Derick Brassard makes his Penguin debut

By: MF, 

Some big news to report for the Pittsburgh Penguins before tonight's game against the New Jersey Devils.

General Manager, Jim Rutherford announced that Patric Hornqvist has been signed to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.3 million. It's very rare for Rutherford to make contract deals in the middle of a season, but it was important to tie down Hornqvist as soon as possible.

On to other news, Tristan Jarry was recalled from Wilkes/Barre-Scranton as Matt Murray is out with a concussion. He will be backing up Casey DeSmith tonight.

In addition, Derick Brassard will be making his debut as a Penguin. His debut couldn't come at a better time as the Penguins are playing at home, so he should get a very warm welcome to Pittsburgh.

I am excited to see the new lines get to work for the Penguins and put some points on the scoreboard. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Sheary - Brassard - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Sheahan - Rowney

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Hunwick - Oleksiak

DeSmith in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 2 Devils 3

3rd Period
0:00 - The Devils hang on to get the 3-2 win over the Pens. Tough loss. 

0:27 - Pens call a timeout. 

0:32 - I have to say that Schultz has been awesome in this last minute of play. Some great plays to keep the puck in the zone and stopping the Devils from getting an empty net goal. 

1:40 - Pens have an empty net. 

3:02 - Letang fires a hard shot that bounces off the boards to the side of the net. Rust just misses the puck at the side of the net. He had a wide-open chance there. 

4:01 - DeSmith with two quality saves back-to-back. Devils still pressuring. 

4:57 - Kinkaid has been solid in net for the Devils and has kept the Pens at bay. Things have tightened up this period.

8:00 - Some good scoring chances for the Pens, but Kinkaid holds strong and the Devils with some solid blocks. 

10:21 - Still a fast-paced game and the Devils are not sitting back after regaining the lead. 

14:59 - Stefan Noesen scores. Noesen is able to redirect the puck right in front. The puck finds a small hole. 3-2 Devils 

16:45 - Devils pressuring the Pens in the offensive zone. A ton of blocked shots by the Pens and they end up icing the puck. Lots of tired bodies on the ice for the Pens. 

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to continue to push the Devils and put the pressure on Kinkaid. Lets Go Pens! 


2nd Period
0:00 - Second-period horn sounds and this game is tied 2-2. 

0:45 - Crosby's point-blank shot in front is gloved up by Kinkaid. 

2:58 - HUNWICK SCORES! Crosby lays a big hit behind the goal and is able to free the puck up for Guentzel to take along the boards. Guentzel passes the puck to the front the slot area and Hunwick is able to redirect it past Kinkaid. 2-2 tie game. 

3:40 - Sheary had a chance at a wide-open net, but he mishandles the puck and can't get a shot off. He was very frustrated after that shift. 

8:12 - The Pens are playing sloppy and are letting the Devils have their way in the offensive zone. 

11:56 - Power play time expires for the Pens. Devils with the better scoring chances even though they were on the penalty kill. 

13:56 - A huge power play chance for the Pens as Brian Boyle is called for holding. 

14:14 - The Devils are charging right up to the net. DeSmith was able to hold strong, but he shouldn't have to deal with players right up in his face almost every shift. 

15:35 - Taylor Hall scores on the power play. The puck goes right off the crossbar right to Hall, who is all alone at the side of the net. He puts it in the open net. 2-1 Devils  

17:00 - Michael Grabner gets behind the defense and has a breakaway chance. DeSmith denies him, but Letang is called for slashing on the play. Devils to the power play. 

17:15 - Brassard makes a beautiful play in front. He tries to find Guentzel at the far post with a backhander through his legs in front of Kinkaid. What a move. 

18:21 - Power play time is up for the Pens. 

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens still have 1:39 left to go on their power play. They need to capitalize and regain the lead off this power play chance. Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period

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

0:21 - A late power play for the Pens as Ben Lovejoy is found guilty of hooking. 

1:07 - Letang and Wood are set free. 

1:17 - Malkin's backhander is turned away by Kinkaid. 

3:07 - Miles Wood will head to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct against DeSmith, but he won't be alone as Letang will also be ticketed for checking. 

3:09 - DeSmith holds strong and is able to cover up the puck for a whistle. The Devils are crashing the net and getting physical with DeSmith. 

4:12 - Kessel gets time and space down the win, but he fires one wide. 

7:41 - Kyle Palmieri scores. Palmieri enters the zone and changes the shooting angle as he uses Oleksiak as a screen. His shot beats DeSmith short-side. 1-1 tie game. 

11:43 - CROSBY SCORES! Dumoulin fires a shot from the blue line with Crosby stationed in front. The puck goes off a Devil skate and the pads of Kinkaid. The puck ends up loose in the blue paint. Crosby finds the loose puck and puts it in the open net. Devils challenge for goalie interference. It's called a good goal and the Devils lose their timeout. 1-0 Pens

13:42 - Shots are tied at 4 for both teams.  

17:54 - DeSmith absolutely robs Pavel Zacha with an outstretched blocker/stick save. 

18:37 - Keith Kinkaid robs Hornqvist on a point-blank shot. Brassard is out to take his first shift as a Penguin. 

20:00 - This game is underway! The Pens need to take control of this game early and not let up on the Devils. Lets Go Pens! 

Enjoying the Sunshine State

By: MF, 

We are back for the second of a back-to-back for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tonight they are in Sunrise, Florida to take on the Florida Panthers.

The Penguins have been on a roll, winning six in a row. For a win tonight, the Penguins need to remain focused throughout the game and make sure to keep the front of their own net clear for Tristan Jarry.

Will the Panthers derail the red-hot Penguins or will the Penguins continue to put together win after win? Find out tonight. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Aston-Reese - Rowney - Sheary

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Hunwick - Oleksiak

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 5 Panthers 6

3rd Period
0:00 - Well, they made a good effort, but the Panthers end up with the 6-5 win. They have snapped the Pens winning streak at six games.

1:30 - Empty net for the Pens.

1:52 - Hornqvist ends up getting a misconduct penalty. He is done for the night. Not sure what he did, but it was after the Panthers retook the lead.

1:53 - Dadonov with the hat-trick. Barkov finds Dadonov at the other side of the net all alone. He holds, waits for Murray to make a move, and roofs it. 6-5 Panthers

2:51 - Luongo shuts down Hagelin and Hornqvist in front. Jonathan Huberdeau takes exception to Hornqvist battle for the loose puck in front. A disagreement ensues between the two clubs.

4:50 - RUST SCORES! Luongo robs Crosby in front, but the puck is loose in the blue paint. The Pens and Panthers crash to get to the loose puck, while Luongo is all over. Dumoulin ends up picking up the puck from the pile and goes behind the net. He finds Rust open at the faceoff circle. Rust fires on net while Luongo is down and out. 5-5 tie game.

5:39 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin, Kessel, and Crosby work behind the net. Kessel ends up getting the puck in front where Hornqvist is stationed. His first shot is denied, but he puts in the rebound chance. 5-4 Panthers

5:47 - Now the Pens will get their first power play for 1:55.

5:53 - Oleksiak lays a heavy hit on Mike Matheson. Bjugstad goes after Oleksiak and they drop the gloves. Oleksiak gets the better of the fight. Bjustad ends up getting an extra minor for roughing. Four-on-four hockey for five seconds.

7:47 - Well, that is just frustrating. Pengs are called for too many men on the ice, so Panthers get another power play chance.

9:55 - Panthers with too many men on the ice, but the referees are none the wiser it seems.

10:20 - Ekblad's one-timer is stopped by Murray.

12:11 - What a great penalty kill by the Pens.

12:58 - Simon's penalty time expires. Panthers still have 47 seconds left on a normal power play chance.

14:11 - A terrible penalty by Oleksiak. He sits for cross-checking. Five-on-three power play for the Panthers for 1:13. Huge penalty kill.

14:58 - First penalty of the game goes to Simon for tripping. Panthers getting a power play chance.

18:16 - Dadonov scores his second goal of the night. Barkov and Dadonov with a little criss-cross play. Barkov ends up feeding a pass to Dadonov, who is all alone at the side of the net. He beats Murray. 5-3 Panthers

19:14 - MALKIN SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT! Hagelin backhands an outlet pass from behind the net to Malkin on the red line. He goes to the top of the faceoff circle and roofs one over the blocker shoulder of Luongo. 4-3 Panthers.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! To get the win, the Pens need to get shots and pressure Luongo. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period. Panthers lead is now 4-2.

1:57 - Hornqvist seems to score. Malkin comes flying around to the back of the net and ends up leaving the puck with Hornqvist at the side. The puck is up against the pad of Luongo. Hornqvist goes give up and he pushes the puck and pad over the goal line. The referee initially waved it off as a no goal, they gathered to discuss, and end up ruling it a goal...Panthers have challenged for goalie interference. The referees state that the puck and goalie were pushed into the goal, so it's not a goal. Wow.

4:29 - Murray has come up with some big saves. Not an easy game to come into and he is holding down the fort.

6:50 - MALKIN SCORES! Rust puts the puck in a perfect spot as Malkin is driving down the center to the net. Malkin redirects the puck over the glove of Luongo. 4-2 Panthers.

10:16 - Murray with a point-blank save. Tough save to start with.

11:48 - Murray will replace Jarry.

11:48 - Derek MacKenzie scores. The Panthers get a two-on-two rush into the offensive zone. Colton Sceviour fires a shot that is saved by the pad of Jarry, but the rebound goes right to MacKenzie and he puts it in. 4-1 Panthers

14:38 - Crosby finds Letang at the point. His slapshot bangs off the glass.

15:31 - Malkin with a perfect pass across the offensive zone to Kessel at the back door. Kessel had a wide open net, but Ekblad was just able to get a stick on the puck to disrupt the play.

15:59 - Jarry gets to the top of the circle to deny Aaron Ekblad in front.

16:37 - Aleksander Barkov is denied by Jarry. He was given way too much room to do whatever he wanted. The Pens on playing on their heels right now.

17:53 - Jamie McGinn scores. Jared McCann makes a no-look shot pass over to McGinn at the side of the net. He directs it to the pads of Jarry and it trickles over the goal line as Jarry is diving back with his pads. 3-1 Panthers

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to finish their scoring chances this period and take control. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - Time expires in the first period and the Panthers end up with the lead 2-1 over the Pens.

0:38 - Evgenii Dadonov scores. The Pens are caught flat-footed and Dadonov takes advantage. He stickhandles around Dadonov and fires from the slot. His shot beats Jarry, rings off the goal post, and goes into the net. 2-1 Panthers

1:42 - Hornqvist had a wide open net after Hagelin's shot rebounded off the pad of Luongo. Panthers collapse and are able to clear.

2:41 - Kessel comes flying down the wing and he is in all alone. He holds the puck and wraparounds the back of the net. His outlet pass is broken up as Panthers were able to get back by then.

4:03 - Hornqvist finds the puck at the side of the net and quickly turns to fire the puck. Luongo was ready for that.

5:24 - Shots are tied at seven apiece. Panthers have had the more quality shots, but things are tied at 1-1.

7:20 - HAGELIN SCORES! Oleksiak protected the puck at the backboards and got the puck over to Malkin, who was behind the net. Malkin found Hagelin stationed in front. Hagelin fired one past Luongo. 1-1 tie game.

8:30 - Nick Bjugstad gets in behind the Penguin defense. Jarry denied him with an outstretched pad save. The Panthers are getting behind the defense without much trouble.

9:44 - Pens pushing back more. Oleksiak with a great chance in front, but Luongo is up to the task.

16:16 - Vincent Trocheck scores. Denis Malgin carried the puck into the zone and dished a pass across the center to Trocheck, who is a step ahead of the defense. He redirected the puck on his backhand past Jarry. 1-0 Panthers

18:47 - Roberto Luongo denies Hornqvist in front.

19:24 - Jarry with an early save. Pens gave up a quality scoring chance to the Panthers, but Jarry bailed them out.

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Florida! Time for the Pens to extend their streak to seven. Lets Go Pens! 

Well rested and ready to make it six

By: MF, 

We are back for some Pittsburgh Penguins hockey tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Penguins have been on a little break after their 5-2 Sunday over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was their fifth win in a row, which is a new high this season. They will look to extend that streak to six tonight and they have every chance of doing that.

On the injury front, Patric Hornqvist will return to the lineup tonight. A huge boost to the Penguins robust lineup.

On a side note, be on the lookout for a possible trade involving the Vegas Golden Knights and Ryan Reaves. Maybe some kind of deal with Ian Cole. Who knows? I will keep up guys updated as things unfold. 

After a long break, the Penguins should be well rested and ready for tonight's game. They need to come out with speed and set the pace early. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Aston-Reese - Rowney - Sheary

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Hunwick - Oleksiak

Murray in the net!

TRADE ALERT: The Pens have completed a three-team deal with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Ottawa Senators. The Pens acquired Derick Brassard (Ottawa), 2018 3rd round draft pick, prospect Vince Dunn (Ottawa), and prospect Tobias Lindberg (Vegas). Also, Vegas will retain 40% of Brassard's contract. 

Vegas receives Ryan Reaves and a 4th round draft pick from Pittsburgh. 
Ottawa receives Ian Cole (Pittsburgh), Filip Gustavsson (Vegas), 2018 1st round draft pick, and 2019 3rd round draft pick.  

Play - by - Play
PENS 6 Hurricanes 1

3rd Period
0:00 - WIN NUMBER SIX FOR THE PENS! They finish off the Hurricanes with a 6-1 win. Great game and a great day for the Pens. 

0:46 - Another solid penalty kill for the Pens.

2:46 - A late tripping penalty by Simon. Hurricanes get another power play opportunity.

7:17 - Kessel is back on the bench and looks ready to go.

7:18 - MALKIN SCORES! Malkin and Aston-Reese are ruthless as they get the puck out of the corner and away from the Hurricane defenders. Ward ends up going down on his stomach as Malkin dances across the front of the net. Malkin's third crack at the puck ends up going in. 6-1 Pens

7:51 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens.

9:51 - Now the Hurricanes will get a chance on the power play as Dumoulin will take a seat for high-sticking.

10:11 - Kessel heads to the locker room after talking to the trainer on the bench. He lost an edge earlier in the period and went hard into the boards. He was holding his arm. Hopefully, they are just being extra careful since they are up 5-1.

10:48 - CROSBY SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang fires from the point and Ward makes the pad save. Crosby, stationed in front, gets the rebound and puts it past Ward. 5-1 Pens.

12:01 - Pens getting the first power play of the game as Sebastian Aho is ticketed for high-sticking on Letang.

12:50 - Rust puts the puck right in the wheelhouse of Crosby. He gets on all his shot that hits Ward up high. Ward felt that one and needs a minute to collect himself.

15:19 - Malkin's backhander is denied by Ward. What a move by Geno.

19:22 - A no goal is called after a review. Hagelin drives to the net and Ward ends up making the first save. Hagelin falls down and the puck goes off his leg. It looks to be a kicking motion and the referees ruled that it was, so no goal. Still 4-1 Pens.  

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens need to keep this game under their control and finish this one with another win. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That does it for the second period. Pens extend their lead to 4-1.

1:14 - Murray comes up with a huge save on a shot by Elias Lindholm.

2:44 - TRADE UPDATE: The NHL has approved the Derick Brassard trade. Ryan Reaves is headed to Vegas. Cole seems to be going to Ottawa. Infomation gathering is still underway...more to come. 

8:15 - Four-on-four playtime is over. Nothing to note.

10:15 - First penalties of the game are given out. Matching minors for Malkin (slashing) and Trevor van Riemsdyk (roughing). Four-on-four hockey time.

11:35 - ANOTHER TALLY FOR AMANDA KESSEL'S BROTHER! Kessel comes flying down the center and cuts to the side. He backhands one through the pads of Ward. It trickles through Ward's pads and over the line. The referees review the play and rule it a good goal. 4-1 Pens

13:49 - KESSEL...I MEAN AMANDA KESSEL'S BROTHER SCORES! A reserve of the Pens first goal as Guentzel finds Kessel wide open as the side. He doesn't miss. 3-1 Pens

16:27 - All Hurricanes right now as they are using the momentum from their first goal to their advantage.

17:55 - Teravainen scores. The Hurricanes use their speed to have an icing waved off. Teravainen ends up with the puck in front and roofs it past Murray. 2-1 Pens

19:12 - MAATTA SCORES! Malkin wins an offensive zone faceoff and gets the puck back to Maatta on the boards. He quickly releases a shot, as Hagelin screens, Ward. Maatta's shot goes over the shoulder, glove side, of Ward. 2-0 Pens

20:00 - Time for the third period. The Pens need to put more pressure on Ward this period. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the first period. The Pens hold the 1-0 lead over the Hurricanes.

1:55 - Malkin performs a spin-o-rama and fires a bad angle shot. Ward gloves the puck up for a whistle.

4:37 - Pens with some trouble exiting the zone at times.

6:24 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Kessel goes across the center, in front of the goal, he draws everyone to him including Ward. Kessel puts a pass through the blade and pad to Guentzel. He slides the puck into the open net. 1-0 Pens

9:35 - Murray bats away a shot to the side boards. Both goalies have been solid to start this game.

11:19 - Sheary puts the puck across the ice to Aston-Reese, who dives out to get a stick on the puck. Ward comes up with the save.

14:19 - Dumoulin with a great play in front of the net. He denied a pass to a wide open Teuvo Teravainen. He had a wide-open net if he got that pass in the end.

18:25 - Cam Ward with two solid saves to start this game. First against Guentzel on a rush and then Oleksiak off a point shot.

20:00 - Game time! The Pens need to come out with speed and take control right off the bat! Lets Go Pens! 

Back-to-back situation - part two

By: MF, 

A quick little update to begin things with. My arena schedule has conflicted with the Penguin games, so that is why I haven't covered the last few games. However, tonight I am back. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back on the road. Tonight they face-off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Penguins have been gaining points, scoring goals, and playing some solid hockey.

This shouldn't change and the Penguins need to play consistent hockey. If they can do that, then the Penguins will have no trouble as the playoffs approach. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Aston-Reese - Crosby - Sheary
Hagelin - Malkin - Rust
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Simon - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Hunwick
Cole - Oleksiak

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 5 Blue Jackets 2

3rd Period
0:00 - PENS GET THE 5-2 WIN! Make that five in a row for the Pens and another two critical points! Great job by the Pens all around. 

2:13 - The crowd is subdued now. Very quiet.

5:51 - GUENTZEL SCORES! Maatta stands up at the blue line and pokes the puck up to Guentzel. He enters the zone and quickly lets go of a shot that beats Bobrovsky short side. 5-2 Pens

6:34 - Kessel finds Guentzel rushing down the wing. Zach Werenski just gets a piece of the puck to disrupt the play and send Guentzel's shot wide.

10:07 - Injury update: Nick Foligno will not return to the lineup for the Blue Jackets.

13:16 - Jarry makes a shoulder save on Matt Calvert's shot after he made his way past Cole and Oleksiak. Blue Jackets are continuing to push back.

17:39 - Alexander Wennberg scores. Boone Jenner gets to the forecheck and wins the puck. He feeds a pass to the wide-open Wennberg in front. He roofs one. 4-2 Pens

18:02 - Fast start for the Blue Jackets. They are getting to the forecheck and bringing the pressure.

20:00 - Home-stretch for the Pens! They need to keep things in their control for another 20 minutes and close this one out with a win. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The second-period horn sounds and the Pens have extended their lead to 4-1.

1:57 - Blue Jackets seem to be playing a neutral zone trap game, which is a bit odd since they are down by three goals.

4:44 - The Blue Jackets are now 0-2 on the power play as Guentzel is released from the sin bin.

5:52 - Hagelin uses his speed to get a jump on the Blue Jackets and gains the offensive zone. He passes to Sheahan, who looks to have a wide open net, but Bobrovsky dives to the front of the net and gets a glove on the puck.

6:44 - Blue Jackets will get another chance on the power play as Guentzel is ticketed for slashing.

9:18 - Jussi Jokinen fires a shot that goes under the pad of Jarry. Jarry looked back unsure of where the puck was at that moment, but the puck stayed out of the goal.

10:31 - ASTON-REESE SCORES! Crosby makes a no-look, backhanded pass in the seam to Letang, who goes to Hunwick at the point. Hunwick ends up getting the puck to Aston-Reese stationed right in front of Bobrovsky. He doesn't miss in the end. 4-1 Pens

My computer decided to update in the middle of the game. Norton doesn't seem to care about the game, but everything is back up. 

19:19 - Penalty kill time is up for the Pens.

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens still have 42 seconds left to kill off on Jarry's tripping minor. Get the kill and push back! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That will do it for the first period. The Pens hold the 3-1 lead over the Blue Jackets after 20.

0:40 - Jarry with some unreal saves on the penalty kill.

1:19 - Jarry makes a diving save to deny Panarin in front. He ends up taking a tripping penalty. Guentzel will serve for Jarry. A power play chance for the Blue Jackets.

1:26 - Atkinson and Panarin get a two-on-one rush, but Letang is able to break it up and Jarry holds the side of the net.

2:25 - Shots are 6-4 in favor of the Pens. Not much to update on right now. Seems things have calmed down a bit as the period comes to an end.

8:31 - SHEAHAN SCORES HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT! The Pens enter the zone with a three-on-three rush. Sheahan trails behind the play and ends up with the puck. His wrist shot finds a whole under the blocker arm of Bobrovsky. 3-1 Pens

10:07 - Artemi Panarin scores. The Pens fourth line turns over the puck in the neutral zone. Cam Atkinson and Panarin get a rush into the offensive zone. They pass back and forth. Panarin finishes the play with a goal. 2-1 Pens

13:03 - DUMOULIN SCORES! Malkin carries the puck into the offensive zone and draws a few Blue Jackets with him. He makes a no-look pass back to Dumoulin, who fires a slap shot through traffic. It goes off the leg of a Blue Jacket and through the five-hole of Bobrovsky. 2-0 Pens

16:02 - Jarry with a solid shot right in front. He looks solid to start this game.

18:19 - SHEAHAN SCORES! Oleksiak fires a hard shot from the point and Sheahan redirects it past Sergei Bobrovsky right on the doorstep. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - The puck has dropped and this game is underway! The Pens need to come out and take control early, especially after playing last night. Lets Go Pens!  

Back in action

By: MF, 

Good evening everyone! I am glad to be back covering tonight's game. I have been busy with work at the arena, working a ton of back-to-back events. On top of that, I have been feeling a little bit under the weather. All the work has caught up with me, but tonight I am ready to cover some Pittsburgh Penguins hockey.

The Penguins are in the Burgh to take on the Ottawa Senators. With the end of the regular season closing in, every point is very important for the Penguins.

Tonight, they need to get a solid win and two much-needed points. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel
Guentzel - Sheahan - Sheary
Aston-Reese - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Cole - Oleksiak

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 6 Senators 3

3rd Period
0:00 - 6-3 VICTORY FOR THE PENS OVER THE SENATORS! MAKE THAT NINE IN A ROW AT HOME! GREAT JOB GUYS! 

0:24 - Cole and McCormick drop the gloves. Heated battle and both of them got some good hits in. Cole gets the extra minor and the Senators get a late power play.

1:05 - ASTON-REESE SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT! Aston-Reese fires from the blue line and puts it in the empty net. 6-3 Pens

2:15 - Empty net for the Senators.

5:39 - Duchene scores on the power play. Hoffman slaps one that is redirected, in front, by Duchene past the glove of Murray. 5-3 Pens

6:00 - Now the Senators will get their first crack at the power play as Rust takes a seat for hooking.

9:51 - LETANG SCORES! Crosby wins the faceoff and goes back to Letang at the point. He fires a shot off that gets caught up in Anderson's equipment. The puck drops down and Anderson ends up putting the puck into his own net as he was unaware of where the puck was at the time. 5-2 Pens 

11:34 - Anderson has shut the door on the Pens. He has made some amazing saves. The Pens are having trouble getting any past him.

13:42 - A combination of Anderson and the goal post rob Letang of a goal.

17:05 - Aside from the four goals, Murray has been the star of this game. Shots are 26-11 in favor of the Senators. Murray holding down the fort.

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens cannot afford to sit back and let the Senators take charge. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That does it for the second period. The Pens hold the 4-2 lead.

1:59 - The Pens were sitting back in the last bit of this period as the Senators came pressuring Murray. He came up big, but the Pens need to push back. Even with a two-goal lead, they can't sit back too much.

2:41 - Colin White scores. Max McCormick outlets the puck from behind the net to White in front. He directs it past Murray. 4-2 Pens

3:13 - Mark Borowiecki fires from the blue line with traffic in front, but Murray still comes up with the save.

3:57 - Brassard rings a shot off the goal post!

4:47 - Murray is locked in right now. He denies Matt Duchene on a second-chance shot.

8:37 - Craig Anderson will replace Condon for the Senators.

8:38 - ASTON-REESE SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL! Crosby chips up a pass to Aston-Reese, who gains control and quickly fires a shot. Condon gets a piece of the puck, but not enough as he sneaks past him into the net. 4-1 Pens

9:59 - MALKIN SCORES! Hagelin carries the puck behind the net and makes a no-look, backhanded pass out to Malkin. Malkin then executes a spin-o-rama and backhands one past Condon. 3-1 Pens

11:27 - Two-on-one chance for the Senators. Cody Ceci is wide open in the slot when he gets the puck. Murray robs him with a glove save. Remember that save.

12:49 - Much better period for the Pens. They look faster and more awake.

14:50 - GUENTZEL SCORES AGAIN! The puck is loose in front of the net. Kessel gets ahold of the puck, turns, and fires it on the net. Condon makes the save, but Guentzel picks up the rebound and puts it past Condon. 2-1 Pens

15:42 - Derick Brassard scores. Brassard gets a clear shooting lane down the wing. He beats Murray under the arm, blocker side. 1-1 tie game.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to put more pucks on net and keep up the offensive pressure. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period

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

3:57 - Malkin fires a bad angle shot that is barely stopped by Condon. Hagelin whacks at the rebound, but Condon covers for the whistle.

6:00 - Not much to update on. The Pens have looked good and have had some good offensive pressure.

10:26 - Good puck management and movement by the Pens. Murray has also looked solid to start this game.

15:53 - GUENTZEL SCORES! The Senators failed to clear the puck out of the zone. Schultz gains control and fires from the blue line. Guentzel redirects the shot past the left skate of Mike Condon. 1-0 Pens

16:34 - Power play time for the Pens as Mike Hoffman sits for hooking.

17:42 - Murray with a solid glove save. Letang did a great job of keeping the Senator to the outside on the wing.

20:00 - It's time for some hockey in the Burgh! The puck has dropped and this game is underway! Lets Go Pens! 

Back on the road

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action tonight as they take on the New Jersey Devils on the road. Coming off a 7-4 win over the Washington Capitals last night, the Penguins completed their perfect four-game homestead where they outscored their opponents by a 21-10 margin. They look to continue their push for the playoffs with a victory tonight.

In addition, Sidney Crosby extended his scoring streak to 11 games, but he is still looking for his 400th career goal. He has been on fire and tonight could be the night. Crosby hasn't been the only one playing well as Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin have been on a tear. As a matter of fact, the whole team is doing well with each line putting in work and producing results.

Unfortunately, tonight the Penguins will be without the services of Patric Hornqvist as he suffered a lower-body injury during last night's game. His presence will be missed, especially on the power play. He is a critical part of the lineup and always disrupts the goalie, which allows for the Penguins to capitalize on many plays. As a result of this injury, the Penguins have called up Zach Aston-Resse from Wilkes/Barre Scranton to slot into the open position in the lineup.

Tonight, the Penguins need to get to their game and play a consistent 60-minute game. As the end of the season draws closer to the end, consistency will be key for them. Lets Go Pens!

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Kuhnhackl
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Aston-Reese - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Cole - Oleksiak

DeSmith in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 1 Devils 3

3rd Period
0:00 - This game is over. The Pens fall 3-1 to the Devils and that snaps their four-game winning streak. Also, Crosby's scoring streak comes to an end.

1:41 - Empty net for the Pens.

2:55 - Hall gets around Schultz and has a breakaway chance. DeSmith shuts him down with a pad save.

4:00 - DeSmith with some fantastic saves back-to-back. He has made quite a few highlight reel saves tonight. He showed up to play. The Pens need to step up their game for him.  

7:06 - Sullivan challenges the call. The call stands. Still 3-1 Devils.

7:06 - It looks to #400 for Crosby, but the referees rule it a no goal. During the play, Rust's stick is lifted by Lovejoy as he goes to the front of the net. Rust's stick ends up hitting Kinkaid and he goes down in the blue paint. Crosby ends up getting the loose puck and fires a bad angle shot that goes off Kinkaid's helmet into the net.

10:09 - Zajac scores his second of the night. Damon Severson fires from the point and Zajac reaches up to redirect the puck past DeSmith. 3-1 Devils

11:57 - Devils on their heels a bit. Pens need to tie this one up quick.

13:44 - MALKIN SCORES! What a clinic on passing by the Pens. Hagelin goes to Kessel, who finds Cole, and he puts the puck right on Malkin's stick as he drives down the center. Malkin dekes Kinkaid and backhands one past him. 2-1 Devils

14:53 - Schultz slaps a shot off the glass. Much more jump and energy in the gameplay of the Pens.

19:02 - Not a bad start to the period for the Pens as their first line gets some offensive zone time. Letang got a shot off that flew high over the net.

20:00 - The guys are back for the third period. Hopefully, they found some energy in the locker room to start this third period with. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end a dominating second period by the Devils. They hold the 2-0 lead.

2:10 - A little pushback by the Pens as the period is coming to an end. Guentzel goes across the ice to a wide-open Crosby. He misses the wide open net.

5:07 - Devils are just dominating this period. The Pens haven't had any sustained pressure in the offensive zone. It doesn't even seem like they are playing.

6:00 - Miles Wood gets a step on Dumoulin. Dumoulin decides to hit Wood as he drives to the net. Both players go flying into DeSmith. Everyone looks to be alright.

8:16 - Devils crashing the net and pressuring the Pens every shift. The Pens have to find their energy, something to spark them to push back.

9:30 - Another successful penalty kill for the Pens.

10:33 - Crazy sequence in front of DeSmith. He comes up with two huge saves and Hagelin clears the loose puck. Hearts are racing after that close call.

11:30 - Not the time to be taking a penalty. Guentzel will head to the sin bin for interference. Big penalty kill for the Pens.

11:42 - Guentzel lets go of a hard shot that goes wide.

15:05 - Oleksiak backhands a pass over to Sheahan in the slot. His shot is gloved up by Kinkaid. That was the best scoring chance in a while for the Pens.

16:55 - Blake Coleman scores. Another Pens turnover in the defensive zone. Coleman makes his way to the net and fires a shot that finds a small hole between the blocker and body of DeSmith. 2-0 Devils

17:06 - Pens playing way too much in their own zone. They look asleep right now. All Devils.

19:30 - Travis Zajac scores. DeSmith pokes away the loose puck in front, but Zajac gets the puck. He stickhandles to the front and puts one five-hole. 1-0 Devils

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to ramp up their energy level and put more pucks on net. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That does it for the first period and things are 0-0.

0:44 - Maatta is hit hard into the boards by Ben Lovejoy. He gets up and looks to be alright.

2:45 - Kinkaid fights up a rising shot by Crosby.

3:52 - Letang is set free and the penalty kill is over. DeSmith was great and made two awesome saves to keep things 0-0.

5:52 - Taylor Hall gets behind Letang and drives the net. DeSmith steps up and shuts down Hall. However, Letang ends up taking a slashing penalty.

6:34 - Cole and Stefan Noesen hug it out for a bit after the play and then start to throw some punches. They both fall to the ice and will head to the box.

8:12 - Crosby backhands a pass to Rust driving towards the net. He tries to put the puck right under the crossbar. Kinkaid flashes the glove to deny him.

10:15 - DeSmith makes a solid save even with some traffic in front. He has looked good to start this game.

12:32 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens.

14:32 - Now the Devils will get a power play chance as Oleksiak is ticketed for interference.

16:26 - That does it for the power play. Aston-Reese had a great chance in front on his first shift, but Keith Kinkaid denies him.

18:26 - Early power play chance for the Pens as Miles Wood takes a seat for hooking.

20:00 - The Pens are back on the road tonight to take on the New Jersey Devils. It's game time! Lets Go Pens! 

Superstar showdown in the Burgh

Downtown Pittsburgh / MF

By: MF, 

It's a rivalry kind of night in Pittsburgh as the Penguins gear up to take on the Washington Capitals. The Penguins are coming off a dominating 5-2 win against the San Jose Sharks, which was in large part due to the incredible comeback performance of Matt Murray.

For tonight's game, there will be some lineup changes. Firstly,  Jean-Sebastien Dea was reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Carter
Rowney will take his slot as he was taken off of the injured reserve list. It looked like the Penguins had regained a forward from the injury list, but Conor Sheary will take Rowney's spot as he suffered a lower-body injury during the game against the Sharks.

Regardless, this game is going to be a high-intensity game. It will be physical and fast. However, the Penguins cannot afford to let Washington knock them off their game. They need to stay focus, play smart, and be consistent. Lets Go Pens!

Forwards
Simon - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Guentzel - Sheahan - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Reaves

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Cole - Oleksiak

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 7 Capitals 4

3rd Period
0:00 - ANOTHER WIN FOR THE PENS! THEY PUT UP SEVEN TO BEAT THE CAPITALS 7-4! 

0:52 - Once again the penalty kill gets the job done.

2:52 - Hagelin to the box for hooking. Power play for the Caps.

3:46 - Orlov and Malkin both lose their footing and slide into the boards. Orlov goes head first into the boards but looks to be alright.

6:16 - Another great penalty killing effort by the Pens.

8:16 - Now the Caps get a power play chance as Malkin is called for tripping.

10:00 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT! Crosby comes down the boards and makes a pass to the front of the goal through the legs of Orlov. The puck goes off the skate of Malkin, then Orpik's skate, and past the pad of Grubauer. 7-4 Pens

10:55 - A great chance for the Pens to extend their lead as they will head onto the power play. Madison Bowey is off to the sin bin for tripping.

12:01 - Holtby is done for the night. Philip Grubauer will take over in goal.

12:01 - KESSEL SCORES HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT! Malkin and Kessel rush up the ice. Malkin gains the zone and finds Kessel down the wing. He beats Holtby on the glove side. 6-4 Pens

12:53 - Crosby and Rust get a two-on-one rush. Crosby makes a beautiful saucer pass over to Rust. He just steers the puck wide of the net.

13:52 - RUST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Letang makes a perfect play to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Letang ends up firing a shot on net that is stopped by the glove of Holtby, but he can't control the rebound. Rust, stationed right in front, gets the rebound and puts it home. 5-4 Pens

15:10 - Nicklas Backstrom takes a seat for high-sticking. Power play for the Pens.

17:00 - Hornqvist heads to the locker room. He was on the receiving end of a hard hit from Brooks Orpik.

17:17 - Some good news, Cole is back on the ice for the Pens after heading to the locker room in the second period after Wilson hit him up high.

18:10 - Ovechkin scores. Kuznetsov feeds a pass across the ice to Ovechkin at his signature spot at the top of the faceoff circle. He puts it over the pad and past the blocker of Murray. 4-4 tie game.

18:19 - Letang and Oshie are set free.

18:59 - MALKIN SCORES! Kessel holds the blue line and chips the puck up to Malkin driving into the zone. Holtby makes a stop on Malkin's first shot. Malkin drives to the rebound and puts it through the open five-hole of Holtby. 4-3 Pens

20:00 - We are back for the third period. The period starts with four-on-four hockey for 1:40. The Pens need to get the lead back right away. Lets Go Pens!


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

0:19 - Oshie and Letang battle on the boards. Oshie ends up cross-checking Letang in the side of the net when Letang is down on the ice. Letang is not happy and the two exchange some words and shoves. Oshie is ticketed with checking and Letang gets a roughing penalty. Four-on-four hockey.

1:24 - Crosby's line holds the offensive zone and keeps the Caps from changing their lines. Holtby finally is able to cover a shot from Rust for a whistle.

5:25 - Orlov finds Wilson in front. He directs the pass towards the net, but Murray gloves up the puck.

5:32 - Power play time expires for the Pens.

6:32 - Cole leaves the bench and heads to the locker room.

7:43 - Wilson leaves his feet to hit Cole up high into the boards. He will go to the box for roughing. Power play time for the Pens.

8:03 - Kuznetsov scores. Wilson gloves down the puck and it is picked up by Kuznetsov in the slot area. He beats Murray. 3-3 tie game.

9:19 - The shots are now 21-19, still in favor of the Pens.

14:51 - Crosby puts a pass right on a silver platter as he puts a pass on the tape of Rust's stick in front of the net. He fires a shot off the goal post.

16:52 - Dmitry Orlov scores. Orlov fires a hard shot from the top of the faceoff circle. It beats a screen Murray, blocker side. 3-2 Pens

19:34 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Down at the goal line, Crosby makes a quick one-touch pass to Hornqvist and he blows a shot past Holtby. 3-1 Pens

20:00 - Time for the second period. The Pens have 1:28 left on their power play and they need to capitalize on it. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That does it for the first period. The Pens will have a power play to start the second and they hold the 2-1 lead.

0:32 - Late power play for the Pens as Stephenson heads to the box for tripping.

1:50 - Ovechkin scores. Ovechkin drives to the net and goes around Letang to confront Murray. Murray makes the pad save, the puck bounces out, hits Dumoulin's skate, and goes into the net. 2-1 Pens

2:48 - Holtby comes up with big saves on two odd-man rushes by the Pens.

4:10 - HAGELIN SCORES! Christian Djoos tries to pass across the center to his defensive partner, but Hagelin comes flying in to take the puck instead. Hagelin beats Braden Holtby. 2-0 Pens

5:52 - Dumoulin and Letang with some great defensive moves to break up a rush by the Caps.

6:43 - Murray robs Chandler Stephenson on a breakaway. Schultz comes flying back to clean up the rebound chance.

7:13 - Shots are 9-8 in favor of the Pens.

10:59 - Reaves knocks down Alex Ovechkin in front of Murray. They exchange some shoves and words.

11:52 - Letang is hit hard into the boards by Wilson. He looks to be alright.

12:20 - Tom Wilson gets in alone with speed. His shot goes off the glove of Murray and hits the goal post.

14:28 - Solid penalty kill by the Pens. Murray was on point.

16:10 - Murray comes up with a huge save on a shot by Evgeny Kuznetsov.

16:28 - The first power play of the game goes to the Caps as Crosby is ticketed for tripping.

17:49 - KESSEL SCORES! Sheahan throws the puck through the blue paint to the other side of the net where Kessel is stationed. He bats the puck. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - Game time! The Pens need to come out with speed and get their game early against the Caps! Lets Go Pens!