Time to snap the streak (Game updates - Penguins at Jets)

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back at it again with the second game in a back-to-back situation. Last night they fell to the Minnesota Wild in a 2-1 loss and are now in Winnipeg to take on the Winnipeg Jets.

These two teams met only three days ago, which resulted in a 2-1 overtime victory for the Pens. It is expected to be another close contest.  

Now, this is a perfect situation for the Penguins as they look to snap a losing streak. They have yet to win the second game in a back-to-back scenario this season. No better time than now. 

For tonight’s contest, the only change from last night are the lines. Head Coach, Mike Sullivan has rearranged the lines in hopes of getting the offense moving. The Pens are looking to get more offense going and get more goals in five-on-five situations.

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Sheary - Crosby – Rust

Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist

Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel

Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Ruhwedel

Cole - Trotman

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Jets 7

3rd Period
0:00 - That is it for this one. The Pens are completely dominated by the Jets as they fall 7-1. Terrible game all around. 

5:50 - Not much to report on. Jets controlling and the Pens look like they are done. They have had that look for almost the whole game.

7:41 - Brendan Lemieux scores. Lemieux redirects a shot high up in the slot area. 7-1 Jets

8:41 - Back to full strength for both teams.

9:32 - Scheifele scores on the power play. Scheifele receives the puck right in his wheelhouse and rips a shot short side. No chance for DeSmith. 6-1 Jets

10:04 - Guentzel gets an interference penalty. The Jets get a four-on-three power play for 1:02.

10:43 - Things are not going all that well for the Pens. Malkin has a disagreement in Patrick Laine. They both go to the box for roughing.

11:12 - Crosby with some solid fore-checking to get the puck and outlets it to Maatta to the point. His shot is stopped by Hellebuyck.

13:07 - Hornqvist and Byfuglien are released.

15:07 - Back to four-on-four hockey. Byfuglien and Hornqvist get matching cross-checking penalties.

18:08 - Byfuglien and Rust are set free.

20:00 - Third period time! Four-on-four hockey to start for 1:52. The Pens have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to make this a hockey game. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That will do it for the second period. 5-1 Jets

0:08 - We are getting some four-on-four hockey. Dustin Byfuglien for boarding and Rust for slashing.

2:58 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel makes a shot/pass to Malkin who redirects the puck past Hellebuyck. 5-1 Jets

3:11 - Back to the power play as Bryan Little is off to the box for holding. The Pens need to convert.

4:05 - Power play ends. The Pens had great puck control, but Hellebuyck only had to worry about one shot. Too much passing for the Pens.

6:05 - Dmitry Kulikov gets a delay of game penalty and the Pens will get another power play chance.

7:02 - Kessel comes out and gets two solid chances on net.

7:57 - The fourth line for the Pens has a great shift.

10:02 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

11:13 - Huge scramble in front of the net, but Hellebuyck with some help keeps the puck out.

12:02 - Perfect time to get one as the Pens head onto the power play after Malkin draws a roughing penalty on Copp.

12:18 - DeSmith makes a huge save on the penalty kill. Rust is set free.

14:18 - Another horrible penalty by the Pens as Rust takes a seat for holding.

15:35 - A solid penalty killing effort by the Pens. Maybe they can build off it.

17:35 - DeSmith receives a delay of game penalty as he tried to clear the puck, but it went over the glass in the defensive zone. Penalty killing time for the Pens.

20:00 - Time for the second period. DeSmith is in the net to start. The Pens have to turn things around in this period. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period finally comes to an end and the Jets hold a commanding 5-0 lead.

1:42 - Wheeler scores to get the hat trick. Wheeler turns Letang inside out to get in all alone. He goes far post on DeSmith. 5-0 Jets

1:52 - DeSmith replaces Murray.

1:53 - Joel Armia scores. Murray turns over the puck trying to clear the puck off the glass. Armia gets the puck and fires a rocket shot past Murray. 4-0 Jets

2:16 - Wheeler scores. Malkin turns over the puck at his own blue line to Scheifele. He finds Shawn Matthias who fires it on the net. Wheeler redirects it past Murray. 3-0 Jets

3:38 - The Jets have owned this period. A second-period comeback will be needed.

6:02 - Blake Wheeler scores. Mark Scheifele enters the zone and dished a pass to center for Wheeler who is driving to the net. Wheeler puts one through the five-hole of Murray. 2-0 Jets

8:08 - Hagelin gets the puck on net and the Pens crash in on the net. The puck comes out to Malkin in the slot, but Connor Hellebuyck makes the stop.

12:15 - The Pens get some good offensive zone time, but it is short lived. Jets in control.

14:51 - Not a great start for the Pens and they have not found their footing yet.

18:40 - Andrew Copp scores. The Pens are unable to clear the puck and the Jets cycle the puck. Copp gets the puck in the slot and rips one past the glove of Murray. 1-0 Jets

20:00 - Puck drop in Winnipeg! The Pens need to get to their game early and play smart. Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins start their Western road trip (Game updates - Penguins at Wild)

By: MF,

I am back covering tonight’s Pittsburgh Penguins matchup. Last game there were internet issues to deal with, but now everything is back up and running properly.

Now it’s time to focus on the game as the Penguins start their western road trip against the Minnesota Wild. The Penguins are coming off two overtime wins and look to extend that streak. It will also mark the first time the Penguins faceoff against Matt Cullen since he signed with the Wild over the summer break.

Both overtime wins came off goals by Phil Kessel “Mr. OT.” Also, Matt Murray has been a force in the night. He is riding a seven-game winning streak. During that streak, he has a 1.99 goals-against average and .936 save percentage.

On the injury front, Matt Hunwick (concussion); Carter Rowney (hand); and Justin Schultz (concussion) are out for the Penguins. As for the Wild, Zach Parise (microdiscectomy); Charlie Coyle (right fibula fracture); Nino Niederreiter (high left ankle sprain); and Landon Ferraro (hip flexor).

Game time! Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Sheahan - Hornqvist

Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Ruhwedel

Cole - Trotman

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Wild 2

3rd Period
0:00 - The Wild get the 2-1 win over the Pens. It was a very tight game, but the Wild got the lucky redirect goal to get the lead and the win.

0:20 - Empty net for the Pens.

1:27 - Terrible time to take a penalty. Cole takes a hooking penalty and the Wild get a late power play opportunity.

1:50 - Time is running out for the Pens.

5:09 - The Pens have been putting on the pressure.

8:19 - Murray is slow to get up after he takes a knee to the head and looks to be in some discomfort. He tells the referee that he is good and play continues.

9:33 - Crosby and Guentzel crash the net, but Dubnyk holds strong.

10:57 - Koivu scores. The Wild cycle the puck in the offensive zone. Reilly fires a shot from the faceoff circle that is redirected in the slot area by Koivu past Murray. 2-1 Wild

13:59 - A penalty killing effort by the Pens. Rust is set free and has a breakaway chance, but his shot goes off the crossbar.

15:59 - Still a tight game. Now the Wild get a chance at the power play as Rust takes a seat for slashing.

19:57- Malkin is released and looks to be alright.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Wild have a three second power play to start. The Pens need to get more shots on net this period. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and things are still tied 1-1.

1:57 - Malkin will now visit the box for interference. He is hunched over and holding his right elbow. He has hurt the same elbow before. Hopefully is is ok and will be ready for the third period.

3:30 - Power play time comes to an end.

5:30 - The Pens are getting their third power play chance as Mike Reilly goes to the box for goaltender interference.

6:41 - Shots are tied a three a piece for this period. Goes to show how tight things are.

8:15 - It's a tight hockey game at the moment. Plenty of up and down hockey.

12:44 - The penalty kill is successful for the Pens.

12:46 - Staal ties to get a pass to Mikael Granlund in front for a wide open net chance, but Kuhnhackl is there to break things up.

14:44 - The Wild will get a crack at the power play as Maatta takes a holding penalty.

16:06 - Sheary comes flying down the wing and gets a shot off. Dubnyk robs him!

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to play smart and put the pressure on Dubnyk. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first period comes to an end with things tied 1-1.

1:47 - Dubnyk has shut the door ever since the Wild tied things up.

2:45 - Guentzel is hit hard into the boards behind the net. He looks to be fine.

5:52 - Crosby is robbed by Dubnyk at the side of the net!

6:24 - Daniel Winnik scores. Cullen fires a shot from the point. Murray gives up a huge rebound right to Winnik in front. Winnik is able to reach around a sprawling Murray. 1-1 tie game.

8:08 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang puts a perfect pass into the wheelhouse of Malkin at the faceoff circle. He fires a rocket shot that goes off a few players and past Dubnyk. 1-0 Pens

9:21 - Mikko Koivu will take a seat for tripping. The Pens receive another power play chance.

11:15 - Staal receives a pass after exiting the penalty box. He comes flying into the zone and crosses in front of the net, but Murray comes up with a big save to deny him.

11:20 - Power play time expires.

13:20 - Power play time for the Pens as Eric Staal is called for tripping.

13:36 - The Pens get lucky as they appear to have too many men on the ice. They need to clean up their line changes.

15:06 - Decent start for both teams. Devan Dubnyk with three solid saves. One right after another.

17:11 - Neither team has the edge at this point. I have to say, it's nice to see Matt Cullen doing well even if he is on the enemy team.

20:00 - Time for the Pens to take on the Wild! Puck drop in Minnesota! The Pens need to come out with speed and get on the board early! Lets Go Pens! 

Crosby and McDavid battle in Pittsburgh (Game Updates - Penguins vs Oilers)

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Burgh to battle the Edmonton Oilers. Two of the best players in the National Hockey League (NHL) will faceoff. Sidney Crosby vs Connor McDavid.

Tonight's game will be a perfect chance for the Penguins to bounce back after suffering a 7-1 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Florida. This loss finally made the Penguins make some moves with Antti Niemi. He was placed on waivers and was claimed today by the Florida Panthers, which works out perfectly for the Penguins. Now, Casey Desmith who was called up from Wilkes Barre/Scranton will backup Matt Murray in net. He has been doing very well in the American Hockey League (AHL) and should prove to be a valuable addition to the lineup.

On another note, the Penguins have added Riley Sheahan to the lineup. He was picked up from the Detriot Red Wings in exchange for Scott Wilson and a 2018 third-round draft pick. Sheahan will make his Penguins debut tonight.

For now, the Penguins will have to put their focus on the Oilers and get things back on track. To achieve this they have to stay out of the penalty box, play smart, and make sure to keep their eye on McDavid. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - Sheahan - Hornqvist 

Kuhnhackl - McKegg - Reaves

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Maatta - Schultz

Cole - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play by Play
PENS 2 Oilers 1 OT

Overtime
The Pens get the 2-1 overtime win against the Oilers! A very good game between two skilled teams. Murray ended up being the winning goalie in this contest. Solid win for the Pens!

4:18 - KESSEL SCORES! Malkin and Kessel get a two-on-one rush. Malkin goes to Kessel who beats Talbot blocker side. 2-1 Pens

4:34 - Saves by both ends of the ice. Murray on Leon Draisaitl. Talbot on Crosby.

5:00 - Overtime! Time for the Pens to finish off the Oilers. Lets Go Pens!


3rd Period
0:00 - That does it for regulation time. This 1-1 game is headed to overtime.

2:53 - McDavid scores. The puck is dumped up into the Pens' zone and McDavid beats Ruhwedel to the puck. He snaps a quick shot that hits part of Ruhwedel's stick and ends up going high glove on Murray. Impressive shot and speed displayed by McDavid. 1-1 tie game.

3:31 - Cole has had a solid performance tonight.

5:03 - It has been a very good hockey game between two skilled hockey teams tonight. The Pens have the edge with a goal from Cole.

6:39 - Murray shuts down McDavid.

6:40 - Letang is back on the ice.

7:09 - Letang ends up blocking a shot. He limps his way down the runway to the locker room. Right now the Pens are down two top defensemen.

12:06 - Conor Sheary is robbed by Talbot.

16:36 - COLE SCORES! Cole fires a hard shot from the blue line through six bodies. No way for Talbot to see that one. The puck goes past his blocker into the net. 1-0 Pens

17:49 - Larsson is set free.

18:24 - Kessel goes to one-knee for a one-timer that goes off the side of the net.

19:49 - Jake Guentzel draws an elbowing penalty on Adam Larsson. The Pens bring out their power play unit.

19:59 - Schultz still out.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! Time for the Pens to get one past Talbot. Lets Go Pens!


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

0:30 - Malkin redirects Letang's shot on net. However, Talbot is able to make the save.

2:38 - Another solid kill by the Pens.

4:38 - Now the Oilers get a chance on the power play as Cole is called for tripping. The Pens will be without a critical penalty killer on this one.  

5:11 - By the way, Russell has been out on the ice for the Oilers after taking an elbow from Hornqvist earlier in the period.

5:31 - Power play time expires. Talbot holds strong on the penalty kill and Murray makes his own solid save on a shorthanded chance by Klefbom.

7:31 - Matt Benning takes a hooking penalty on Malkin. Power play time for the Pens.

10:02 - A great penalty kill by the Pens. Cole and Murray work together to keep another shot from going into the net.

11:16 - What an incredible sequence by the penalty killers. Murray dives across the net to deny Mark Letestu's shot with a paddle save. Then bodies pile up in front and stop another shot. Lastly, Dumoulin blocks a shot with his body as Murray is trying to get back up. Teamwork.

12:02 - Patric Hornqvist will take a seat for elbowing. Kris Russell was the recipient and heads to the locker room.

12:24 - Murray holds his ground to keep the puck out of the net. Finally, he is able to cover it up for a whistle.

12:56 - Oilers doing some line juggling.

13:50 - Crosby uses his speed and stickhandling skills to get some space at the side. Talbot is able to make the save on Crosby's shot.

15:03 - Not to be outdone, Murray makes a great glove save in front.

15:58 - Malkin and Phil Kessel get a two-on-one chance. A bouncing puck forces Kessel to turn to his backhand in front. This gives Talbot time to get over and make the save.

16:43 - Oscar Klefbom lets go of a rocket shot from the blue line. He ends up going wide of the net.

17:22 - Up and down hockey right now.

19:59 - Schultz is not on the bench to start this period.

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


1st Period

0:00 - The horn sounds to end the first period. Things are 0-0.

1:57 - Rust is back on the ice. Good news. Nothing on Schultz yet.

2:21 - The power play time for the Pens expires.

3:47 - Talbot with a solid save in front. Rust is still in some discomfort on the bench.

4:20 - Rust is staying on the bench.

4:21 - Yohann Auvitu falls down and ends up sweeping his stick out to trip up Bryan Rust. Rust goes crashing into the boards and is slow to get up. The Pens will get a power play chance from this.

5:01 - Justin Schultz takes an elbow up high from Drake Caggiula and heads to the locker room.

9:12 - McDavid gets around Letang and drives to the front of the net. Matt Murray denies his backhander chance with a shoulder save.

10:37 - Rust gets the puck on net and it's saved by Cam Talbot. Kessel tries a backhander at the side that is stopped. Talbot also locates the puck to deny Evgeni Malkin a chance in front.

11:30 - The Sheahan line along with Brian Dumoulin and Kris Letang have the Connor McDavid assignment.

12:57 - Both goalies look sharp to start the game.

14:41 - Ryan Reaves and Darnell Nurse drop the gloves! Reaves gets in a few punches and gets the better of the fight. Definite response after the hit Lucic laid on Cole.

15:30 - Milan Lucic and Ian Cole tie up legs at the back of the net. Lucic adds a shove to the back of Cole, which sends him flying into the boards. Cole is slow to get up but looks to be okay.

15:48 - The Oilers are on the attack in the offensive zone.

17:39 - Riley Sheahan takes his first shift as a Penguin wearing number 15.

20:00 - Puck drop at PPG Paints Arena! The Pens take on the Oilers! The match-up between Crosby and McDavid begins! Lets Go Pens! 

The Pittsburgh Penguins battle the New York Rangers in the Big Apple - Game Updates

By: MF,

Follow all the game action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers right here!

The Penguins lineup is as follows:

Forwards

Guentzel - Crosby - Sheary

Rust - Malkin - Kessel

Hagelin - McKegg - Hornqvist 

Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense

Dumoulin - Letang

Cole - Schultz

Maatta - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

A big welcome back to Ian Cole as he is back in the lineup after being out since October 7th after taking a slap shot to the face from Roman Josi. 

Play by Play
PENS 5 Rangers 4 OT

Overtime
The Pens get the 5-4 win in overtime. They had some struggles, but they came out with the win in the end. Pens find a way to get the win. 

4:00 - MALKIN SCORES! Malkin and Kessel confront McDonagh behind the net. He losses the puck and Kessel picks it up at the side of the net. He goes across to Malkin at the side of the net. Malkin puts it in the open net. 5-4 Pens

4:09 - Rangers ice the puck.

5:00 - Here we go! Overtime hockey. The Pens need to finish this one with a win. Lets Go Pens!


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

0:55 - CROSBY SCORES AN UNREAL GOAL! Hornqvist bats down the puck towards Crosby. Crosby waits for Shattenkirk to touch the puck and then backhands the puck to the net from behind the goal line. The puck goes off the back leg of Lundqvist and into the net! An unreal goal! 4-4 tie game.

2:06 - Murray heads to the bench and the Pens have an empty net.

2:57 - Successful penalty kill for the Pens. Ruhwedel blocked a shot towards the end of the penalty kill and was slow to get up. He was in some discomfort as he headed to the bench.

4:57 - Ruhwedel will be making a visit to the box as he is called for high-sticking. The Rangers will bring out their power play unit. These penalties by the Pens are ridiculous.

6:45 - Beautiful save by Murray on Zibanejad. Very entertaining period. A battle for ice in this period, but the Pens are still down by one. They need to kick things into another gear.

8:48 - Both teams are back to full strength.

10:48 - Rust and Shattenkirk get roughing minors and there will be some more four-on-four hockey.

11:59 - Malkin is back on the bench.

12:00 - Grabner scores. Another two-on-one chance for the Rangers. Grabner goes to Desharnais who passes it right back. He puts it in an open net. No chance for Murray. 4-3 Rangers

14:15 - Sheary replaces Malkin in the box. Malkin heads to the locker room. Most likely to have his hands checked out.

14:17 - Scramble in front of the Pens' net with bodies everywhere. Looked like a football pile up. Luckily Murray makes the save and the puck doesn't cross the line.

14:25 - What a save by Lundqvist on Letang. Wow! Crosby found Letang wide open. Now the Rangers are off on an odd-man rush!

15:08 - Malkin and Shattenkirk exchange some words and end up going at it. Before it turned into a full-blown fight, the referees jump in to break things up. Both receive roughing minors, which means four-on-four hockey.

15:59 - Pens are weathering a storm right now. Rangers with some good looks on net.

16:32 - The Pens clear the puck, which allows Murray to pick his stick back up.

17:06 - Murray robs Grabner in front. He losses his stick in the process and the Rangers pressure.

19:15 - Power play time is up for the Pens. Hornqvist had the best chance, but he was denied by Lundqvist in front.

20:00 - Third period time! The Pens have a power play to start for 46 seconds. A quick power play goal will be a great start to the period. Lets Go Pens!


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

1:15 - Penguins will get back to work on the power play. Desharnais heads over to the sin bin for slashing. Not a great call once again, but at least they are being consistent.

1:59 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Kessel finds Hornqvist in front of the net and makes a hard pass to him. Hornqvist directs it past Lundqvist. 3-3 tie game.

3:25 - Now with Hagelin set free, the Pens get a power play for 1:44.

3:28 - Crosby is released. Four-on-four hockey for seven seconds.

3:41 - Dumoulin draws a cross-checking penalty on Kreider. Four-on-three Ranger power play now.

5:25 - Not good for the Pens. Hagelin with a clear slashing penalty on Nash, even breaking the stick. Rangers get a five-on-three power play for 1:58.

5:28 - Back to the penalty kill for the Pens as Crosby is called for slashing. The slashing rule is still out of whack, but it's what it is at this point. Huge penalty kill.

6:42 - All Rangers right now as the momentum is in their favor. They ring a shot off the goal post. The Pens need to collect themselves and push back.

8:02 - Nash is wide open in the slot and stickhandles around a downed Murray. Letang picks his pocket and gets the puck out the way. Great moves.

9:15 - The crowd at MSG has woken up just like their team. The Pens penalty troubles catch up to them once again.

11:28 - Miller scores on the power play. Kreider screens Murray in front. Miller is able to fire a rocket shot from the blue line past the screened netminder. 3-2 Rangers

12:27 - The Rangers still have two minutes on the power play as they scored in the first half of Crosby's double-minor penalty.

12:28 - Pavel Buchnevich scores on the power play. Zibanejad makes a back pass to the slot where Buchnevich is wide open. He quickly releases the puck and beats the glove of Murray. Not anything Murray could do on that one. 2-2 tie game.

13:29 - Rangers will head onto the power play as Crosby takes a seat for high-sticking. He draws blood, so that means the Pens will have to kill off a four-minute penalty. He caught Vesey up high on a follow through. Accidental, but one must still keep his stick in control.

13:58 - Desharnais scores. Miller chips the puck up into the zone for Desharnais who is flying down the wing. He draws in the puck and rips a perfect shot that beats Murray up high (glove side). 2-1 Pens

15:47 - Power play time for the Pens comes to an end. The Rangers hold them off to keep things 2-0.

17:47 - Now the Pens get a chance on the power play. Chris Kreider will head to the box for high-sticking.

19:15 - Guentzel with some chances at the side of the net. Lundqvist is able to hold strong to deny him. Good pressure by the top line of the Pens.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep putting the pressure on the struggling Rangers. They can't allow them to have any hope. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - That will be it for the first period! The Pens hold the 2-0 lead over the Rangers!

0:14 - Murray robs Mika Zibanejad! What a great save. He was in perfect position to make that save.

4:07 - Silence. The usually robust crowd of MSG is very quiet. Are any Ranger fans attending this game?

6:30 - HAGELIN SCORES! Maatta chips the puck up to open ice in the neutral zone. Hagelin gets the puck and a two-on-one develops with Hornqvist. Hagelin holds and wrist one top shelf past the glove of Lundqvist. 2-0 Pens

8:45 - That will mark a successful penalty kill for the Pens. Now they need to stay out of the box for the rest of the night.

10:45 - The first power play of the game will go to the Rangers as McKegg takes a seat for holding. The Pens need to fix their penalty troubles, they have been taken too many of them.

11:15 - Some good sequences by the Rangers, but Murray answers them all. Rangers are starting to push back.

12:58 - The Rangers get a three-on-one chance. Jimmy Vesey enters the offensive zone and makes a cross-ice pass over to Jesper Fast. Murray gets a piece of Fast's shot to deny the goal.

13:59 - One can see how fragile the Rangers look. They don't exude confidence. The Pens need to take advantage of this and keep pressuring them.

16:55 - Ryan McDonagh turns over the puck right in front of his own net. Crosby gets to the puck, but Lundqvist is alert and makes the necessary save.

19:17 - KESSEL SCORES! Kessel is in flight down the wing and rips a shot to the top far corner of the net. He beats Henrik Lundqvist to put the Pens up. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Time for puck drop at MSG! Ian Cole is back in the lineup tonight! The Pens need to come out with speed and take it to the Rangers! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins fly into Madison Square Garden

The Pittsburgh Penguins are at Madison Square Garden to faceoff against the New York Rangers.

The Rangers are off to a rough start this season with a 1-5 record to start. They have dropped the last three straight games. Things won’t be easy for them as the Penguins are coming off a 4-3 win against the Florida Panthers. Sidney Crosby has been on fire as he has tallied at least one goal in six of his last seven games.

Also, Matt Murray has been a horn in the sides of the Rangers. He is 6-0 in his career against them with a 4-0 record at Madison Square Garden. During that time his goals-against average is 1.64 and has a .940 save percentage.

Tonight’s game will be a great chance for the Penguins to put some wins together and show consistency.

On the injury front, Ian Cole will be a game-time decision. He hasn’t played since October 7th. Unfortunately, Matt Hunwick has been placed on Injured Reserved. Looks like we are replacing one injured player for a healed one.

Stay tuned for game updates and play-by-play analysis. 

First meeting between Pittsburgh and Washington for the 2017-18 season - Game Updates

By: MF,

Follow all the game action between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals right here!

The Penguins lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - McKegg - Hornqvist (first game of the season)
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Hunwick - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

A big welcome to Patric Hornqvist as he is back in the lineup after missing the first three games of the season due to a hand injury. 

Play by Play
PENS 3 Capitals 2

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-2 WIN OVER THE CAPITALS IN WASHINGTON! GREAT OVERALL GAME FOR THE PENS! NEXT UP IS TAMPA TOMORROW NIGHT! 

0:17 - This is nerve racking! Capitals call a timeout.

1:33 - Empty net for the Capitals.

2:10 - Rust gets behind the defense for a slight breakaway chance, but Holtby denies him with a pad save.

2:32 - The intensity level has been raised.

5:11 - The Capitals have life in them. The Pens need to be careful and not get caught up in the emotional side. Keep playing smart and put the pressure back on the Capitals.

7:09 - Ovechkin scores. Backstrom finds Djoos all alone in the slot. Djoos stick handles around Schultz's stick to get a pass to Ovechkin in front. Ovechkin puts it past Murray. 3-2 Pens

9:31 - Good pressure by the Pens to keep the Capitals from entering the offensive zone. They are not letting up.

12:04 - The penalty kill for the Pens sets up to kill off another Capitals' power play.

14:04 - McKegg makes a second trip to the box this time for high-sticking on Brooks Orpik. Another chance for the lethal power play of the Capitals. The Pens are playing with fire.

16:22 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. They have been on it tonight.

17:07 - Hagelin gets the puck and engages his boosters. He flies down the ice and gets in all alone. Holtby denies his breakaway shot.

18:22 - The Capitals get a chance to bring out their power play as McKegg is called for slashing.

19:21 - SHEARY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Schultz finds the stick of Sheary stationed in front of Holtby. Sheary is able to redirect Schultz's pass into the net. 3-1 Pens

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens start with 1:56 left on their power play from the second period. They need to capitalize on it and put this game in the books. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period comes to an end. The Pens hold the 2-1 lead.

0:04 - A late penalty by the Capitals. Alex Chaisson sits for holding on Dumoulin and the Pens get a power play.

0:52 - Djoos scores his first NHL goal in his NHL debut. The Pens have a sloppy change. Lars Eller dishes a pass over to Djoos who is drifting along the blue line to the outer faceoff circle. He fires a laser shot that beats Murray short side. 2-1 Pens

2:36 - Even with the lead, the Pens need to continue to play smart. The Capitals have been good, they just don't have an answer for getting one past Murray right now.

4:02 - Sheary finds some space down the side of the net and McKegg outlets a pass to him. His shot rings off the crossbar.

6:40 - Power play time comes to an end. The Capitals are made whole again.

8:40 - Once again the Capitals find themselves on the penalty kill. Niskanen sits for interference on Guentzel and the Pens get a power play opportunity.

9:33 - Malkin is robbed by Holtby in front! What a save.

10:21 - Murray comes up with a huge save on Burakovsky in front. He has been solid in the net tonight. The Capitals have had their chances, but luck hasn't been on their side.

11:40 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Hunwick jumps up in the play to keep the puck alive and starts the passing sequence over again. Crosby gets the puck at the side and passes to the center. His pass goes off a body and bounces around in front of Holtby. Kuhnhackl ties up Carlson's stick in front and this allows for Hornqvist to put in the loose puck. 2-0 Pens

11:55 - Letang and Sheary with shots on net. Holtby holding strong on the penalty kill.

12:13 - Guentzel with a chance at the side of the net, but Holtby closes him off.

13:32 - Everyone is getting some power plays in this one. Hornqvist draws another tripping penalty this time on Djoos. Pens to the power play.

16:03 - The Pens hold the Capitals lethal power play to only one shot once again. Hornqvist is finally set free.

18:03 - Another slashing penalty and this time it's Hornqvist. Power play time for the Capitals. Some of these slashing penalties are jokes. They need to review the rule. Anyways that is a story for another time.

18:53 - Carlson with a quick shot that is steered away by Murray.

20:00 - We are back for the second period! The Pens need to keep pressuring and play smart. They cannot give the Capitals any room or they will take advantage. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

0:00 - The first-period horn sounds and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead over the Capitals!

0:17 - Power play time expires. Phil Kessel had the best chance, but Holtby denies him.

2:17 - Another power play chance for the Pens as Hornqvist draws a tripping penalty on John Carlson.

3:38 - A very close call for the Pens. Ovechkin fires a shot off that Murray gets a piece of and the puck ends up loose in front. It bounces around but stays out and Murray is finally able to cover it for a whistle. Good work to the defense to help Murray out there.

4:50 - The Pens hold the Capitals to one shot on the power play. It was a shot from Ovechkin, but Murray made the necessary pad save. Ruhwedel is set free from his penalty box.

6:50 - Now time for the Capitals to get a power play chance. Ruhwedel heads to the box for slashing.

7:27 - That will bring an end to the Pens power play. A solid penalty kill by the Capitals.

9:27 - Holtby comes out of the net, almost to the blue line to deny Hagelin a breakaway chance. He will get penalized for delay of game for an illegal play by the goalie. Now the Pens will head onto the power play again.

12:34 - A fast-paced tempo right now. Up and down hockey plays. The Penguins defense has shown some solid plays to break up Capital rushes. They will need to stay on their toes.  

14:38 - LETANG SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Hornqvist battles in front of the net and is able to get the loose puck into the blue paint. Hornqvist and Rust battle for the puck, while Letang sneaks into the open side of the net. He finds the loose puck and puts it past Brandon Holtby. 1-0 Pens

16:23 - Some odd man rushes for the Capitals on the penalty kill. Murray makes a solid save on the first rush and the Pens are able to break up the second.

16:33 - First power play of the game will go to the Pens as Matt Niskanen heads to the box for slashing.

17:01 - Solid shift by the Pens fourth line. They were able to get two shots off and some offensive zone time.

17:50 - The Capitals have some jump in their step to start this one.

18:43 - Evgeny Kuznetsov is able to find Alex Ovechkin in the offensive zone. Ovechkin stops to get a handle on the puck and fires a shot that just goes wide of the net.

19:50 - Christian Djoos will make his NHL debut for the Capitals.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Washington! The Pens need to build off their first victory on Saturday and keep things rolling. Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins find themselves behind enemy lines

By: MF,

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Capitals tonight at 7:30 pm. This is the first of a tough back-to-back situation for the Penguins as they will faceoff against the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow night.

Tonight’s contest is the first time the two teams are meeting since the Penguins won a 2-0 decisive Game Seven in Washington in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As we all know the Penguins went on to win the ultimate prize for the second year in a row.

It’s the same old narrative for the Capitals and Penguins. Tonight the Capitals will be looking to get some payback, some sort of revenge. With a great start to the season, the Capitals have a 2-0-1 record. Their only loss was in overtime on Monday to the Lightning. Alex Ovechkin leads the way for them with seven goals in their first two games, recording back-to-back hat tricks. It will be critical for the Penguins to isolate him and keep his shooting lanes closed. This will keep Ovechkin at bay and make the Capitals use other means to get on the scoreboard.

However, even if the Penguins are able to stop Ovechkin, the Capitals are full of firepower. Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie are among them. The Penguins need to keep an eye out for them, but not lose sight of Ovechkin. He is known to sneak around and get open. The defense of the Penguins will have to vigilant and help support Matt Murray in the net.

Phil Kessel celebrates a goal / MF (screenshot)

As for the Penguins, their start to the season was a little rougher. They finally got their first win on Saturday against the Nashville Predators. The 4-0 victory was a physical battle for the Penguins, but they rose to the occasion. Matt Murray led the defense and posted his first shutout of the season. Now the Penguins need to build on that win and get some momentum going. The first line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel have been clicking and the Capitals will be sure to put their top defensive pair on them. That will leave Evgeni Malkin’s line a little more open to get work down.

In addition, the Penguins will have to keep their heads in the game. The Capitals have been known to try and throw them off their game with physical attacks. They will need to weather that storm just like in their game against the Nashville Predators earlier this season. The atmosphere will surely be that of playoff hockey.

On the injury front, Patric Hornqvist is close to returning to the lineup after suffering a hand injury. He participated in contact practice on Monday and line rushes this morning. Also, Ian Cole joins the list with a mouth injury. I will keep you updated on his progress.

A side note, Kris Letang is only one point away from earning his 300 career points. He would join Paul Coffey as the only second blueliner in Penguins history.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Stay tuned for play-by-play updates for tonight’s game. Also, follow on Twitter and Facebook!

Off-day news (10/10/17)

By: MF,

It was announced by Executive Vice President and General Manager, Jim Rutherford that the Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled Chris Summers (defenseman) from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL).

In addition, the Penguins visited the White House for the second straight year as Stanley Cup Champions. The Penguins have been hosted by three United States Presidents including George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump for their five championship wins (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, and 2017). The 19 players who remained on the team from the 2016-17 championship season attended the event.