Setting the tone before heading to Pittsburgh

Crosby and Malkin / MF

By: MF,

Back in action for Game Two between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals! The Penguins took Game One with a 3-2 win and look to head back to Pittsburgh with a 2-0 series lead. While the Capitals have other ideas.

One can expect this game to be a bit more physical and chippy as the Capitals peppering the net on Thursday night, but were only able to break through for two goals. Marc-Andre Fleury will be getting more traffic and bodies in front of him, which will make his job even harder and that is saying something as Game One was a rough one.

As for the Penguins, they need to get to their speed game earlier and keep the pressure on the Capitals. They cannot afford to sit back on their heels like previously and expect to come out with the win every night. The Penguins will have some help in that department as Carl Hagelin is back in the lineup and he will replace Scott Wilson. This game will set the tone as the series will shift to Pittsburgh after tonight. Lets Go Pens!

Downtown Pittsburgh / MF

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 6 Caps 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 6-2 WIN OVER THE CAPS AND TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD HEADING TO PITTSBURGH! NOT A COMPLETE GAME FOR THE PENS, BUT THEY RESPONSE AND GET THE JOB DONE! FLEURY WAS UNBELIEVABLE ONCE AGAIN! 

0:42 - GUENTZEL SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! 6-2 Pens

1:38 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

2:21 - Ovechkin's shot goes off the side of Hainsey's head (ear). He goes down and is in a lot of pain. The play is whistled dead. He is able to skate off under his own power and heads down the runway to the locker room.

2:24 - Empty net for the Caps.

2:51 - Another post for the Caps.

3:38 - Kuhnahackl gets a delay of game penalty. He is shaken up on the play and will head to the box. Kessel serves the penalty.

5:54 - Schmidt fires a shot from the point that rings off the goal post. The puck rebounds to Johansson who has a wide open net. He throws the puck into Fleury instead.

7:22 - A successful penalty kill for the Caps.

9:22 - Power play chance for the Pens as Wilson will get two for roughing. He also receives a 10-minute misconduct penalty. He will be unavailable to the Caps unless they force overtime.

11:37 - Geno ends up getting the fifth Pens goal as the puck went off his skate.

13:35 - Great response by the Pens as the Caps were getting some chances and it looked as if things would start to look like the first period.

14:29 - Cole's goal was initially waved off for goalie interference, but the Pens challenge. It was obviously a good goal. Good challenge!

14:29 - COLE SCORES! Malkin creates a screen in front of Grubauer and Cole puts the puck on net! Cole's shot beats Grubauer blocker side! 5-2 Pens

16:16 - Backstrom scores. Ovechkin comes flying into the offensive zone and Fleury turns aside his shot. Backstrom gets to the rebound first and is able to put it past Fleury before he can recover. 4-2 Pens

17:41 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel circles around walks in, and puts a shot five-hole! 4-1 Pens

18:28 - Shattenkirk flips the puck over the glass and will receive a delay of game penalty. The Pens head onto the power play.

19:59 - Grubauer replaces Holtby to start this period.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens need to keep pressuring the Caps and Holtby! They cannot allow them any time or space to get back into this one! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn signals the end of the second period and the Pens hold the 3-1 lead!

1:52 - The Pens have found their speed and desire later in the second. The score shows that. Now the test is whether they can keep up the pressure or do they end up sitting back?

3:46 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Crosby blocks a shot and dives out to propel the puck towards Guentzel! Guentzel and Rust then get a two-on-one chance! Guentzel holds and blows the puck past the glove shoulder of Holtby! 3-1 Pens

6:56 - KESSEL SCORES! Guentzel gets the puck to Crosby who is flying through the neutral zone! Crosby takes the puck behind him and puts it through his legs to bring the puck to the front of his body! Three Capital players surround Crosby as he enters the zone! Crosby is able to snap the puck over to Kessel who is all alone on the wing! Kessel snipes a shot over the glove shoulder of Holtby! 2-1 Pens

8:15 - That will be the end of power play time for the Pens.

10:15 - Finally a power play chance for the Pens and a great time for them to get one. Orpik will sit for hooking. The Pens need to use this power play to gain some momentum.

12:00 - Probably the best shift in the game by Malkin's line. They were able to cycle the puck and get some looks at the net.

13:26 - The Caps are outshooting the Pens 23-6. Things need to change right now.

13:53 - The Pens are better than this, but they are letting the Caps have their way. They are getting beat to pucks and giving up way too many scoring chances.

15:45 - Malkin is released and the Pens kill off another penalty.

17:45 - Malkin will not sit in the sin bin for slashing. Making up for the Caps not getting a power play in Game One as it seems the Caps can do no wrong.

17:51 - Niskanen scores on the power play. Three Pens go to the boards to battle and end up leaving Niskanen all alone in front. Fleury gets a piece of his point-blank shot, but it's not enough. 1-1 tie game

18:45 - CULLEN SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Cullen blocks Shattenkirk's shot at the blue line and gets to the puck! He creates a breakaway chance and Oshie does lift his stick to break the momentum! Cullen recovers and puts it five-hole on Holtby! 1-0 Pens

19:31 - Another power play chance will be awarded to the Caps as Guentzel takes a seat for hooking.

19:50 - Hornqvist is not on the bench to start the second. Sheary takes his spot on Crosby's line.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to come out with a completely different attitude and put the pressure on the Caps this time! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - The first period comes to an end and this one is scoreless.

0:17 - Another solid penalty kill. Amazing effort by Fleury.

2:17 - Terrible time for the Pens to take a penalty. Cole goes to the box for interference and the Caps get a late power play.

3:38 - Hornqvist blocks a shot from Carlson and he goes down in pain. He stays on the bench but eventually heads to the locker room.

4:50 - Backstrom gets time and space on the wing all alone. Fleury comes out to challenge and robs him with a mask save!

6:23 - The Pens take advantage of a Caps turnover to get a quality shot on net. Crosby at the side of the net finds Guentzel in the blue front. Holtby denies his point blank shot.

7:24 - Two-on-one chance for the Caps and Eller decides to hold the puck. His shot rings off the goal post!

9:17 - Shots are 8-1 in favor of the Caps. That is concerning.

10:13 - Cullen's line with the best offensive zone pressure so far for the Pens. They got to the forecheck and really were doing some good things. A solid foundation to build off of.

11:58 - A flurry of shots by the Caps. Fleury holds strong and keeps this one scoreless. The Pens are on their heels and something has to give. They need to pressure back.

13:42 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Now they need to get to work offensively as it has been all Caps to start.

14:01 - Great read by Fleury to deny Ovechkin. Though Ovechkin is always in the same place on the power play, so Fleury used that knowledge efficiently.

15:42 - Daley will now head to the box for hooking and that sends the Caps on the power play. Regardless of whether one believes that was a good call it was coming sooner or later. In my opinion, it was the right call. Now the Pens have a huge penalty kill ahead of them.

16:42 - The "HBK" line has been reunited. Solid start for the Caps and they have tested Fleury.

18:31 - Fleury with a solid save on a shot through traffic by Schmidt. The Caps getting their defense involved on plays.

19:47 - Hope to see Malkin wake up during this game. He had a terrible Game One performance and it would be a perfect time for him to get to his game.

20:00 - The puck has been dropped in Washington! The Pens need to come out with speed, take control of this game early and keep it! Lets Go Pens!

How will they be remembered?

By: MF,

A battle of National Hockey League (NHL) super powers is set to take place during the Second Round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals will once again face off in the postseason. Two powerhouses that have talented, deep rosters; superstar Captains; and a drive to win games like no other. This is an ideal storyline for the NHL, while the fans are a bit wearier. Whoever wins this series is assumed to go on to win the Stanley Cup. This is the 10^th time they will meet in the postseason. In the previous nine matchups, the Penguins have been the victor in eight. In four of those matchups, the Penguins have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. Of the four Championship wins for the Penguins, they have had to go through the Capitals.

Both teams finished the regular season with great numbers. The Capitals finished with 118 points and 55 wins, capturing the President’s Trophy for the second-straight year. As for the Penguins, they ended the season a close second with 111 points and 50 wins. Then came the First Round of the Playoffs. The Capitals ended up facing the Toronto Maple Leafs (the 8^th place team in the Eastern Conference). The Maple Leafs gave the Capitals a run for their money, but the Capitals would turn things around to get the series win in six games. While the Penguins ended up advancing in five games after a dominating series against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Even with a dominating performance against the Blue Jackets, there are things the Penguins need to improve on going into this series. The most important improvement is their starts. They were outplayed by the Blue Jackets when the puck dropped every game of the series. The Penguins were fortunate in having Marc-Andre Fleury, who was brilliant during the First Round. In this series, they must not play with fire as the Capitals are strong offensively.

In Game One, the Penguins did improve on their starts. They came out with speed and ended up holding the Capitals to only a single shot in the first 10 minutes of the game. However, the Capitals would take over the momentum towards the end and Marc-Andre Fleury was the saving grace. He even got a little help from Jake Guentzel, who made a stretched leg save right at the goal line. It was a bit of a crazy ending to the period for the Penguins after having a strong defensive start to the game. The key is that the Penguins need to continue to have solid starts in this series.

Marc-Andre Fleury / MF

The Penguins must also focus on their puck management game and how they handle momentum shifts. In the Blue Jackets series, the Penguins would find themselves on their heels during games and usually when they held the lead. They would sit back on their heels and give the Blue Jackets a chance to get back into the game. The same thing came to pass during Thursday’s game against the Capitals and fortunate the Penguins were still able to grab the win. Once again, the Penguins had some trouble handling the momentum shifts during the game especially after they held the 2-0 lead allowing the Capitals to get back into the game and tie things up. Then the Penguins retook the lead and sat back as the Capitals pressuring towards the end. Fleury was outstanding in the third period as the Capitals were peppering the net with shots and throwing everything they could on the net. Fleury was playing desperate hockey and never gave up on a play, which would lead to the Penguins holding onto the lead and getting the win in the end. This will be critical as the series progresses. The Penguins must clean this aspect of their game up or the Capitals will take advantage. Playing with fire is not good and it will end up burning the Penguins at some point and may end up being the end of the series for them.

For Game Two, the Penguins must focus on what they did well but also clean up their game. They may have gotten the win in Game One, but they didn’t play a flawless game. In addition, the Penguins will have to focus on special teams as the Capitals are due to get a power play in this next match. It will happen and the Capital power play is a lethal one. It will be critical that the Penguins have a solid penalty kill and build off that momentum rather than the Capitals getting momentum off a successful power play.

Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel celebrate / MF

This series goes beyond that of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Crosby had a spectacular Game One both offensively and defensively and Ovechkin wasn’t far behind. However, these two teams are filled with quality players that make every line a possible threat. I could sit here all day and compare the two Captains or match up lines filled with star power, but that is not what the series is all about. It’s a storyline that has been written quite a few times. The Penguins led by Crosby have shown that they can move forward and capture the prize, but that is the one thing that Ovechkin cannot claim. For all the offensive talent Ovechkin possesses he lacks the thing Crosby has, which is Crosby is a complete player where Ovechkin leaves something to be desired. 

In this battle of super powers want matters is what they are known for when it is all said and done. It’s believed that whoever wins this series will move on to win the Stanley Cup. So that begs the question, which team will be known as Stanley Cup Champions and who will choke? It’s up to the two to decide how they will be remembered. 

Two powerhouses battle in Round Two, Game One

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF,

It's time for the Second Round of the 2017 National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs! Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals faceoff for the 10th time in the postseason. In the previous nine, the Penguins have been the winning team in eight of them.

A storyline of two powerhouses and whoever win this series may very likely go on to win the Stanley Cup.

For tonight's game, there are some changes to the Penguins lineup. Chris Kunitz will be returning to the lineup! Good news as Kunitz is great at getting the other team off their game and shaking up goalies, which will be critical for the Penguins.

The Penguins will have to come out with speed and take control of this game earlier unlike the First Round against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They need to get in Branden Holtby's face and make him feel uncomfortable in net. Time to show the Capitals what the defending Champions are made of! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Caps 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN IN GAME ONE! THEY TAKE A 1-0 SERIES LEAD! GREAT WIN ON THE ROAD! CROSBY AND FLEURY WITH AWESOME PERFORMANCES! 

0:26 - Fleury being hammered with shots and he is coming up big! Wow!

1:38 - The Caps have an empty net.

2:50 - Fleury with some unreal saves as the puck is loose in front. Bodies everywhere as the loose puck is being looked for and finally, the whistle is blown.

4:04 - Schultz with a solid shove to separate a Capital from the puck and breakup a two-on-one.

5:15 - Power play time is over for the Pens. The best chance came at the end for the second unit, but Holtby holds strong. Make no mistake, Holtby has been strong of the Caps.

7:15 - Niskanen will sit for slashing and the Pens head onto the power play. A huge power play opportunity for the Pens.

7:24 - BONINO SCORES! The Pens get the puck up the ice quickly and Wilson gains the line! Wilson slides the puck across to Bonino who finds space between Shattenkirk and Orpik to get in alone! Bonino beats Holtby! 3-2 Pens

9:32 - Pens are playing with fire. They need to get to their game. Someone needs to ignite their passion because the Caps control this game right now.

11:43 - Kuhnhackl is back on the bench.

11:55 - Kuznetsov scores. Niskanen finds Kuznetsov at the side of the net all alone. He puts it in the open net. No chance for Fleury. 2-2 tie game.

12:27 - Kuhnhackl has gone down the runway to the locker room.

13:49 - Malkin not having a great period. He has seemed off since he was hit, not because of a possible injury, just off.

14:33 - There need to be better zone exits by the Pens. They are controlling the puck as they leave their zone instead they are chipping it out. The Caps easily regain control. Not a good strategy.

16:47 - The Caps with the more offensive zone time and Pens look to be on their heels a little bit. Now is the time to turn that around and put the Caps on their heels.

18:18 - Four-on-four hockey play comes to an end.

20:00 - We are back for the third period and things start with 1:42 remaining on the four-on-four! The Pens to capitalize and put the pressure back on the Caps! Lets Go Pens!


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

0:01 - Fleury with a huge save on Backstrom!

0:18 - Cole finished his check on Johansson into the boards behind the net. A scrum ensues after. Four on four hockey.

1:43 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin is able to get time and space at the half circle. He snipes one over the blocker shoulder of Fleury. 2-1 Pens

3:40 - Fleury gets a piece of Johansson's shot.

4:23 - Fleury being tested this period versus the last. Kessel's shot bounces out of the glove of Holtby, but the Caps are able to clear.

6:21 - Shots are 14-12 in favor of the Pens.

9:58 - Crosby is now tied with Mario Lemieux for the most multi-point playoff games in franchise history at 51.

12:44 - The Pens need to keep their foot on the gas, they can't afford to sit back.

15:35 - Crosby with a great defensive play to deny Ovechkin and then he goes down to the other end and gets his own scoring chance.

17:01 - Kessel is off to the races, but Holtby denies him and he also denies Rust on the rebound chance.

18:56 - CROSBY SCORES! Maatta fires a hard shot that is saved by Holtby, but he is unable to control the rebound as Hornqvist gets in front to create havec! Hornqvist gets the puck and finds Crosby alone at the side of the net! Crosby slides the puck into the open net! 2-0 Pens

19:48 - CROSBY SCORES! Caps turnover the puck in the neutral zone and Hornqvist is able to poke the loose puck up into the offensive zone! Guentzel tracks down the loose puck giving the Pens a two-on-one chance! Guentzel puts the puck right into the wheelhouse of Crosby! He beats Holtby glove side! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to play smart and put the pressure on Holtby! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and this game is scoreless.

1:32 - Caps showing their firepower as Eller fires a hard shot. Fleury gets a piece of it with his shoulder.

1:58 - Solid shift for the fourth line of the Pens to keep the Caps pinned in their own zone.

4:15 - Fleury comes out to make two strong saves. Oshie looks to have an open net, but Guentzel makes a stretching leg save and Fleury is able to get the loose puck to freeze it. Crazy.

4:43 - Caps crash the net and the puck is loose. It bounces off the back of the net, look like it went into the net (not going to lie), but all is well.

5:59 - Ovechkin receives a pass in the center of the offensive zone, but Cole strips him of the puck.

6:50 - Crosby once again finds Hornqvist, this time in the slot. Hornqvist's shot is stirred wide by the quick stick of Carlson.

9:41 - Only one shot for the Capitals. Much better start for the Pens. It would be great for them to get a goal before the period end as a reward for the solid start.

13:48 - Crosby throws the puck to the net and Hornqvist is able to get a stick on it in front. Holtby with a great save and a scrum ensues in front. Hornqvist doing his job in front.

14:22 - Time expires on the power play for the Pens. Kessel had the best chance at the half circle, but his shot went wide.

16:22 - Pens will get the first power play of the game as Ovechkin will head to the box for interference on Hornqvist.

18:12 - Solid start for both teams.

20:00 - Puck drop! This game is officially underway! The Penguins need to take Game One and it will be a great push off point for them! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins look to finish Round One in Pittsburgh

By: MF,

Downtown Pittsburgh View / MF 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at PPG Paints Arena to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game Five. The Penguins are coming off a 5-4 loss in Game Four where the Blue Jackets were able to avoid elimination and force tonight’s game.

That Game was not the best for the Penguins. They struggled to find their game and didn’t have the same fire as the previous games. The Blue Jackets took advantage, however, the Penguins still had a fighting chance even as the game drew to a close. What does that say about the Blue Jackets? They put on their best showing of the series and the Penguins were less than sub par, yet the Penguins still made it a close game.

I think tonight’s game will be different with the Penguins having the home crowd to kick things into gear, energy wise. A win for the home team tonight means we are moving onto Round Two and the Blue Jackets are headed to the golf course. Time to finish this series! Lets Go Pens!

Injury update: Nick Foligno will be out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury. 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Blue Jackets 2
PENGUINS ADVANCE TO ROUND TWO

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS HAVE ELIMINATED THE BLUE JACKETS IN A 5-2 WIN AND ARE HEADED TO ROUND TWO! THANK YOU, FLEURY! HANDSHAKING TIME! SEE YOU LATER CBJ! NEXT UP EITHER WASHINGTON OR TORONTO! 

2:06 - A chance for the Pens and they crash the net. Bobrovsky with the saves.

2:40 - The puck takes a weird bounce off the boards and Rust gets a breakaway chance. Bobrovsky is able to deny him!

3:56 - The Blue Jackets have 48 shots and Fleury has stopped 46 of them. The Pens are playing too much of a defensive game. Fleury holding down the fort. Would be nice to give the guy a break, but doesn't seem like that is happening until after the game.

5:19 - Fleury with a quick stick to keep Saad from getting a shot off.

9:55 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was exceptional on that penalty kill.

11:55 - Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens as Guentzel will have to take a seat for hooking.

13:38 - WILSON SCORES! Daley fires a shot from the top of the face-off circle and Bobrovsky is out to make the save! Wilson sees the rebound and makes a no-look backhanded shot on net that actually goes in! 5-2 Pens

14:29 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin quickly goes to Crosby at the side of the net! Crosby goes to one knee to blow a shot past the glove shoulder of Bobrovsky! 4-2 Pens

16:08 - It looks as though the Blue Jackets had scored, but the goal is waved off for goalie interference as Fleury lays on the ice. Wennberg runs Fleury over and makes contact with his head. Wilson is right on Wennberg, but he could have avoided the netminder. Fleury looks to be ok. Pens to the power play.

16:44 - Fleury with a huge pad save on Gagner!

18:32 - A little line adjusting by Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS). Hornqvist slots into Sheary's spot on Crosby's line. Sheary takes over Hornqvist's spot on Bonino's line.

20:00 - Third-period hockey is underway! The Pens need to take it to the Blue Jackets and not just protect their lead! Pressure, but be smart about it! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period and the Pens still hold the 3-2 lead!

0:08 - The Pens power play comes to an end.

1:46 - Power play time for the Pens for 1:38.

1:50 - Fleury with a huge split save on Johnson. Unreal!

2:08 - A break for the Pens as Dubinsky heads to the box for hooking. Four-on-four for 22 seconds.

3:46 - Another bad penalty for the Pens. Kuhnhackl will head off for tripping.

5:42 - The Pens need to look for a way to get the momentum back in their favor. Fleury keeping them in the lead right now.

6:45 - The puck is loose in the blue paint and Fleury lays down to make a save. Schultz clears the puck.

7:36 - Jenner scores on the power play. Jones gets a chance in front all alone and Fleury makes a shoulder save. The puck bounces up in the air and Jenner is able to whack it out of the air into the net. 3-2 Pens

8:37 - Blue Jackets starting to get some sustained offensive pressure after their goal. Daley takes a holding penalty and that sends the Blue Jackets on the power play for the first time this game. Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens.

10:30 - Karlsson scores. Gagner works the puck to Karlsson who comes to the side of the net. He fires a backhander that is deflected and goes off the shoulder of Fleury into the net. 3-1 Pens

14:10 - Power play time for the Pens comes to an end. They had some quality chances on net but weren't able to finish them.

16:10 - Malkin is slashed on the play by Anderson that Rust scored on and he wasn't happy. Anderson then cross-checks Malkin and will head to the box. Power play time for the Pens.

16:10 - RUST SCORES! Rust's first shot is stopped, but he finds the rebound! He puts the rebound between the post and toe of Bobrovsky! 3-0 Pens!

18:53 - RUST SCORES! Kessel quickly gets the puck to the front of the net! Rust redirects the shot and it's stopped by Bobrovsky! He then tries a backhanded chip shot that finds its way into the net! 2-0 Pens

19:31 - Fleury turns over the puck to Anderson. Fleury redeems himself with two awesome saves on Anderson.

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


1st Period

0:00 - That will be the end of the first period and the Pens come out with the 1-0 lead!  

0:01 - Quincey fires a heavy shot through traffic, but Fleury battles to get a good view and makes the save!

0:08 - Dubinsky's shot is gloved up by Fleury! The crowd shows their appreciation with a "Fleury" chant.

0:32 - Fleury with a diving save to deny a chance in front. Blue Jackets with a late surge.

1:02 - Scramble in front of Fleury and bodies are everywhere. Bonino with a big defensive play. Schultz finds the puck and clears.

2:40 - Blue Jackets haven't changed their physical approach. Still banging bodies, but it doesn't seem to be doing much for them.

5:20 - Malkin fires a shot high and off the glass. Blue Jackets on their heels.

8:21 - The Pens have turned the momentum in their favor after that power play. Shots are now 10-9 Pens.

10:53 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel the sniper strikes again! Kessel fires a quick shot on net that ends up hitting a Blue Jackets' stick on the way to the net! Bobrovsky has no chance! 1-0 Pens

11:19 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Gagner takes a seat for holding.

13:42 - Bobrovsky gets some help from the goal post!

15:51 - Bobrovsky with a pad save on Kessel and is just able to get his left toe out to deny Rust on the rebound chance. The best chance of the night for the Pens.

16:12 - Another flat start for the Pens, but Fleury has been sharp.

16:50 - Shots 5-1 in favor of the Blue Jackets. Fleury with a solid start.

17:56 - Atkinson with a quality scoring chance on the doorstep that is denied by Fleury.

19:14 - Fleury with a solid save at the side of the net. The puck bounces up and over the shoulder of Fleury, but Maatta whacks the puck out of the way.

20:00 - Puck drop in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to come with speed and take control of the game! Time to finish this series at home! Lets Go Pens! 

Pittsburgh bring out the brooms

By: MF,

Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel celebrate / MF

Bring out the brooms Pittsburgh, because it looks like a sweep is needed!

The Pittsburgh Penguins took a 3-0 series lead with a 5-4 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets Sunday night. The Blue Jackets seemed to give the Penguins everything they had and the Penguins proved to more relentless. Now the Blue Jackets are on the verge of being the first team eliminated in this year's playoffs.

Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 4 Blue Jackets 5

3rd Period
0:00 - Blue Jackets take Game Four 5-4. We are headed back to Pittsburgh and the Pens better have some desire.

0:26 - GUENTZEL SCORES A SHORTHANDED GOAL! Guentzel snaps one past Bobrovsky! 5-4 Blue Jackets

1:09 - Fleury heads to the bench. Empty net.

1:43 - Terrible penalty by the Pens. Too many men on the ice.

2:28 - Pens have an empty net.

5:55 - Malkin is tripped up in front of the net, but that is called "star treatment." Looked more like a penalty to me.

7:02 - I feel like I have been saying the same thing all game. The Pens are letting the Blue Jackets take command. They have no compete level at least sustained efforts. Just a sad effort as they could easily have this game in hand.

14:11 - Jenner scores. Fleury makes a save on Saad's shot, but Jenner puts in the rebound. Pens let the Blue Jackets do whatever they wanted in their own zone. Fleury was left out to dry. 5-3 Blue Jackets

17:50 - KUHNHACKL SCORES! Rowney works behind the net to get the puck back in front! The puck ends up loose in front and Kuhnhackl comes in to put the puck past Bobrovsky! One goal game once again! 4-3 Blue Jackets

19:33 - Karlsson scores. The puck takes a bounce off the end boards and Karlsson gets to the puck. He backhands a shot off Fleury. 4-2 Blue Jackets

20:00 - We are back for hte third period! The Pens need to pick up where they left off anf finish this series tonight! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period comes to an end and the Pens have come charging back. Blue Jackets lead 3-2.

3:00 - Guentzel and Crosby crash the net. Bobrovsky makes a save on Guentzel. Pens getting things going finally!

3:36 - HAINSEY SCORES AND IT'S HIS FIRST STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF GOAL! Hainsey fires from the half boards through the legs of Rust and Bobrovsky! It bounces off the goal post and into the net! 3-2 Blue Jackets

5:45 - This game isn't about the Blue Jackets having the better skill, but that the Pens have no fire or desire in them right now. Fix that and this game is over.

6:11 - Fleury with a huge save on Gagner at the side of the net.

7:47 - Time on the power play expires for the Pens.

9:23 - Rowney is set free and the Pens have a power play for 1:35.

9:47 - 25 seconds of four-on-four play as Saad will head to the box for high-sticking on Cole.

11:23 - Huge penalty kill ahead for the Pens as Rowney takes a seat for hooking.

11:32 - Much better gameplay by Pens since that power play goal.

13:10 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz fires from the point, it goes off Crosby, and then Hornqvist takes a whack at the puck to put it past Bobrovsky! 3-1 Blue Jackets

14:13 - Quincey will take a seat for interference on Malkin. Pens bring out the power play. Perfect chance to turn things around.

15:12 - Nutivaara scores. Jenner's point shot is stopped, but Nutivaara is able to get a stick on the rebound first and put it past Fleury. 3-0 Blue Jackets

15:56 - The Pens have the ability to take control of this game and the lead, but they don't have the same desire as they did in previous games. At least not yet.

18:20 - Crazy scramble in front of Fleury and the Blue Jackets even crash into him. He holds strong.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to response and get to their game! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That will bring an end to the first period and the Blue Jackets hold the 2-0 lead.

1:04 - Anderson scores. Andersen comes flying into the zone and everyone heads to the front of the net. Andersen puts it five-hole. 2-0 Blue Jackets

1:36 - Fleury holding down the fort in the first period once again. His used to this by now.

2:20 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens!

4:20 - Cole to the box for high-sticking and the Pens bring out the penalty kill. Foligno solid that one as he was not hit with a high stick.

8:14 - Johnson scores. Johnson fires a shot from the point that goes off Crosby in front and into the net. Nothing Fleury could do on that one. 1-0 Blue Jackets

8:28 - Fleury with a huge diving save. He looks confident and comfortable in the net.

10:14 - Malkin with a steal and has a chance on net. He isn't able to get all of the shot and Bobrovsky makes the pad save.

12:54 - Quincey is making his presence known. It's his first game of the series. He gets in Malkin's face, but Malkin doesn't take the bait. Will they ever learn?

14:23 - This game has started much like the past three. Blue Jackets come out to take control early. That means it should end the save...right?

16:50 - Guentzel is back on the ice. The Blue Jackets home crowd is loud and standing at the moment.

17:41 - That will bring an end to the Pens power play.

18:25 - Quincey hits Guentzel hard into the boards. Easily an interference penalty, but play continues. Guentzel skates to the bench on his own power. Looks shaken up on the bench.

19:41 - First power play of the game goes to the Penguins as Foligno takes a seat for hooking.

20:00 - The puck has dropped on Game Four! Time to get to sweeping! Pens need to come out with speed and finish off the Blue Jackets! Lets Go Pens!

Penguins have the advantage heading into Game Three

Happy Easter / MF

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traveled to Columbus, Ohio to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game Three of the first round. The Penguins have dominated to get the 2-0 series lead coming into tonight’s hockey game and the Blue Jackets don’t have an answer to their star power.

For tonight’s game, the Penguins will not be making any changes. However, the Blue Jackets will be without the services of Matt Calvert. Calvert has been suspended for one game after cross-checking Tom Kuhnhackl in the back of the head in Game Two.

This game will be much like Game One and Two. The Penguins will use their speed, star power, and great goaltending to their advantage. As for the Blue Jackets, they will continue to be physical and try to stir up trouble after the whistles. I wonder how that is going to work out for the third game in a row…

Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Blue Jackets 4 OT

Overtime
THE PENS GET THE 5-4 OVERTIME WIN AND TAKE A 3-0 SERIES LEAD OVER THE BLUE JACKETS! GREAT NIGHT FOR GUENTZEL! WHAT A RESPONSE BY THE PENS TO GET THE WIN! 

6:50 - GUENTZEL SCORES AND GETS THE HAT TRICK! Crosby steals the puck from Savard and spins away from him to get the puck out to Guentzel in front! Guentzel puts the shot short-side on Bobrovsky! 5-4 Pens

7:54 - Schultz rips a shot off the goal post!

8:32 - Crosby finds Cole trailing late on the play. Cole's shot is redirect up and into the netting.

10:54 - Werenski headed back to the locker room. Blue Jackets down a to five defense.

13:03 - Fleury with a huge save and Dubinsky rushes in to get to the rebound first. He fires as Fleury is stretching across the goal line to make a stop. Fleury makes the save with his mask!

13:43 - Solid rebound control by Fleury.

16:11 - Crosby gets in front and his backhanded is deflected wide by Dubinsky.

18:30 - Both teams have had chances to start the overtime. Fleury and Bobrovsky come up big.

20:00 - The first overtime for the Pens in these playoffs has started! The Pens need to keep pressuring the Blue Jackets and make sure to play smart hockey! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime as this one is tied 4-4.

0:14 - Blue Jackets turnover the puck in the neutral zone. Wilson and Hornqvist head the other way. Wilson's first shot is saved and Hornqvist goes for the rebound. He can't stuff it past Bobrovsky.

2:10 - Bobrovsky with a huge save on the short side. Crosby's shot almost beat him there.

4:49 - Dubinsky scores. Fleury makes a pad save on a point shot that goes through traffic. Dubinsky is left alone and is able to get to the rebound chance. He puts it over the shoulder of Fleury. 4-4 tie game

8:00 - Guentzel's shot was a page of Crosby's playbook. He is learning and improving every game. Just wow.

8:12 - GUENTZEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel fires a shot that goes off the end boards and comes back out to Guentzel at the side of the net! He banks a shot off the back pads of Bobrovsky into the net! 4-3 Pens

9:50 - Now the Pens will get another power play chance. Dubinsky heads to the sin bin for cross-checking on Guentzel.

10:15 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

12:15 - Huge penalty kill for the Pens right now as Daley will head to the box for holding.

12:43 - Werenski returns to the ice with a face mask and new stitches. Much respect to him for returning. That has to hurt every time he moves.

14:56 - Cullen finds Daley coming into the play. Bobrovsky just gets a glove on it.

15:48 - The early chances have been in favor of the Blue Jackets. Fleury has been there to keep things even.

17:13 - Andersen backhands a shot on net that is stopped by Fleury. Solid start to the period for Fleury.

19:06 - Pens power play comes to an end. Injury update for the Blue Jackets: Werenski is not on the bench to start this period.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens will have a power play for 54 seconds! Capitalize on that power play and take the lead! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:06 - Pens are heading right back onto the power play. Foligno sits for interference.

1:47 - Power play time has expired for the Pens.

3:47 - Pens are getting a power play chance as the Blue Jackets get a too many men-on-the-ice penalty.

6:34 - During that scoring play, Werenski deflected Kessel's shot attempt up into his own face. He went down, but the play continued. He skates off bleeding and goes right down the runway.

6:35 - RUST SCORES! The Pens pressure the net and Malkin throws the puck in the blue paint from the bad angle! Saad gets a stick on it and Rust pushes his stick, propelling the puck into the net! 3-3 tie game

8:00 - Crosby with two chances in front and then Sheary gets the rebound. Bobrovsky is able to stop them all. Only a matter of time before one finds the back of the net...again.

9:30 - Fleury with a solid save. The Pens are humming on the ice right now. Now is the time for them to strike and tie things up.

11:06 - Crosby's line dominates in the offensive zone. Daley fires from the point and Bobrovsky is just able to get a piece of the glove on it. Pens starting to take over.

14:39 - RUST SCORES! Dumoulin finds the stick of Rust in front and Rust with a beautiful deflection past Bobrovsky! 3-2 Blue Jackets

17:09 - Crosby's line with the pressure in the offensive zone. Much better start for the Pens.

20:00 - Second period is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed and get things under control! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - First period comes to an end and the Blue Jackets have the 3-1 lead.

1:53 - Fleury follows Foligno has he stick handles across the front of the net and makes the save on his shot attempt.

5:42 - It looked like the Pens were going to the power play, but the penalty was call back. No power play.

8:13 - Rust with a redirection shot from Dumoulin. Bobrovsky is able to get a piece of it. Nice chance for the Pens.

9:11 - Fleury with a solid save on Dubinsky. He has settled into this game.

10:46 - A number of turnovers by the Pens is embarrassing. They are giving the Blue Jackets chances to score. Pens need to clean up their game.

12:28 - Bonino is back on the bench for the Pens.

13:50 - Werenski scores on the power play. Werenski snipes one over the shoulder of Fleury and just under the crossbar. 3-1 Blue Jackets

14:21 - The Blue Jackets will get the first power play of the game. Cullen sits for slashing. A sloppy first period for the Pens.

14:58 - Atkinson scores. The Pens with a terrible turnover in front of the net. Fleury comes out with the poke check, but Atkinson is able to get past it. He puts the Blue Jackets backup 2-1.

15:52 - Bonino takes a puck to the face and will head straight to the locker room.

16:18 - Fleury doing snow angels and making saves at the same time. Blue Jackets trying to use the loud crowd to help them.

16:43 - GUENTZEL SCORES! A shot from the point goes off the end boards and Guentzel picks up the puck! His quick release beats Bobrovsky! 1-1 tie game

19:49 - Atkinson scores. Dubinsky wins the opening faceoff and the Blue Jackets get a rush down the ice. Fleury makes the first save on Dubinsky, but Atkinson is able to put in the rebound chance. 1-0 Blue Jackets

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Columbus and here we go! The Pens need to stick to their game and continue their series momentum! Lets Go Pens! 

Maybe it is rocket science

Marc-Andre Fleury / MF

By: MF,

While reading through all the pre-game material, one particular piece caught my eye. The article was titled “Columbus Blue Jackets will Solve Marc-Andre Fleury in Game 2.” The author, Lansing Murphy (Union and Blue), claimed that solving Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins wasn’t rocket science.

Well, maybe it is…as the Penguins dominated once again with a 4-1 win in Game Two over the Blue Jackets. Fleury, nor the Penguins, were solved and the Blue Jackets still have no answer.

Game Two started much like Game One. The Blue Jackets came out and pressured early. Fleury was a wall, and unshakable. Sidney Crosby opened up the game scoring, and his playoff scoring. It began when Sergei Bobrovsky went behind the net to play the puck and decided to ponder the meaning of life. That gave enough time for Conor Sheary to come in and steal the puck. He made an outlet pass to Jake Guentzel who found Crosby all alone at the side of the net. Brandon Dubinsky was no match for Crosby. The first period ended and the Penguins were well on their way to another win.

However, the Blue Jackets did get a little puck luck in the second period. Brandon Saad got a one-on-one chance and his shot ended up being deflected off of Ron Hainsey’s stick and past Fleury. Things were then tied…well, for 51 seconds. Crosby would end up getting the puck to Guentzel who would put the Penguins back into the lead at 2-1. Just as time expired, the Blue Jackets tried to get under the skin of the Penguins. Well, it didn’t work for the hundredth time and Nick Foligno took a penalty. Well now, solving the Penguins wasn’t proving to be an easy task.  

Two headed monster (Crosby and Malkin) / MF

The Penguins would then start the third period on the power play. A second after the power play ended, the two-headed monster of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin would connect to put the Penguins up 3-1. With the game winding down, the Blue Jackets emptied their net to try and get something done. Patric Hornqvist put that hope to rest with an empty net goal. The game seemed over and the Pens were just waiting for time to expire. That is when Matt Calvert decided to be a coward. He cross-checked Tom Kuhnhackl in the back of the neck, which resulted in the stick breaking in half. Then with Kuhnhackl hunched over, Calvert came around for a second time to deliver another hit to the head. There is no room for that type of cheap shot in this hockey league. They will find out that these cheap shots will get them an early exit from the playoffs. That is not being cocky about the Penguins chances, it's just having common knowledge of today’s brand of hockey.

Ian Cole said it best, “We want to be competitive. We want to be physical. We want to play hard. But we’re going to do it between the whistles and stay out of the stuff after the whistles because the game isn’t won after the whistles.”

The Blue Jackets have no answer for the Penguins, Fleury, or the star power they have. Not rocket science? Well, I beg to differ.

Penguins look to add to their Blue Jacket collection

By: MF,

PPG Paints Arena / MF

Another night, another game in Pittsburgh between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins are coming off a 3-1 win in Game One against the Blue Jackets giving them a 1-0 series lead.

Tonight, they are back on the ice at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins are looking to extend their series lead to 2-0 before heading to Columbus, while the Blue Jackets want to tie things before bringing things home.

As for the Penguins lineup for tonight, there are no changes. Matt Murray is ruled out with a lower-body injury and there is no time frame for his return. I think everyone should get used to Marc-Andre Fleury starting and Tristian Jarry backing him up. Fleury is coming off an amazing opening performance.

The Penguins need to build off the momentum from Game One and stick to their speed game. The Blue Jackets will try to get them off their game and take advantage. However, the Penguins must continue to move forward and not let the Blue Jackets get in their heads that will be critical in getting the win. Lets Go Pens!

Follow all the game action here:

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rust

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Daley

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net! 

Play by Play
PENS 4 Blue Jackets 1

3rd Period
0:00 - #PENS GET THE 4-1 WIN AND TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD! FLEURY WAS AMAZING AND THE PENS SPEED WON OVER THE CBJ PHYSICAL GAME PLAY!

0:34 - Calvert breaks his stick while cross-checking Kuhnhackl. He will be penalized. Pens to the power play.

2:20 - Empty net for the Blue Jackets.

3:21 - Daley loses his stick as Hartnell gains the blue line. He separates Hartnell from the puck with a solid push.

5:56 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

7:56 - Schultz will head to the sin bin for interference. Blue Jackets get another power play chance. Huge penalty kill for the Pens. They can't let any momentum go in the Blue Jackets favor.

9:18 - Saad takes advantage of a Penguins turnover to get his own breakaway chance. Fleury shuts him down and the crowd starts a 'Fleury' chant!

12:19 - Malkin gets a breakaway chance and is in all alone. Bobrovsky makes a kick save on his shot. Blue Jackets on the ropes right now.

17:59 - MALKIN SCORES! Malkin gets the puck at the side of the net and rips a shot off! It sneaks past Bobrovsky! 3-1 Pens

18:00 - Pens power play comes to an end.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens will start on the power play as Dubinsky sits for roughing! They need to take advantage of it! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period comes to an end and the Pens extend their lead to 2-1! Scrum ensues after the whistle is blown and looked like the end of the game, not a period!

0:01 - Blue Jackets come on with a flurry of shots and crash the net as the period is coming to an end. Fleury with huge saves and big shot blocking.

0:26 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

2:26 - The first power play chance of the game will go to the Blue Jackets. Dumoulin will seat for holding. Not the best call, especially after all the high sticks that were no called. Pens with a big kill ahead.

5:34 - Back to normal game play action and the Pens still hold the 2-1 lead.

7:34 - We will get to see some four-on-four hockey. Hainsey sits for holding and Foligno for holding the stick penalties.

9:10 - Great response by the Pens after the Blue Jackets scored. Deflated the Blue Jackets momentum.

12:09 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Crosby and Guentzel get a two-on-one chance! Crosby goes across to Guentzel and he snaps one on it! It goes off the goal post and into the net! 2-1 Pens

13:00 - Saad scores. The Blue Jackets get a three-on-two rush and Saad holds onto the puck. He finally releases a hard shot that is deflected by the stick of Hainsey and over the shoulder of Fleury. 1-1 tie game

13:33 - Rowney with a few solid hits. Throwing his weight around and the crowd goes wild.

14:50 - Fleury is razor sharp right now. The Pens need to pressure Bobrovsky as the Blue Jackets are doing to Fleury.

16:18 - Crosby's line with some great offensive zone time. Then as Blue Jackets are changing Fleury gets the puck up ice to give the Pens a chance. Crosby has a chance at the side of the net, but Bobrovsky makes the save.

19:36 - Fleury with two huge saves on Atkinson to start this one. Fleury was ready to start this period.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to get to their speed game and take note from the second period of Game Two! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be the end of the first period and the Pens have the 1-0 lead!

2:44 - Blue Jackets get some extend offensive zone time and the Pens are finally able to take control. They get the puck out of the zone.

4:41 - Kuhnhackl gets a chance in front on the rust. Bobrovsky with the big save and holds for the whistle.

5:48 - Cole rifles a shot that is saved by the toe of Bobrovsky and Bonino just misses the rebound chance.

8:06 - Fleury comes out with the poke check to deny Foligno.

8:41 - Schultz fires a shot from the blue line that just goes wide!

11:29 - CROSBY SCORES! Bobrovsky tries to play the puck behind the net and Sheary steals the puck outlets to Guentzel! He finds Crosby wide open and he puts it in the open net! 1-0 Pens

13:16 - Blue Jackets pressuring the Pens. Deja vu of the first period of Game One. Fleury standing strong in the net.

15:15 - Fleury with two big saves in front with traffic in his way. Solid start and the crowd shows their appreciation.

19:30 - Blue Jackets turn over the puck and Crosby goes the other way with Guentzel on the wing. Crosby tries to get the puck to Guentzel, but Jones just gets a stick on the puck first.

20:00 - It's Playoff Hockey Night in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to build on their momentum from Game One! Time to take Game Two! Lets Go Pens! 

Flower Blooms

By: MF,

Fleury / MF

As Game One between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets was drawing near all seemed to be set for the Penguins. That changed quickly and without warning right before puck drop. The news came in that Matt Murray would not be in the lineup and Marc-Andre Fleury would be starting with Tristan Jarry backing him up. Many non-Pittsburghers thought the news was worrisome and wondered how the Penguins would response. However, Pittsburghers knew that Fleury could handle the situation and so did the Penguins. There was no worry or uncertainty coming from the hometown bench. It seemed that people had forgotten that Fleury is a veteran goaltender and has plenty of experience. The crowd immediately showed their support with a ‘Fleury’ chant erupting in PPG Paints Arena. Fleury did not disappoint.  

The first period belonged to the Blue Jackets as they had the 16-3 shot advantage. The Penguins did not have a shot on net for the last 15 minutes of the period. The Blue Jackets dominated the Penguins as the got them off their game. The Penguins didn’t play their speed game and tried to match the Blue Jackets in hits. Fleury shined as he was pressured the entire first period. He didn’t have much rest but looked confident and strong in the net. This would be a critical performance going into the locker room for the Penguins.

Then came the second period and the Penguins came out with a different mindset. I think Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS) gave them quite the pep talk. This period was completely different as the Penguins got to their speed game and put the Blue Jackets on their heels. Evgeni Malkin’s line came up big. Bryan Rust opened the scoring with Malkin and Kessel assisting on the goal. Afterward, Phil Kessel showed watch a natural sniper he was putting the Penguins up 2-0 on the power play. Nick Bonino finished up the period putting the Penguins up 3-0 heading into the locker room. It was just the period the Penguins needed outshooting the Blue Jackets 16-4 and Fleury gave them that opportunity.

Rust and Kessel celebrate a goal / MF

More of the same followed for the Penguins in the third period. Another critical part of the Penguins was not getting involved in after whistle scrums. However, the Blue Jackets started to surge about midway through the third. Matt Calvert opened up the scoring for the Penguins. Then the Penguins were on their heels afterward, which was the first time for them since the first period. Fleury once again stepped up to hold down the fort. The Penguins would end up taking Game One with a 3-1 win. They ended up outshooting the Blue Jackets 32-29 when it was all said and down.

Fleury was the star of the game and it was a feel-good moment for everyone.

Fleury stated after the game, “It was fun…it’s been a while. I was a little nervous in the beginning, maybe for not expecting it…At the end, it was a great feeling, a fun game to win.”

HCMS expressed his feelings saying, “He’s a great competitor. He’s a good pro. And he’s a great teammate. That speaks volumes of his character. It was a difficult year for him, no question, but he’s such a good person and pro, he handled it as well as anyone.”

In addition, Fleury made is 101^st postseason appearance with the Penguins and tied him with Tome Barrasso for the most in Penguins’ club history. He also is only two shy of the team record for playoffs wins at 54.

On a side note, Sidney Crosby had a quiet night on the scoreboard but had a great all-around game. Crosby showed that he can still get work down even if he doesn’t get on the scoreboard.

The Penguins have the 1-0 series lead over the Blue Jackets! 

First Round, First Game of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs

By: MF, 

PPG Paints Arena / MF

Game time for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets! Last minute goalie change for the Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury will be starting and Tristan Jarry will be backing him up. Matt Murray was uncomfortable during warm-ups and left early. An update will be given after the game, so stay tuned for more.

Now onto tonight's game. Sidney Crosby's line will start the game against Brandon Dubinsky's line.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary
Rust - Malkin - Kessel
Wilson - Bonino - Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl - Cullen - Rowney

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Blue Jackets 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS TAKE GAME ONE WITH A 3-1 WIN OVER THE BLUE JACKETS! WHAT A GAME FOR FLEURY! GREAT START TO THE PLAYOFFS! 

1:27 - Empty net once again for the Blue Jackets.

1:56 - Bobrovsky is back in the net as a faceoff is taken in the neutral zone.

2:24 - Fleury dives out to get a glove on Hartnell's attempt to bring the puck to the front. It is knocked loose, but he denies Hartnell once again! What a performance by him. Blue Jackets have an empty net.

4:24 - Blue Jackets with more jump in their play. Pens trying to weather the storm.

6:00 - Time for the Pens to get back to pressuring the Blue Jackets. They have started to sit back on their heels and the Blue Jackets have some momentum after that goal. Pens need to shut them down.

7:19 - Calvart scores. The Pens turnover the puck in the defensive zone. Calvart ends up in the slot all alone with the puck and puts it just over the glove of Fleury. 3-1 Pens

7:56 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury with some solid saves and good work by the defense to clean up any loose pucks in front.

9:56 - The Blue Jackets are heading onto their second power play of the game as Rowney sits for hooking. Their first came in the last two minutes of the first period.

10:01 - Fleury with good use of his glove. Made a glove save on Jenner's shot through traffic. Crowd has been giving him lots of love and showing their appreciation.

12:14 - Savard is released from the box and the Pens power play comes to an end.

13:34 - Crosby gets to the slot area and lets go of a wicked backhanded shot. It just goes wide.

14:14 - Another power play opportunity for the Pens as Savard will visit the box again this time for interference.

16:45 - Cole lays a hard hit on Savard behind the Pens' net.

19:50 - Rust is back on the ice to start this period. Good news for the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to build on what they did during the second period! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period ends and the Pens hold the 3-0 lead over the Blue Jackets!

0:22 - Rust collides with Johnson behind the net. He heads to the locker room.

1:12 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens. The best chance was saved by Johnson who clear the loose puck out of the blue paint with Wilson on the doorstep.

3:12 - Power play time once again for the Pens. Savard sits for roughing. Scrum ensues after the call, but the Pens avoid taking a penalty.

3:15 - Bonino and Hornqvist get a two-on-one chance. Bonino holds and fires. They crash the net and the puck bounces out. Schultz come flying into the zone to fire on wide!

3:35 - BONINO SCORES! Hornqvist fires on net and Bonino goes to the front of the net! He finds the rebound and puts it past Bobrovsky! 3-0 Pens

6:09 - Bit of a disagreement behind the Fleury after the whistle is blown. Nothing results from it.

6:18 - The Pens shut down the Blue Jackets in the defensive zone and get a rush up ice. Guentzel carries the puck with Sheary off to the races with him. Guentzel just shoots the puck over the open net.

7:28 - So far, Crosby has been quite on the scoreboard, however his defensive play has been great. Quietly getting things done...well as quiet as Crosby can be when he on the ice.

9:47 - Pens have gotten to their fast style of play this period and it has benefited them. They are fortune to have Fleury in net as he kept things scoreless in the first.

13:44 - Kessel gets behind the defense and has a breakaway chance, but Bobrovsky makes a blocker save on him!

14:01 - Much better period for the Pens. They have gotten to their speed game this period. Now they need to keep it going.

16:15 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel snips a shot from the left circle over the glove shoulder of Bobrovsky! Sniper Kessel strikes! 2-0 Pens

17:02 - Now the Pens are getting a chance on the power play. Calvert trips up Kessel and will have a seat in the sin bin.

18:45 - RUST SCORES! Malkin gains the blue line with Rust and Kessel driving to the net! Malkin tries to make a pass over to Kessel and it comes off his skate to Rust! Rust takes control and snaps a shot past the blocker of Bobrovsky! 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to get their speed game and take control of this game! No more sitting back on their heels! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - First period horn sounds and things are scoreless all thanks to Fleury.

0:10 - Johnson rifles one that goes wide of the net as Fleury came out to challenge and cut down the angle.

0:21 - Successful penalty kill. Fleury was unreal in net.

2:21 - First penalty goes to Maatta for hooking and the Blue Jackets head onto the power play. Huge penalty kill ahead.

4:07 - Pens only have three shots so far this period. Blue Jackets have taken over control for the most part. However, the Pens do have 18 hits. They need to get to their speed game.

4:50 - Blue Jackets laying hits on everyone. Crosby and Malkin getting the most attention, but they are laying the body on anyone they can.

6:25 - Referees miss a tripping call as Crosby had the edge on the Blue Jacket defense after gaining control of a turnover by them.

8:00 - Head Coach Mike Sullivan (HCMS) just told Pierre McGuire that Murray has suffered a lower-body injury. That is all we get for now.

8:04 - Fleury gloves up a shot by Atkinson. A bit of a disagree happens after the whistle. The crowd starts chanting 'Fleury.' He has been solid as the Blue Jackets have possessed the puck more at this time.

9:11 - Malkin with a drive that is directed over the net by Savard. Blue Jackets ice the puck as the Malkin's line was pressuring them.

10:20 - Blue Jackets doing a good job of getting their desired matchup of Dubinsky's line versus Crosby's line.

12:30 - Werenski has a wide open chance on net, but Fleury slides over to make the stop. Crowd shows their appreciation.

12:54 - Saad goes to the back of the net and throws the puck in front. The puck bounces off a skate and is loose in the blue paint. Crosby with a great defensive effort to tie up a Blue Jacket and get the puck out of harms way.

13:20 - Kessel gets a shot in front, but is unable to jam it past Bobrovsky.

14:14 - Both teams have had chances on net. Neither team has taken control of this one yet. First goal will be key in this game.

17:07 - The crowd at PPG Paints Arena has been loud and engaged to start. Crosby's line with a chance on net. 'Lets Go Pens' chant erupts. 

20:00 - HERE WE GO! FIRST ROUND, FIRST GAME OF THE 2017 NHL PLAYOFFS! The Pens need to come out with speed and pressure the Blue Jackets early! The road to the Stanley Cup begins now! Lets Go Pens! 

Pittsburgh Penguins' speed versus Columbus Blue Jackets' physicality

By: MF,

The first round of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs starts today and the defending Stanley Cup Champions, Pittsburgh Penguins will face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was in 2014. The Penguins eliminated them in six games and were later defeated by the New York Rangers in the second round. Many changes have been made since then to both teams. The Penguins are coming off a solid season and look to repeat their 2016 Playoff success. The Blue Jackets also had a great season finishing with a franchise record of 108 points. They look to continue that success with their first postseason series win.

Battle. That will be what this series will all be about. Every time these teams met they battle it out. The Blue Jackets play a hard, physical game, while the Penguins prefer to play fast. The Blue Jackets will be focused on getting the Penguins off their style of play. Now the Penguins must stick to their game and no get involved with after-whistle scrums. That will be key as special teams will come into effect. Of course, it would be better to have the power play on the ice rather than the penalty kill.

As for the speed game, the Penguins will be getting back a key player in Evgeni Malkin who will return to the lineup tonight after missing the final 13 regular-season games due to a shoulder injury. The top trio of the Penguins will be ready to make their playoff debut as a line. Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, and Conor Sheary combined for a total 44 points (19 goals and 25 assists) in their 11 complete games they played together. The Penguins have great depth and fire power. Malkin’s return will help take the pressure of Crosby, which will open things up for the team.

On defense, the Penguins will have to adjust without Kris Letang. No one person can replace Letang, but the Penguins should be able to pick up some of the slack as Trevor Daley and Olli Maatta are available once again. Letang is known to have the most time on ice minutes logged among the Penguins, so the rest of the defense will have to split their time wisely. No good to have anyone getting tired out, the playoffs are a marathon not a sprint race. Someone that has stepped up in Letang’s absence has been Justin Schultz. He has slotted in nicely and really showed the league how overlooked he has been. Look for him to take over some of Letang’s responsibilities, such as quarterbacking the power play.

Now let’s not forget one of the most important positions out there, the goalie. The head to head matchup will be Matt Murray and Sergei Bobrovsky. Both goaltenders are coming off great seasons. Here are some stats:

                            Murray                                                       Bobrovsky

• ·         Record: 32-10-14                                                          Record: 32-10-14
• ·         Goals-against-average (GAA): 2.41                             GAA: 2.06
• ·         Save percentage (SV%): .923                                       SV%: .931

It will be a good matchup and the Penguins do have one trick up their sleeve as veteran goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury will be on hand.

Injury front for both teams:

                 Pittsburgh Penguins                                                              Columbus Blue Jackets

• ·         Carl Hagelin (lower-body)                                                                David Clarkson (back)
• ·         *Chris Kunitz (lower-body)                                                              Ryan Murray (hand)
• ·         *Kris Letang (herniated disc)                                                           Lukas Sedlak (upper-body)
•                                                                                                                Zach Werenski (upper-body)