The battle of Black and Gold

By: MF, 

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins are in Boston to face the Bruins and they don't have a full deck going into this one. Not only was the 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues a poor performance by the Pens, they suffered some injuries up front.

Firstly, Evgeni Malkin is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. He will not attend the All-Star game and will be re-evaluated after the break. Also, Patric Hornqvist suffered a lower-body and was put as day-to-day. UPDATE: Hornqvist was on the ice for warmups and will play tonight! The rest of the injuries are still the same. Kris Letang will be missing another game.

The Penguins have something to prove tonight after being shutout by the Blues Tuesday. It not the best game for the Penguins and their were unable to beat goalie Carter Hutton. I have to give it the Blues for shutting down the speed of the Penguins and Hutton for holding strong between the pipes.

This game would be a good chance for the Penguins to rebound, but the Bruins are also looking to put together some good wins. They have been struggling and a win against the Penguins would be a huge boost for them.

The key to winning for the Penguins tonight is that they must get to their speed game, stay out of the box, and take advantage of their opportunities. Lets Go Pens!

Forwards
Sheary - Crosby - Rust
Wilson - Guentzel - Hornqvist
Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel
Kunitz - Fehr - Kuhnhackl

Defense
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schutlz
Dumoulin - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 3 Bruins 4

3rd Period
0:00 - That will do it and the Bruins get the 4-3 win. The #Pens lose a second straight. They need to regroup and come out flying after the break.

0:28 - Pens power play for the rest of the game. Six-on-four.

1:16 - Bergeron trips up Maatta. Four-on-four hockey for 49 seconds. Pens pull Murray and now it's a five-on-four.

2:01 - Much better effort by the Pens in this period. Hope they are rewarded.

2:28 - Now Daley will skate over to the box for hooking. Bruins come off the penalty kill and head onto the power play.

2:33 - Some good chances in front for the Pens, but they are unable to capitalize. Very physical play between Crosby and Chara.

3:34 - Kunitz rings a shot off the goal post!

4:33 - The Pens will have the chance to tie this up as they are headed onto the power play as Beleskey sits for delay of game.

6:41 - Some better playing by the Pens, but the Bruins are still doing a good job of keeping the Pens from setting up in the offensive zone.

9:25 - HORNQVIST SCORES! The Pens are finally able to gain the blue line and get to the forecheck behind the net! Kunitz finds Hornqvist in front and he buries it! 4-3 Bruins

11:12 - Bruins are in control. The Pens need some kind of spark to get them going. Momentum is all Bruins.

16:22 - Bergeron comes onto the ice ending the Pens power play chance.

16:50 - Rask robs Daley on the rush!

18:22 - The Pens will finally get another power play chance as Bergeron is called for tripping. Also, Cole is on the ice.

19:09 - Bergeron scores on the power play. Murray dives down and ends up out of the net with the puck loose. Bergeron gets a stick on it and puts it off the crossbar into the net. 4-2 Bruins

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to kill off this Bruins power play and then take control of this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Bruins have the 3-2 lead.

0:47 - Wilson and Miller drop the gloves. Miller has the edge during that fight and is hyped as he heads to the locker room. Good effort by Wilson. Wilson gets a fighting and misconduct penalty, while Miller just has the fighting penalty. Wilson also gets an extra two for instigating, which is ridiculous.

2:51 - Pens are able to kill off the Bruins power play.

4:31 - Cole blocks a shot with his leg and stays down until the whistle is blown. He is able to get up and heads down the runway limping.

4:51 - Kessel and Backes get into it and a scrum ensues as a results. Once things are broken up,  penalties are given and the Pens will have to kill off a penalty, which makes no sense. Should be four-on-four.

5:31 - Backes with a hard hit on Dumoulin. Dumoulin looks to be alright after that.

7:09 - The Bruins are buzzing and the Pens need to match their intensity.

9:35 - Nash scores. With two seconds left on the four-on-four, Krug fires one that is redirect by Nash on the doorstep. 3-2 Bruins

11:34 - Daley and Backes exchange some words and hits. Both will head to the box to cool off. Four-on-four hockey time.

12:34 - Crosby finds Schultz flying down the wing behind the defense, but Rask robs him!

13:30 - Marchand scores. Big offensive zone faceoff win for the Bruins allows them to cycle the puck and Pastrnak gets a shot off. Murray makes the save, but Marchand finds the juicy rebound and beats Murray once more. 2-2 tie game.

15:14 - Bruins with some life in their game now. Getting to the forecheck and battling hard on the boards.

17:24 - That is the end of the power play chance for the Pens.

18:22 - Marchand scores a shorthanded goal. Bad change for the Pens leaves Marchand alone to enter the zone and have a one-on-one with Murray. His shot goes under the pads of Murray on the short side. 2-1 Pens

19:24 - Early power play for the Pens as McQuaid heads overs to the sin bin for tripping.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the good work and make sure to stay out of the box for the rest of the game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will bring a close to the first period and the Pens hold the 2-0 lead over the Bruins!

0:04 - Good late penalty kill by the Pens. Murray with a huge save on a point-blank shot.

2:04 - Another penalty for the Pens. They need to be careful that they don't start to play sloppy. Fehr heads to the box for tripping.

4:24 - The Bruins are pitching every chance they can as they try to keep the Pens in their own zone.

6:11 - That is a successful penalty kill for the Pens as Kuhnhackl is set free.

8:11 - Now the Bruins will head onto the power play as Kuhnhackl is ticketed for tripping.

8:34 - KESSEL SCORES A POWER PLAY GOAL! Some perfect passing by the Pens as Schultz goes to Crosby! Crosby locks up Rask and ends up passing across the ice to Kessel right in his wheelhouse! Kessel goes to one knee to put the puck in the wide open net! 2-0 Pens

10:09 - First power play of the game will go to the Pens as Carlo takes a seat for cross-checking.

12:23 - SCHULTZ SCORES! Sheary speeds down center and gains the blue line! He passes over to Schultz who jumped into the rust! Schultz tries to pass over to Crosby in front, but he goes off the stick of Carlo past Rask! 1-0 Pens

12:44 - Beleskey and Dumoulin collide at center ice. Beleskey heads down the runway. He has been plagued with injuries.

14:35 - Murray with a solid save on Marchand. Bruins getting some quality offensive zone time and Pens are having a hard time getting the puck out of the zone.

17:18 - Hayes is high-sticked by Kunitz. No call by referees as they believed it hit the visor of Hayes' helmet. Pens get lucky on that one.

19:06 - Krejci fires a shot that beats Murray glove side, but doesn't beat the goal post.

20:00 - Puck drop in Boston! The Pens need to get to their speed game early and take control of this game! Lets Go Pens!

The Penguins won't be singing the Blues tonight

It's game night in Pittsburgh as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the St. Louis Blues!

The only major change to the lineup is that Brian Dumoulin is back! He is back after suffering a broken jaw. Great to see the Penguins getting back some critical defensemen.

The Penguins will have to come out with speed, control the tempo, use the home-ice advantage, and make sure to play smart. They cannot give the Blues any chances or they will take over. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schutlz
Dumoulin - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 0 Blues 3

3rd Period
0:00 - That will conclude this game as the Blues shutout the Pens 3-0. Not a great night as the Pens looked flat and weren't able to get to their speed. No need to worry to much as we can't win them all.

0:09 - Perron will head to the box for goalie interference.

3:00 - I have to give credit to the Blues shutting down the Pens in the neutral zone. However, they true star for them has been Hutton. He has been strong in net and kept holding strong as the Pens started to bring it this period.

5:27 - Upshall scores. Perron gets to the forecheck and gets the puck out of the front of the net where Upshall is alone. He goes to one knee and roofs one over Murray. 3-0 Blues

6:22 - Hornqvist with a point-blank shot on Hutton, but it just goes wide. Hutton may have gotten a piece of it.

7:27 - Kessel turns over the puck at the offensive blue line that sends the Blues down the ice with numbers. Yakupov gets the puck and has a one-on-one chance with Murray, but he mishandles the puck.

9:04 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

11:04 - Now the Blues get a power play after some solid penalty kills. Malkin sits for hooking.

12:54 - Another power play opportunity wasted by the Pens.This power play looked much better, but they didn't get enough zone time to pressure the Blues and Hutton.

14:54 - Fifth power play chance for the Pens as Reaves sits for cross-checking. They have to capitalize on this chance.

16:24 - Cole's stick is broken in half after Berglund slashes him. No call though.

17:24 - That power play ends and the Pens had four shots. Definitely a better effort then in the previous periods.

19:00 - Malkin beats Hutton, but not the goal post!

19:24 - Blues get a bench minor for too many men-on-the-ice. Pens to the power play.

20:00 - We are back for some third period hockey! The Pens have to come out and get to their game of speed and unrelenting offensive pressure! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period will come to an end. The Blues extend their lead to 2-0.

0:49 - Another icing by the Blues.

1:32 - Blues ice the puck. Good opportunity for the Pens if they can win the faceoff.

3:42 - Schultz fires a rocket from the point that is saved by Hutton. Nice chance by the Pens. They need to keep up that kind of play.

4:17 - Reaves scores. Reaves gets a pass and is able to out skate Schultz to the net. He beats Murray. 2-0 Blues

5:31 - There is not much to report on for this period. Some back and forth hockey, but the Blues are controlling the majority of it. Not the best showing by the Pens.

9:02 - Perron gets some time and space down the win. His shot is stopped and held by Murray.

11:27 - The Blues are still controlling the tempo of this game. They are keeping the Pens from setting up in the offensive zone and not allow them any time and space.

15:19 - Only two shots on that power play for the Pens. It has struggled tonight.

16:19 - Stastny high-sticks Crosby and he will visit the sin bin for two minutes. Big power play chance for the Pens.

16:51 - Not much going on when it comes to shots. Only one this period and it was by the Pens.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to take control of this game and put the Blues on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The horn sounds to end the first period and the Blues hold the 1-0 lead.

1:02 - Hutton makes some good saves as this period starts to whine down. The HBK line generating some chances.

1:32 - Malkin was slow to get to the bench after taking a hit from Edmundson. He doesn't seem to be putting much weight on his left leg. He stays on the bench.

2:42 - Power play time for the Pens comes to an end. The Blues have a sense of urgency to their game.

4:42 - Now Parayko will make a visit to the box for delay of game. Pens bring out their power play unit.

5:44 - Parayko scores on the power play. The Pens are unable to clear and Parayko is left wide open. He puts it five-hole on Murray. 1-0 Blues.

5:52 - Cole comes up with a huge block. The Blues are getting some quality zone time and cycling the puck well.

7:20 - Parayko and Berglund get shots in front that are denied by Murray. The Pens are unable to clear the puck and the Blues crash the net. Ruhwedel ends up taking a high-sticking penalty and the Blues head onto the power play.

9:46 - Bouwmeester fires one from the point that goes wide. Some quality zone time for the Blues on that shift.

11:33 - Just some back and forth hockey. Shots are 4-1 in favor of the Pens. Wilson has not come back from the locker room after taking a hit from Upshall to start this game.

16:06 - That will be the end of that power play chance. The Pens only quality chance was Bonino's shot.

16:47 - Bonino rings a shot off the goal post!

18:06 - Upshall will head to the box for roughing, which gives the Pens the first power play of the game.

20:00 - Game time! The Pens need to come out with speed, avoid penalties, and play smart! Lets Go Pens! 

No Canes needed

By: MF

Another road game for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they make a stop in North Carolina to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. The Penguins have finally been putting a couple of winning games together and will look to continue that.

In net for the Hurricanes will be Cam Ward for his 21st straight game. As for the Penguins, Matt Murray will be between the pipes for his 3rd straight time. Evgeni Malkin and Conor Sheary have been on fire as the Penguins turned things around after losing three straight. Malkin is riding a five-game point streak racking up five goals, two assists, and seven points. While Sheary has two goals and two assists in his past two games played. The first line has been clicking and Sheary is reaping in the benefit of playing with one of the best players in the world, Sidney Crosby.

The Penguins need to stick to their game and keep working hard. They need to limit chances for the Hurricanes, play smart,  and most importantly stay out of the penalty box. Lets Go Pens!

On the injury front, Brian Dumoulin and Kris Letang each took some extra time on-ice. Good to see them getting in some work. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz
Gaunce - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 7 Hurricanes 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 7-1 WIN OVER THE CANES IN A SHOW OF PURE DOMINANCE! WHAT A GREAT SHOWING ON THE ROAD AFTER THEIR RECENT STRUGGLES! WAY TO GO PENS!

2:35 - A "Here We Go Steelers" chant erupts. Steeler Nation is everywhere.

3:52 - Not much to report on as the Pens are in complete control of this game. Canes haven't been able to set up.

7:02 - Just pure dominance by the Pens. The Canes have a slight edge about half way into the start of the game, but the Pens turned the tables and kept them that way.

10:55 - SHEARY SCORES! The first line drives to the net! Rust passes to Crosby at center who makes a turning, backward blind pass to Sheary! Sheary fires from one-knee to beat Ward! 7-1 Pens

11:56 - Stalberg scores a shorthanded goal. The puck bounces out to the blue line and Stalberg separates Fehr from the puck to give him a breakaway. He beats Murray. 6-1 Pens

13:22 - Right after the goal Hornqvist is down on the ice after crashing the net. Ward takes exception and punches Hornqvist in the face with his blocker. Scramble ensues. Ward is accessed with a penalty as a result.

13:23 - MALKIN SCORES! The puck is somewhere at the side of the net and Malkin takes a few whacks at the puck! He is able to jam the puck into the net! 6-0 Pens

14:21 - Tennyson goes to hit Fehr, but ends up falling down and sliding into Wilson. He goes down hard and is in pain on the ice. He holds his arm as he slowly gets up and goes to the bench. After a brief talk with the trainer, they both head across the ice to the locker room.

16:14 - Murray with a fast glove save to deny J. Staal.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens just need to keep up the good work and not let up! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period horn sounds and the Pens extend their lead to 5-0 over the Canes!

0:39 - The shots are 17-8 in favor of the Pens for the second period.

2:31 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Some unreal precision passing by the Pens! Malkin finds Kessel alone at the side! Kessel goes to one knee to rip a shot past Ward! 5-0 Pens

3:24 - Skinner will head right back to the sin bin. This time for unsportsmanlike conduct. Pens get another power play chance and hopefully they get a full two minute one.

4:07 - Pens are once again successful on the penalty kill.

4:46 - Skinner is set free and now the Canes will head onto the power play for 39 seconds.

6:07 - That didn't last long as Schultz is ticketed with a holding penalty. This occurs after Ward takes a whack at Hornqvist is front. Referees seeming to pick and choose what to call a penalty. Four-on-four hockey for 1:22.

6:46 - Now the Pens get a crack at a power play as Skinner will seat for embellishment.

7:14 - KUNITZ SCORES! Ward makes an initial save, but the puck is still loose in front! As Ward slightly stands, Kunitz jams the puck through the opening! 4-0 Pens

7:32 - SHEARY SCORES! Schultz wrists one from the blue line and the rebound bounces in front! Rust charges the puck and the bouncing puck goes off his skate over to Sheary at center! Sheary slaps one five-hole on Ward! 3-0 Pens

10:22 - Pens with some good jump in their game. They need to keep up the pressure and not lay back because they have a two goal lead.

13:01 - HAGELIN SCORES! Teravainen turns over the puck in his own zone! Gaunce ends up with the puck and first it from the point, which Ward saves! Hagelin gets a stick on the rebound first in front and puts it five-hole! 2-0 Pens

13:19 - Much better defensive work by the Pens after the first half in the first period. Murray getting good support.

15:45 - Another solid penalty killing effort by the Pens. Cole is released.

17:45 - Cole will make another visit to the box this time for tripping up Skinner. Penalty killing time for the Pens.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the offensive pressure and continuing to limit the Canes chances! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will do it for the first period and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead over the Canes!

2:11 - The HBK line gets some quality offensive zone time. The Pens still clicking even after the disallowed goal. They have turned the tide.

4:20 - The puck goes off Hornqvist and into the net, but the referee waves it off right away. After some discussion they announce it as a no goal due to incidental contact as Hornqvist did bump into Ward. Then it's review due to a call from upstairs. After that they change the decision and say that it's not a goal due to the net being off its moorings. Pens still hold 1-0 lead.

5:35 - Wilson and Stempniak have a little misunderstanding. Nothing comes of it.

7:29 - DALEY SCORES! Teravainen tires to clear the puck out of the zone, but Daley jumps up to glove down the puck! He skates to center and fires a rocket shot that blows past Ward! Sniper Daley! 1-0 Pens

8:30 - Murray and Ward have both made some great saves. Keep this game scoreless as both teams could easily have a few already.

10:10 - Quite a few chances for both teams. Up and down hockey as both teams are trading chances.

12:17 - The fourth line for the Pens has been doing some good things. They fight in the offensive zone and force a turnover, which leads to Wilson getting a chance in front. His shot rings off the goal post!

13:50 - Malkin blasts a shot, but he is robbed by Ward.

14:02 - Daley gets a chance jumping into the play receiving a feed from Malkin, but Ward denies him. Aho ends up going the other way, but Daley is able to get back and breakup the play.

15:27 - Good chances for the Canes, but Murray holds strong.

17:19 - Rebound shot finds its way to the side of the net, but Aho can't get enough to put it past Murray as he dives back to make the save. 

19:33 - The Pens get the first penalty of the game as Cole heads over to the box for hooking. 

20:00 - Puck drop and this game is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed and take it to the Canes early! Lets Go Pens! 

Can the Penguins make the loud Bell Center quiet?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back on the road after snapping a three-game losing streak, which happened on the road, at PPG Paints Arena in an intense 8-7 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals.

During that memorable game, Evgeni Malkin earned a hat-trick and Sidney Crosby was flying all over the ice. It was great to see the team get a win, but they were missing the services of Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin on the blue line. It would have helped limit the Capitals chances. Crosby with 27 goals and Malkin with 21 goals join Patrik Lane (21 goals) and Mark Scheife (20 goals) of the Winnipeg Jets as the only duos in the NHL to exceed 20 goals at this point in the season.

Not all things turned out for the better for the Penguins as Matt Cullen was injured after blocking a shot on a penalty killing effort. Cullen will be out three-four weeks with an ankle injury. He will be sorely missed on the penalty kill, especially now as the Penguins have struggled with penalties. Though there is some good news on the injury front. Dumoulin practiced with a ‘no contact’ jersey, so he is making progress.

Tonight the Penguins will have to clean up their defensive game and limit the chances of the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens have solid goaltending and the Penguins cannot afford to get behind early in this game like they have in the past. It would be a harder hill to climb. They need to play smart, get offensive zone time, and stay out of the box. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby - Rust

Guentzel - Malkin - Hornqvist

Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel

Kunitz - Fehr - Wilson

Defense

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz 

Gaunce - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 4 Canadiens 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 4-1 WIN OVER THE HABS! SOLID ROAD WIN FOR THE PENS AND ONE OF THE BEST THIS YEAR! KEEP IT GOING GUYS! 

1:00 - Dominance by the Pens.

3:43 - Another icing call against the Habs. Quite a few of those for them this period.

4:24 - MAATTA SCORES! The puck bounces out from behind the net and Sheary gets to it! He goes to Maatta at the point who fires a rocket past Price! 4-1 Pens

6:44 - Not much to report on. Some back and forth hockey, but nothing really being generated at the moment.

10:51 - Successfully penalty killing effort for the Pens as they kill off their first penalty without Cullen.

12:36 - Power play time for the Habs for 1:44 as Pacioretty is set free.

12:51 - Daley gets his stick up high as he is falling, so he will head to the box. 16 seconds of four-on-four hockey.

14:36 - Power play chance for the Pens as Pacioretty gets an interference penalty.

17:17 - Shaw gets two quality chances right around the net, but Murray holds strong to make the saves.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to build on their work in the second period and keep things going! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to an end and the Pens have the 3-1 lead over the Habs!

1:49 - Andrighetto scores. Andrighetto tires to put the puck out in front of the net from behind. The puck bounces off the stick of Maatta and goes off Murray to find its way into the net. 3-1 Pens

2:22 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Guentzel and Hornqvist go behind the net to fight for the dump in! Hornqvist gets the puck and passes it out to Gaunce at the point! Gaunce fires and Guentzel gets a piece of it to put it past Price! 3-0 Pens

2:39 - Solid road game for the Pens so far. They just need to keep up the good work and build on it.

4:37 - Sheary fires a shot that just goes wide of the net. Story of the second period for the Pens. This game could easily be 5-0.

6:26 - Great pressure by the Pens in the offensive zone by every line.

8:02 - This game is in the control of the Pens right now. They are getting to the pucks first and making it hard for the Habs to create anything.

10:49 - The Pens are crashing the net every chance they get. Price with some big saves. Good movement by the Pens.

12:27 - Crosby is knocked down by Pacioretty and is slow to get up. He seems to be ok and ends up going after Pacioretty to show his displeasure with the hit.

14:41 - FEHR SCORES! Daley keeps the puck in and sends it behind the net for the Pens to get to work! Sheary outlets to Kunitz at the side who finds Fehr right in front! Fehr lets go of a quick shot to put one past Price! 2-0 Pens

15:43 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens.

17:43 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Rudalov will sit for tripping up Crosby.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens have to come out with speed, limit turnovers, pressure Price, and stay out of the box! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period horn sounds and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead over the Habs!

1:11 - Emelin and Weber slap shots from the points that go wide. The Habs are holding the zone and getting some extended zone time. Murray holds strong.

3:27 - The fourth line of the Pens get to work in the offensive zone. Some nice work by the fourth line. Fehr looks more comfortable playing center.

5:08 - COLE SCORES! The Habs look like they will have a breakaway chance, but things turn around sending the Pens the other way! Malkin enters the zone and finds Cole trailing on the play! Cole snipes one past the blocker of Price! 1-0 Pens

5:34 - Kessel goes into the boards hard and is slow to get the bench. He stays hunched over on the bench.

6:13 - Murrray absorbs a shot for the whistle. He seems to be handling the rebound chances better.

8:08 - Shots are 4-3 in favor of the Pens. Looks like the teams have been getting more chances, but some have gone wide, ruled offsides, and so on.

9:32 - Another hard shot by Weber flies wide of the net. Habs are getting some quality chances.

11:03 - Weber fires a rocket shot, I mean it's literally a rocket at the speed he shoots, from the blue line. It rings off the goal post. What a shot he has.

13:34 - Bonino lays a big hit on Beaulieu behind the net. The Pens are getting engaged physically earlier.

14:16 - Ruhwedel fires a shot that is saved by Price. Looks solid to start this game.

17:02 - Murray has been tested earlier as he makes a quick save after a turnover in the defensive zone.

20:00 - The Pens are in Montreal! They need to play smart, stay out of the box, and keep pressuring Price! Lets Go Pens!  

A little home cooking

It’s time to bounce back for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team is back at PPG Paints Arena after losing three straight games on the road. A first for the Penguins, since the Mike Sullivan change came into effect. It has been a rough go for the Penguins and it won’t be getting any easier.

Tonight the opponent is the Washington Capitals, who handed the Penguins their first loss on road. It was a really bad loss…I won’t bring it up again, but just take a look at the game updates I posted. This game won’t be easy and the Penguins will be missing another critical player on the blueliner in Kris Letang. Letang left Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings after suffering a lower-body injury. He has been placed on Injured Reserve and is week-to-week.

However, the Penguins are back in Pittsburgh, which has been good to them this season. They are 18-2-2 at home and are riding a five-game home winning streak. This is the perfect place for the Penguins to start their turnaround and get back to winning. It will be a tough go as they are missing two key blueliners, but the Penguins have enough firepower to get the job done. They just need to play smart, limit the Capitals space, and keep them pinned in the offensive zone. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby - Rust

Guentzel - Malkin - Hornqvist

Hagelin - Bonino - Kessel

Kunitz - Cullen - Wilson

Defense

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Warsofsky - Ruhwedel

Murray in net! 

Play by Play
PENS 8 Capitals 7 OT

Overtime
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 8-7 (87) OVERTIME WIN AGAINST THE CAPITALS! THEY END THEIR LOSING STREAK AND THE CAPITALS WINNING STREAK! WHAT A CRAZY GAME OF SCORING! 

4:30 - SHEARY SCORES! Sheary and Crosby get a odd-man rush! Sheary fires on net and Grubauer makes the first save! Sheary and Crosby crash the net and the puck sneaks past Grubauer over the goal line! 8-7 Pens

5:00 - This crazy game needs some three-on-three action! The Pens need to finish this game with a win! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - This game is going to overtime as things are still tied 7-7.

1:53 - Both teams are battling hard.

4:57 - Eller scores. The Caps crash the zone and get some time. Murray makes the first save that bounces back in front. Eller finds the puck and puts it past a screened Murray. 7-7 tie game

7:37 - The Pens are controlling the puck so well right now. The HBK line, once again, pins the Caps in the their own zone and peppers the net. What a game.

10:31 - Oshie scores on the power play. Cullen and Cole go down to block shots. The puck bounces around and even Murray ends up down. Oshie finds the puck and puts it over Murray. 7-6 Pens

11:25 - Maatta will go right back to the penalty box this time for tripping. Power play for the Caps.

11:53 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens. Cole with a perfect block of Ovechkin's shot at the end of the penalty kill.

13:53 - Maatta will sit for high-sticking and that sends the Caps on the power play. Big penalty kill for the Pens.

14:05 - CROSBY SCORES! Rust forces a turnover and Sheary gets the puck! He makes a perfect pass across center to Crosby driving down the wing! He guides the puck past Grubauer! 7-5 Pens

15:55 - Crosby steals the puck at the red line. His snap shot is gloved by Grubauer.

16:31 - Odd-man rush for the Pens as Bonino and Sheary go the other way. Bonino gets the pass over to Sheary, but the puck is poked away from him.

17:54 - Both teams come out with speed to start the third.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the intensity, but make sure to play smartly in the process! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and the Pens come out with the 6-5 lead after a flurry of goals!

1:43 - Niskanen's shot catches Bonino up high, but he seems to be ok.

2:40 - The Caps had challenged Malkin's goal for goalie interference, but the goal is ruled good. Caps lose their timeout.

2:41 - HAT TRICK FOR MALKIN ON THE POWER PLAY! The Pens crash the net and Hornqvist is pushed down in front! He runs into Grubauer! Malkin ends up finding the puck and putting it past Grubauer! 6-5 Pens

3:03 - Eller scores a shorthanded goal. Oshie with some fancy stick work to enter the zone and he passes off to Schmidt. Schmidt goes to Eller in front and he directs the pass into the net! 5-5 tie game

4:19 - Power play chance for the Pens as Wilson is ticketed with a roughing penalty.

4:53 - Connolly scores. Chorney finds Connolly all alone at the side of the net. He slides the past right by Murray. 5-4 Pens

5:23 - MALKIN SCORES! Guentzel tries to whip the puck back to center, but it goes off a Capital player! The puck finds it way to the front of the net where Malkin is driving towards! It goes off him (somehow) and past Holtby! 5-3 Pens

6:13 - RUST SCORES! Rust gets the puck behind the net and goes around! He tries to backhand the puck back in front, it goes off the skate of Ovechkin, and past Holtby! 4-3 Pens

7:44 - The HBK line comes out and dominates the Caps in their own zone. This is how the Pens play.

11:05 - BONINO SCORES! Schultz fires the puck towards the net that hits Bonino in the crest up front! Bonino finds the puck and backhands it past Holtby! 3-3 tie game

12:30 - Hornqvist and Winnik are set free.

12:48 - SHEARY SCORES! The Pens are on the attack as they enter the offensive zone! Daley goes to Crosby who makes a slap/pass across the center to Sheary in front! Sheary directs the puck behind Holtby! 3-2 Caps

13:30 - Oshie is back on the bench for the Caps.

13:32 - MALKIN SCORES! The Caps are unable to clear and Daley ends up with the puck! He makes a cross-ice pass right into the wheelhouse of Malkin! Malkin's shot rips past Holtby! 3-1 Caps

14:30 - Scramble ensues in front of Holtby who covers the puck for the whistle. Winnik takes exception to a hit Hornqvist laid on Oshie earlier in the play. Oshie heads down the runway. Hornqvist and Winnik sit in the box. Four-on-four hockey.

16:06 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

17:54 - Cullen gets some time and space on the wing as he enters the offensive zone. His shot rings off the crossbar!

18:06 - Another penalty will be assessed to the Pens. Warsofsky to the box for tripping. Penalty killing time.

18:43 - Williams scores. Caps do some tape-to-tape passing to exit the neutral zone. Williams gets the pass up ice and has a one-on-one with Cole. He goes to the side and puts a shot past the glove of Murray. 3-0 Caps

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to build on what they started during during the later part of the first period! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be the end of the first period and the Caps hold the 2-0 lead.

0:46 - The Pens have been peppering Holtby in the last few minutes, but haven't been able to put any past the netminder.

2:51 - Backstrom scores. Two Pens are caught up on the boards after a hit from Ovechkin behind the goal. Oshie gets to the puck and makes a backwards pass to Backstrom all alone in front. He puts one past Murray. 2-0 Caps

5:15 - Crosby gets the puck after the Caps fail to clear and passes over to Rust driving the center all alone, but his shot is wide.

5:44 - Daley fires a shot on net, but Holtby comes up with the save. Finally some sustained offensive zone pressure by the Pens.

7:36 - Murray shuts the door on the Caps. The Pens need to get to the offensive zone.

11:01 - A turnover by the Caps at the blue line gives Malkin a chance. He finds Cole trailing on the play, but Cole's shot goes wide.

12:54 - Burakousky scores. Turnover by the Pens down low and Winnik recovers the loose puck on  the boards. He outlets to Burakousky in front. He doesn't miss. 1-0 Caps

14:48 - Caps with some jump to start this game. The Pens are spending way too much time in their own zone.

16:10 - Successfully penalty kill for the Pens.

17:17 - Murray has been tested early in this one. He makes a solid save on the penalty kill.

18:10 - Caps get the first power play of the game as Malkin will take a seat for roughing.

19:07 - Two terrible turnovers by the Pens to start this game. Luckily the Caps are unable to capitalize on the chances.

20:00 - It's hockey night in Pittsburgh! Hopefully some home cooking can propel the Pens to a win over the Caps! Lets Go Pens!

One last time at Joe Louis Arena

By: MF, 

Tonight's game will conclude the Pittsburgh Penguins three-game road swing against the Detroit Red Wings. They dropped the first two games (Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators), but look to finish on a good note. This game also marks the last time the Penguins will play in the famous Joe Louis Arena. They have some good and bad memories in this place, but we are going to focus on the good and there have been some really great times. The most memorable happened on June 12, 2009 when the Penguins won Game seven to grab the Stanley Cup. It was an amazing game and is still clear in my mind.

There will be plenty of talk and video tonight about that time, but take a moment and think back. Tell me what you remember the most or that always sticks out to you. Write it in the comment section, tell me on Facebook, or Twitter. I want to hear your stories!

The Penguins will have to come out with speed and play smart hockey tonight. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Cole - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Warsofsky - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 3 Red Wings 6

3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens fall 6-3 to the Red Wings. Not a good defensive night for the guys, but the main concern is whether not Letang has a major injury or not.

1:47 - Crosby takes a seat in the box for roughing. The game will end with the Red Wings on the power play.

4:20 - Fleury comes up with a big save. The Pens need to pressure the Red Wings more in their own zone.

6:28 - The Pens defense has fallen a part in this period. Not having Letang is showing.

6:46 - Zetterberg scores. Zetterberg receives the puck while he is driving center to put it past Fleury. 6-3 Red Wings

9:09 - Green scores on the power play. A scramble erupts in front of the net and Fleury with some big saves. The puck bounces out and Green takes control. As the Pens scramble in front of the net, Green fires one past Fleury. 5-3 Red Wings

9:33 - Warsofsky is set free, but he is unable to control the puck and clear it.

10:07 - Cullen is called for hooking. Five-on-three power play for 1:34 for the Red Wings.

10:33 - Warsofsky sits for slashing and the Red Wings head onto the power play.

12:09 - One can definitely see how much the Pens miss Letang on the ice. Tough night for the defenders.

14:51 - Warsofsky looks to have scored a goal. The Red Wings challenge for goalie interference and win the challenge. The goal is waved off.

15:50 - Crosby fires a shot that just goes wide of the net.

18:15 - Athanasiou scores. Athanasiou gets speed and stick handles around Schutlz. He puts the bouncing puck over the shoulder of Fleury. 4-3 Red Wings

18:41 - Malkin gets some time and space on the wing, but Coreau comes up with the save.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to clean up their game and shut down the chances for the Red Wings! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and things are tied 3-3.

0:53 - Nielson scores. Green makes a slap pass over to Nielson who is all alone at the side of the net. He guides the puck into the net. No chance for Fleury. 3-3 tie game.

2:04 - CULLEN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel fires from the side and Coreau makes the save, but the rebound finds Cullen in front! He stops it with his skate and as Ericsson tires to clear the puck, however he whacks the puck past his own netminder! 3-2 Pens

3:04 - Abdelkader will sit for slashing. The Pens need to capitalize on this power play.

3:18 - Still a sloppy effort by the Pens. The last goal was a hard one for Fleury as he was out of the net, but the Pens are making too many mistakes out there.

6:32 - Vanek scores. Abdelkader bats down Fleury's clearing attempt around the boards. Scramble ensues around the net. Abdelkader eventually gets the puck out to Vanek in front and he puts it in. 2-2 tie game.

7:22 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens. Much better power play for the Pens.

9:22 - Power play time for the Pens as the Red Wings are ticketed for too many men on the ice.

10:58 - Nyquist scores. Ouellet puts the puck right in the wheelhouse of Nyquist at the top of the circle. The puck deflects off the skate of Schultz and goes past Fleury on the blocker side. 2-1 Pens

11:29 - Still some sloppy hockey being played by the Pens. Fleury with some saves. Red Wings generating some good chances.

13:36 - Ericsson is set free and the Red Wings are successful on their penalty kill.

15:36 - The Pens will head back onto the power play as Ericsson is called for interference.

16:09 - MALKIN SCORES! The Red Wings turnover the puck in the offensive zone and Hagelin gets the puck in the center! He passes up to Malkin in front and he doesn't miss! 2-0 Pens

17:18 - The Red Wings have a successful penalty kill. It wasn't much of a power play for the Pens as the Red Wings did a good job of keeping them from setting up in the offensive zone.

19:18 - Power play time for the Pens as Nyquist sits for hooking.

19:22 - Rust fires a shot off the goal post!

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to keep pressuring the Red Wings and have to play smart defensively! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Pens have the 1-0 lead over the Red Wings!

1:12 - Fleury holds the post to make a save and is tripped up as he goes to slide across for the second
chance. The Pens are able to clear.

3:09 - Fleury is locked into this game. Red Wings have gotten some quality chances, but he has been up to the task. Both teams are flying on the ice.

5:56 - Letang came out for a short turn on the ice and went right back to the locker room. Not a good sign.

7:25 - Sheahan with a point blank shot on net, but Fleury comes out to make the save. Solid start for Fleury.

8:21 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens as Sheary is set free.

8:34 - Some great news. Letang is back on the bench.

10:01 - Fleury with a great glove save.

10:21 - Sheary will receive the first penalty of the game for holding the stick and the Pens bring out their penalty killers.

10:47 - Fast pace hockey by both teams right now and they are both getting chances.

12:35 - Malkin finds Hagelin in front, but his shot is stirred away.

14:30 - Glendening receives a pass right in front of the net, but Fleury gets a piece to send it wide.

14:49 - Red Wings get a few chances on net, but can't finish them off.

16:37 - Letang goes down awkwardly and limps his way to the bench. He goes down the runway to the locker room.

18:57 - Abdelkader and Malkin exchange come cross-checks and a scrum ensues.

19:33 - LETANG SCORES! Letang fires a shot from the top of the faceoff circle that goes over the shoulder of Coreau! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - The puck drops to start this game! The last time these two teams will faceoff at Joe Louis Arena in regular season! Lets Go Pens! 

Looking for redemption in Washington

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in the Nation’s Capital to battle the Washington Capitals. The rivalry is known and this will be an intense game.

Going into this game, the Penguins have won five straight games and have dominated on the scoreboard. Sidney Crosby has points in 13 of his 15 games (11G-18A-29PTS). He has been on fire this season and been critical to the Penguins winning formula. Though Crosby isn’t alone when it comes to scoring for the Penguins, which has been huge. The Penguins are one of six teams (New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Capitals) to have five players with 10 or more goals, which include Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Conor Sheary, and Bryan Rust.

That is not it for the Penguins as many players are riding point streaks going into tonight’s game. Phil Kessel has a five-game point streak (2G-4A-6PTS), Conor Sheary has a four-game point streak (2G-3A-5PTS), and Justin Schultz has a five-game point streak (1G-4A-5PTS). Schultz has been a surprise lately, but really this system is showing his true talent, which was otherwise suppressed in the past.

The defense has been doing well as they have slowly gotten healthy. Brian Dumoulin is still out of the lineup, but the Penguins are picking up the slack. Marc-Andre Fleury has been on his game and is 7-0-1 in his past eight games. Fleury will start and Matt Murray will be back on the bench to back him up. Good to see the young netminder back in the lineup.

The Capitals have a six-game winning streak and this game is a key moment for them. It will cast doubt for the Capitals if they come out with a losing effort, while Pittsburgh doesn’t let it affect their mindset. The Penguins will have to come out with speed, play smart, limit turnovers and space while shutting down Alexander Ovechkin. Once Ovechkin is shut down, he will be not become a fact in the contest. They need to stay focused and stay out of the box. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby - Rust

Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist

Kunitz - Bonino - Kessel

Wilson - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Daley - Letang

Cole - Schultz 

Maatta - Oleksy

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Capitals 5

3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens fall 5-2 to the Caps. Not a good effort by the Pens and they need to clean up their game. Onto Ottawa.

0:17 - Eller scores an empty netter. Eller fires a shot at the net, it deflects off Hornqvist's stick, goes off the helmet of Letang, and into the net. 5-2 Caps

2:03 - Pens have an empty net.

2:36 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel goes across center to Crosby, he finds Hornqvist at the other side of the net! Hornqvist puts it in the wide open net! 4-2 Caps

3:36 - Oshie takes a seat in the sin bin for slashing. Pens get a power play.

4:01 - The Pens haven't been finishing their chances. There are too many penalties, turnovers, and bad player coverage by the Pens in this one. One can't keep leaving your netminder out to dry on plays.

6:49 - Backstrom scores on the power play. Oshie makes a pass to Backstrom driving down the center. He drifts wide and backhands one into the net. He was left wide open. 4-1 Caps

7:31 - The Caps head onto the power play as Oleksy visits the sin bin once again for tripping.

8:47 - Out of the box comes Oshie and the Pens power play is killed off by the Caps.

10:47 - Oshie is off to the box for holding. Another power play chance for the Pens.

12:14 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz slides a perfect pass right into the wheel house of Malkin! Malkin rips a shot from one-knee that deflects off Niskanen's stick and over Holtby! 3-1 Caps

13:32 - Hagelin and Kuznetsov exchange some words and then a scramble ensues. Orlov gets the lone roughing penalty. Power play chance for the Pens.

13:51 - Letang with a quick and sneaky shot from the point. Holtby gloves it up for the whistle.

14:45 - Letang is back on the ice.

15:06 - Letang takes a shot up high and is in some discomfort as he heads to the bench.

15:29 - Williams scores. Kuznetsov goes behind the net and turns around to outlet a pass to Williams at the side. Williams puts it five-hole. 3-0 Caps

16:33 - Carlson lets go of a rocket shot from the point, but Fleury flashes the glove to make the save.

19:54 - Oleksy is set free.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to a kill off a Capital power play to start (six seconds)! The third period is known to be the best for the Pens! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:54 - Oleksy sits for tripping. Huge late penalty kill for the Pens.

3:53 - Ovechkin makes a cross-ice pass over to Backstrom. His shot goes up over the net.

4:48 - That will be the end of the Pens' power play.

5:09 - Bonino, Hornqvist, and Kessel crash the net as they try to put in the loose puck. Holtby is finally able to cover for the whistle.

6:48 - Connolly high sticks Fehr and will head to the box. Power play time for the Pens.

7:02 - Holtby gloves up Maatta's shot from the blue line.

8:00 - Pens playing aggressive in front of Fleury to keep the area clear for him.

9:34 - Kunitz with a pass up ice for a flying Kessel in alone. He is denied by Holtby. The Pens need to start finish their chances.

11:39 - Fleury had no chance on the shot. Pens left Ovechkin wide open, which was ridiculous.

11:42 - Ovechkin scores on the power play. The classic one-timer by Ovechkin at the top of the faceoff circle blows past Fleury. 2-0 Caps

12:25 - Caps are headed back onto the power play as Hagelin is ticketed for hooking. Not a good call by the referee.

14:19 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Solid penalty killing by the guys and Fleury was exceptional.

14:57 - Fleury with a huge save as Oshie releases a quite shot in the slot area.

16:19 - Too many men penalty is handed out to the Pens. Caps bring out their power play unit.

16:59 - Kunitz makes a pass up to Cullen who is driving down center. Holtby gets a piece of Cullen's backhander to put the shot wide.

18:43 - Kuznetsov gets around Maatta, but Fleury comes out with the poke check to disrupt the play.

18:55 - Cole and Williams are set free and we are back to regular hockey play.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! There is still 1:05 left to go with the four-on-four play! The Pens need to take advantage! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:55 - Some more four-on-four hockey. Cole and Williams will each get slashing minors.

1:24 - Cole is missing his helmet as the Caps are controlling the puck in the offensive zone.

3:18 - Alzner with a shot that is shouldered away by Fleury.

3:35 - Malkin flies down the wing, but the puck starts bouncing as he shoots it. Holtby with the save.

5:36 - There is a Pens pile up at the side of the net as the puck is loose. The referee finally blows the whistle. Took him quite awhile to "lose sight of the puck" on that one.

8:53 - Crosby has generated a few chances in the last couple of sifts. Though Caps are controlling the neutral zone for the most part.

10:42 - Both teams are back to full strength.

11:24 - Carlsson with a hard shot that is stopped by Fleury. Solid save.

12:05 - Crosby backhands a pass over to Letang who is driving center. The puck goes off Letang and goes wide.

12:42 - Orpik will head to the box for slashing, while Cullen goes for tripping. We will see some four-on-four hockey.

14:36 - That will be the end of the Pens power play as Oshie is set free.

14:57 - Sheary rings a rebound shot off the goal post!

16:36 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Oshie is called for slashing.

17:32 - Fehr with a backhander in the slot, but Holtby is ready to make the glove save.

19:25 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin and Backstrom get a two-on-one against Letang. Ovechkin holds and drifts to center before releasing a shot, which flies past Fleury. That is Ovechkin's 1000th NHL point. 1-0 Caps

20:00 - Puck drop and this game is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed, play smart, and limit the Capitals space! Lets Go Pens!  

A New Year for the Pittsburgh Penguins!

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are ready to start off 2017 with a win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at PPG Paints Arena. Today's game was moved back to 5pm to accommodate the Steelers game earlier against the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers got the 30-12 win and will move on to play the Kansas City Chiefs on the road next week.

The Penguins are coming off their bye week and they got some much needed rest. While the Lightning played yesterday against the Philadelphia Flyers, which was a losing effort for them. The Lightning are having some troubles of late, so they will be playing some desperate hockey. The Penguins must stay aware of that and not take them lightly.

The Penguins need to come out with speed and use their time of rest to wear down the Lightning early. Lets Go Pens!

On a side note: I hope everyone had a good holiday and happy New Year. I was on vacation in Pittsburgh and it was amazing. Look for a story to follow on that. Glad to be back!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Daley - Letang
Cole - Schultz
Maatta - Oleksy

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 6 Lightning 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 6-2 WIN OVER THE LIGHTNING! GREAT WAY TO START 2017 FOR THE PENS! WHAT A DAY FOR PITTSBURGH TEAMS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BOYS! 

2:40 - LETANG SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz goes across to Letang at the point! Letang fires a hard shot that sneaks through the body and blocker of Vasilevskiy! 6-2 Pens

4:39 - Power play time for the Pens as Hedman is called for tripping on Crosby.

6:09 - The Pens are holding control of this game. Shots are 36-26 in favor of the Pens.

12:10 - KESSEL SCORES! Sheary's shot is saved, but the puck is bouncing around in front of the net! Crosby takes a shot and it bounces over to Kessel at the other side of the net! Kessel puts it behind Vasilevskiy! 5-2 Pens

14:20 - Namestnikov scores. Drouin tries a pass through center that is tipped on its way. Namestnikov goes to one knee to rocket the bouncing puck past Fleury. 4-2 Pens

16:05 - Maatta is headed to the sin bin for high-sticking. Lightning get a power play opportunity.

16:32 - WILSON SCORES! Stralman is unable to keep control of a bouncing puck at the blue line, which starts a race with Wilson! Wilson out skates him, takes control of the puck, and puts it to his back hand! He backhands one over the pad of Vasilevskiy! 4-1 Pens

17:27 - KUNITZ SCORES! Vasilevskiy kicks away Kessel's point shot to the side, which is picked up my Maatta! He makes a pass to the center, where Kunitz fires one over the shoulder of Vasilevskiy! 3-1 Pens

18:19 - Fleury with a bad turnover behind the net that Namestnikov tries to wrap around, but the puck goes across the goal mouth. That was pure luck for the Pens there.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to limit the Lightning's chances and keep them pinned in their own zone! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:26 - Paquette goes down hard after a collision with Oleksy at the boards. Looks like Paquette got hit by Oleksy's hand as he was trying to get his stick out of the way of the hit. Paquette gets up and skates to the bench.

2:21 - Drouin's shot goes wide and sends the Pens down the ice with numbers. Vasilevskiy is able to get the pad down to deny Rust.

2:35 - Good shot blocking and saves by Fleury on that successful penalty kill.

4:35 - Another slashing penalty for Kunitz, which will put the Lightning on the power play. Big kill for the Pens.

8:46 - FEHR SCORES! Cullen strips Kucherov of the puck and goes up ice with Fehr against Hedman! Hedman goes down for the block! Cullen passes over to Fehr! He snaps a rocket shot past Vasilevskiy! 2-1 Pens

8:59 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. Some close calls, but the Lightning are unable to capitalize.

10:59 - Kunitz skates over to the box for slashing. Lightning are getting a power play chance.

11:32 - Cullen drops a pass to Fehr, who is driving down center. He fires a point blank shot that is grabbed out of the air by Vasilevskiy. Another great save for the Lightning netminder.

13:16 - SHEARY SCORES! Rust fires a hard shot that tickles behind Vasilevskiy and laid on the goal line! Sheary gets there to push it home! 1-1 tie game.

13:47 - Crosby's line comes out and dominates the Lightning. The Pens are keeping a tired group pinned in the offensive zone. Vasilevskiy making some really good saves.

17:41 - Drouin scores. Hedman at the point finds Drouin, once again, all alone at the side of the net. This time Fleury is unable to get over in time. Drouin opens up the scoring. 1-0 Lightning

17:52 - Hedman finds Drouin at the side of the net all alone. Fleury is just able to get over to make the stretched leg save!

20:00 - The guys are back on the ice to start off the second period! The Pens need to step up on their offensive pressure and take it to the Lightning! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be the end of the first period. Things are scoreless.

1:22 - The Pens are still giving up too many chances for my liking. However, they are doing a good job of regaining control and clearing the zone.

2:51 - Successful penalty kill by the Lightning. Shots are 14-8 in favor of the Pens.

3:18 - Malkin with a hard shot, in the slot, right off the face-off win that is stopped by Vasilevskiy. Impressive save by the Lightning netminder.

4:51 - The Pens are starting to get their game and getting more offensive zone pressure going. Cole ends up drawing a hooking penalty on Paquette. Power play time for the Pens.

6:20 - Letang's shot is stopped and the loose puck is in the slot area. Bonino gets to it first and rips a shot that is direct over the net. Nice couple of chances by Bonino's line.

9:49 - Killorn is released and things are even for both teams.

10:03 - 14 second power play for the Pens as Malkin is set free.

10:11 - Daley jumping up in the rush to take a pass from Rust on the wing. Vasilevskiy is just able to get over to make the save.

11:49 - 1:46 of four-on-four hockey as Killorn is called for hooking.

12:03 - First power play of the game will go to the Lightning as Malkin sits for hooking.

13:18 - Shots are 5-3 in favor of the Pens.

14:27 - A few good looks on net for the Pens. They are starting to get their game a little more.

16:39 - Lightning with some jump to their step to start this game. Pens showing a little rust from their long break.

18:04 - Namestnikov gets a chance at a breakaway, but the puck is on edge and he is unable to gain control. The Lightning are able to crash the net. Fleury is up to the task.

20:00 - The puck has dropped to start 2017 for the Pens! Time to start off the New Year right! Lets Go Pens!