Thank you 2017 Penguins

PPG Paints Arena - MF

By: MF,

Well, that does it for 2017. The Pittsburgh Penguins end a very memorable year with a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The game summed up the new season for the Penguins, so far, but this is a chance for them to start fresh in 2018. They have been in this position before and rose from the ashes to capture glory.

As for 2017, there were a variety of moments and memories to accompany them. So many great ones that made us laugh, cry, bite our nails, have heart palpitations, and made us scream our heads off. I mean our neighbors, for those that don’t live in Pittsburgh, must think we are crazy. I could sit here and write a book on all these great moments, but I have a better idea.

I want you to take a moment and think back. Think of all the great moments and reminisce. Take it all in and let those goosebumps rise once again as you think back to those times. Don’t just think of those awesome Penguin moments, think about how you felt, where you were, who you were with, and let it all fill your mind.

What a year.

What a team.

Thank you 2017 Penguins!

Ready to finish 2017 with a Penguins win (Game updates - Penguins @ Red Wings 12/31/17)

By: MF,

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying themselves and here is to hoping we have even more to celebrate tonight. A new year and a Penguins' victory.

Follow all of tonight's game action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings here:

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - Sheahan - Sprong
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Hunwick
Maatta - Corrado
Cole - Oleksiak

Murray in the net.

Play - by - Play
Pens 1 Red Wings 4

3rd Period
0:00 - This game is over. The Pens fall to the Red Wings 4-1 and finish 2017 with a loss. Hopefully, 2018 will allow them to start fresh and get things back on track.

2:19 - Howard has been very good this game. However, the Pens are making too many mistakes and then they aren't finishing their chances on net.

2:47 - Some pressure by the Red Wings. The Pens look like they have no answer.

3:26 - Nyquist scores again. Kessel turns over the puck in the defensive zone. Nyquist finds Bertuzzi in front. Murray makes the initial save, but Nyquist comes across the front of the net to grab the puck and put it in. 4-1 Red Wings

4:45 - Murray scopes up Nyquist shot attempt.

7:48 - Hornqvist comes flying down the wing and throws the puck on net. Howard holds for a whistle.

8:41 - Reaves lays a solid hit. He is not one to miss an opporunity to make his presence known on the ice.

12:01 - Howard continues to be solid for the Red Wings as the Pens get some offensive zone time.

14:35 - Another five or so minutes without much going on for the Pens.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens have to clean up their game and finish their chances on Howard. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period ends and the Red Wings hold the 3-1 lead.

0:04 - Turnovers by the Red Wings lead to some great chances for the Pens in front of the net. Howard stands strong to keep the Red Wings up by two.

2:17 - Sheary has the puck on a rush and goes to make a play, but his stick ends up breaking in half.

3:32 - Sheahan takes a hard hit and ends up heading to the locker room.

4:42 - Frans Nielsen scores. The Pens are caught up ice. Nielsen gets speed down the wing and beats Hunwick. Nielsen's shot hits Hunwick's stick on the way past Murray. 3-1 Red Wings

10:21 - Murray denies Larkin in front. The Pens get to the loose puck first and head up ice.

11:56 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel finds Malkin across the ice. Malkin goes to one knee and fires a hard shot. Howard reaches over and grabs the puck out of the air. It looked to be an unreal save, but that wasn't the case. The referees reviewed the play and determined that the puck had crossed the goal line as Howard reached back to grab up the puck. 2-1 Red Wings

13:25 - Howard with a huge pad save on Hunwick in front. The Pens are headed onto the power play as Nick Jensen is ticketed for interference on Sheahan.

13:42 - Crosby and Zetterberg battle behind the Red Wings' net. They exchange some blows and words.

14:05 - Not much to report on. Shots in the second are 3-2 in favor of the Red Wings.

19:01 - Dylan Larkin scores. Larkin takes advantage of the Pens changing. It drives down the wing and then turns the puck in to the front of the net. He puts one past Murray. 2-0 Red Wings

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep putting on the pressure and not let up on Howard. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The horn sounds to conclude the first period. The Red Wings hold the 1-0 lead. The Pens had some chances, but the finish wasn't there.

0:22 - Murray gloves up a shot by Justin Abdelkader. The Red Wings with some good chances at the end of the first.

1:06 - The Pens missed out on a huge opporunity to tie things up. That power play was their chance to tie things up right away.

3:26 - Crosby crashes the net and fights for the loose puck. Howard ends up keeping the puck out.

3:56 - That does it for the power play. Not much to write home about. Also, Cole is back on the bench.

5:56 - The first half of the double minor is over.

7:56 - Tyler Bertuzzi catches Cole up high with his stick. Cole is bleeding and goes to the locker room to get fixed up. The Pens will head onto the power play for four minutes.

8:29 - Gustav Nyquist scores. Henrik Zetterberg makes a perfect backhanded pass to Nyquist. Nyquist stops on a dime and drags the puck around Corrado to fire a shot above the glove of Murray. 1-0 Red Wings

9:01 - Solid start for the Pens in this game and great penalty kill to help build some confidence.

9:46 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

11:46 - The first power play of the game goes to the Red Wings as Malkin is called for tripping.

12:24 - David Booth takes a puck up high. His forehead is bleeding and he will head to the locker room.

14:56 - Howard gobbles up Malkin's shot in front. He has been really good to start this game for the Red Wings.

16:21 - Mike Green turns over the puck. Crosby picks it up and brings it to the front and Jimmy Howard denies him. Sheary has a chance at a loose puck in front, but the Red Wings are able to clear.

17:03 - The new lines look like this: Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary; Hornqvist - Malkin - Kessel; and Hagelin - Sheahan - Sprong.

18:37 - Sullivan has switched up the lines early in this one. Sheary is out with Guentzel and Crosby for a shift.

20:00 - The game is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed and get to their game early. Lets Go Pens! 

One piece of business left in 2017

By: MF,

The end of 2017 is here and there is one piece of business left to do. It’s time to cap off 2017 with a Pittsburgh Penguins victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

It hasn’t been the greatest season for the Penguins, so far, after winning their second Stanley Cup Championship in a row. That doesn’t mean that it is too late for them to turn things around and a win tonight would be a great way to finish the year, while also being a great way to enter 2018.

The Penguins have been plagued with injuries these last few games. The team’s two top defensemen, Justin Schultz (lower-body) and Kris Letang (lower-body) both participated in the morning skate wearing the regular black practice jerseys. Matt Murray also practiced and stated yesterday that he was feeling good. As for Brian Rust and Chad Ruhwedel, they are still both on the Injured Reserve (IR) list.

Now the Penguins need a spark to help propel them to a win and that could come from Daniel Sprong. Sprong was recalled from Wilkes-Barre Scranton and will be thrown into the mix tonight. He is coming off a great performance for the baby Penguins and hopefully, he can use that momentum to get things going for the Penguins.

Another spark that might ignite tonight is Riley Sheahan, who will be facing his former team for the first time since he was traded to Pittsburgh. These types of games seem to bring up the best as players look to bring their gameplay to a new level. However, the Red Wings will have that same chance of a spark as Trevor Daley will be facing the Penguins for the first time, since he signed with the Red Wings this past summer.

This is a crucial game in many ways for the Penguins. The important thing is that they finish 2017 and go into 2018 with a win and two points. Lets Go Pens! 

Crosby vs MacKinnon (Game updates - Penguins @ Avalanche 12/18/17)

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Colorado to take on the Avalanche!

Follow below for all updates on tonight's game:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
Sheary - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Sheahan - Kuhnhackl
Archibald - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Ruhwedel
Hunwick - Cole

Murray in the net!

Play-by-Play
Pens 2 Avalanche 4

3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens fall to the Avalanche 4-2. Major changes are coming to this team...now we wait to see what General Manager, Jim Rutherford does.

1:32 - Pens call a timeout.

1:33 - Rantanen scores an empty net goal. The Pens are unable to hold the puck in the zone and Rantanen gets behind them. He easily slides the puck into the open net. 4-2 Avalanche

1:48 - Murray to the bench and the Pens have an empty net.

2:18 - The Pens haven't been able to get into the offensive zone and set up. The Avalanche are holding the blue line well.

3:30 - Some sustained pressure in the offensive zone by the Avalanche. The Pens are finally able to clear.

6:12 - Reaves, down on his knees, finds the loose puck in front. He chips it past Varlamov, but the post gets in the way and it bounces back out the other side of the net. In real time it looked to be in.

7:42 - Murray has been giving the Pens the chance to take back this game in this period. He has been sharp between the pipes.

10:05 - Murray slams the door on Soderberg who comes flying into the zone and was right on the doorstep.

11:30 - The two-headed monster of Crosby and Malkin are on the ice.

15:53 - Murray flashes the glove to deny Gabriel Landeskog at the side of the net.

17:26 - Reaves puts down his head and gets back. He makes a diving play to deny the Avalanche a quality scoring chance. He ends up colliding with Murray and the goal post. Everyone looks to be alright.

18:35 - MALKIN SCORES! Cole's shot is saved by Varlamov and Malkin is ready at the side of the net to get the rebound. He puts the puck into the back of the net. Malkin scored just as the power play expired. 3-2 Avalanche

18:55 - Maatta is set free and the Pens have a 20-second power play to work with.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice and ready to start the third period. There is still 1:04 left on the four-on-four and then the Pens will get a brief power play. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Avalanche hold the 3-1 lead over the Pens.

0:36 - Hagelin ends up drawing a holding penalty on Mikko Rantanen. Four-on-four hockey time for 1:39.

0:57 - Maatta is ticketed for tripping. Pens to the penalty kill.

1:40 - Compher scores. Another poor change for the Pens and the Avalanche fly into the offensive zone unchallenged. The puck goes off the pad of Murray and Compher knocks the loose puck in. 3-1 Avalanche

4:07 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens. Murray was sharp on the penalty kill.

6:07 - Penalty killing time again for the Pens as Cole visits the box again this time for holding.

7:00 - The penalty kill is successful this time around.

7:34 - 34 seconds left on Letang's penalty. Power play time for the Avalanche.

9:00 - Now some four-on-four action for 1:26 as Letang is ticketed for tripping.

9:34 - Zadorov is off to the box again. This time he sits for interference.

10:30 - Archibald fires from the wing and Varlamov gets a piece. The puck ends up sneaking through and is on edge on the red line. It falls flat finally, but it's not only the red line and Varlamov reaches back to cover the puck up.

13:15 - Horrible change for the Pens and the Avalanche that leads to a three-on-zero play for the Avalanche. An overpass and missed shot save things.

13:40 - A beautiful passing play by the second line of the Pens. Malkin gets the puck last and is wide open in front. Varlamov gets a piece to deny Malkin once again.

14:04 - Barrie scores on the power play. Barrie fires a hard park through traffic in front. It finds its way past all the players in front and past Murray. 2-1 Avalanche

15:06 - Cole heads to the box for cross-checking and the Pens will go onto the penalty kill.

15:21 - Guentzel's sharp-angle shot is denied by the mask of Varlamov.

19:31 - The Avalanche dump the puck into the Pens' zone. Murray misplays the puck behind the net and gives it up to the Avalanche. Carl Soderberg ends up getting the puck in the slot with a screen in front, but his shot goes just wide.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure on Varlamov. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period. Things are tied 1-1.

0:22 - The Pens get sustained pressure as the period comes to a close. Varlamov is stopping everything that gets to him.

3:50 - Compher looks to have a goal for the Avalanche, but the referees wave it off. The ruling is that it is a no goal due to incidental contact with the goaltender. Andrighetto ended up skating into Murray's pad.

7:08 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

9:08 - Nikita Zadorov will head to the box for high-sticking. Power play time for the Pens.

9:21 - RUHWEDEL SCORES! Rust wins the faceoff and the puck bounces off the boards back to Ruhwedel. He quickly releases a shot that Varlamov slows down, but it finds a way through and trickles over the goal line. 1-1 tie game.

9:27 - Varlamov robs Malkin in front. Varlamov is locked into this one.

10:01 - J.T. Compher fires a hard shot that beats Murray's glove, but not the goal post.

12:28 - Kessel receives a pass at the Avalanche's blue line and gets in all alone. He tries to go five-hole, but Semyon Varlamov shuts him down.

14:56 - Tyson Barrie scores. Barrie uses Blake Comeau as a screen and rips a shot past the glove of Murray. 1-0 Avalanche

18:00 - Murray uses his long legs to quickly get the pad out and stop Sven Andrighetto's shot. Unreal save. 

19:50 - Crosby gets speed up the wing, but the play is broken up right before he can take a shot. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is underway! Tonight's game is the last of the Penguin's three-game road trip. Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins visit Fleury in Vegas (Game updates - Penguins @ Golden Knights 12/14/17)

By: MF,

Welcome Pittsburgh nation! The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Las Vegas to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time.

It will be a bittersweet game for the Penguins as Marc-Andre Fleury will be between the pipes for the Golden Knights. One of the best goalies in Penguins history and will forever hold a place in all Pittsburgher hearts.

On the injury front, Matt Murray will be back in the lineup tonight. As for Justin Schultz and Tom Kuhnhackl, they are still out.

The Penguins will have to come out with speed, play clean, and keep things simple. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Simon
Hornqvist - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Sheahan - Sheary
Rust - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Ruhwedel
Hunwick - Cole

Murray in the net!

Play-by-Play
Pens 1 Golden Knights 2

3rd Period
0:00 - That does it for this one as the Golden Knights defeat the Pens 2-1. Fleury had a great game against his former team. Hard loss for the Pens. They need to fix this right away.

2:00 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:02 - Horrible time to take a penalty and the Pens do just that. Ruhwedel is off to the sin bin for hooking.

3:43 - Now the Pens have had their chances on net and Fleury has held strong. However, they don't look all that good, especially defensively. One can see the holes in their gameplay.

4:18 - Murray dives out to knock the puck away and denies the Knights an odd-man rush scoring opportunity.

5:45 - Not much to report on right now. The Knights have owned this game and the Pens have moments where they show up, but in all, they look lackluster. This is a problem.

6:01 - Murray with a huge pad save after a horrible turnover in front of the net.

11:43 - Merrill scores his first goal as a Golden Knight. Erik Haula rushes into the offensive zone taking on Letang. He passes the puck back to Merrill, who is entering the zone. He uses Dumoulin as a screen and blows a shot past the glove of Murray. 2-1 Knights

14:32 - Neal's point-blank shot is kicked out by Murray. He gloves up the rebound chance for a whistle.

16:22 - Crosby's sneaky shot goes off the crossbar.

16:40 - Fleury denies Maatta!

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens have to put the pressure on the Knights. They need to lift things to a new level. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period. This one is still tied 1-1.

2:55 - Power play time is up for the Pens. Golden Knights and Fleury doing well on the penalty kill.

3:39 - Fleury shuts the door on Hornqvist in front of the net.

4:55 - Merrill is ticketed for smothering the puck with his hand. Power play time for the Pens.

6:19 - Simon is unable to pull the trigger on a shot set up by Crosby. Dumoulin gets the puck at the side of the net. Fleury robs him with a diving save.

10:13 - The Knights are the ones pushing the pace and pressuring often. The Pens have quick chances, but nothing sustained.

12:42 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. Murray had some quality saves. The best chance came off David Perron's shot, which rang off the goal post.

14:42 - Cole heads to the box for interference and the Golden Knights get a power play chance.

15:40 - Murray comes up with a big save. He goes down fighting for position but looks no worse for wear.

16:24 - Sheary throws the puck on net. The puck goes off Hagelin's skate in front and under Fleury. Fleury lays down on the puck as Hagelin pokes for the puck. The referee blows the whistle.

18:39 - The Pens need to find a spark to turn things in their favor. The Knights are flying on the ice.

20:00 - Time for the second period. The Pens have to clean up their game defensively and they need to take the game to the Golden Knights. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period. Not the best period for the Pens, but things are tied 1-1.

0:18 - The Golden Knights get an odd-man rush. Cody Eakin comes right down center unchallenged. His shot rings off the crossbar!

1:52 - One can see how much the Pens are missing Schultz on defense. The defense just isn't the same. Hunwick is struggling a bit back there.

3:17 - That does it for the Pens. They had a great chance with the puck was loose in front and Fleury was down. Not sure how the puck stayed out.

5:17 - Another power play chance for the Pens as Tomas Nosek receives a penalty for holding.

7:56 - COLE SCORES! The Pens get a lucky break as the puck bounces off the referee at the corner boards. Sheahan gets the loose puck and goes to Hagelin. He spins around and outlets a pass to Cole at the side of the net. He has a wide open net. 1-1 tie game

10:10 - Murray with a huge save on Deryk Engelland. Hunwick turned over the puck behind the net and a centering pass went all the way to the point to Engelland.

12:54 - A solid save by Murray.

13:27 - Fleury comes way out of the net to poke check the puck away from Sheary on a breakaway. She slides across to sweep the puck away with his body. He is very confident in this one early.

14:35 - Fleury robs Guentzel on a chance. On the next play, Fleury denies Letang.

15:52 - Power play time expires. Kessel had the only quality scoring chance and Fleury denied him.

17:52 - The first power play of the game goes to the Pens. Jon Merrill sits for interference.

18:19 - James Neal scores. Murray makes the initial save, but Neal puts the rebound over the glove of Murray. 1-0 Golden Knights

19:30 - Marc-Andre Fleury turns away Kessel's shot with the blocker.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Las Vegas! Time for the Pens to come away with two big points. Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins look to keep the momentum going in their favor (Game updates - Penguins vs Rangers 12/5/17)

By: MF, 

It's hockey night once again in the city of Pittsburgh! The Penguins are coming off two commanding wins over the Buffalo Sabres. That makes four wins in a row. Now they look to continue that winning streak tonight against the New York Rangers.

The Penguins have been playing a full game of consistent hockey. Their last two contests show that and leading the way is rookie netminder Tristan Jarry. Jarry even earned his first NHL career shutout in a 4-0 win on Friday against the Sabres. He has been stepping up to the plate with Matt Murray being out with a lower-body injury. The team needs to continue to keep up this play style and give support of Jarry.

Tonight's game will be this all to the test and they should be able to pass it without issue. However, that is not always the case. Analysis things on paper are nowhere close to the actual game that ends up taking place. Lets Go Pens!

Follow tonight's game action here:

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Sheahan - Rust
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Hunwick
Cole - Schultz

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 3 Rangers 4

3rd Period
0:00 - The Rangers hang on to get the 4-3 win over the Pens. The Rangers were just more lucky than the Pens in this one.

0:26 - Letang fans on a shot and the Rangers end up icing the puck.

1:04 - Timeout for the Pens.

1:34 - The Pens have an empty net.

2:22 - Malkin has a wide open net and ends up hitting the goal post. That is the second post he has hit tonight. He can't believe it.

3:31 - Sheary comes flying into the offensive zone. His shot just goes wide of the net.

4:17 - The Pens are swarming the Rangers in the offensive zone. They haven't been able to get anything past Pavelec yet.

6:10 - Crosby gains possession of the puck behind the net and outlets to Cole. He quickly releases the puck on net. Pavelec makes the save with his glove.

8:48 - Buchnevich scores. Buchnevich tries to make a pass across center while driving down the wing. The puck goes off the inside of Letang's skate in front and over the glove of Jarry. 4-3 Rangers

11:33 - Each team has exchanged scoring chances. Up and down hockey.

14:41 - Cole lays out Zuccarello at the Rangers' blue line.

16:22 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin finds Hornqvist fresh off the bench and up ice all alone. Hornqvist comes flying into the offensive zone and beats Pavelec glove side. 3-3 tie game.

16:45 - A minute power play opportunity for the Pens.

17:45 - Shattenkirk ends up taking a slashing penalty, which leads to a four-on-four hockey situation for one minute.

18:45 - Penalty killing time for the Pens as Hunwick finds himself in the box for hooking.

19:59 - No Schultz to start the third.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to put the pressure back on the Rangers and make sure to keep things simple. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period comes to an end and the Rangers have the 3-2 lead.

2:40 - Mats Zuccarello scores. Zuccarello gets the puck and has a step on Hunwick. He sneaks a shot five-hole on Jarry. 3-2 Rangers

3:23 - The power play comes to an end. The Pens had a few quality scoring chances. The Rangers also had a two-on-one shorthanded opportunity, but the puck goes wide of the net.

5:23 - Another power play chance for the Pens as Kevin Shattenkirk is off to visit the sin bin.

7:34 - Jesper Fast scores. Jarry makes an initial save on Brady Skjei after he blows past Letang, but Fast beats Guentzel to the loose puck and puts it past Jarry. 2-2 tie game

9:40 - Power play time expires for the Pens. The best chance was Malkin's shot that rang off the goal post.

11:40 - J.T. Miller is off to the sin bin for hooking and the Pens get their first power play chance of the game.

12:49 - KESSEL SCORES! Guentzel outlets the puck from behind the net to Kessel in the slot area. Kessel rips a rocket shot through the five-hole of Pavelec. 2-1 Pens

13:06 - Schultz is headed back to the locker room.

14:33 - Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich get a two-on-one chance. Kreider goes to Buchnevich who is driving down the center. Jarry poke checks the puck off his stick as he goes crashing into Jarry. Jarry looks to be alright after that.

15:35 - Sheahan whips a quick shot on net. Pavelec squeezes the pads to deny him. He even looks back as he was unsure whether he has the puck.

15:54 - Some great pressure from the Pens. The Rangers ice the puck in the process. A very tired bunch of Rangers.

16:55 - A scramble ensues in front of Jarry, but he holds down the fort.

17:00 - Malkin gets a quality scoring chance on the backhand, but Pavelec is able to get a piece of it to direct it over the net.

17:32 - Guentzel is robbed by the Pavelec!

19:59 - Schultz is back to start the second.

20:00 - Time for the second period. The Pens need to put the pressure on Pavelec and give Jarry a little breathing room. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period and this game is tied 1-1.

0:17 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. They held the Rangers to zero shots on the power play.

2:17 - The first power play goes to the Rangers as Cole heads to the box for tripping. Schultz is headed off to the locker room after a collision with Rick Nash.

3:11 - Boo Nieves scores his first NHL career goal. Nieves fires a hard shot through traffic and it finds its way through the five-hole of Jarry. 1-1 tie game.

4:47 - SHEARY SCORES! Sheary enters the zone and tries to make a pass to center for Hornqvist. The puck bounces across the center and Hornqvist doesn't give up on it. He eventually gets a stick on it to backhand it to Sheary at the side. Sheary puts the puck past Pavelec. 1-0 Pens

6:35 - Schultz finds Reaves up ice and he gets behind the defense. His shot rings off the goal post!

7:12 - Shots are 9-3 in favor of the Sabres.

9:30 - Kessel puts the puck in the blue paint, but the Rangers get a stick on it to deny Crosby a tap in.

10:49 - The Rangers get some pressure going in the offensive zone. Jarry does a good job of keeping them at bay. A little disagreement among players after the whistle.

14:24 - Fast start for the Rangers also have some speed to start this game. Not much going on though. More back and forth type of game.

15:37 - Ondrej Pavelec makes a blocker save on a rising shot from Maatta.

17:46 - Jarry with an early save.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in PPG Paints Arena! The Pens need to take it to the Rangers early and keep up the pressure! Lets Go Pens! 

Malkin returns (Game updates - Penguins @ Sabres 12/1/17)

By: MF, 

A back-to-back, home and home game situation for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. Things start in Buffalo and will move to the Burgh tomorrow.

On the injury front, the Penguins are finally getting back Evgeni Malkin. He comes in at a critical time as the Penguins will be without Matt Murray in net. Murray sustained a lower-body injury on Monday night against the Philadelphia Flyers and he is week-to-week. Instead, Tristan Jarry will have to step up.

In addition, the Penguins have called up Casey DeSmith to backup Jarry.

Moreover, Ian Cole is back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch for a few games. His presence is much needed, especially with Murray being out.

The Pens will have to play smart, keep the front of the net clear of traffic, and get some offense going. Lets Go Pens!


Follow below for tonight's game updates and play-by-play. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Sheahan - Rust
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Hunwick
Cole - Schultz

Jarry in the net.

Play - by - Play
PENS 4 Sabres 0

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS WIN! JARRY GETS HIS FIRST NHL SHUTOUT! The Pens with a commanding 4-0 win over the Sabres. A complete and consistent game for them.

2:28 - Rust and Kane are set free.

4:02 - Jarry flashes the glove to grab the puck out of the air.

4:28 - Kane lays a cheap shot on Rust. They exchange blows and words. A scrum ensues. Each receives a two-minute minor penalty. Four-on-four hockey time.

5:47 - The Pens kill off the penalty. The crowd was booing the Sabres effort once again.

7:47 - Dumoulin is off to the box for holding. Penalty killing time.

9:40 - Sheary is shaken up after a hit from Ristolainen. He stays on the bench.

13:14 - Crosby finds Sheary in front, but Lehner closes the door on Sheary.

13:48 - Some great defensive backchecking by Cole. Kyle Okposo tries to lean on Cole as he drives the net and ends up losing an edge. Jarry is able to easily cover the loose puck for a whistle.

15:15 - A more defensive approach for the Pens to start this period.

18:58 - Jarry robs Jack Eichel in front. He was ready to start this period.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to wrap this game up with a win. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Pens have extended their lead to 4-0.

0:19 - Jarry comes out to challenge Jason Pominville. He makes the save and holds for a whistle.

0:39 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Crosby and Sheary work around the back and front of the net. Sheary outlets a pass to Hornqvist in the slot. Hornqvist goes high blocker on Lehner. 4-0 Pens

2:14 - The Pens kill off another penalty.

2:53 - Cole lays a solid body check on Kane in the neutral zone.

4:14 - The Sabres will get a third chance on the power play as Hagelin is headed to the sin bin for tripping. Bring out the penalty killers.

4:45 - Scandella's fires a hard slap shot that goes off the top of Jarry's stick.

6:59 - Jarry stretches out to deny Sam Reinhart at the side of the net. Jarry is locked into this one.

8:20 - That does it for the power play. The Sabres had good pressure on the penalty kill to keep the Pens from setting up in the offensive zone.

10:20 - Now the Pens get a crack at the power play. Marco Scandella sits for slashing.

10:51 - Another solid penalty kill by the Pens.

12:51 - Hunwick is ticketed for delay of game. He backhands a puck over the glass while in the defensive zone. Penalty killing time for the Pens once again.

13:50 - Ristolainen is robbed by Jarry in front. Amazing save by the young netminder.

16:38 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens and Rust is set free.

16:59 - Hagelin gets a chance and goes high glove. Lehner just gets a piece to direct the puck wide.

18:38 - Rust gets the first penalty of the game. He will head to the box for holding and the Sabres are going onto the power play.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to pick up where they left off in the first. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period and the Pens hold a commanding 3-0 lead. A great start.

0:53 - Jarry with another solid save on a point-blank shot by Jordan Nolan. He has looked sharped in this period.

1:55 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Jarry makes two big saves and sends the Pens up the ice. Malkin enters the zone, drawing two Sabres. He passes the puck up to Guentzel, flying down the wing. He goes behind the net and scores on a wraparound chance. 3-0 Pens

4:40 - The Sabres have gotten some offensive zone pressure, but not much. The arena is very quiet aside from the Penguin fans in attendance.

8:55 - Some pushback by the Sabres, but they are unable to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

10:01 - Jarry makes a solid save on a sneaky wrist shot.

13:22 - CROSBY SCORES! Rasmus Ristolainen turns the puck over to Crosby in the slot. Crosby takes the puck and puts it over the glove of Lehner. 2-0 Pens

14:25 - Fast start for the Pens. The time they had off has been beneficial. They have some jump in their game. Solid start.

16:37 - KUHNHACKL SCORES ON A PENALTY SHOT! Kuhnhackl drives to the net and quickly releases a shot that goes over the glove of Robin Lehner. 1-0 Pens

16:38 - Kuhnhackl gets in behind the defense, but he is hooked up before he can get a shot off. The referees blow the whistle and reward him with a penalty shot chance.

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is underway! Great to have Malkin and Cole back in the lineup! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins battle their Archenemy, the Flyers (Game updates - Penguins v Flyers 11/27/17)

By: MF, 

Can you feel it? Yes, you are correct. The Philadelphia Flyers are in town to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. One can always feel when a Philadelphia team is in the Burgh, it's a sixth sense for Pittsburghers.

The Flyers are looking to snap a losing streak that has lasted for seven straight games so far. As for the Penguins, they hope to build off their 5-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Still, without the services of Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins will have to dig deep and work hard every shift. Everyone will have to step up their game tonight. It will be a physical battle, as it always is, between these two teams. However, the Penguins have to keep their heads on straight, play smart, and stay focused throughout this one.

Lets Go Pens!

Follow all the game action below:

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Hagelin - Rowney - Rust
Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense
Maatta - Letang
Dumoulin - Ruhwedel
Hunwick - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 5 Flyers 4 OT

Overtime
THE PENS GET THE 5-4 WIN OVER THE FLYERS! The Pens had their struggles, but they battled back and got the win. Now the Pens look to the next game.

3:13 - CROSBY SCORES! Letang fires a shot/pass to Crosby. Crosby redirects the puck past the blocker of Elliot. 5-4 Pens

3:14 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

5:00 - Time for some extra hockey! The Pens have a power play for 1:46 to start this overtime. Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - This game is going to overtime.

0:01 - Sheary rings a shot off the goal post!

0:14 - The Flyers take a delay of game penalty! Power play chance for the Pens.

1:04 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Schultz fires a shot from the blue line, Crosby tips it, and then the puck goes off Guentzel's body past Elliot. 4-4 tie game.

1:36 - Empty net for the Pens.

3:41 - Michael Raffl scores. Raffl takes the puck from Hunwick and takes it down the ice. He goes around Kessel, toe drags around the poke check of Jarry, and backhands it into the net. 4-3 Flyers

4:10 - Sheary and Crosby get a rush into the offensive zone with Hornqvist driving down the center. Crosby makes a saucer pass across the ice to Sheary. Elliot comes across to deny Sheary.

6:34 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

8:34 - Now the Flyers are headed onto the power play as Hagelin is off to the box for interference.

11:50 - The Pens are unable to capitalize on the power play. Elliot makes a huge pad save to deny Kessel in front as the power play expired.

13:50 - Onto the power play. Robert Hagg will take a seat for interference on Hagelin. A perfect chance for the Pens to take back the lead.

15:29 - The Pens are using the goal momentum to their advantage. They have put the Flyers on their heels a bit. Much better gameplay than the second period for the Pens.

18:14 - RUST SCORES! Rust elevates his skate to block Gostisbehere's shot from the blue line. He gets control of the game and outskates Gostisbehere. He drives to the net and his first shot is stopped by Elliot. The puck bounces up in the air and goes off the shaft of Rust's stick behind Elliot. 3-3 tie game.

18:53 - The referees review the play and rule it a good goal. The Flyers challenge. The challenge seems redundant after the initial review. This shouldn't be a thing. Waste of time. Still, a good goal and Flyers lose their timeout.

18:53 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Elliot makes a save and the puck bounces up in front. Hornqvist crashes the net and he chips it over the head of Elliot. 3-2 Flyers

19:20 - Power play time for the Pens. Andrew McDonald is ticketed for tripping on Hornqvist. They need to capitalize on this power play chance.

19:59 - No sign of Murray.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens have to step up their game and get things back under control. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period concludes with the Flyers up 3-1.

0:31 - Couturier scores. The Pens turnover the puck once again. Giroux passes across the ice, it goes off the skate of Provorov right to Couturier. He snipes one past Jarry. 3-1 Flyers

0:56 - Jarry comes across to make a quick save and dives out to cover for a whistle. He came out ready to play.

2:37 - The Pens finally have a solid shift and get some sustained offensive zone time.

4:15 - Danick Martel rings a shot off the goal post. That would be five for the Flyers. Jarry getting tested right away.

4:21 - Jakub Voracek loses an edge as he drives the net. He barrels right into Murray. Murray is hurt on the play. He is helped off the ice and heads to the locker room. Jarry will replace him.

4:55 - Travis Konecny scores. Konency gets a piece of the puck as it travels to the net. It tickles past Murray into the net. Soft goal. 2-1 Flyers

5:52 - The post rings once again for the Flyers.

7:43 - Another two-on-one chance for the Flyers. Nolan Patrick holds the puck and fires a shot that rings off the crossbar.

8:53 - Time expires on the power play for the Pens.

9:31 - A rush up ice for the Flyers as the Pens turnover the puck at the blue line. Murray makes the first save and Hornqvist blocks Claude Giroux's rebound chance.

10:53 - Power play time for the Pens as Jori Lehtera will visit the sin bin for tripping.

11:01 - More big hits by both teams.

13:14 - Things are starting to get a bit chippy out there.

16:20 - Shayne Gostisbehere scores on the power play. Gostisbehere fires a hard shot down the center and through traffic. The puck finds its way through all the traffic and past Murray. 1-1 tie game.

16:30 - The Flyers will get a five-on-three power play chance for 1:21 as Maatta is ticketed for hooking.

17:09 - Penalty killing time for the Pens. Dumoulin sits for hooking.

19:50 - Two-on-one chance for the Flyers. Murray denies Ivan Provorov on the rush.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and pepper Elliot. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead over the Flyers.

2:50 - A side note, Murray earned an assist on Guentzel's goal.

3:57 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Schultz chips the puck up to Guentzel. Guentzel takes the pass and races up the wing. He wrists one past the blocker of Elliot. 1-0 Pens

5:02 - A tight-checking game so far. No many odd-man rushes and such.

7:39 - Elliot stepping up for the Flyers as the Pens are peppering him with bad angle shots on the last few shifts.

9:40 - Things are back to full strength for both teams. Kessel with a great shot, but Elliot is able to get in front of it.

10:03 - A 23-second power-play chance for the Pens.

11:40 - Now Sean Couturier will head to the box for slashing. Some four-on-four hockey for 1:37.

12:03 - The first power-play of the game will go to the Flyers. Rowney is ticketed for slashing.

13:50 - Hornqvist gets a great scoring chance right off of a faceoff win by Crosby. Brian Elliot makes the save.

16:13 - Murray makes a big save in front. The puck is loose, but Murray, Dumoulin, and Ruhwedel keep the puck out.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Pittsburgh! The Pens battle their archenemy, the Flyers! Lets Go Pens! 

Lightning spotted in Pittsburgh (Game updates - Penguins v Lightning 11/25/17)

By: MF, 

There have been some sightings of lightning in the Burgh! Well, that might have to do with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at PPG Paints Arena.

The last time these two teams met, the Lightning bulldozed over the Penguins for a 7-1 win in the Sunshine State. The Penguins are looking to get back on the winning track, but that won't be easy against this fast, high scoring team. This would be a great game for the Penguins to get back into the groove.

On the injury front, Evgeni Malkin is still out.

Tonight, the Penguins need to focus, play smart, and keep things simple. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Sheary - Crosby - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Hagelin - Rowney - Rust
Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense
Maatta - Letang
Dumoulin - Ruhwedel
Hunwick - Schultz

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 5 Lightning 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS WIN! That is a 5-2 victory over the NHL leading Lightning. A great overall game for the Pens and a perfect game to build on. 

1:27 - Schultz is called for slashing. A late power play chance for the Lightning.

1:55 - The Pens have done a great job of breaking up Lightning plays and being aggressive on the forecheck.

6:06 - Cory Conacher scores. Alex Killorn protects the puck behind the net and outlets a pass to Conacher at the side. Conacher chips the puck past Jarry. 5-2 Pens

7:25 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens. A very aggressive penalty kill.

9:25 - Hunwick receives an interference penalty. The Pens will be shorthanded again.

11:51 - The Pens get a two-on-one chance. Budaj slides over to deny Letang with the pad.

12:24 - This has been a solid overall game for the Pens. It has been awhile since they have looked like this for a full game.

14:09 - That does it for man advantage play.

15:18 - The Pens still have a power play for 1:07.

15:19 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby receives a pass at the top of the circle. He turns and snaps a quick shot on net. It goes under the blocker arm of Budaj into the back of the net. 5-1 Pens

16:09 - Dan Girardi will also go to the box for closing his hand on the puck. Five-on-three power play for 1:40.

16:29 - Power play time for the Pens. Sergachev visits the box for interference on Sheary.

18:41 - Budaj holds the post to keep Hagelin from putting the puck into the net.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the good work and not let up. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Pens still hold the lead 4-1.

0:34 - This period has been controlled mostly by the Lightning. They had the chances, but the Pens held strong and Jarry was focused.

1:56 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

2:10 - Palat rings a shot off the goal post!

3:56 - It has been a fast-paced game. The Pens end up taking another penalty as Hunwick takes a seat for tripping.

8:00 - Jarry is locked into this game. He robs Nikita Kucherov right at the side of the net. Kucherov seemed to have an open net, but Jarry gets over to deny him.

8:50 - Scoring update: The Lightning goal will actually go to Ondrej Palat. He got a piece of Sergachev's shot in front.

10:02 - The Pens are playing a tight checking game right now. The Lightning with little space to work with, which is a good thing to see for the Pens.

13:08 - Mikhail Sergachev scores on the power play. Sergachev rifles a shot from the blue line down the center. It blows past a screened Jarry, blocker side. 4-1 Pens

13:17 - Kessel will make a trip to the sin bin for slashing.

14:14 - Jarry robs Vlad Namestnikov in front! He is really stepping up for the Pens.

15:21 - Coburn gets a good look at the net and fires a shot. Jarry flashes the glove and holds for the whistle.

17:38 - KESSEL SCORES AGAIN! Sheahan denies a Lightning pass and feeds a lead pass up to Kessel. Kessel is behind the defense and gets in all alone against Budaj. Kessel snipes it. 4-0 Pens

19:57 - Full strength hockey.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens will have a brief power play to start (three seconds) then it's back to five-on-five play. The Pens need to keep up the pressure. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period. The Pens have the 3-0 lead after one.

0:33 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel makes a shot/pass to the front of the net and Crosby chips it over the pad of Budaj. 3-0 Pens

1:56 - The Pens still have a five-on-three power play for 1:33 as the second half of the double minor is still active.

1:57 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang breaks his stick on a play and the puck is loose in the slot area. Hornqvist gets the puck back and outlets to Crosby. Crosby goes across the ice to Kessel who puts the puck behind Budaj. 2-0 Pens

2:17 - Stralman to the box for tripping. Five-on-three power play for two minutes.

3:48 - Now the Pens get a four-minute power play as Paquette high sticks Crosby.

4:39 - That was a very successful penalty kill for the Pens.

5:24 - RUST SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Rust pokes the puck to center ice and chases after it. He gets the puck first and is behind the Lightning. He beats Budaj short side. 1-0 Pens

7:41 - Jarry holds strong in net even as the Lightning crash the net.

8:39 - Guentzel goes to the box for high-sticking. A four-minute double minor.

9:49 - Jarry comes up with a huge save to deny Steven Stamkos on a breakaway. He is locked in.

12:06 - The Lightning with some extended zone time. Jarry is finally able to cover the puck for a whistle.

14:29 - Kessel fires a hard shot that goes wide.

16:53 - Great start for the Pens. Their best start in quite some time.

19:21 - Crosby draws Budaj out of the net, but the Lightning collapse around the open net to keep the puck out.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Pittsburgh! Time for the Pens to get things back on track! Lets Go Pens! 

Game day update (Penguins at Bruins 11/24/17)

By: MF,

Good afternoon, Pens Nation! I hope everyone that celebrated had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I haven't been giving game updates lately due to my work schedule. I work at an arena and some of the events lineup with Penguin games. I wanted to make sure to give you guys an update on that.

As for today's game, I will not be updating on the site. I will be giving some game updates and commentary on Twitter.

As always,

Let's Go Pens!

Hockey night in the Burgh (Game updates - Penguins vs Sabres 11/14/17)

By: MF,

The guys are back in the Burgh to take on the Buffalo Sabres. The Pittsburgh Penguins should be able to get the job done with no problem as they have are deadly on paper, however, that doesn't seem to always work out.

The Penguins will have to play smart and continuously pressure the Sabres. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - Sheahan - Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Ruhwedel
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Sabres 4 OT

Overtime
The Pens get the 5-4 overtime win. They didn't have the best of games, but they fought back and came out with the win and two points. 

4:44 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby losses Eichel and outlets a pass to Sheary at the side of the net. Sheary elevates the puck over the pad of Lehner. 5-4 Pens

5:00 - Time for some overtime hockey! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - This 4-4 game is headed to overtime.

1:15 - Huge scramble in front of the Sabre net as the puck is loose in front. The puck somehow stays out. Unreal.

5:02 - Lehner ends up staying in the goal.

5:10 - Rust looks to have an open net, but Lehner stretches across to get a piece of the puck with his glove to direct it over the top. He is some discomfort after that save.

6:11 - KESSEL SCORES! Malkin makes a perfect saucer pass over two Sabre sticks right to Kessel. He goes to one knee to put the puck over Lehner. 4-4 tie game.

6:33 - Some quality chances for the Pens right now.

9:42 - Shots in this period are 5-2 in favor of the Pens. Overall the Pens still lead in shots 36-28.

11:45 - Sheary throws the puck on net. Lehner makes the save and Hornqvist crashes the net to get the rebound. It hits a Sabre and goes wide.

13:24 - Hornqvist ends up taking a puck up high. It hits the side of his helmet around the ear/visor area. He stays on the bench and looks to be alright.

14:17 - The fourth line for the Pens has a great shift. They kept the Sabres pinned in their own zone for quite some time.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to clean up their gameplay and pressure Lehner.


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Sabres have the 4-3 lead.

0:06 - Pouliot scores on the power play. Pouliot goes to the front of the net and backhands one over the shoulder of Murray. 4-3 Sabres

1:22 - Reaves is off to the sin bin for elbowing.

1:32 - Hagelin gets space and fires a quick shot. Lehner gets over and robs him with a glove save.

2:45 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel gets the puck on net and Crosby finds the puck to direct it over Lehner. His goal drought has ended! 3-3 tie game.

3:39 - Power play time again for the Pens. Nicholas Baptiste is penalized for slashing.

4:43 - A successful penalty kill.

6:43 - Letang is ticketed for tripping. The Sabres get a power play. They are one-for-one so far tonight.

7:55 - That does it. Back to full strength hockey.

9:04 - Moulson is released, but the Pens still have a power play for 1:06.

9:39 - Matching minors. Hornqvist for interference and Marco Scandella for slashing.

9:55 - Benoit Pouliot cross-checks Rust dangerous near the end boards. He will go to the box, which gives the Pens a five-on-three power play for 51 seconds.

11:04 - Matt Moulson receives a hooking penalty and the Pens bring out their power play unit.

13:15 - Sheahan is robbed in front by the outstretched pad of Lehner.

13:43 - More jump to the Pens game now. However, things are starting to get more chippy.

15:44 - SHEARY SCORES! The Pens get a stretch pass up to Hornqvist with a lucky bounce off the bench boards. Hornqvist and Sheary fly into the zone with only Lehner standing in their way. Hornqvist passes over to Sheary who puts the puck under the pad of Lehner. 3-2 Sabres

19:44 - Eichel scores. The Pens have a miscommunication behind their net. Crosby turns the puck over to Eichel who puts it in a wide open net. 3-1 Sabres

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to take the momentum of Hornqvist's goal and build on it. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That does it for the first period and the Sabres hold the 2-1 lead.

0:18 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Lehner misplays the puck behind the net and the Pens get to the puck. Hornqvist throws the puck on net. It goes off the skate of Ryan O'Reilly and into the wide-open net. 2-1 Sabres

1:41 - The Pens have had some quality scoring chances, but their overall play has been sloppy and the Sabres have taken advantage.

3:07 - Reinhart scores on the power play. The puck bounces off the back boards to the side of the net. Reinhart gets a stick on the loose puck first and chips it past Murray. 2-0 Sabres

3:43 - Now the Sabres have a power play for 1:39.

4:02 - The Sabres get a two-on-one chance and Johan Larsson misses the net as he tries to direct a pass into the net. Malkin ends up taking a tripping penalty. Four-on-four hockey for 21 seconds.

5:43 - Cole lays a hard, solid hit on Reinhart at center ice. Eichel goes right after Cole, dropping his gloves. Kane also comes over to show his displeasure with Cole. All three receive roughing minors. The Pens get a power play in the end.

8:08 - Cole rips a shot from the top of the faceoff circle. His shot rings off the crossbar.

10:22 - The Sabres haven't had much offensive zone time, but they have had a lot of odd-man rushes.

12:05 - That does it for the Pens' power play. Crosby and Hornqvist had the best chances, but Robin Lehner stands up strong in the net.

14:05 - The first power play of the game goes to the Pens as Kyle Okposo sits for slashing.

14:49 - Sabres starting to take advantage of the momentum shift.

16:15 - Kane scores. The Sabres get a two-on-one chance. Jack Eichel comes flying down the wing and makes a perfect pass over to Kane. Kane puts it past Murray. 1-0 Sabres

17:26 - Good jump to start for the Pens. They have been getting some chances early.

20:00 - It's hockey night in the Burgh! Time for the Pens to take it to the Sabres. Lets Go Pens!  

The Penguins are in Music City (Game updates - Penguins @ Predators 11/11/17)

By: MF,

Another back-to-back situation for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tonight they are in Nashville to take on the Nashville Predators after suffering a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals last night. The Penguins have yet to win the second game in a back-to-back situation this season. They are 0-4-1. This is a perfect chance for them to change that. In the building where they were crowned the 2017 Stanley Cup Champions and lifted the Stanley Cup. Lets Go Pens!

Follow tonight's game action right here! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby – Hornqvist

Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel

Sheary - Sheahan - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Ruhwedel

Cole - Schultz

Jarry in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 4 Predators 5 SO

Shootout
The Predators get the 5-4 win in the shootout. Solid effort and comeback by the Pens. Some good things for them to build off.

Letang misses the net.

Forsberg scores. Forsberg snaps one past the blocker of Jarry.

CROSBY SCORES! Crosby slows down and stickhandles around the outstretched pad of Rinne.

Fiala scores.  Fiala stickhandles a lot and backs Jarry into the net. He finally puts it past Jarry.

Malkin is denied by the glove of Rinne.

Turris misses the net.


Overtime
0:00 - We are going to have a shootout.

0:20 - Malkin gets a tripping penalty and the Predators get a late power play. The faceoff will be key. The Pens need to win it.

0:37 - The Pens call a timeout.

1:45 - Letang fans on a shot at the side of the net. Good movement by the Pens.

3:17 - Rust drives to the net, but loses the puck before he can get a shot off.

4:18 - Rinne denies Crosby on a breakaway chance.

5:00 - The overtime is underway! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - This game will be going to overtime.

2:05 - Jarry has made some big saves and stepped up his game.

4:30 - This game is crazy. That is this game in a nutshell.

6:19 - Rinne denies Crosby! What a fast pace game right now. A playoff hockey atmosphere.

7:09 - A successful penalty kill.

7:47 - Now Predators have a 36-second power play.

7:55 - Jarry is holding down the fort right now!

9:09 - That does it for the power play. Kessel is called for slashing. Four-on-four hockey for 1:24.

9:47 - The momentum is in the favor of the Pens as they are dominating in the offensive zone. Now they will head to the power play as Salomaki sits for cross-checking.

12:17 - DUMOULIN SCORES! Sheary gets the puck from behind the net and outlets it to the front. Dumoulin drives to center and beats Rinne down low, stick side. 4-4 tie game.

15:13 - Calle Jarnkrok scores. Cole is hit hard into the boards and losses his stick. He stays on the ice but is shaken up. Jarnkrok gets the puck, drags the puck around Cole in front, and fires a shot past Jarry.

17:33 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Subban losses an edge, which allows for Guentzel to receive a lead pass in the neutral zone. He skates into the offensive zone all alone and slides a backhander between the legs of Rinne. 3-3 tie game.

18:55 - Good penalty kill for the Pens to start the second period.

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice to start the third period! The Pens have 1:05 left to kill on the Predators power play. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Predators have the 3-2 lead.

0:55 - Jarry makes two solid saves as Smith drove to the net. Schultz ends up taking a holding penalty and the Predators get a power play opportunity.

2:30 - Kevin Fiala dives to the front of the net and slips a pass over to Smith at the other side of the net. Jarry robbed Smith with a quick pad save.

5:15 - That does it for the power play. Subban is released.

5:17 - Loose puck in front of Rinne who falls down into a sitting position. Guentzel joins him. Finally, the whistle is blown. Ekholm ends up punching Guentzel in the face, but no call is made.

6:47 - The Predators get a two-on-one chance. Crosby comes all the way back to get on the backcheck. He ties up one Predator and allows Jarry to square up. He makes a great pad save on Arvidsson's shot.

7:15 - Power play time for the Pens as Subban is penalized for holding.

7:33 - KESSEL SCORES! Malkin flies around the net and gets Rinne out of position. He goes to the front of the net to Kessel. Kessel elevates the puck over the shoulder of Rinne. 3-2 Predators

9:16 - Power play time comes to an end. Rinne came up big on the Predators' penalty kill.

11:16 - A much-needed power play chance for the Pens as Rust draws a high-sticking penalty on Ekholm.

11:47 - Penalty troubles for the Pens once again. They have to dig there way out of this hole they have made.

14:31 - Smith scores on the power play. Viktor Arvidsson's shot goes off the backboards and finds Smith at the side of the net. He quickly directs the put past Jarry. 3-1 Predators

14:44 - Things get chippy between the two teams. Only Letang gets a penalty and it is for roughing. Power play time for the Predators.

16:08 - Subban scores on the power play. The Predators win the faceoff cleanly and it goes back to Subban at the point. His rocket shot goes over the shoulder (blocker side) of Jarry. 2-1 Predators

16:12 - Jarry comes out of the net to clear the puck. He is unable to do so and ends up taking a tripping penalty. Predators to the power play.

17:59 - Kyle Turris scores. The Pens failed to clear the puck out fo the offensive zone. Miikka Salomaki gets the puck in the corner and whips a pass to center. Turris is all alone in front and receives the pass. He fires one past Jarry. 1-1 tie game.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to put more pressure on the Predators and keep boxing them out. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period ends and the Pens have the 1-0 lead.

1:30 - Jarry denies a hard shot by P.K. Subban.

1:46 - The four-on-four play comes to an end. The Predators get some offensive zone time at the end of the four-on-four. Mattias Ekholm rings off the crossbar.

2:48 - Jarry makes a solid save. He was at the top of the blue paint to make the save. Solid positioning and he looks confident.

3:46 - Time for some four-on-four hockey. Ryan Johansen goes for cross-checking, while Guentzel sits for hooking.

7:02 - A great penalty kill for the Pens.

8:02 - RUST SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Rust and Kuhnhackl get a two-on-one chance. Rust holds at the wing and fires a shot that beats Pekka Rinne short side. 1-0 Pens

9:02 - Sheary will visit the box for holding the stick, sending the Predators onto the power play.

11:51 - The Predators have the momentum right now. They have only registered one shot, but have been buzzing around the Pens' net.

14:38 - The atmosphere and gameplay have a playoff feel to them. Chances at both ends happening.

17:06 - Power play time expires.

19:06 - The first power play of the game goes to the Pens as Craig Smith sits for hooking.

20:00 - This game is underway in Nashville! The Pens need to come out with some jump in their game and take control of this game. Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins invade Washington (Game updates - Penguins @ Capitals 11/10/17)

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the Nation's Capital to take on the Washington Capitals. Tonight's game is the first in a back-to-back situation. The Penguins are hoping to get things off to the right start. Lets Go Pens!

Follow tonight's game action right here! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby – Hornqvist

Guentzel - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Sheahan - Rust

Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense

Maatta - Letang

Dumoulin - Schultz

Cole - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Capitals 4

3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens fall 4-1 to the Caps. Now they will head to Nashville to take on the Predators tomorrow night.

2:42 - Vrana scores an empty netter. 4-1 Caps

3:00 - Empty net for the Pens.

3:15 - The penalty kill does it job for the Pens.

5:15 - Not a great night for the Pens when it comes to penalties. The Caps head onto the power play as the Pens are ticketed with too many men on the ice.

6:18 - Chandler Stephenson scores. Backstrom gets the puck off the boards behind the net and outlets a pass to the slot/center area. Stephenson receives the pass and snaps one past the blocker of Murray. 3-1 Caps

8:54 - Nicklas Backstrom fires a quick shot from the slot area in front. Murray makes a blocker save on Backstrom's shot.

10:56 - Some offensive pressure by the Caps for the first time in this period. Murray stands strong in net.

13:44 - The Caps do another good job on the penalty kill. The Pens power play is unsuccessful.

15:44 - Madison Bowey takes a cross-checking penalty. Huge power play chance for the Pens. Great time to tie things up.

16:44 - That does it for that power play chance. The Pens had two quality scoring opportunities, but Holtby held down the fort.

18:44 - Jakub Vrana heads to the box for holding the stick penalty. Power play time for the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to get more chances on net and put the pressure on the Caps this period. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That does it for the second period. The Caps hold the 2-1 lead over the Pens.

1:51 - T.J. Oshie scores on the power play. Carlson fires a shot from the point that is redirected by Oshie, in the slot area, over the shoulder (blocker side) of Murray. There was only one second left on the Caps power play. 2-1 Caps

3:50 - The first half of Letang's double minor has been killed off by the Pens.

5:50 - Not a good move by Letang. He takes two minor penalties (cross-checking and high-sticking). That gives the Caps a four minute power play. A huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens.

7:57 - Murray denies Ovechkin of a goal with an amazing toe save.

11:34 - KESSEL SCORES! The Pens make a tic-tac-toe play in the offensive zone. Kessel fires a shot from the side of the net and it goes off Orlov's skate past Holtby. 1-1 tie game.

15:41 - McKegg is robbed in front of the net by Holtby.

17:23 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

19:23 - Another power play chance goes to the Caps as Hornqvist sits for interference.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to put the pressure on the Caps and take over this game. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and the Caps have the 1-0 lead.

0:10 - Murray with a huge save to end the period.

2:30 - Some good offensive zone time for the Pens, but their power play comes to an end.

4:30 - Power play time for the Pens as Tom Wilson is off to the sin bin for slashing.

5:49 - Alex Ovechkin scores on the power play. John Carlson fires a shot on net that is tipped by Ovechkin past Murray. 1-0 Caps

6:59 - Penalty killing time for the Pens as Malkin is penalized for tripping.

7:36 - The Caps have been getting shots through and finding some soft areas, but Murray has been sharp.

9:34 - Liam O'Brien and Reaves drop the gloves. Reaves gets the better of O'Brien.

11:19 - Devante Smith-Pelly hits Dumoulin hard into the boards. He is shaken up on the play and heads to the locker room.

11:53 - Murray with a good glove save. The Pens defense did a great job of clearing the front, so that he could track the puck easily.

13:30 - Time is up on the Caps power play chance.

13:34 - The Caps now have a four second power play left over after the four-on-four situation.

15:30 - Hornqvist is sent to the box for hooking. Four-on-four hockey for 1:56.

15:34 - Pens get the first power play of the game as Dmitry Orlov sits for tripping.

15:56 - Sheary circles in front of the net and outlets a pass to Crosby. He gets a stick on the puck to direct it at Brandon Holtby who holds the post to deny Crosby's scoring chance.

16:19 - The Pens defense is getting involved early and pinching.

18:26 - Murray with a solid save to start this game.

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is underway! Time for the Pens to bring it to the Caps! Lets Go Pens! 

Hockey Fights Cancer Night in Pittsburgh (Game Updates - Penguins vs Coyotes 11/7/17)

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at PPG Paints Arena after a 10-day road trip out West. Tonight is Penguins' Hockey Fights Cancer Night.

The Penguins will be facing off against the Arizona Coyotes with an old face heading the enemy team. Rick Tocchet, the Coyotes new Head Coach, is back in Pittsburgh for the first time since taking on his new role. The Coyotes have taken on his teachings as they lead the NHL with 406 hits and are ranked fifth with 228 blocked shots. Tonight's game will be a physical game and the Penguins will have to keep the pressure on the Coyotes throughout the game. This is not a team to let up on at any time.

On the injury front, Matt Hunwick has been cleared for contact. Also, Justin Schultz will return to the lineup after suffering a concussion. He is a huge part of the defense and it will be great to have him back. It will give the Penguins some more options and help take some weight off Kris Letang's shoulders.

Make sure to follow here for tonight's play by play updates. Lets Go Pens!

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby – Hornqvist

Guentzel - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Sheahan - Rust

Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense

Maatta - Letang

Dumoulin - Schultz

Cole - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Coyotes 1

3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens beat the Coyotes 3-1! Great game after their long road trip. A perfect foundation for them to build off for future games. 

1:07 - Empty net for the Coyotes.

2:03 - Coyotes are having trouble getting the puck into the offensive zone and keeping it there. They are looking at trying to pull their goalie at this point.

3:55 - Murray has been sharp tonight. Just doing his usual work in the net.

6:17 - Malkin's line buzzes around the net. Raanta holds strong.

9:22 - Crosby is released from the box. Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

11:22 - Coyotes get their first power play of the night as Crosby is ticketed with slashing.

13:54 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin fires a hard shot that goes off the shoulder of Raanta into the air.  Kessel waits for the puck to go below the crossbar and bats the puck in. 3-1 Pens

15:06 - Guentzel takes a stick up high. Kevin Cannauton is the guilty party and heads to the box. Power play time for the Pens.

17:16 - Now the Pens are 0-5 with the man advantage.

19:16 - Power play number five for the Pens as Derek Stepan sits for tripping.

19:32 - Tobias Rieder scores. Rieder gets some speed down the wing and has plenty of space. He rips one over the glove shoulder of Murray. 2-1 Pens

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and finish this game with a win. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be it for the second period. The Pens still hold the 2-0 lead over the Coyotes.

2:46 - The Pens are 0-4 on the power play tonight.

4:46 - A too many men on the ice penalty goes to the Coyotes. Another power play opportunity for the Pens.

6:34 - The Coyotes are starting to get some looks. Pens doing a good job of not allowing them to get second and third chances on goal.

10:03 - Letang and Guentzel get a two-on-one chance. Letang makes a pass over to Guentzel who has a wide open net. However, Raanta gets over to make a split/paddle save to rob Guentzel. What a save.

11:18 - Crosby's unit crash the net as the puck bounces in front. The Pens pushing back after the Coyotes started showing some life.

12:49 - Sheahan gets in alone, but his shot rings off the crossbar.

13:12 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

13:58 - Rust feeds a pass to Sheary who is driving down the center of the ice in the offensive zone. He kicks the puck up to his stick and backhands one on the net. Raanta robs him of a goal.

15:12 - Third power play chance for the Pens coming up as Max Domi takes a seat for high sticking.

15:58 - Crosby's unit has some good speed to get into the offensive zone, but are unable to get a chance on net.

18:37 - The Coyotes kill off another Pens' power play.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens still have 1:23 left on their power play to start. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The horn sounds to conclude the first period and the Pens hold the 2-0 lead.

0:37 - The Pens get a late power play chance as Clayton Keller is called for slashing.

1:50 - Murray hasn't been challenged much in this one, but he has looked sharp on the shots he has faced.

2:48 - Malkin powers his way to the side of the net and lets go of a backhander. His shot rings off the short side post.

5:13 - Power play time for the Pens comes to an end.

7:13 - The first power play of the game goes to the Pens. Jordan Martinook heads to the sin bin for slashing.

7:57 - Murray with a solid pad save in front. Small scramble in front, but the Pens are able to clear.

8:02 - Hornqvist blocks a shot and is suffering from it. He stays in the game.

8:50 - Schultz takes his first hard hit. He looks good to go and not affected by it.

12:26 - Shots are 8-2 in favor of the Pens.

14:45 - Murray makes his first save of the night. No trouble on that one.

16:53 - MALKIN SCORES! Kessel fires the puck on net and Raanta makes the save. The puck bounces up in front and Malkin swings at the puck. He connects and the puck goes over the shoulder of Raanta into the net. 2-0 Pens

19:01 - SCHULTZ SCORES! WELCOME BACK SCHULTZ! Malkin feeds the puck up to Schultz at the corner boards. Schultz one times the puck from the red line and sneaks it under Antti Raanta. Crazy angle to score from for Schultz. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - The puck has dropped at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens need to put the pressure on the Coyotes throughout the night. Lets Go Pens! 

Crosby vs McDavid Part Two in Edmonton (Game Updates - Penguins vs Oilers 2017-18)

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are continuing their trip through the West as they take on the Edmonton Oilers tonight. 

It’s part two of the Sidney Crosby vs Connor McDavid storyline for this season. All three times the two have battled, the Penguins have been victorious. Though when the two teams faced off last week, the two goalies stole the show along with Phil Kessel who scored the overtime winning goal. We will have to wait and see if this game turns out differently. 

As for the whole team, the Penguins have points in 14-straight games against the Oilers. This would be a perfect game to get things back on track for them. Especially important for them after they suffered a hard 7-1 loss.

Changes have been made to the lineup to help boost the offensive and the defense. Those changes will be showcased in game’s lineup. Also, Tristan Jarry was called up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Casey DeSmith has been re-assigned.

On the injury front, Matt Hunwick practice with a non-contact jersey on. It’s good to see him making progress.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby – Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - Malkin - Rust

Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel

Archibald - McKegg - Reaves

Defense

Maatta - Letang

Dumoulin - Ruhwedel

Cole - Corrado

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Oilers 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN OVER THE OILERS! Great goaltending by Murray and a solid performance by the team as a whole. They need to build off this win. 

0:12 - Murray makes a falling save! Another huge save by the Pens' netminder.

0:56 - A huge save by Murray. Maroon gets in alone, but Murray's pad is quicker.

1:15 - Empty net for the Oilers.

3:17 - The Oilers have started to push a little more as time is running out for them.

7:37 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel carries the puck into the offensive zone with speed and makes a little saucer pass over the stick of Larsson to Malkin. He takes the puck up to the net and beats Talbot. 3-2 Pens

7:56 - Lucky break for the Pens. Nugent-Hopkins is called for interference on Guentzel. Power play time for the Pens.

13:19 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

15:19 - Right back onto the power play for the Oilers. Guentzel is ticketed for tripping.

16:04 - A huge penalty kill by the Pens. Maatta is set free from the box.

18:04 - Maatta is called for tripping and the Oilers will get their fourth power play chance.

19:35 - Murray just stole Draisaitl's wallet. He made an incredible pad save.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! Things are tied up 2-2. The Pens need to play smart and pressure Talbot. Lets Go Pens!


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

0:22 - The Oilers are unable to capitalize on a two-on-one chance. This turns out to give Crosby and Sheary their own two-on-one chance. Crosby makes a pass over to Sheary in front and Sheary directs it into the back of the net. 2-2 tie game.

3:42 - Nurse lets go of a hard slap shot from the blue line. It rings off the goal post!

5:40 - Power play time expires for the Pens. Talbot comes up huge for the Oilers on the penalty kill.

5:58 - Kassian is set free and he gets a breakaway chance. Murray denies him with an outstretched pad save!

7:40 - Now, Nurse is off to the box for slashing. Five-on-three power play chance for the Pens for 1:42.

7:58 - Power play chance for the Pens. Kassian is ticketed with interference.

12:34 - Draisaitl scores. Letang tries to get the puck out of the zone and it bounces off the referee. McDavid gets the puck and stick handles his way across the front of the net. He makes a backward pass to Draisaitl at the side. He puts it past Murray. 2-1 Oilers

13:24 - Nugent-Hopkins scores on the power play. Maroon outlets the puck from behind the net to the front. Nugent-Hopkins beats the Pens to the puck and lifts the puck over the blocker of Murray. 1-1 tie game.

15:16 - The Pens only have two minutes left on the penalty kill. It has been solid so far.

17:16 - Guentzel ends up receiving a double minor. One for holding and one for tripping. Two penalties and a four-minute power play for the Oilers.

19:04 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! It all starts with a faceoff win by Crosby. The Pens cycle the puck around and Letang fires from the blue line. Hornqvist redirects the shot in front past Talbot. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Time for the second period. The Pens still have 1:19 left on their power play to start. They need to capitalize. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period time expires and things are set at 0-0.

0:41 - A late power play chance for the Pens. Nugent-Hopkins is penalized for high sticking.

2:15 - The Pens are doing the little things right, which will lead to them being more consistent. Great to see after their game against the Winnipeg Jets.

6:18 - A two-on-one develops for the Oilers. Nugent-Hopkins fires it high and wide of the net.

8:12 - Mark that as a successful penalty kill. Murray comes up big a few times to stop a deadly looking Oilers' power play.

9:38 - Murray robs Maroon in front!

10:12 - The Oilers will get the first power play chance of tonight as Crosby is called for holding.

11:42 - Rust gets a step on the Oilers' defense and fires a hard shot that beats Talbot, but not the post. It rings off the crossbar then the post out. Close one.

12:52 - Crosby outlets a pass from behind the net to Sheary in front. He snaps a shot on net, but Talbot flashes the glove to rob him. Great save by the Oilers' goalie.

13:32 - Much better start for the Pens after their last game. Solid puck movement and they are creating quality chances.

15:27 - Lucic gets a backhanded shot off in the slot area, but Murray makes the save.

16:01 - Nice work by the top line of the Pens in the offensive zone. The Oilers also get some extended zone time.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Edmonton! Time for the Pens to get things back on track. Lets Go Pens!