Stanley Cup Stars sighted in Dallas

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back on the road and are in Dallas to take on the Dallas Stars. The Penguins are coming off an impressive 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at the 2017 Stadium Series game held at Heinz Field. Even with some mounting injuries, the Penguins are putting together wins and showing the depth they have in the american league.

As for the injuries they are listed below:

• Trevor Daley (knee)
• Kris Letang (upper-body)
• Olli Maatta (hand)
• Bryan Rust (upper-body)
• Conor Sheary (upper-body)

Sheary did practice in a normal uniform, so he looks to be close to rejoining the team. 

The Penguins are not only producing on offense, but they are playing a solid defensive game even with many of their top blueliners being out of the lineup. Since January 18, the Penguins lead the NHL with a 2.22 team GAA. Second place belongs to the Washington Capitals (2.24 GAA) and New York Rangers hold third (2.35 GAA). 

Tonight shouldn't be any different for the Penguins. They need to stick to their game, stay discipline, and continue to rely on each other. The young call-ups have been doing their part to help shoulder the weight of the injuries and they just need to continue to push forward. Lets Go Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel

Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist

Wilson - Bonino - Kessel

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Gaunce - Schultz

Cole - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 2 Stars 3

3rd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of this game as the Stars surge back in the third period to get the 3-2 win over the Pens. It was a tough loss, but the Pens weren't able to hold things together.

1:44 - The Stars ice the puck and the Pens pull Murray for the extra attacker.

2:49 - Cole with a awesome shift. He took the puck from one end of the ice to the other and even gave Kessel a quality scoring chance.

4:48 - The Pens are trying to generate some chances, but they haven't been able to get sustained offensive zone pressure like the previous periods.

8:31 - After a solid start to the period, the Stars turned things around. They are giving it their all right now. They are also focusing on Murray's glove as all three goals have been glove side.

9:24 - Roussel scores. Roussel carries the puck and enters the offensive zone. He goes glove side and beats Murray. 3-2 Stars

10:19 - Spezza scores. Spezza fires the puck from the side of the net and the puck bounces up in the air. It goes off the shoulder of Dumoulin past Murray. 2-2 tie game.

11:44 - Korpikoski with a slick redirection in front, but Murray is able to get the pad on it to make a save.

16:20 - Ritchie scores. The Stars get a two-on-one rush. Murray makes the first stop on Klingberg's shot attempt, but Ritchie comes into the play to put in the rebound. 2-1 Pens

18:21 - Great start for the Pens. They pinned the Stars in the offensive zone for about the first two minutes of the game and have not let up.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure that they had going at the end of the second! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period and the Pens have extended their lead to 2-0 over the Stars!

1:02 - Murray is locked into this game.

3:10 - Pens with an unreal amount of offensive zone time. Keeping the Stars from getting the puck, but they are unable to capitalize on their time in the offensive zone.

5:39 - That will be the end of the Pens power play. They still have the 2-0 lead.

7:39 - Time for a Pens power play as Faksa heads to the sin bin for hooking.

9:20 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Niemi makes the inital stop on the point shot, but the puck is loose in the blue paint! Crosby and Guentzel are in front! Guentzel finds the puck first and puts it into the open net! 2-0 Pens

11:38 - This period has been a busy time for Murray as the Stars have gotten some momentum since their power play chance. Pens weathering the storm.

13:12 - Murray with a leg arm save to deny Seguin who had a mini breakaway chance.

14:49 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens and Gaunce is set free.

16:49 - Gaunce will take a seat for high-sticking and the Stars head onto the power play.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the good work and build on their lead! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - Horn sounds and that will be the end of the first period! The Pens have the 1-0 lead over the Stars!

1:00 - Pens are buzzing around Niemi as the clock starts to whine down to end the first period. The first line for the Pens is clicking on all cylinders.

2:41 - Niemi with a huge save with Schultz on the doorstep. That was a close one.

3:43 - Stars finally get a offensive zone set-up going, but Murray shuts them down.

5:01 - The Pens are playing a really strong game defensively. They are getting good chances, clogging up the neutral zone, and keeping the Stars from getting chances.

9:56 - MALKIN SCORES! Hornqvist backhands an outlet pass from behind the net to the side where Malkin chips the puck past Niemi! 1-0 Pens

10:51 - Things are starting to pick up. Chances for both teams. Murray and Niemi are sharp.

12:42 - Kessel is robbed by Niemi.

13:36 - Quite a few icing calls and stoppages to start this game.

15:58 - One shot a piece. Dallas' first shot was a quality chance, but Murray stood up to make the save.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Dallas! The Pens need to take it to the Stars early and get this game going their way! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins host Red Wings

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Detroit Red Wings for 'Hockey Day in America.' The Penguins are not always the best during afternoon games, but they should be able to get the job done regardless.

Well it's game time! The Penguins need to watch out for a desperate Red Wings team, who are last in the Eastern Conference. That means they will be desperate to get those points and that can be trouble. The Penguins need to stick to their game, stay out of the box, and get on the offensive early! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel 

Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist

Wilson - Bonino - Kessel

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Cole - Ruhwedel

Daley - Oleksy

Murrey in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Red Wings 5

3rd Period
0:00 - This game is finished and the Red Wings come out with the 5-2 victory. The Pens had some sloppy plays that the Red Wings took advantage of and the Pens didn't capitalize on their own chances.

0:51 - Glendening scores. Glendening gets the empty netter. 5-2 Red Wings.

1:30 - Murray is once again back on the bench.

1:37 - Bonino is set free.

2:04 - Hagelin gets a tripping penalty and Kronwall for slashing. Four-on-three Red Wing power play for 27 seconds.

2:06 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:38 - Only three shots for the Pens during all their power play time. That is unacceptable.

2:49 - Red Wings with a power play for 1:12.

3:37 - 48 seconds of four-on-four. Bonino takes a bad high-sticking penalty.

4:49 - Tatar high-sticks Hagelin and will head to the box. Power play chance for the Pens.

6:30 - Athanasiou comes flying down the wing and fires a quick shot that beats Murray, but it doesn't beat the goal post!

8:13 - Well power play time is up and the Pens were unable to capitalize.

10:13 - Power play time for the Pens as Ott goes for interference. The Pens need to make something of this chance.

11:06 - Letang is set free.

11:26 - Kuhnhackl gets a breakaway chance, but fires a shot wide. Not even close.

12:53 - Pens kill off Cole's penalty and now have 1:47 left to kill on Letang's penalty.

13:06 - Terrible. Red Wings with a five-on-three power play for 13 seconds as Letang goes for slashing.

14:53 - Not a good time to take a penalty. Cole will head to the box for tripping and the Red Wings bring out their power play unit.

15:53 - Great response by Crosby, but the Pens have to keep it going. They still have a hill to climb.

17:37 - CROSBY SCORES! Crosby works to get the puck after losing the face-off in the neutral zone and comes into the offensive zone with Guentzel on his wing! Crosby lets go of a quick shot that goes five-hole on Mrazek. 4-2 Red Wings.

17:44 - Vanek scores. The defense backs up allowing Vanek to skate into center with space. He roofs one over the shoulder (blocker side) of Murray. 4-1 Red Wings.

19:33 - Tatar scores. Zetterberg and Tatar with a give and go in front of the net. Tatar gets the last pass and wrist one past Murray. 3-1 Red Wings.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens need to put the pressure on the Red Wings and wear them down! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Horn sounds to end the second period and the Pens still trail the Red Wings 2-1.

1:37 - Bonino and Kessel look to have a quality scoring chance, but they pass one too many times.

3:02 - Another power play for the Pens comes to an end. They only had one shot on that power play chance.

5:02 - The Pens are headed right back onto the power play as Jensen slashes Bonino's stick. The Pens need to make sure they take advantage and not let the Red Wings have all the chances to score.

5:10 - Just as the power play for the Pens draws to a close, Murray denies Sheahan on his shorthanded chance. Red Wings had better chances then the Pens on that power play.

7:10 - Now the Pens will get a chance on the power play as Jensen receives a tripping penalty.

10:23 - Mrazek commits highway robbery on Bonino. Mrazek moves right to left to deny Bonino's backhanded shot with a glove save.

12:55 - Wilson's drive is denied by Mrazek.

14:24 - The pace of the game has picked up from the first period, but that is mostly due to less stoppages in the second.

16:55 - Crosby and Mantha rejoin their respective teams on the ice.

18:31 - Malkin feeds a pass up to Cole with some space on the wing. Mrazek is just able to get the blocker out to direct the puck wide. Great play and great save.

18:55 - Crosby and Mantha exchange some words and hits behind the play. They will both sit for slashing. Four-on-for hockey.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to clean up their game and pressure Mrazek! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will bring an end to the first period as the Pens trail the Red Wings 2-1.

1:39 - Murray with a huge stop on Nielsen's point blank shot.

3:31 - Ott scores. Sheahan slides a pass to Ott skating through the slot area. Ott takes the puck to the side of the net and backhands one past Murray. 2-1 Red Wings.

4:28 - That was a very successful penalty kill for the Pens.

5:58 - KUHNHACKL SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Letang intercepts a Red Wing pass in the defensive zone and brings it up to the neutral zone! He makes a perfect pass to Kuhnhackl, who has a step on Kronwall! He fires it past Mrazek! 1-1 tie game.

6:28 - Malkin will get the first penalty of the game for high-sticking, sending the Red Wings onto the power play.

6:42 - About 25 face-offs already in this period.

8:37 - There are a lot of stoppages and it is making it hard for the Pens to get to their speed game. The Red Wings did play yesterday, but these whistles are helping in the rest department.

11:12 - Jensen scores. Red Wings get a two-on-one breakaway. Jensen holds and fakes the shot to freeze Murray. He pulls the puck back and around the outstretch glove of Murray. 1-0 Red Wings

11:32 - Pretty solid start for the Pens. Letang with some good plays to enter the offensive zone.

14:58 - Shots are 5-2 in favor of the Pens.

17:38 - Kessel gets a breakaway, but he is denied by Mrazek.

20:00 - It's a mid-day hockey game in Pittsburgh! The Pens are taking on the Red Wings! They need to stay focus, play smart, and get on the offensive early! Lets Go Pens! 

No Jackets needed

By: MF, 

We are in Columbus to watch the second game of a back-to-back set for the Pittsburgh Penguins. They are coming off a huge 4-3 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets and it was a night to remember. 

First off, history was made last night as Sidney Crosby achieve the 1,000 point mark with an assist on the opening goal. It didn't stop there, Crosby finished the game with the overtime winner and it was magical. More to follow in another story, because it deserves its own article. 

Though the night ended with a win and good feelings around Crosby, the Penguins lost two key defenders to injury. Olli Maatta underwent successful surgery on his hand and he will be out for six for more weeks. Also, Justin Schultz is out indefinitely with a concussion. Both received their injuries from questionable hits from two Jets. It was a very physical game last night and the Penguins didn't come out unscathed. 

Moreover, tonight's game will be a physical affair as are all the games against the Blue Jackets. The Penguins will have to play smart, stay out of the box, and not let the Blue Jackets knock them off their style of game play. Lets Go Pens! 

Some good news on the injury front is that Carl Hagelin will be back in the lineup tonight! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel 

Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist

Wilson - Bonino - Kessel

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Cole - Ruhwedel

Daley - Oleksy

Murrey in the net! 

Play by Play
Pens 1 Blue Jackets 2 OT

Overtime
The Pens fall to the Blue Jackets 2-1 in overtime. They had a rough second period, but where able to come out with things tied. There third period play was better and they fought back. However, the Blue Jackets are able to capitalize first in overtime for the win.

3:56 - Dubinsky scores. Dubinsky rifles one over the glove of Murray. 2-1 Blue Jackets

4:25 - Crosby, Hagelin, and Letang dominated the start of overtime. Some great passing, but maybe too much as they don't get a shot off.

5:00 - Another night of overtime hockey! This one is going to be interesting! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime for the second night in a row.

0:37 - Saad finds himself all alone behind the Pens defense, but Murray shuts the five-hole.

2:00 - Excellent shift my the second line of the Pens. Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist.

4:29 - A lot of up and down hockey. The Pens are managing their play better this period, but Bobrovsky has held them at bay. While Murray has done the same to the Blue Jackets.

7:23 - Much better chances this period for the Pens. Bobrovsky has been solid and the Blue Jackets have done a good job of fore-checking and not giving the Pens much space.

9:18 - Bobrovsky stops Daley's shot from the point with his pad, but leaves a rebound in front. Kunitz gets a stick on the rebound, but he puts it over the net.

12:16 - Murray robs Atkinson with a pad save!

13:21 - Hagelin gets in behind the Jets defense to receive a pass, but Bobrovsky easily pushes the puck aside.

17:21 - Kessel with a quality chance, but can't get past Bobrovsky.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens have to put the pressure on Bobrovsky! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period and things are tied 1-1. Pens are lucky that this one is tied.

1:25 - Late pressure by the Pens in a period that has otherwise been all Blue Jackets.

3:03 - Oleksy fires a shot high and wide.

5:12 - You can see the fatigue of the Pens after playing a hard game last night and traveling to Columbus for tonight's game. Murray keeping things tied.

7:39 - Blue Jackets spending a lot of time in the offensive zone during the second period. The Pens are having trouble getting good clears.

10:12 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

12:12 - Oleksy is called for holding and it's a delayed penalty situation. Bonino ends up touching the puck and the referee blows the whistle to stop play. In the process of that action, the Jackets score, but it's ruled a no goal.

13:47 - COLE SCORES! Malkin wins an offensive zone faceoff back to Cole at the point! Cole wrists a shot on net that blows past the glove of Bobrovsky! 1-1 tie game.

14:12 - Another strong save by Murray. The front of the Pens net is way too open for comfort right now. They need to shut that down.

16:47 - Murray with a huge glove save as the puck was bouncing around in front.

18:27 - R.Murray scores. Karlsson's shot at the side is stopped, but the puck is loose in the slot area. R.Murray comes out of nowhere to get the puck and put it past Murray. 1-0 Blue Jackets.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to keep to their game and use their speed against the Blue Jackets! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period ends and things are scoreless. Shots were 15-11 in favor of the Pens.

3:54 - Crosby's line with some unreal offensive zone pressure. The Blue Jackets have to be dead tired.

4:33 - Letang takes either a stick or elbow up high. He heads for the bench and gives the referees a piece of his mind.

5:34 - Bobrovsky robs Kessel at the side of the net!

7:11 - Daley fires a rocket shot from the point that rings off the crossbar! 

9:05 - Wilson blows a shot just wide of the net. 

11:01 - Another great penalty kill by the Pens. 

11:40 - Now the Jets have a power play for 37 seconds. 

13:01 - Some good chances by the Pens, but Hornqvist ends up taking a penalty for goalie interference. Four-on-four hockey for 1:24. 

13:40 - Malkin with a sneaky shot in the slot area that is saved. Scrum ensues in front and Malkin draws a penalty. Anderson sits for roughing and the Pens get a power play. 

14:15 - Murray with a solid save on Karlsson. Some words and pushes are exchanged. 

15:04 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Murray had a scare as a puck made it through him, but just went wide. Close call. 

17:04 - Cole gets the first penalty of the game for tripping. Blue Jackets to the power play. 

18:13 - Things are already getting heated as a scrum ensues in front of Murray. 

20:00 - This game is underway in Columbus! The Pens need to take control of this game early! Lets Go Pens! 

The watch for 1,000 continues - ACHIEVED!

By: MF, 

Welcome back to another night of Pittsburgh Penguins' hockey.

Sorry that I missed the last game, Valentine's Day, but I was working at the arena. I hate when events overlap with the schedule of the Penguins.

Onto tonight's game at PPG Paints Arena against the Winnipeg Jets. The Penguins come in with a 35-13-7 record and are tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for second place in the Metropolitan Division with 77 points. They are only seven away from the Washington Capitals, who also lead the Eastern Conference. As for the Winnipeg Jets, they are 26-29-4 going into this one and are tied for 10th in the Western Conference.

However, the main focus of tonight will be a few career milestones for some Penguin players. Kris Letang will play in his 600th career NHL game. Evgeni Malkin is only two assists away from 500 career NHL assists. Most importantly though is the Sidney Crosby watch. He currently sits at 999 points, only one away from 1,000 career NHL points. A huge achievement and it will be a joy to sit and watch history happen. Whether it be tonight or tomorrow.

Now let's turn to some interesting statistics for tonight's game. The Penguins will have to bring the offensive and they are not lacking in that department. They are the first team in the NHL to have three players with 20 or more goals. Those three being Crosby (30 goals), Malkin (23 goals), and Phil Kessel (20 goals). They demonstrated this during Tuesday's game with a dominating 4-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks. I don't see them slowing down now even with some key wingers missing from the lineup.

As for the missing wingers, the only update is that Carl Hagelin practice with the team, but did not take part in line rushes. Great to see him progressing.

Tonight the Penguins need to focus on playing smart, staying out of the box, and keeping up the offensive pressure. They are always at their best when they are attacking. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel
Wilson - Malkin - Hornqvist
Cullen - Bonino - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Fehr

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Jets 3 OT

Overtime
THE PENS GET THE 4-3 OVERTIME WIN! THEY WHERE MISSING A FEW ON DEFENSE, BUT THEY BATTLED BACK! GREAT GAME AND EFFORT BY THE PENS! FLEURY WAS SOLID IN NET AND HAD AN UNREAL NIGHT! 

0:21 - CROSBY SCORES! Malkin goes to the net and leaves the puck in front for Crosby! Crosby stays strong on his stick to hold off Scheifele to puck the puck into the cage! 4-3 Pens

1:06 - Wheeler looks to ring one off the goal post. Wow this overtime hockey is unreal. Action everywhere.

2:07 - Fleury stands up to make a glove save on Ehlers as he was on a breakaway. Amazing save.

3:20 - Kessel working hard in the defensive zone and gets the puck up the ice.

4:20 - Some great work by Crosby, Letang, and Guentzel. Good start to this overtime.

5:00 - The Pens have battled back to tie things up and now they need to finish this game! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - This one is headed to overtime as things are tied 3-3.

1:45 - Dumoulin gets a feed in the slot area, but misses the net!

4:52 - Wheeler is back on the ice for the Jets.

6:05 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Hornqvist provides the screen in front! Kessel, the sniper, snipes a shot over the glove of Hellebuyck! 3-3 tie game.

6:29 - Byfuglien will now sit for high-sticking and the Pens get a power play opportunity.

6:56 - It's a good penalty kill.

7:04 - Fleury comes out with the poke check and disrupts the play! What a big move by Fleury on Ehlers.

8:56 - Wheeler is off to the locker room. Malkin and Stuart sit in the box. Jets on the power play though as Malkin gets an extra minor for interference.

8:58 - Malkin with some great moves in the offensive zone. Something happens behind the play as Wheeler is down and the Jets go after Malkin.

9:27 - Jets are the ones in control of this game. The Pens haven't been able to get any offensive zone pressure going yet.

11:36 - Byfuglien scores. Byfuglien is just able to sneak in the puck on a wrap-around shot. The Pens are hurting without Schultz and Maatta. 3-2 Jets

15:38 - Postma scores. Postma fires a knuckler of a shot past three Penguins and Fleury's glove. No way Fleury could see that puck. 2-2 tie game.

16:56 - Fleury with another amazing save. He is feeling very confident in net and keeping the Pens in the lead.

20:00 - Third period hockey! The Pens need to play smart as they don't have all their defenders out there and they must stay out of the box! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - A physical second period of hockey ends, but the Pens still hold the lead 2-1 over the Jets.

0:43 - Wow! Fleury loses his balance and makes a kicking save as Scheifele gets around Letang in front to get the shot off.

2:50 - Laine scores. The Jets execute a perfect pass triangle in front of the net. Laine is left all alone and is able to drill the puck past Fleury. 2-1 Pens

3:28 - You can see the troll of only have four defenders available is doing to the Pens. Schultz and Maatta still haven't returned.

5:22 - The penalty time is over. Another great penalty killing effort by the Pens.

6:49 - Rowney is back on the bench for the Pens.

7:22 - Pens are going to be shorthanded as Daley sits for holding. Jets to the power play.

8:02 - Things are getting more heated as Lowry has been running around laying hard hits. Malkin pushes back.

8:52 - Lowry with a bit of a late check on Maatta, who goes flying backwards. He is being looked at on the bench. The Jets are finishing checks and being as physical as possible. Not sure where the line is right now.

10:00 - Sold penalty kill and Hornqivst is set free.

10:01 - Just as the power play for the Jets is ending, Fleury holds strong at the side of the net. He shuts down Petan.

11:06 - What a save by Fleury with some traffic in front. The best penalty killer for the Pens right now.

12:00 - Hornqvist heads to the sin bin for high-sticking. Jets get a power play chance.

12:49 - Trouba lays a hard hit in the middle of the offensive on Rowney. Rowney goes to the locker room as a result.

15:02 - Fleury comes out to challenge Perreault. He makes the save. He is on his game.

15:36 - Schultz takes a hard hit from Byfuglien into the boards. He goes down and is slow to get up. He heads to the locker room.

16:24 - Trouba fires a shot from the half boards that is redirected on its way to Fleury, but he had a clear sight line and is able to make the save.

18:47 - The Jets are bring the physical play to this period.

20:00 - We are back in action for the second period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and continue to attack the Jets! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be the end of the first period and the Pens hold the 2-0 lead over the Jets!

3:57 - Some great puck movement by the Pens, but they are unable to score on the man advantage.

5:57 - Time for the Pens to get a chance on the power play. Thorburn with the high-sticking penalty.

7:57 - Fleury has been great in the net. Really strong even without being tested much in the beginning of the game.

10:08 - Excellent penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was outstanding on that penalty kill.

10:53 - Now a regular power play for the Jets for another 45 seconds.

12:08 - Kessel is called for holding. Jets get a four-on-three power play.  

12:30 - Malkin and Byfuglien will sit for roughing. Four-on-four hockey time.

12:32 - KUNITZ SCORES! CROSBY REACHES 1,000 NHL CAREER POINTS! Crosby works to strip a Jet of the puck and outlets a pass to Kunitz in the slot! He doesn't miss! An amazing play by Crosby that symbolizes him as a player! What an achievement! 2-0 Pens

14:01 - Byfuglien's bomb of a shot from the point is blocked by

14:55 - The Pens are taking it to the Jets. They are having a hard time getting out of the defensive zone. Great pressure by the Pens.

16:46 - Crosby dishes a pass to Kunitz driving center. Kunitz just shots wide of the net!

19:01 - MALKIN SCORES! Hellebuyck makes a save, but gives up misplays the rebound and the Jets are unable to clear! Malkin comes in and goes to one-knee to put the puck past Hellebuyck! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Game on! The watch for 1,000 continues! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins are not afraid of some Coyotes

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their road trip with a stop in Arizona to take on the Coyotes. The Penguins had a good 4-1 win Thursday over the Colorado Avalanche.

The Penguins are going to without the services of another forward as Bryan Rust is out with an undisclosed injury. Also, Evgeni Malkin was ruled out of the game. It was thought he would be ready to play tonight, but that isn't the case. Due to this, Josh Archibald was called up from Wilkes-Barre Scranton. With Rust being out, Jake Guentzel will get the chance to slot in the open spot on Sidney Crosby's line. It's well deserved.

Offensive production hasn't been a problem though. Phil Kessel has 11 points in his last nine games, Patric Hornqvist has seven goals in his last seven, and Chris Kunitz has six points in the last six. Everyone is stepping up to fill in the holes that have been left and showing the depth that the Penguins are lucky to have.

We are still on Crosby watch as he needs two points to reach 1,000 points!

Tonight the Penguins need to focus on playing their style of game, while also playing smart and consistent. Thursday's game may of resulted in a win, but they had many turnovers and were sloppy for most of the game. They cannot play that way tonight. They need to clean up their game and keep things tight. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel
Cullen - Bonino - Kessel
Wilson - Rowney - Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl - Fehr - Archibald

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 3 Coyotes 4 OT

Overtime
The Coyotes get the 4-3 overtime win over the Pens. The Pens battled back to tie things, but were unable to capitalize on their chances in the overtime period. Crosby's streak of not going two games without a point is snapped.

0:21 - Murphy scores. Murphy uses Dumoulin as a screen a wrist a shot past the blocker side of Fleury. 4-3 Coyotes.

1:09 - Pens power play time ends.

1:43 - The Pens are like swarming sharks on the power play.

3:09 - Domi heads to the box for high-sticking and the Pens are getting a four-on-three power play.

4:31 - Crosby takes off with the puck and rings a shot off the goal post!

5:00 - Time for some overtime hockey! The Pens have battled to tie things and now they need to finish this! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:14 - KESSEL SCORES! Letang fires from the point and Smith makes the save! Kessel finds the rebound chance and stuffs it into the net! 3-3 tie game

1:22 - Fleury is off and the Pens get the extra attacker.

1:34 - Crosby is set free.

3:34 - Now Crosby takes a tripping penalty and the Pens bring out their penalty killers.

4:16 - Pens with a very successful penalty kill.

5:22 - ARCHIBALD SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Smith tries to play the puck, though it's in the no play zone, but Archibald gets the puck from Smith! He kicks the puck to his skate and puts it in the wide open net! What a play! 3-2 Coyotes.

6:16 - Schultz with a high-sticking penalty and the Coyotes get a power play chance. Huge penalty kill for the Pens.

7:49 - Perlini gets in alone, but Fleury flashes the pad to make the save!

9:16 - Bonino is back on the ice. Good to see. Must of just been an equipment issue.

9:55 - Fleury with two great saves on Bumistrov.

11:05 - Bonino is not on the bench. He went to the locker room during the tv timeout. He did trip over a Coyote playing in the neutral zone last period. Could be the reason for him being out.

12:48 - Smith robs Rowney and Hornqvist in front! Great chances for the Pens.

16:24 - Hanzal scores. The puck bounces off bodies in front and is loose in the blue paint. Fleury looses sight of the puck. Maatta falls into Fleury, which doesn't allow him to get over to the puck in time as Hanzal gets a stick on it to put it into the wide open net. 3-1 Pens

19:26 - Domi gets around the defense of the Pens, but Fleury shuts the door on him.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to keep pressuring Smith and make sure to play smart defensively! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period horn sounds and the Coyotes hold the 2-1 lead over the Pens after two periods of play.

1:34 - Fleury with a quick kick save on Schenn's shot from the point.

3:43 - Guentzel is denied twice at point-blank range by Smith.

6:37 - Letang with a great defensive play to keep Domi from getting a quality scoring chance.

8:25 - The Coyotes come up with another successful penalty kill. Not being able to capitalize on the power play could come back to haunt the Pens.

10:25 - Martinook is off to the sin bin for roughing and the Pens have a chance to tie things up on the power play.

11:00 - Hanzal scores on the power play. Fleury stops the initial shot, but Hanzal camps in front and is able to find the loose puck. He stuffs it in to put the Coyotes up. 2-1 Coyotes.

12:03 - Dumoulin goes to the box for interference and the Pens will have to kill off a Coyotes power play.

13:20 - Rieder scores. The puck drops over the stick of Schultz and sends Rieder down the ice. Rieder enters the offensive zone and snaps one over the glove shoulder of Fleury. It may of gone off the stick of Cole on its way to the goal. 1-1 tie game.

14:19 - ARCHIBALD SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL! Kuhnhackl's shot is stopped, Fehr's shot is kicked out by Smith, and Archibald finds backhands the rebound up over Smith into the net! 1-0 Pens

14:34 - Coyotes kill off the power play chance for the Pens.

15:38 - Crosby backhands a pass to Hornqvist who almost sneaks one past Smith.

16:34 - Power play time for the Pens as Schenn sits for tripping.

17:04 - Fleury comes out to cut down the angle and makes the save on Vrbata!

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to capitalize on their chances and keep pressuring Smith! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - Time expires and things are still scoreless after one.

1:46 - That ends the power play and things are still scoreless.

3:46 - Now the Coyotes get a delay of game penalty. Hanzal will sit. The Pens head onto the power play.

4:42 - This game has a good fast pace to it. Perfect for the Pens, but they need to make sure to play smart. They cannot allow the Coyotes to get odd-man rushes. Smith has been sharp.

7:11 - Smith puts the paddle down to make a save on Hornqvist's breakaway shot.

7:35 - Daley plays a little goalie as he gets to the puck and clears it out of harms way behind Fleury.

9:15 - Some great chances for the Pens in their last few shifts, but they haven't been able to capitalize. They are buzzing around the ice.

10:46 - Archibald with a deflection shot that just goes wide of the net.

13:31 - Fleury and Smith looked solid to start. 

15:15: Doan turns over the puck and gives Guentzel a breakaway chance. Smith bails out his teammate. 

15:20 - The Pens are successful on the penalty kill. 

17:20 - Coyotes get the first power play of the game as Letang is ticketed with a delay of game penalty. 

20:00 - It's hockey night in Arizona and the Pens need to come out ready and with speed to start this one! Lets Go Pens!  

Penguins ride the Avalanche

By: MF, 

Hello everyone! The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the road again and will be facing off against the Colorado Avalanche tonight.

The focus still remains on Sidney Crosby has he closes the gap on 1,000 career NHL points. He is currently at 998 after getting assist in the Penguins 3-2 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames. With that assist Crosby tied Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) for the most points in the league at 60. The big difference on that front is that Crosby has only played 46 games to McDavid's 55. Crosby is on a whole other level right now.

As for the Penguins injury list, there is no change. Evgeni Malkin skated Thursday, but will not dress tonight. Though there is good news as he may return to the lineup as early as Saturday. Nothing else to report of Conor Sheary or Carl Hagelin.

The Avalanche have been struggling and look to put together three straight wins tonight, which they haven't accomplished since March 16-20 of last season. However, the Penguins should not count them out. These type of struggling teams seem to have a power over the Penguins at times. The Penguins just need to stay focused on their game, stay out of the box, and limit the Avalanche's chances. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Rust
Guentzel - Bonino - Kessel
Wilson - Rowney - Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Avalanche 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THAT WILL DO IT FOR THIS GAME! THE PENS GET THE 4-1 ROAD WIN OVER THE AVALANCHE! It wasn't the best start for them, but they kept with things and took advantage of their opportunities! Now onto Arizona!

0:36 - KUNITZ SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Cullen goes up ice to Kunitz that slides the puck into the empty net! 4-1 Pens

1:33 - The Avs have an empty net.

3:16 - Landeskog scores on the power play. Landeskog fires from the side boards and finds a path between the left pad of Murray and the goal post. 3-1 Pens

3:29 - The Pens will be shorthanded once again. Hornqvist ticketed for tripping.

5:06 - Another good penalty kill for the Pens.

7:06 - Dumoulin heads to the box for delay of game and the Avs get a power play.

9:29 -Crosby comes flying down the wing and is denied by Pickard!

9:59 - Wilson has a point blank shot that goes up over the net!

11:33 - Not much to report so far this period. Just some up and down hockey at the moment.

12:47 - Guentzel's shot sails high and wide of the net.

16:38 - Rowney just gets a piece of a cross-ice pass, but not enough to get a shot off.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens need to really clean up their game and stop giving the Avs chances! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period of play comes to an end and the Pens have extended their lead to 3-0!

1:22 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Schultz finds Hornqvist up front and his first shot is saved by Pickard, but he doesn't stop there! He puts in the rebound! 3-0 Pens 

3:19 - Rust gets a chance behind Avs defender Barberio, Pickard makes the save. Though Barberio gives Rust a shove that sends him falling into the goalie. Rust hit the post pretty hard and he heads off the ice.

4:08 - Pure domination by the Pens on the last two shifts that were in the offensive zone. Pens putting the Avs on their heels.

5:47 - The Avs are stepping up their physical game play. Pens are responding well.

10:20 - Good work by the Pens penalty killers as Fehr is released.

12:20 - The Avs will finally get their first power play of the game as Fehr is off to the sin bin for holding.

13:02 - MacKinnon gets a breakaway chance as the Pens have a bad change. His shot rings off the goal post!

16:10 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz is able to keep the puck in the zone and whacks to the back boards! Kessel is able to get the bouncing puck out front of Hornqvist who bangs it in! 2-0 Pens

16:23 - Zadorov off for holding the Pens head onto the power play.

17:07 - Kuhnhackl is back on the ice. Good news! Fast, up and down hockey right now.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to clean up their game this period and limit the Avs chances! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

1:20 - Rust is robbed by Pickard! Tons of chances for both teams and the goalies have proven to be up to the task.

2:45 - We are back to five-on-five hockey.

4:45 - Four-on-four hockey as Cole and Colborne sit.

4:46 - Colborne lays a hard hit on Kuhnhackl along the boards behind the Pens' net. Looks to be a knee-on-knee hit. Cole takes exception. Cole and Colborne exchange some words and shoves. Kuhnhackl heads down the runway to the locker room.

5:20 - The Pens power play is killed off and Murray makes a save on Grigorenko as he is able to skate around the defense to get a chance.

7:20 - A too many men-on-the-ice penalty will be handed out to the Avs and the Pens head back onto the power play. Hopefully the Pens get some chances on this one.

8:18 - That will be the end of the Pens power play chance.

9:46 - The Avs get an odd-man rush on the penalty kill. Landeskog is denied by the out-stretched pad of Murray and MacKinnon's rebound chance is loss in the bodies as the net ends up dislodged.

10:18 - Goloubef heads to the box for cross-checking and the Pens bring out their power play.

13:27 - The Pens were sloppy to start this game, but were able to take advantage of their chances unlike the Avs. Their game has turned around since Kessel's goal.

16:00 - KESSEL SCORES! Cullen and Kessel get a two-on-one rush! Cullen draws the defender and gets a pass across to Kessel who slides the puck through the five-hole of Pickard! 1-0 Pens

17:15 - MacKinnon gets another chance and Murray comes out to cut down his angle. MacKinnon passes over to a wide open Rantanen who hits the goal post! He had a wide open net. Lucky break for the Pens.

19:38 - MacKinnon intercepts Dumoulin's pass to Letang in front of the net. MacKinnon's shot rings off the goal post.

20:00 - Game time! The Pens need to stay out of the box, control the tempo, and take it to the Avs! Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins look to extinguish the Flames

By: MF, 

Welcome back everyone for another exciting night of hockey! Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins are hosting the Calgary Flames.

The main focus of the game tonight for the fans will be Sidney Crosby as he is only three points from reaching 1,000 NHL career points. He would become the 86th player in NHL history to accomplish this, kinda wish he was the 87th. Regardless this is a huge milestone for a player that is still in his prime. Looking at his points, three players stand out as major contributors to his climb to 1,000. First is Evgeni Malkin with 262 points, Chris Kunitz with 183 points, and Kris Letang with 158 points. Maybe Kunitz or Letang will factor into the 1,000th mark.

Now onto the game at hand. Malkin (lower-body), Conor Sheary (upper-body), and Chris Hagelin (concussion) will all be out of the lineup tonight. Malkin did practice Monday, but was wearing a no contact jersey. Still good to see him out on the ice making progress.

Tonight the Penguins need to take advantage of playing at PPG Paints Arena and take it to the Flames early! They need to play smart and stay out of the box. They are tied for second place in the Metropolitan Division with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Two critical points await as the end of the regular season draws near. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Rust
Guentzel - Bonino - Kessel
Wilson - Rowney - Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Fehr

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Flames 3 SO

Shootout
The Flames end up getting the 3-2 shootout win. Hard loss for the Pens after battling to tie things up and then killing off a huge penalty in overtime. It was a terrible game for the Pens, so they shouldn't feel bad about their overall performance. Onto the next game.

Letang rings one off the goal post.

Monahan is stopped.

Crosby is stopped.

Versteeg scores.

Kessel is stopped by Johnson.


Overtime
0:00 - A shootout is going to decide this game as things are still tied 2-2.

1:10 - What a great kill! Daley is released!

2:03 - Murray holds for the whistle and Flames call a timeout.

2:10 - Bonino and Cole with two huge blocks!

3:01 - Murray loses his mask and the referee ends up blowing the whistle a bit after and waved off a Flames goal. Looks like he thought the Pens were going to have control of the puck soon. Not sure. Pens get lucky.

3:11 - Daley is off to the box and the Flames get a four-on-three power play in overtime.

3:18 - Murray with a blocker save on Bennett.

3:55 - Cullen fires one and it goes up over the net. Giordano with his stick in the way to deflect that shot.

5:00 - Overtime hockey has started! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - That will bring an end to the third period. Things are tied at 2-2, so we are headed to overtime.

1:37 - Tkackuk goes down and ends up running over Murray. Both are slow to get up. No whistles.

3:00 - Cullen with a wrap around chance. Johnson is able to get over in time to make the save.

4:54 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Cole steps up to take control of the loose puck at the center of the offensive zone! He finds Guentzel at the side who releases a lightning quick shot past Johnson! 2-2 tie game.

8:01 - Gaudreau with a chance, but he is unable to pull the trigger.

8:53 - Crosby being double shifted quite a bit. Flames seeing a lot of him.

12:01 - A great penalty killing effort by the Pens and Letang is released from the sin bin.

14:01 - Flames getting a power play as Letang takes a seat in the sin bin.

14:07 - CROSBY IS AT 998 POINTS! 

14:08 - KUNITZ SCORES! Crosby wins the offensive faceoff and goes back to Letang! Letang goes up to Crosby who feeds Kunitz! Kunitz fires a bad angle shot and it sneaks through Johnson! 2-1 Flames

16:58 - Crosby goes down to one-knee and his shot bounces off both goal post and somehow stays out of the goal. Looks to be a goal, but the referee ways it off right away. That was so close.

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to get more offensive zone time and put the pressure on the Flames/Johnson! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period and the Flames lead things 2-0.

1:57 - Frolik scores. The Flames get a three-on-two rush. Tkachuk draws attention to him and is able to slip a pass to Frolik, who is alone at the side of the net. He puts it past Murray. 2-0 Flames

3:41 - Ferland scores. Ferland pokes the puck away from Crosby at the blue line and has a step on both Dumoulin and Crosby as he heads towards Murray. He fires one under the glove and over the pad of Murray to put the Flames up 1-0.

4:12 - Finally some offensive zone time as the Pens third line is able to set up and cycle the puck. Johnson gets the puck and holds for the whistle. Wilson ends up heading to the locker room. I am not sure of the reason yet, but I will keep you updated on the situation.

5:41 - Crosby is robbed twice by Johnson! Both chances were right on the doorstep. What moves by Crosby to get the puck.

6:13 - Still a close checking game. Not much established offensive zone time for the Pens or Flames.

10:00 - Some good chances for the Pens, but Johnson has been sharp and the Flames are doing a good job of getting sticks in the way of shots.

11:54 - Close checking, fast pace hockey being played right now. Players are unable to hold onto the puck for long.

15:09 - The Pens are unable to capitalize on their power play chance.

17:09 - Gaudreau heads to the box for high-sticking and the Pens bring out their power play.

18:45 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Kinda funny reading Twitter as the site went down for a bit and came back up soon after the second period started.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens have a penalty kill for 1:15 to start! Get the kill and strike! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to a close and things are still scoreless.

0:45 - Pens have to kill off another penalty as Cole sits for tripping.

2:41 - Wilson with a perfect feed to Rowney driving down center. Wideman just gets a piece of Rowney's shot to deflect to over the net.

3:39 - Both penalties have expired and we are back to full strength hockey.

5:39 - Guentzel is ticketed with holding the stick and heads to the box. Also, Brodie sits as he cross-checked Guentzel. Four-on-four hockey time.

8:55 - Daley with a good stick to redirect Hathaway's shot into the netting. If not for Daley getting his stick on the puck, it would of been a goal.

11:35 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens as Schultz is set free from the sin bin.

13:35 - Now the Flames will get a chance on the power play as Schultz heads to the box for tripping. Letang is back on the ice.

13:53 - Letang is hit hard on the boards and is hunched over on the bench.

14:42 - Murray and Johnson with some good saves to start this game. Good flow to this game as there have not been many whistles.

16:39 - Rust with a shot through traffic in the slot area just goes wide. That will be the end of that power play for the Pens as Monahan is released.

18:39 - Cross-checking penalty will got to Monahan and that sends the Pens onto the power play. 

20:00 - It's hockey night in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to take it to the Flames early and keep up the pressure! Lets Go Pens!