Not the time to sit back - Game Two of the Stanley Cup Finals

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF,

It's another night of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey in Pittsburgh! The Penguins currently lead the Stanley Cup Final series 1-0 over the Nashville Predators.

Kessel celebrates a Penguin goal

Even with a win in Game One for the Penguins, there are many things they need to improve on for Game Two. The Penguins were held without a shot for 37:09 in Game One. The next shot, fortunately, was a goal by Jake Guentzel. They were outshot and outplayed by the Predators in Game One. This has to change moving forward if they want to capture the Cup for the second year in a row.

The Penguins need to come out with speed, play smart defensively, stay out of the box, and play a full 60-minute game. They are very much capable of this as they have done it in the previous games. This is the time for them to kick things into gear and not let the Predators take control. Momentum is everything in the playoffs, they need to take control and not let up. That will be critical for the Penguins. This is not the time to seat back. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 4 Predators 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THAT WILL DO IT! THE PENS TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD AFTER TAKING GAME TWO WITH A 4-1 WIN OVER THE PREDATORS! MURRAY WAS SOLID IN NET ONCE AGAIN! THE PENS ARE ONLY TWO WINS AWAY! 

1:31 - Kunitz now takes a seat. Four-on-four hockey for 1:32.

1:59 - Power play time for the Pens as McLeod goes to the box. Then Hornqvist and Ellers exchange shoves and words. Things are heated.

2:18 - Some extended zone time for the Pens. They held the Predators in their own zone for quite some time until Saros makes a save and holds for a whistle.

5:46 - Another successful penalty killing effort for the Pens.

7:46 - Subban and Malkin dropped the gloves, but it was aggressive hugging was taking place, not a fight. Malkin gets an extra minor and the Predators get a power play chance.

8:40 - A successful penalty killing effort by the Pens. Rowney had a huge block on a play. The bench shows their appreciation.

10:40 - Crosby heads to the box for interference. A bit of a weak call.

13:09 - Power play time ends for the Pens.

13:12 - Hornqvist redirects a pass from Cullen past Saros, but the Predators challenge for offsides. It's ruled a no goal.

15:09 - Aberg to the box and the Pens get a power play chance.

16:31 - Saros will replace Rinne.

16:32 - MALKIN SCORES! The Pens gets a rush up ice! Malkin fires a rocket shot past the glove of Rinne! 4-1 Pens

16:47 - WILSON SCORES! Kessel throws the puck to the front of the net from the wing! It goes off the stick on Wilson, then off a Predator, and past Rinne! 3-1 Pens

19:50 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Hainsey gets to the puck and gets it up to Rust! Rust gains the zone and fires a shot to the far left pad of Rinne! Rinne kicked it out and Guentzel puts it in the open net! 2-1 Pens

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens have to put on the pressure and kick it into another gear! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the second period and things are still tied 1-1.

0:35 - The power play comes to an end for the Pens. No shots.

2:35 - Another power play chance for the Pens. McLeod gets a high-sticking minor.

2:55 - Crosby is a man on a mission. He has been all over the ice and has been laying some solid hits.

5:06 - Cullen lays a hard and clean hit on Ekholm. Probably a little payback there for the pad hit Ekholm laid on Cullen earlier in the game.

6:12 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

8:12 - The Pens are getting a power play after some sustained pressure in the zone. Watson will take a seat for interference.

10:00 - McLeod runs right over Murray in the goal. He seems to be okay afterward. No penalty.

11:31 - Josi fires a hard shot from the blue line that is gloved up by Murray.

14:07 - Forsberg takes the puck into the Pens' zone on a two-on-one rush. Cole takes away the passing lane, forcing Forsberg to shoot. Murray flashed the glove to make the save.

16:24 - A good start to the period for the Predators. The Pens are doing a good job of getting the puck into the zone without Rinne being able to play the puck.

19:59 - Bonino is back on the bench to start the second.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to come out with speed and keep pressuring the Predators! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to a close and this one is tied 1-1.

0:18 - Murray robs Forsberg. A great save.

3:24 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Sheary fires the puck on net and Rinne makes the stop at the post! Guentzel takes a whack at the loose puck at the side of the net and it finds a crack in Rinne's equipment into the net! 1-1 tie game

3:28 - Power play time expires.

5:28 - A huge power play chance coming up for the Pens as Josi heads to the box for cross-checking on Sheary.

6:01 - Solid push for the Predators. The Pens get lucky as Murray was down and the net was open.

7:03 - Aberg scores. Aberg stick handles around Maatta to the front of the net. He holds as he goes across the front of the goal and finally releases a shot past Murray. 1-0 Predators

7:36 - Full strength action now.

8:24 - Now a power play chance for the Pens for about a minute.

9:36 - Cole draws an interference penalty on Fisher. Now a four-on-three Predators' power play for 58 seconds. Bonino also blocked a Subban shot on the play. He needs help getting up and off the ice. He heads to the locker room.

10:24 - Kunitz to the box for cross-checking and Malkin for hooking. Five-on-three power play for the Preds.

11:55 - A better start for Rinne. He seems to be a bit more comfortable compared to Game One.

13:01 - Cullen is back on the bench and the crowd roars alive for him.

14:42 - Ekholm hits Cullen into the boards hard from behind. No call is made. Cullen is helped up by the Pens' trainer and heads to the locker room.

15:25 - Some great offensive pressure by the Pens. Rinne with a huge save up front. The crowd is loud after that effort.

15:56 - That will be the end of that power play chance. The Pens got one shot through to Rinne.

17:56 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Smith takes a seat for cross-checking.

20:00 - Game Two is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed and take control of this game right off the bat! They cannot afford to sit back tonight! Lets Go Pens! 

Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals - A chance to make history

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF, 

Downtown Pittsburgh / MF

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made it for the second year in a row to the Stanley Cup Finals! This year the Finals start in Pittsburgh and the whole city is electrified!

The Penguins are only four games away from repeating as Stanley Cup Champions and this year the Nashville Predators are the last team in the way of the Penguins.

Tonight Game One starts and this is the perfect chance for the Penguins to get off to the right start in front of their home crowd. They need to come out with speed, put the puck on the net, and put the Predators on their heels early. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 5 Predators 3

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS HAVE TAKEN GAME ONE WITH A 5-3 WIN OVER THE PREDATORS! WHAT A BIZARRE GAME, BUT THEY GOT THE WIN IN THE END! THREE TO GO! 

0:36 - The Predators empty their net once again.

1:02 - BONINO SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! The Pens are able to gain control and Bonino takes the puck to center! He fires one that goes into the empty net! 5-3 Pens

1:33 - Empty net for the Predators.

3:09 - That was the Pens first shot in 37:09 of gameplay.

3:10 - GUENZTEL SCORES! Cullen puts the puck right on Guentzel stick as he enters the zone! Guentzel fires a sniper shot that beats Rinne glove side! 4-3 Pens

4:00 - The Pens have been outplayed and worked for two periods. They seriously need to wake up.

6:31 - Gaudreau scores. Watson out works two Pens behind the net to come out with the puck. He finds Gaudreau driving to the net. Gaudreau puts it five-hole on Murray. 3-3 tie game

6:38 - That power play ends. Zero shots. This is ridiculous.

8:36 - A power play chance for the Pens as Subban takes a seat for delay of game. A huge chance for the Pens to turn things around.

9:54 - Sissons scores on the power play. Josi is left wide open at the half circle and fires. The puck is redirected in front by Sissons and past Murray. 3-2 Pens

10:24 - Malkin heads to the box for slashing and the Predators being out their power play unit. Penalty killing time.

11:50 - The Pens have passed up shot chances. They instead go for the perfect play at times. That is frustrating many on Twitter. A better period for them regardless.

14:14 - The Pens look better than in the second period. A bit more drive and battling effort.

16:56 - Sheary whacks the puck up to Crosby who has speed going into the zone. Ellis right on him and Crosby ends up going down. He crashed into the net, but everyone seems to be alright after that.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to come out and put on the pressure! They cannot sit back like they did in the second! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period and the Pens still hold a 3-1 lead!

0:13 - It has been all Predators.

1:26 - The Pens just avoid danger there. The Predators had an extended period of time in the offensive zone. Murray also lost his stick during a scramble in front. The Pens are lucky to come out without giving up a goal.

3:47 - Shots are 8-0 in this second period in favor of the Predators.

5:51 - Crosby with some great work on the boards. The Pens are stilling looking for their first shot of the period.

7:24 - Jarnkork gets to the front of the net, but he is denied by a sliding Daley.

10:30 - The Pens are still looking for their first shot in this second period. The penalties haven't helped, but the Pens cannot nurse this lead. They need to push back.

11:39 - Ellis scores on the power play. Ellis fires from the top of the circle and his shot gets past Murray who was heavily screened on the play. 3-1 Pens

13:21 - Cole heads to the box for roughing. Preds power play unit once again. A big kill for the Pens. they cannot give any more chances to the Preds. A little spark could ignite them.

14:17 - A successful penalty killing effort by the Pens.

16:17 - A huge penalty kill effort ahead for the Pens as the Predators get a power play as Maatta takes a seat for interference.

17:11 - Hornqvist comes flying through the neutral zone to gain the zone and finds Cullen. Cullen's shot just goes high and over the net.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to build on their momentum and keep the Predators from gaining confidence! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and the Pens hold the 3-0 lead!

0:16 - BONINO SCORES! Bonino whacks the puck to the net with one hand! Rinne gets a stick to direct the puck out, but it hits the leg of Ekholm into the open net! 3-0 Pens

1:01 - Complete turn around by the Pens. They flipped the switch.

3:23 - SHEARY SCORES! Dumoulin drives into the zone to keep the puck alive and gets it to Crosby who outlets from behind the goal line to Kunitz! Kunitz finds Sheary at the side of the net all alone! Sheary buries the puck in the wide open net! 2-0 Pens

4:10 - The Pens power play time ends.

4:28 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Daley holds and switches position at the point with Malkin! He hands off the puck to Malkin who glides backward before unleashing a rocket shot, which beats Rinne's glove! 1-0 Pens

6:10 - The Pens are getting the first power-play of the game and it will be a five-on-three power play. Jarnkrok for interference and an extra two to Neal for cross-checking.

8:08 - The Pens have had the Preds pinned in their own zone for an extended period of time. Murray has finally gotten up. He stays in the net.

9:27 - Subban drives to the net and creates a scramble. Murray is down after the play and is still down as the Pens carry the puck to the offensive zone.

11:32 - Some offensive zone pressure by the Malkin line. Solid shift.

12:47 - Hainsey turns over the puck and this leads to Subban getting the puck by the top of the circle. He fires a hard shot past the blocker of Murray and scores. Pens challenge for offsides and it's ruled a no goal.

13:01 - The Pens weathering another first-period storm.

14:43 - Shots are 5-1 in favor of the Predators. The Pens need to turn things around in their favor.

16:20 - Smith stick handles to the front of the net with speed. Murray stands strong to deny him.

16:57 - The Predators have a slight edge in possession time.

20:00 - It's time for Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals! How lucky we are to be here again! The Pens need to come out with speed and show the Predators why they are the defending Champions! Lets Go Pens! 

The Stanley Cup Final awaits the victor

By: MF, 

PPG Paints Arena / MF

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in a familiar situation as the Ottawa Senators forced a Game Seven showdown in Pittsburgh with a 2-1 victory in Game Six on Tuesday.

Tonight's game is do or die for both teams. The Penguins will have to focus on playing smart, handling momentum shifts, putting pucks on net whenever they can, and getting traffic in front. Craig Anderson has been great for the Senators with an expectation during Game Five. He will bring his 'A' game once again and the Penguins need to disrupt his focus as they did in Game Five.

The Penguins must put it all on the line tonight as the Stanley Cup Final awaits the victor. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Cullen - Rust
Wilson - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Bonino - Rowney
Kunitz - Cullen - Sheary

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 3 Sens 2 2OT
PENGUINS ADVANCE

3rd Period
THE PENS WIN 3-2 IN 2OT AND ELIMINATE THE SENS! THE PENS ARE GOING TO THE STANLEY CUP FINAL TO FACE OFF AGAINST THE NASHVILLE PREDATORS! 

14:54 - KUNITZ SCORES! Crosby finds Kunitz at the blue line! Kunitz blows one past Anderson! 3-2 Pens

16:27 - Solid start for the Pens.

20:00 - The second overtime has begun! The Pens need to finish the Sens off! They deserve this win! Lets Go Pens!


Overtime
0:00 - The first overtime ends and things are still tied 2-2.

1:03 - Chance after chance for the Pens. It's just unreal how one hasn't gone in.

5:20 - Just nerve-racking, to be honest.

8:33 - Chaos in the offensive zone. The Pens with a flurry of chances. Somehow the puck doesn't go in.

10:29 - Wilson's drive goes wide.

12:31 - Just chaos!

15:09 - Kessel with a breakaway and his shot goes wide.

15:24 - Just mayhem.

18:03 - Neither team has control of the overtime.

20:00 - It has started! The Pens need to come out with speed, fire, and finish this series with a win! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are going to overtime with things tied 2-2.

1:25 - Wilson with a bad angle shot and Anderson is able to hug the post to deny him.

4:37 - The puck ends up bouncing off Malkin in front and Anderson falls back to fling the puck out of the way.

5:19 - Dzingel scores. A shot beats Murray, but not the post. Dzingel is left alone at the side of the net and gets to the puck first to put it in the open net. 2-2 tie game

6:32 - Friendly fire as Wilson tries to clear the puck and it goes off the stick of Kessel. The puck ends up hitting Kessel in the ear area. He seems to be okay.

8:16 - SCHULTZ SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz with his head up fires one from the blue line, center area! Kunitz gets the screen in front! The puck rings off the post and into the net! 2-1 Pens

8:41 - Finally the Pens are getting a power play chance! Phaneuf skates to the box for interference.

8:52 - A flurry of chances for the Pens, but Anderson has come up big for the Sens.

11:41 - Stone is hit hard and heads to the locker room.

14:40 - Rust gets a semi-breakaway. Anderson stands strong. That could come back to haunt the Pens.

15:52 - A good start for the Sens. The Pens are on their heels a bit.

19:10 - Scramble in front of Murray. He makes a save, but the puck is loose in front. Kessel is able to take control and clear the puck.

20:00 - It all comes down to this! Third period time! The Pens have to put on the pressure, play smart, and fight for the win! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Second period time expires and this one is tied up 1-1.

0:20 - Murray with a huge save on Pageau. Malkin also solid to tie up his stick.

1:34 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens.

3:34 - Another power play chance for the Sens. Maatta to the box for high-sticking.

4:44 - Murray makes a pad save through a screen in front.

7:01 - Crosby passes to Sheary diving center. Anderson stops his first shot and Sheary is unable to get a stick on the loose puck.

9:45 - Stone scores. Karlsson enters the zone and goes to Stone. Stone holds for a second and then fires one glove side on Murray. 1-1 tie game

10:05 - KUNITZ SCORES! Sheary chips the puck over the stick of Brassard up to Kunitz! Kunitz gains the zone, goes to Sheary who gives it back, and Kunitz beats Anderson! 1-0 Pens

10:50 - Daley breaks free and gets behind the net. He outlets a pass to Hagelin diving to the net. Anderson makes the save.

11:22 - Both goalies are locked in and trading saves right now.

14:39 - Kunitz is denied in front by Anderson. The netminder for the Sens is locked in. The Pens will have to get to the dirty areas to get one past him.

16:08 - Smith is robbed by Murray!

16:51 - Things are picking up where the first period ended. Both teams getting some quality chances.

18:08 - Murray makes two solid saves in front. Two quality chances for the Sens.

20:00 - It's time for the second period! The Pens need to get traffic in front of Anderson and pepper the net with shots! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period ends and things are scoreless.

1:55 - Anderson denies Guentzel on the doorstep.

2:18 - Kessel's chance in front is blocked by the stick of Methot.

3:02 - That will be an end to the penalty time and the penalty kill for the Pens is successful.

5:02 - The Sens will get the first power play of the game as Wilson is penalized for slashing. The Pens bring out their penalty killing unit.

5:13 - What an effort by the Pens' third line. They did everything to keep the puck in the offensive zone. No shots though during that time.

7:37 - Shots are 4-2 in favor of the Sens. Plenty of chances, but not a lot getting through to the netminder, Anderson.

11:26 - Great offensive zone pressure by the Pens' first line. Both teams getting chances.

13:54 - Crosby had two shots in front that were denied then Murray makes a huge save at the other end. The first goal could determine who will end up winning.

15:19 - The Pens have responded well to the Sens start.

18:37 - Solid start for the Sens. Murray with a big save on Karlsson.

20:00 - Game Seven action is underway! The Pens need to come out with speed, play smart, and leave it all out on the ice tonight! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins look to finish things in Ottawa

Sidney Crosby / MF

By: MF, 

Just one more win for the Pittsburgh Penguins and they will be making a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final.

If the same Penguins from Game Five come out to play tonight, the Ottawa Senators will be dusting off their golf bags. The Penguins came alive in Game Five and looked refreshed. It was as if they had woken up and were ready to go.

The time to finish things is now. The Nashville Predators have dispatched with the Anaheim Ducks and now the Penguins need to dispatch of the Senators. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel
Wilson - Malkin - Kessel
Rust - Bonino - Rowney
Hagelin - Cullen - Archibald

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Streit - Cole

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Sens 2

3rd Period
0:00 - The Sens get the 2-1 win to force a Game Seven in Pittsburgh.

0:36 - Pens call a timeout.

1:44 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:05 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

4:05 - Sens to the power play. The Pens called for too many men on the ice.

5:06 - The Pens have had some great scoring chances, but the difference maker has been Anderson for the Sens.

6:45 - Four-on-four hockey is up.

8:45 - A scrum erupts after Anderson covers the puck. Rust and Karlsson will each take a seat for roughing. Four-on-four hockey.

10:33 - Guentzel outlets to Crosby in front. He is robbed by Anderson.

12:34 - Malkin with a great shift. He created a few turnovers and chances in the offensive zone.

14:25 - The Pens are a bit flat footed and the Sens have them back on their heels a bit. One solid shift and goal would change that for them.

18:26 - Hoffman scores. Hoffman blasts one from the top of the circle and past the glove of Murray. Murray was screened, but he was also a bit out of position. 2-1 Sens

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens must continue to dig deep, put the pressure on Anderson, and not let up! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period comes to an end and things are tied up 1-1.

2:56 - The Pens are unable to take advantage during the power play. Methot is released from the box.

4:56 - Crosby is held up my Methot and it results in a penalty. The Pens are headed onto the power play.

5:37 - The Pens are able to kill off the remaining penalty time.

6:44 - 1:06 left on the Sens power play.

6:45 - Ryan scores on the power play. Ryan drifts to get space at the top of the faceoff circle and fires one that beats Murray blocker side. 1-1 tie game.

7:39 - Now Cole will join Hainsey for high-sticking, which gives the Sens a five-on-three power play for 1:24.

8:15 - The Sens will get their first power play of the game as Hainsey takes a seat for interference.

9:40 - Shots are 16-3 this period in favor of the Pens.

12:27 - Maatta with a bad turnover in front of Murray, but the Sens are unable to handle the puck. Lucky break for Maatta.

12:44 - Crosby with two chances in front of Anderson, but he is denied by the netminder's pads.

15:09 - MALKIN SCORES! Malkin outworks Smith on the boards to come out to the front of the net with the puck! Anderson stops his first shot, but Malkin buries the rebound chance! 1-0 Pens

16:13 - Malkin and Hoffman are set free.

16:56 - Daley looks to have scored a goal after Anderson bobbles the puck and it's loose in the blue paint. The Sens challenged for goalie interference and the goal is reversed. Terrible call as Daley had every right to battle for the puck in the blue paint.

18:13 - Four-on-four hockey will now be played as Malkin and Hoffman will each take a seat for roughing.

19:15 - Guentzel with a great back-checking effort to strip Pageau of the puck in the slot area.

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to put the pressure on Anderson and keep putting pucks on the net! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The horn sounds bringing an end to the first period with things scoreless.

1:18 - Turris with a wide open lane to the net is robbed by Murray.

2:27 - Power play time for the Pens expires. Anderson came up big on the penalty kill for the Sens.

4:27 - Ryan runs right over Murray and will head to the box for goalie interference. The Pens get a power play chance as a result. Murray is fine after taking the hit from Ryan.

5:22 - Stone bats the puck out of the air and it goes off the goal post. Lucky break for the Pens.

6:32 - The Pens are unable to capitalize on their power play chance. Stone is set free.

8:32 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Stone takes a seat for cross-checking.

9:46 - Murray denies Karlsson in front!

10:31 - Turris turns over the puck behind the red line and Bonino takes the puck to the front of the net. Anderson bails out his teammate.

11:25 - Quite a few icings in a row by the Sens.

13:14 - Anderson robs Kessel with the pad. Solid save for the Senator netminder. A good pace to this game to start.

15:22 - The Sens are putting their shots glove side on Murray.

17:45 - Stone has speed down the wing, but his shot goes wide.

18:27 - A turnover by the Sens gives the Pens a scoring chance. Dumoulin's point shot is gloved up by Anderson.

20:00 - The Pens look to finish this series in Ottawa tonight! They need to build on their performance in Game Five and they will come out with the win! Lets Go Pens! 

Series lead is up for grabs in Game Five

By: MF,

PPG Paints Arena / MF

Back in Pittsburgh as the Pittsburgh Penguins are ready to take on the Ottawa Senators in Game Five. The Penguins were able to tie up the series 2-2 with a 3-2 win in Ottawa in Game Four.

Finally, some offensive action for the Penguins as they were held to only one goal in each of the first three games. The offense was lead by Sidney Crosby, who played his best game since coming back from his concussion during the series against the Washington Capitals.

For Game Five, the Penguins need to build on their offensive momentum from Game Four and they must keep the pressure on the Senators. They cannot afford to sit back on their heels or else the Senators will take advantage like they did in Game One and Game Three. Lets Go Pens!

On the injury front: Bryan Rust will be returning to the lineup for Game Five! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel
Wilson - Malkin - Kessel
Rust - Bonino - Rowney
Hagelin - Cullen - Archibald

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Streit - Cole

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 7 Sens 0

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS TAKE A 3-2 SERIES LEAD OVER THE SENS WITH A 7-0 WIN IN GAME FIVE! IF THEY BRING THAT SAME EFFORT TO GAME 6 THEN WE ARE HEADED TO THE STANLEY CUP FINAL! 

0:05 - Wingels with a hard hit to the head on Wilson. Very dirty hit. Wilson heads straight to the locker room.

2:22 - Stone finds Hoffman diving to the net, but Murray denies him.

5:56 - The Sens have pretty much given up on this one. They are looking to the next game and not really trying to build on something. Could prove to benefit the Pens more in the end.

8:08 - Another successful penalty kill.

10:08 - Now a power play will be awarded to the Sens as Cole takes a seat.

11:11 - DALEY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Daley fires from the point and has traffic in front! His shot beats Condon! 7-0 Pens

11:57 - Kunitz and Pageau now visit the sin bin. Their penalties cancel out and the Pens are still on the power play.

12:35 - Power play for the Pens for 1:56.

12:39 - Four-on-four play for four seconds.

14:35 - Rust will head to the sin bin for slashing and the Sens get a power play opportunity.

19:10 - KESSEL SCORES! Malkin goes to Crosby at the side of the net! Crosby makes a backward pass across the front of the net to Kessel! Kessel puts the puck past Condon! 6-0 Pens

19:59 - Karlsson is not on the bench for the Sens.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens need to finish this game and not let the Sens get any kind of hope that they can carry to Game Six! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Pens have extended their lead to 5-0!

1:00 - Power play chance for the Pens as Wingels takes a seat for roughing.

3:43 - Now Karlsson heads to the locker room.

4:01 - Guentzel with a great feed down low to Crosby in front. Crosby's shot goes off the goal post.

5:59 - Brassard will head to the locker room. His last two shifts were hard for him. Karlsson is also laboring to get off the ice. The Pens wearing down the Sens.

9:59 - A successful penalty killing effort for the Pens. Bonino is set free from the sin bin.

11:59 - Now the Sens will get a power play chance as Bonino is penalized for high-sticking.

14:21 - This is a complete offensive game for the Pens right now. This is a return of form from their Stanley Cup run last year.

18:06 - CULLEN SCORES! Rowney holds the puck and circles the zone and puts the puck into the corner for Wilson! Wilson finds Cullen crossing in front of the net and he directs one past Condon! 5-0 Pens

18:45 - Murray with an alert save as he picks up the trailing Senator on a rush.

19:59 - Condon is back in the net for the Sens. Also a scoring chance has been made. Rust has been credited with the Pens third goal with Bonino and Rowney picking up the assists.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to build on their first-period momentum and keep up the pressure! No time to sit back! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end and the Pens hold the 4-0 lead!

1:43 - WILSON SCORES! Rowney gets the puck to the side of the net and Wilson backhands one into the net! Anderson had lost his position and Wilson took advantage! 4-0 Pens

2:10 - Anderson is back in the net for the Sens. Very odd decision.

3:55 - Condon will replace Anderson in net for the Sens.

3:56 - BONINO SCORES! Pure domination by the Pens as they keep the Sens pinned in their own zone for an extended period of time! They keep up the pressure and eventually, Bonino fires a shot that beats Anderson short side! 3-0 Pens

4:47 - This one is all Pens right now. They are dominating the Sens in their own zone.

7:55 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin with some stick work to keep the puck in the zone! The puck ends up on the stick of Daley at the point! He fires and Crosby redirects the puck in front off the blocker of Anderson and into the back of the net! 2-0 Pens

8:50 - A 57-second power play for the Pens as Cullen is released from the box.

9:52 - Four-on-four hockey for 1:02 as Stone takes a seat for slashing.

10:29 - Bonino springs Hagelin who gets in all alone with Anderson. The netminder robs Hagelin.

10:50 - The first power play of the game will go to the Sens as Cullen heads to the box for tripping.

11:46 - MAATTA SCORES! Hoffman turns over the puck in the offensive zone and Rust ends up with the puck! He finds Maatta at the point and puts the puck right in his wheelhouse! Maatta snipes one short side past Anderson! 1-0 Pens

14:28 - Rust has had a great start. He doesn't appear to have missed a beat.

15:46 - The Sens end up with too many men on the ice, but the referees miss the call. Sullivan is not happy as one would expect, especially since the Pens had two of those calls go against them in Game Four.

17:37 - Rust and Rowney go right to the front of the net and try to whack the loose puck past Anderson. Solid start for the Pens.

20:00 - Game Five is underway in Pittsburgh! The Pens look to take a series lead for the first time over the Sens! Lets Go Pens! 

How will the Penguins response in Game Four

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a new position as the Ottawa Senators hold a 2-1 series lead. The Penguins have also been held to only three goals in the past three games.

If they wanted to turn this series around, they have to get their offense going and fast. Hopefully, they can produce some goals tonight in Game Four. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel
Wilson - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - Bonino - Rowney
Hagelin - Cullen - Archibald

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Follow first period action on twitter. @PensHockeyShow

Penguins are behind enemy lines for Game Three

By: MF,

We find ourselves in Canada's capital of Ottawa as the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Ottawa Senators in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals.

This series is tied up at 1-1 and this game could tip the series. The Penguins took Game Two with a 1-0 victory. Phil Kessel had the lone goal in that game and it would be enough as Fleury stood strong.

The Penguins dominated for two periods in Game Two and it wasn't until they were down that the Senators started to push back. During the third period, the Senators didn't get a shot until there was only 4:54 left in the game. The difference maker for the Senators was Craig Anderson, who has been awesome in net for them.

Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel celebrate a goal

As for the injury front, Bryan Rust and Justin Schultz left the game during the first period of Game Two and didn't return. They join Patric Hornqvist as day-to-day with upper-body injuries. However, Trevor Daley will be back in the lineup for the Pens after missing a few games due to an injury.

Tonight the Penguins must keep up the pressure as in Game Two. They have to get traffic in front and shoot the puck every chance they get. Anderson won't be easy to beat, but the Penguins can get pucks past him. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary
Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Bonino - Wilson
Cullen - Rowney

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Ruhwedel
Streit

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Sens 5

3rd Period
0:00 - The Sens take Game Three and the 2-1 series lead. The Pens have to gather themselves and come out with some fire in Game Four. They need to take back control and show their perseverance.

1:56 - Wilson lays a clean, hard hit on Stalberg. Stone doesn't like it and goes after Wilson. A scrum ensues. Wilson and Stone are in the box for roughing. There was an initial penalty to Ryan, so the Pens are headed onto the power play. Malkin also gets a 10 minute misconduct penalty and is done for the game. He heads to the locker room.

3:57 - Turris gets a breakaway chance and his shot rings off the goal post.

5:20 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens. They held the Sens to zero shots.

7:20 - A power play opportunity for the Sens. Another terrible penalty for the Pens. Guentzel will head to the box for slashing.

8:11 - Ceci hammers one on the net and Murray comes up with the save. He has been solid in net, but the Pens have to play better in front of their goalies.

10:37 - Crosby had gone seven without a goal and the power play was worse. Crosby needed that goal and it will carry over to the next game. Good things to build on.

13:51 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby stands in front of Anderson and gets the loose puck then puts it between the legs of the goaltender! 5-1 Sens

15:08 - Power play chance for the Pens as Hoffman is sent to the box.

15:41 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens. At least that is doing well or could be the Sens are having a tough time on the power play. Let's go with the first option.

17:41 - Another terrible penalty by the Pens. Cullen takes a seat for slashing.

18:00 - Good penalty kill for the Sens. The Pens still looking for their first goal of the night. Every team has an off night, which is way it's a best of seven series. The Pens are off their game.

19:59 - Malkin and Pageau also start the period in the box. Their penalties cancel out.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens will start on the power play as Smith received a goalie interference penalty at the end of the second! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period comes to an end and the Sens extend their lead to 5-0.

1:42 - Turris scores. Turris outworks Cole to get to the loose puck and stick handles around the outstretched pad of Murray. 5-0 Sens

3:21 - That brings an end to the Pens power play time. Some good offensive zone time, but Anderson is up to the task.

5:21 - Phaneuf goes to the box for interference. The Pens get a power play.

8:03 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

10:03 - Ruhwedel takes a stupid slashing penalty. The Sens head right back on the power play.

10:50 - That puts an end to the penalty time. Solid stops by Murray. Sens also got a post during that power play.

12:30 - Cullen and Rowney get a rush. Cullen finds Rowney, but Anderson gloves up the shot.

12:50 - The Sens are getting the first power play of the game. Daley takes a seat for holding.

14:00 - Crosby is back on the bench.

14:20 - Malkin and Daley collide and slide hard into the boards. Both seem to be okay.

15:58 - Crosby heads to the locker room and is followed by one of the medical staff.

16:50 - Aggressive fore-check by the Sens. Maatta had trouble handling the puck.

20:00 - Time for the second period! I hope a different team walks out of the Pens locker room because the one in the first period was embarrassing! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period horn sounds and the Sens hold the 4-0 lead.

1:50 - The best shift of the game for the Pens. Cullen, Wilson, and Rowney digging dig and working hard in the offensive zone.

3:12 - The Pens get a shot on net, easy save for Anderson.

7:07 - Murray will replace Fleury. The guys in front of the net have played horribly.

7:08 - Smith scores. Smith turns the Pens inside out and scores on a wrap around. 4-0 Sens

7:32 - Brassard scores. Brassard gets the time and space to walk right in. He puts one past Fleury. 3-0 Sens

7:54 - The Sens have the momentum back and the Pens look dysfunctional.

9:26 - Methot scores. The Sens cycle the puck around the offensive zone. Methot steps up in front of the net unchallenged and shoots. The puck goes off the skate of Cole and Fleury into the net. 2-0 Sens

10:13 - Another good shift by Wilson. He is digging deep once again.

13:30 - Not a great start for the Pens, but they have rebounded and settled into this one.

14:54 - Streit takes his first shift and does a solid job. Good pressure by the Pens.

17:14 -  A good response by Pens, they have started to push back.

19:12 - Hoffman scores. The puck takes a huge bounce off the boards and Hoffman is able to whack it on the net at a bad angle. 1-0 Sens

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Ottawa for Game Three! The Pens need to come out and put the pressure on the Sens and Anderson early! Lets Go Pens!

Penguins look to simplify play in Game Two

PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh / MF

By: MF,

We are back in Pittsburgh for Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators.

The Penguins were unable to get their speed game during Game One, but they did finally break through late to tie things up. Sadly, the Senators were still able to pull out the 2-1 win in overtime.

The Penguins will have to simplify their game and one thing that they must do is put pucks on net. They passed up many opportunities to shoot and instead tried to make a pretty play. That got them in trouble. To get a goal in this series, it will be dirty and hard fought. There will not be many pretty plays that get through, so they must focus on putting the puck on net and getting bodies in front.

Another thing is special teams as the Penguins power play was 0-5 in Game One. That has to change and fast. With a power play loaded with offensive talent, the Penguins should fire the puck and create mayhem in front of Craig Anderson. A loose puck in the blue paint is more likely to find the back of the net than not getting the puck anywhere near the net.

Tonight the Penguins need to simplify their game, play smart, and put pucks on net. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel
Hagelin - Bonino - Sheary
Wilson - Cullen - Rowney

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Schultz
Cole - Ruhwedel

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 1 Sens 0

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS TAKE GAME TWO WITH A 1-0 WIN OVER THE SENS! FLEURY EARNS ANOTHER PLAYOFF SHUTOUT! GREAT RESPONSE AND EFFORT BY THE PENS! THEY NEVER GAVE UP AND DIDN'T GET FRUSTRATED! 

0:13 - The Pens and Sens come together and exchange some words and shoves. Wilson and Wingels will end up getting penalties. Four-on-four hockey. Anderson is back in the net for the Sens with the faceoff in their zone.

0:23 - Fleury with the saves!

1:16 - Sens call a timeout and they also empty their net in favor of an extra attacker.

2:30 - Some offensive zone pressure for the Sens, but Fleury makes the stop on Phaneuf's point shot. He holds for a whistle.

4:54 - The Sens finally got their first shot of the third period.

6:55 - KESSEL SCORES! Malkin is able to keep control and gain the zone! He outlets to Kessel driving down the center of the ice! Kessel's first shot is blocked, but he gets the rebound and rifles it past the glove of Anderson! 1-0 Pens

7:32 - A huge hit by Wilson on Ryan!

7:57 - Cullen with a shot that just goes off the glove of Anderson.

9:29 - Shots are 6-0 in the third in favor of the Pens. No shots for the Sens this period.

12:50 - The Pens have been dominating to start this period. The difference has been Anderson for the Sens.

15:30 - Cole rings a shot off the goal post!

16:21 - Bonino is sprung by Hainsey, but Anderson absorbs the shot.

18:40 - Ruhwedel stands up on Turris to force him off the puck. Turris shows his displeasure with a slash to Ruhwedel's legs.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to keep up the pressure and one shot will get past Anderson eventually! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period ends and things are still scoreless.

0:37 - Anderson with a great save on Wilson's shot in front. I have to get him his due credit.

2:10 - The four guys are back on the ice.

4:10 - Two minor penalties for both teams. Crosby and Guentzel in the box for Pens. Hoffman and Phaneuf for Sens.

6:10 - Shots are 11-5 this period in favor of the Pens.

9:54 - The Pens are flying and getting some quality scoring chances. Sid and the kids with some amazing shots. How they didn't go in is a mystery.

11:40 - Fleury makes a sliding save on Dzingel in front and Kunitz ties up his stick, which denies him a chance to whack at the loose puck.

13:05 - Some great offensive pressure by the Pens fourth line with Dumoulin and Hainsey at the point. The Pens need to build on this.

15:26 - The power play comes to an end.

16:01 - A wide open Guentzel gets the puck in the slot and rings a shot off the goal post!

17:26 - The Pens will head onto the power play as Karlsson trips up Crosby on a rush.

18:51 - Ruhwedel fires from the point and the puck bounces around in the blue paint. Anderson makes two alert saves.

19:59 - Schultz and Rust are not on the bench to start the second.

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to get bodies in front of Anderson, put pucks on net, and get some sustained pressure going! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first-period horn sounds and things are scoreless.

0:32 - A great penalty kill by the Pens and Fleury made a quick save on Stone at the end to keep things scoreless.

2:32 - Now the Pens will have to kill of Sheary's tripping minor.

3:23 - Cullen and Wideman are released. Some great four-on-four hockey by the Pens, but Anderson stood strong for Sens.

4:58 - Malkin's shot goes off the crossbar!

5:23 - Four-on-four hockey as Wideman takes a seat for cross-checking and Cullen for slashing.

5:45 - The Sens circle the offensive zone and Pageau finally fires a shot on net, but Fleury makes the pad save and covers the puck with his glove.

7:19 - Not much to report on right now. A few icings and offsides.

10:34 - Schultz gets pushed into the boards by Hoffman and heads straight for the locker room. It looked to be his right arm that was hurt. The Pens are now down two skaters.

11:03 - Fleury with a solid save on Turris' shot from the point.

13:46 - Rust heads to the locker room.

14:48 - Rust is rocked by a hard body check delivered by Phaneuf in the slot area.

16:14 - Malkin gets a scoring chance on the doorstep on the goal, but Anderson denies him with a pad save.

17:01 - Cullen gets the puck up to Wilson who stickhandles his way through traffic to the center of the offensive zone. His shot is deflected into the netting.

20:00 - It's time for Game Two in Pittsburgh! The Pens have to play smart and pepper the net with pucks and bodies! Shake up, Anderson! Lets Go Pens! 

2017 Eastern Conference Finals are officially underway

Downtown Pittsburgh / MF

By: MF,

It's another Playoff hockey night in Pittsburgh! The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to take on the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference Finals!

The Penguins need to use their speed, play as a team, and keep their foot on the pedal for a full 60 minutes! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Rust

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Sheary - Bonino - Hornqvist

Wilson - Cullen - Rowney

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Schultz

Cole - Ruhwedel

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 SENS 2 OT

Overtime
The Sens take Game One with a 2-1 win in overtime. The Pens didn't have the best of games tonight but will look to bounce back in Game Two. They have been here before, they also lost Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals last year. Move forward to Game Two Pens.

15:01 - Ryan scores. A turnover by the Pens at the blue line (offensive) zone leads to Ryan getting the puck and a step on Maatta. He outskates Maatta to get a breakaway. Ryan goes forehand, backhand and across the center to roof one past Fleury. 2-1 Sens

16:00 - Dumoulin walks the blue line and fires one on the net. Anderson makes the save and holds for a whistle.

19:14 - Fleury with a quick save on a redirected shot from Pageau.

20:00 - The first overtime is underway! The Pens need to pepper the net with shots and get traffic in front! Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime as things are tied 1-1.

2:55 - Sens have a slow chance and the Pens get an odd-man rush. Kessel's shot rings off the crossbar!

3:09 - Fleury denies MacArthur in front and Cole clears the puck up ice.

5:35 - MALKIN SCORES! Hainsey dumps in the puck and takes a hit that allows Kunitz to take the puck and throw it on the net! Malkin gets a stick on it to put it through the legs of Anderson! 1-1 tie game

8:11 - I have to give credit to Anderson, who has been solid for the Sens when the Pens do get the puck on net.

9:34 - Hornqvist lays a hard hit on Burrows at the side boards.

13:31 - Dumoulin with a huge hit on Ryan sends him into the boards. Solid hit.

14:07 - Up and down hockey.

16:38 - Another successful penalty kill by the Pens.

18:38 - Ruhwedel will head to the sin bin for hooking and the Sens get a power play as a result. Huge penalty kill for the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to pepper the net and get traffic in front! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:03 - Ryan with a quick wrister that goes off the far post.

1:31 - Wilson's one-timer is blocked by Methot in front.

3:56 - The Pens need all lines to focus on getting shots towards the net. Malkin's line had a bit too much passing. No need for things to be pretty or perfect.

7:12 - Fleury holds strong to deny Claesson on a wrap-around chance. Fleury covers and the whistle is blown. A Sen does pitchfork the puck to put it over the line, but the play was ruled dead. No goal.

8:38 - Great give and go between Crosby and Guentzel to enter the offensive zone. Maatta fires from the point, Rust redirects the shot on net, and Anderson gloves it up.

10:27 - Power play time is up. The Pens had four shots on that chance and looked much better.

12:27 - The Sens playing with fire right now as Stone will head to the box for interference. The Pens get a power play. They need to take advantage of this one.

13:02 - The fourth line of the Pens with some offensive zone time. Great shift by them.

15:31 - Rust powers his way in front of the net, but the puck is knocked loose as he tries to shoot it. Solid chance.

17:11 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

18:34 - Now the Sens will be on the power play for 1:22.

19:11 - Terrible penalty to take as Malkin will head to the box for holding. Four-on-four for 37 seconds.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have a power play for 1:28 to start! Tie it up on the power play and keep it going! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:10 - Fleury with a big save on Pageau in front.

0:34 - A late power play for the Pens as Claesson is called for high-sticking.

1:48 - That will bring an end to that power play.

3:48 - Another power play chance for the Pens as Smith is called for delay of game. This is the perfect chance to tie things up.

5:28 - Pageau scores. Ryan gets to a turnover by the Pens and has plenty of time to deal the puck out in front to Pageau who slides one past Fleury. 1-0 Sens

5:42 - Some control by the Sens now.

7:54 - A rush for the Pens. Cullen makes a backward pass to Wilson, who is trailing on the play. Wilson's shot is turned away by Anderson.

8:29 - Fleury denies Ryan with traffic in front. Solid start for the Flower once again.

9:50 - Shots are 4-1 in favor of the Pens. Much better start for the Pens than in the previous playoff games.

12:34 - Now the Sens are back to full strength. The Pens had some good chances.

14:17 - The first penalty expires for the Sens. The Pens are still on the power play for about 1:08.

14:34 - Hornqvist rings a shot off the goal post!

15:02 - Huge chance for the Pens as the Sens are caught with too many men on the ice. The Pens will get a five-on-three power play for 45 seconds.

16:17 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as MacArthur takes a seat for hooking.

16:36 - Hainsey fires the puck towards the net and Guentzel is able to redirect the shot. The puck rings off the crossbar!

18:29 - Fleury with a huge save in front after a turnover by the Pens in their own zone. Sens pressuring the defense.

20:00 - The 2017 Eastern Conference Finals are officially underway! The Pens need to use their speed and play as a whole to get the win over the Sens! Lets Go Pens! 

Legacies will be on the line tonight

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF,

Here we sit in a place that is familiar, yet unfamiliar. The Washington Capitals have battled back to force a Game Seven at Verizon Center against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins are no strangers to decisive Game Seven games and their track record on the road is reassuring, but in the playoffs statistics rarely prove to be useful in determining who will come out the victor. A Game Seven is almost a reset button a series, everything that has come to pass goes out the window and things are set at a 50-50 chance. Now that doesn’t mean that there are not favorites or underdogs. However, there is no clear way of knowing what team will come out with the win.

This franchise has been the underdog in many cases and sometimes the favorite. It doesn’t faze them and it shouldn’t. This Pittsburgh team has the depth, mindset, and passion for taking this game even with all they are dealing with, which include injuries; a defensive core that is showing cracks without Kris Letang; and being outshot every game. Yet with all that seems to stand against them, the Penguins are confident in their game, players, and coaching staff. Having that confidence will be critical if they are to secure a win.

Tonight, Marc-Andre Fleury must once again pull this team through the tough patches they will have in this game. It will happen and Fleury needs to stand strong once more for the Penguins.

The stars must show up and make a noticeable impact that includes Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel. These guys need to kick things into another gear, find a way to energize this team and keep the Capitals on their heels throughout the game. They cannot do this alone, but with their energized gameplay, the rest of the team will follow suit.

Lastly, the defense must dig deep and find their rhythm. They will be without Letang and Trevor Daley, but they have proven to be up to the task before. Now they must step up once more and show that they are not broken and that in front of Fleury, they will not waver.

This game will either cement the Penguins dominance over the Capitals or show that the Penguins are too tired to repeat. Legacies are on the line and the Penguins are in control of what the narrative will be. 

Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Rust

Kunitz - Malkin - Kessel

Sheary - Bonino - Hornqvist

Wilson - Cullen - Rowney

Defense

Dumoulin - Hainsey

Maatta - Schultz

Cole - Ruhwedel

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 2 Caps 0

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS HAVE WON GAME SEVEN 2-0 ANDELIMINATEE THE CAPITALS! FLEURY WAS AMAZING ONCE AGAIN AND GETS A SHUTOUT! WE ARE MOVING ONTO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS! HANDSHAKE TIME! 

0:33 - Fleury with a huge pad save!

2:11 - Empty net for the Caps.

2:26 - Caps ice the puck.

6:01 - Kessel and Malkin have a two-on-one chance. Kessel holds and takes the puck to the net. Holtby stops him and the Caps clear the loose puck.

7:12 - Kessel has a shot on an odd-man rush, but his stick snaps in two.

8:35 - Sheary and Hornqvist get a rush up ice. Sheary fires one on the net that is stopped and covered up by Holtby.

10:27 - S. Wilson and Orpik drop the gloves. It is broken up quickly.

11:10 - That brings an end to the power play. Good chances on that one. Kessel rang one off the post.

13:10 - Cullen and Hornqvist get a two-on-one rush. Holtby comes out to make the saves. Pens getting a power play. Carlson called for slashing.

13:58 - Fleury denies Orlov at the side of the net.

15:46 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Schultz pinches down to force a turnover and the puck bounces up to Hornqvist who backhands past Holtby! 2-0 Pens

17:05 - Crosby is robbed by Holtby who then denies Guentzel on the rebound chance.

18:44 - Bonino fights in front to get a shot off, but he is unable to get a stick on the puck.

19:22 - Wilson comes rushing in, but Dumoulin defends and knocks him off of the puck.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens must keep their foot on the pedal and never let up! Lets Go Pens!


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

1:12 - Backstrom had an open net chance at a bad angle, but hits the goal post. Unreal.

2:24 - Fleury with another amazing save and the puck is loose in front. Eventually, the whistle is blown.

3:55 - Fleury holding the Caps at bay. The Pens need to continue to pressure and get shots on net. They need to extend their lead.

4:10 - Crosby and Guentzel get an odd-man rush. Crosby goes to Guentzel, but his shot just goes wide!

8:37 - Another solid penalty kill. Rowney with some great defensive work on that one.

10:37 - A huge penalty to kill off for the Pens. Hornqvist will visit the box for high sticking.

11:11 - RUST SCORES! Cole keeps the play alive and gets the puck to Crosby in the slot area! Crosby goes to Guentzel at the side of the net and he gets a pass through the center to Rust! Rust roofs it! 1-0 Pens

11:26 - Dumoulin with a huge hit to put Ovechkin on his butt. Up and down hockey.

13:06 - Fleury holds strong in front as Eller takes a few whacks at his pads.

16:42 - Much like the start of the first period, the Caps are pressuring and have the momentum. Fleury has been strong to start.

19:31 - Burakovsky fires on a rush and Fleury is out to glove that shot up.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to build on the good of the first period and pressure Holtby! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period ends and things are scoreless.

1:54 - That will be the end of that particular power play for the Pens.

2:32 - The Caps get three shorthanded chances, but Fleury denies them all.

3:54 - The Pens are getting a power play as Wilson heads to the box for tripping.

4:53 - Crosby makes an extra effort to keep the play alive in the offensive zone. He gets the puck to Rust who fires it quickly on the net. Holtby makes the save.

6:50 - Winnik out skates Rowney and is in all alone against Fleury. He fires one wide of the net.

8:35 - Hainsey with a good read to shut down an odd-man rush in the Caps favor.

10:54 - Fleury dives out to cover the puck as Carlson bares down on him.

12:02 - Things seemed to be even at the moment. The first goal will be huge.

12:13 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Shots are even at four apiece.

13:11 - A shot rings off the goal post for the Caps.

14:13 - A terrible penalty by Malkin who will take a seat for tripping. Caps to the power play.

14:21 - Malkin steals the puck and stickhandles to center to get a line on the net. Holtby gets a piece of the shot to send it wide.

15:16 - Pens have yet to find their game. They have gotten some offensive pressure going, but nothing sustained.

17:41 - Caps have put on the pressure early. The Pens need to get control of this before the Caps run away with things.

18:45 - The Caps come out with some speed. Fleury denies Carlson and is able to hold for a whistle.

20:00 - Game Seven is underway in Washington! The Pens legacy is on the line tonight and they have the power to write the narrative! Lets Go Pens! 

Time to finish the Capitals in Pittsburgh

By: MF, 

PPG Paints Arena / MF

This is the night for the Pittsburgh Penguins to send the Washington Capitals back home with their heads hanging after being eliminated from the Second Round of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Capitals held on to take Game Five and force this game tonight, but the Penguins have the backing of a city with them tonight at PPG Paints Arena.

The Penguins are only missing one regular from their lineup, aside from Kris Letang, and that person is Trevor Daley. He will miss tonight's game and Chad Ruhwedel will fill in for him tonight.

Inside PPG Paints Arena / MF

This shouldn't phase the Penguins as Ruhwedel has been a solid defenseman for them when Daley missed some of the regular season games due to an injury. For this game, the Penguins will have to stick to their game, keep the pressure on Holtby, and remember to play between the whistles and not after. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Caps 5

3rd Period
0:00 - The Caps will get the 5-2 win to force a Game Seven. The Pens will also have their backs against the wall, so they should come out with more fire in them on Wednesday. They will need it to grab the series win.

1:39 - Hornqvist and Alzner are set free.

2:30 - MALKIN SCORES! Malkin gets some time and space down the wing! He fires a shot past Holtby at the side of the net! 5-2 Caps

3:22 - GUENTZEL SCORES! The Caps turnover the puck and Crosby takes control! He slides the puck across the center to Guentzel who directs it past Holtby! 5-1 Caps

3:39 - Some four-on-four hockey. Alzner sits for slashing and Hornqvist for high sticking.

5:29 - The problem with this game is that the Pens haven't put in any effort. They have not played their game at all. They came into this game with no emotion, passion, or fire. It has cost them once again.

7:31 - Burakovsky scores. Burakovsky takes the puck from Cole and skates right into the slot area. He goes high glove. 5-0 Caps

8:43 - Carlson scores on the power play. Carlson fires a rocket shot from the blue line and he puts it glove side. 4-0 Caps

10:28 - A stupid penalty by Cullen who heads to the box for slashing. He retaliated and got caught. Pens will have to kill off the penalty.

13:29 - The Pens are successful on killing off the penalty. Fleury made a huge save on Ovechkin.

15:29 - Time to kill off a penalty as Rust is called for goalie interference.

16:25 - Power play ends. More of the same.

18:25 - Eller is going to take a seat in the box. The Pens head onto the power play.

19:44 - Backstrom scores. Cole is caught flat footed and that gives the Caps a two-on-one chance. Backstrom holds and just beats Fleury glove side. 3-0 Caps

20:00 - We are back for the third period! Here is to hoping the Pens come out and play differently in the third! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period ends and the Caps extend their lead to 2-0.

0:32 - Some life in the Pens as the second period is coming to an end.  

2:06 - The best chance for the Pens. Kessel and Guentzel get a chance on the rush, but Guentzel's shot is deflected up into the netting by Holtby.

4:20 - This has been a sad showing for the Pens. Almost two periods have gone by and they have yet to grasp the problem at hand. Not sure what is happening to the Pens.

6:57 - Power play ends for the Pens. Nothing changed.

8:57 - Power play chance for the Pens. Burakovsky takes a seat for hooking.

9:35 - The Caps are controlling play and have kept the Pens trap in their own zone. The Pens need to flip a switch. They have shown no passion or emotion. They seem to be fine with being down two goals.

13:24 - Burakovsky scores. Hainsey decides to hold onto the puck instead of playing it forward. He turns it over and Burakovsky is able to skate right in on Fleury. He sneaks one past Fleury. 2-0 Caps

13:35 - The Pens are still playing a terrible game.

16:04 - Crosby finds the puck in front of Holtby, but his shot goes over the cage.

19:59 - Hornqvist is back to start the second period.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to come out a different team from the first period! Play like the Champions they are! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

0:43 - That will bring an end to power play time for the Pens. Way too much passing and not enough shooting.

1:27 - Hornqvist heads to the bench and looks to be injured. He heads to the locker room.

2:43 - A chance for the Pens to turn things around in their favor. Kuznetsov will take a seat for slashing on Malkin and the Pens head onto the power play.

2:58 - Wilson and Kuznetsov get a two-on-one chance. Wilson makes a cross-ice pass to Kuznetsov, but he is unable to get control of the puck.

5:08 - Finally some offensive zone pressure for the Pens even if it's a bit short. Bonino has a chance on the rush but fires the puck wide.

7:00 - The Pens finally have been rewarded a shot on net. It occurred on their penalty kill from their own zone. At least it's a start.

7:19 - Oshie scores on the power play. Some tic-tac-toe passing for the Caps on the power play. Oshie gets the puck and fires a quick shot past Fleury. 1-0 Caps

8:04 - This is not good, the Pens need to be focused on getting shots on net. However, they will have to kill off another power play chance for the Caps as Crosby is sent to the box for hooking.

10:26 - Hornqvist fans on a shot right in front of Holtby.

11:07 - Fleury is already locked into this game. He denies Orpik with the pad with traffic in front. Then he gloves up a point shot by Carlson.

11:28 - The Pens are still looking for their first shot of the game.

13:53 - A solid penalty killing effort by the Pens. Guentzel is set free.

14:52 - Fleury makes a huge stop on Ovechkin on the penalty kill. He read the play perfectly.

15:53 - The first power play of the game will be rewarded to the Caps. Guentzel heads to the box for roughing.

16:08 - Crosby takes a stick up high and is bleeding. His nose was cut. He stays on the bench.

19:50 - Cole with a solid pitch down on Oshie that leads to a chance for Sheary up front.

20:00 - Game Six is underway in Pittsburgh! The Pens need to come out with speed, pressure Holtby, and put the Caps on their heels early! Lets Go Pens! 

Time to put a cap on the Caps

PPG Paints Arena / MF

By: MF, 

As everyone winds down from the Kentucky Derby, hockey nation ramps up as the Pittsburgh Penguins could eliminate the Washington Capitals in the Second Round of the NHL Playoffs tonight in Washington. The Penguins hold the commanding 3-1 series lead and this game is going to be a crazy one.

 In Game Four, the Penguins were without the services of their best player, and the best player in the world, Sidney Crosby. They still got the job done, showing their depth in scoring. The win was also in large part due to the efforts of Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been the MVP for the Penguins in these playoffs. Now the Capitals have their back against the walls and a cornered animal is a dangerous one. The Penguins will have to keep their focus on playing their style of hockey, not letting the Capitals get under their skin, and play a smart defensive game. Lets Go Pens!

Follow all the action here:

Conor Sheary and SIDNEY CROSBY are back in the lineup for the Pens! 

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Maatta - Daley
Cole - Schultz

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 2 Caps 4

3rd Period
0:00 - The Caps take Game 5 with a 4-2 win over the Pens. The Pens still hold a series lead 3-2 as things shift back to Pittsburgh. The Pens will finish things on Monday in Pittsburgh.

2:24 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:59 - Sheary is back on the ice.

4:50 - Just heard that Sheary is bleeding from the nose on the bench. Not sure what happened, but he is staying on the bench.

7:29 - Crosby blasts a shot from the point that is kicked out by Holtby.

10:19 - Fleury with an unreal amount of saves with bodies in front. The puck was bouncing all over the place. The Pens need to turn this around and get to attacking. Caps have had them on their heels for this entire period.

12:13 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin stick handles through traffic and past Hainsey. He gets to the slot area and is able to whip one past the glove of Fleury. 4-2 Caps

12:36 - Kuznetsov scores. Hagelin turns over the puck at the blue line. Carlson gets the puck and sends it bouncing around in the Pens' zone. Kuznetsov finally gets the puck and puts it short side. 3-2 Caps

13:20 - Holtby making elite caliber goalie saves for the Caps right now. The Pens need to keep peppering the net and get traffic in front. They can beat Holtby.

14:07 - The Pens cannot allow the Caps to pressure them. They need to put the pressure on the Caps and Holtby. Suffocate them in their own zone.

16:28 - Bonino is robbed by Holtby.

17:11 - Backstrom scores. Backstrom comes flying into the zone and receives the puck. He finds a shooting lane and is able to put a shot under the glove of Fleury. 2-2 tie game

18:22 - Ovechkin lets go of a rocket shot that goes off the goal post.

19:51 - Crosby wins the faceoff and heads right to the net. Holtby with the save on Crosby's shot.

20:00 - The third period is underway! Time to finish this series Pens! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That is the end of the second period and the Pens hold the 2-1 lead!

2:01 - Another penalty killed off by the Pens. Fleury was once again on it.

4:01 - Power play chance for the Caps. Dumoulin loses an edge and falls thus tripping up Williams. He is penalized for tripping.

4:48 - Turnover by the Pens in the neutral zone and Williams recovers for the Caps. However, the play is broken up for a shot can be taken.

7:21 - Shattenkirk gives Kunitz some attention with two hits into the boards. One was a bit questionable, but nothing is called and Kunitz looks to be okay.

9:45 - Fleury with a smart poke check to keep Ovechkin from finding a rebound chance and Hainsey blocks him out also. Great teamwork.

10:42 - A good job by the Pens to shut down the Caps before they can enter the zone or even set up. They need to keep up the good work.

15:40 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Tic-tac-toe passing my the Pens on the power play! Malkin is able to get the puck across the front of the net over to Kessel at the side! Kessel goes to one knee to rip a shot past the blocker of Holtby! 2-1 Pens

16:28 - Schmidt will visit the box for holding and the Pens get a huge power play chance.

17:06 - The Caps with sustained offensive zone time and Fleury comes up with some big saves to keep this one tied. The Pens are finally able to clear and get a change.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to limit the Caps chances, play smart, and never let up on Holtby! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first-period horn sounds and this game is tied 1-1.

0:29 - Burakovsky scores. Burakovsky toe drags around the stick of Cullen and rips a shot that beats Fleury blocker side. 1-1 tie game

2:24 - Rust is able to get a pass over to Maatta who is trailing on a rush. Holtby deflects Maatta's shot out wide with his blocker.

4:08 - The Pens kill off the Cole tripping minor. Fleury was mimicking a wall once again. He has been unreal, which is nothing new.

6:08 - Not a good time for the Pens to take a penalty, but nonetheless they will have to kill one off. Cole will take a seat for tripping.

9:36 - HAGELIN SCORES! Sheary enters the zone and fires a shot that goes wide! Hainsey pinches to keep get the puck to Bonino who slides it out to Hagelin driving center! Hagelin wrist one past Holtby, off the goal post, and into the net! 1-0 Pens

11:55 - That will be the end of power play time for the Pens.

12:29 - Holtby comes up big for the Caps as he is able to deny Crosby on a redirection in the slot area.

13:55 - Wilson is running around looking for players to hit. He takes Daley out from behind and sets his sights on Guentzel at the benches. He will head to the box for charging on Guentzel. Power play time for the Pens.

14:59 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Fleury was great on that penalty kill. He has locked into this game already.

16:59 - Not the greatest start for the Pens. The Caps will get the first power play of the game as Malkin heads to the box for hooking.

17:59 - The Caps come out laying big hits in the offensive zone. Fleury makes a pad save in front as the Caps get some zone time.

20:00 - Time for Game Five! The Pens just need to stick to their game, play smart, and finish this series tonight! Lets Go Pens!