole gets there first to clear the puck out of harms way.

9:35 - The Ducks challenge citing Sestito was offsides. The review is inconclusive and the goal remains.

9:36 - THE BIRTHDAY BOY SCORES, MATT CULLEN! Fehr with a high-chip pass up to Sestito who is entering the offensive zone! He makes a nifty spin-o-rama move and outlets to Cullen! Cullen fires a hard shot past Gibson! 2-0 Pens

12:19 - MALKIN SCORES! Kunitz makes a play at the blue line to keep the puck in the zone and finds Kessel coming into the zone! Kessel with a cross ice pass right into the wheelhouse of Malkin! Malkin puts the puck right under the pad of Gibson! 1-0 Pens

13:27 - Ducks with the control to start his one. The Pens just need something to jump start them.

14:42 - Shots are 5-1 in favor of the Ducks. Murray is showing no rust.

18:06 - the Ducks getting some quality scoring chances. Murray has been up to the challenge.

19:08 - Murray with a solid save to start this game as Manson jumped up on the play to get a shot off.

20:00 - The puck has finally dropped in Anaheim! The Pens need to come out with speed, stay disciplined, and stick to their game! Lets Go Pens!