Potential playoff matchup

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action tonight against the New Jersey Devils. A potential playoff matchup.

The Penguins are coming off a beating from the Detroit Red Wings, where they were crushed 5-2 at home.

On the injury front, Derick Brassard will be out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury that is day-to-day. As a result, the Penguins have called up Josh Jooris.

They have to clean up their game defensively and fix the little things before heading into the playoffs. Those things can end their playoff run early if they aren't careful. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
Hagelin - Malkin - Kessel
Sheary - Sheahan - Hornqvist
Aston-Reese - Jooris - Kuhnhackl

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Maatta - Schultz
Hunwick - Oleksiak

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 4 Devils 3

Overtime
THE PENS WIN 4-3 IN OVERTIME! What a hard-fought battle for the Pens, but they didn't let up and got the win in the end. Great effort by the Pens. 

4:41 - CROSBY SCORES! Letang fires the puck up into the neutral zone where Crosby picks up the puck. He gains the zone, looks to see that he has room and time. Crosby's first shot rings off the goal post, but he bats the puck out of mid-air into the net. What a shot and what hand-eye coordination. 4-3 Pens

5:00 - Overtime is on! The Pens need to finish this one early and get the full two points. Hornqvist and John Moore start the overtime in the box. Both get two roughing minors. Lets Go Pens! 


3rd Period
0:00 - We are headed to overtime. Disagreements all over now. 

0:01 - Devils ice the puck. Crosby and Zajac exchange some words and shoves. The referees break them up. Things are heated. 

1:17 - Crosby is back on the ice for his shift. 

2:58 - After losing a faceoff to Crosby, Zajac takes the butt end of his stick and jams it under Crosby's chest protector. He goes down in pain and eventually to the bench. He is being attended to on the bench right now. 

3:14 - Kessel snaps a shot that just goes wide of the net. 

3:33 - Shots for this period are 11-9 in favor of the Pens. 

8:34 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Hornqvist fires a shot from the point through traffic and may have been redirected. The puck goes off the goal post, hits the back of Kinkaid's leg, and goes in. 3-3 tie game.  

10:23 - Power play time expires. The Pens top power-play unit was out there for the whole two minutes. 

12:23 - A huge power play opportunity for the Pens as Zajac is sent to the box for slashing. 

14:49 - Blake Coleman scores. Travis Zajac backhands a pass to Coleman, who is flying down the wing. He protects the puck as he goes to the front of the net past Schultz and Maatta. Murray makes the first save, but Coleman puts in the rebound. 3-2 Devils

17:37 - Devils with a good start to this period. They have had some quality looks/chances on net. 

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens have to keep working hard on the forecheck and retake the lead. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - That does it for the second period with this one tied 2-2. 

1:02 - Rust is back. 

2:11 - Hunwick and Miles Wood drop the gloves. Wood has the size/height advantage over Hunwick, but Hunwick holds his own and takes Wood down in the end. Both get five minutes for fighting. 

3:40 - Rust takes a hit on the boards and is in some pain. He heads right to the locker room. 

5:19 - Hall scores on the power play. Hall drags the puck towards the half-boards. Patrick Marron screens Murray as Hall takes his shot. He goes high off the goal post into the net. 2-2 tie game. 

6:20 - Critical penalty kill for the Pens as Oleksiak is ticketed for interference. 

6:26 - Murray has been on it. He is tracking the puck well. 

10:10 - Taylor Hall had a one-on-one chance, but Oleksiak shuts him down. 

13:01 - LETANG SCORES! Rust carries the puck into the zone to the boards. He works hard to keep possession and that starts the sequence for the Pens. Hagelin ends up with the puck behind the net and outlets to Letang at the side. Letang snaps one over the shoulder, blocker side, of Kinkaid. 2-1 Pens

15:35 - Three-on-two rush for the Pens, but Malkin's shot just goes wide of the net. 

16:48 - Solid penalty kill for the Pens. Murray was sharp in net. 

18:48 - Another power play chance for the Devils as Letang is found guilty of tripping. 

20:00 - We are back for the second period. The Pens need to put the pressure on Kinkaid but also play smart defensively against this team. Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - Horn sounds to end the first period. Things are tied 1-1. 

0:03 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. 

2:03 - Now Dumoulin is called for interference. Devils power play goes to work against the Pens penalty kill. 

3:33 - That does it for that power play. The second power-play unit had the best chances. Things still tied at one apiece. 

5:33 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Pavel Zacha is called for tripping on Letang. 

7:16 - SHEARY SCORES! A two-on-one develops for the Pens as Hornqvist carries the puck down the wing. He goes across the ice to Sheary, who puts it over the outstretched pad of Kinkaid. 1-1 tie game. 

7:41 - Kyle Palmieri scores. Malkin and Kessel turnover the puck at the blue line to Nico Hischier. He finds Palmieri on the wing all alone. He enters the zone with a one-on-one with Murray. He puts it five-hole. 1-0 Devils 

8:49 - Some good puck movement by the Pens in the offensive zone. Sheahan is denied by a diving Kinkaid. 

12:47 - Shots are 3-7 in favor of the Devils. 

14:56 - Murray with some great saves as the Devils control the offensive zone and crash the net. Solid start for Murray. 

19:45 - Crosby gets ahold of a bouncing puck and comes flying into the offensive zone. He slap shot is denied by Keith Kinkaid. 

20:00 - Game time! The Pens need to focus on the small things and keep their game simple tonight. Lets Go Pens! 

Four to go

By: MF, 

Only four games left in the regular season for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins are still fighting to take over first place in the Metropolitan division with a win over a struggling Detriot Red Wings.

They just have to play smart, defensively, which has been a hard thing for them in the last few games. It will also help them a lot going into the playoffs. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Oleksiak - Letang
Dumoulin - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 2 Red Wings 5

3rd Period
0:00 - That does it for this game. The Pens fall to the Red Wings 5-2. Terrible game by the Pens. 

0:52 - Two-on-zero for the Red Wings. Larkin's shot is denied by Murray. 

1:28 - Glendening scores an empty-netter. Glendening gets ahold of the puck and fires down the ice. 5-2 Red Wings

2:42 - Pens empty their net once again. 

3:16 - LETANG SCORES! Letang fires from the point with Hornqvist stationed right in front of Howard. The puck goes five-hole. 4-2 Red Wings

3:30 - Empty net for the Pens. 

3:38 - Shots for the game are 23-19 in favor of the Pens. That is all I got right now. This game is pretty much done at this point. 

8:24 - Not much to update on. Still no energy or change in the Pens. 

12:15 - On a side note, Brassard is missing from the bench. He didn't come out for the start of the third. 

13:39 - Helm scores. Dylan Larkin is down by the red line. He gets the puck out to the far side of the net where Helm is stationed. Helm beats Murray, glove side. Traffic in front prevented Murray from seeing that puck. 4-1 Red Wings

14:21 - The Pens show no urgency in their game. That has been missing in their last few games at times. 

16:54 - That does it for the power play. Not much of one. The best chance during that power play was for Glendening, but luckily nothing came of it. 

18:54 - Power play time for the Pens as Trevor Daley is called for hooking. 

20:00 - We are back for the third period! Time for the Pens to wake up and take control of this game. Lets Go Pens! 


2nd Period
0:00 - That does it for the second period. The Red Wings have the 3-1 lead. 

4:51 - Luke Glendening scores. Nick Jensen fires from the blue line and Glendening gets a piece to redirect the puck through the five-hole of Murray. 3-1 Red Wings 

5:32 - Frans Nielsen scores on the power play. Martin Frk fakes a shot. Instead, he makes a pass across the ice to Nielsen, who is all alone on the right side. He puts it in the open net. No chance for Murray. 2-1 Red Wings

7:21 - Oleksiak heads to the box for high-sticking. It's a minor penalty. Pens penalty killing time. 

8:04 - Murray with a solid save on a point-blank shot by Athanasiou. 

9:18 - Tyler Bertuzzi blocks a shot. The puck goes off his leg and he goes down in pain. He gets the bench and heads to the locker room. 

12:12 - The referees are reviewing a play for a possible goal, but the camera angle doesn't give enough information to rule it a goal. Ruled a no goal. 

14:13 - Jonathan Ericsson and Hornqvist have a disagreement. Ericsson wants to drop the gloves as he shoves Hornqvist, who was skating away. Malkin comes in to help out. Things eventually break up without incident or penalties. 

14:42 - Not a whole bunch to update on. Each team has only one shot on net this period, so far. 

20:00 - Time for the second period. The Pens need to put up some more shots and pressure the Red Wings more this period. Lets Go Pens!


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

3:17 - Kronwall scores. Darren Helm gets the puck off the corner boards and outlets a pass to the slot, where Kronwall is wide open. He beats Murray short-side. 1-1 tie game. 

7:03 - Zetterberg gets in all alone against Murray, but he is unable to get a shot off as Sheary gets back in time to tie him up. 

7:14 - Power play time is up for the Pens. 

9:14 - Now the Pens will get a chance on the power play as Niklas Kronwall takes a seat for slashing. 

10:16 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. Henrik Zetterberg rang a shot off the goal post just as power play time expired. 

12:16 - The first power play of the game goes to the Red Wings. Rust is ticketed with tripping. 

13:04 - Shots are 6-2 in favor of the Red Wings. 

17:51 - Murray comes up with a big save to deny Andreas Athanasiou's backhanded chance. 

19:22 - CROSBY SCORES! Guentzel and Crosby get a two-on-one chance. Guentzel holds and makes a perfect pass over to Crosby, right in Crosby's wheelhouse. He puts it past a stretching Jimmy Howard. 1-0 Pens

20:00 - It's game time! Time for a Pens win. Lets Go Pens! 

Afternoon battle

By: MF, 

Back in action today as I will be covering the Pittsburgh Penguins as they take on their cross-state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Penguins need to build a solid foundation going into the playoffs. They do that by playing consistently. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Oleksiak - Letang
Dumoulin - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Murray in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 5 Flyers 4

Overtime
THE PENS GET THE 5-4 WIN IN OVERTIME! It wasn't the prettiest game by the Pens or their best, but they got the job done in the end. They stuck with things and that is what counts.

2:35 - RUST SCORES! Letang's shot from the point bounces off bodies in front and back out to Crosby. Crosby puts the puck in a perfect spot for Rust to redirect it past Mrazek. 5-4 Pens

3:44 - An offsides by the Pens will give the Flyers a chance to change players.

3:57 - A long shift for the Flyers. They have yet to get a change on the ice, but the Pens have got at least one.

5:00 - Overtime is underway! The Pens have to finish this game with a win. Lets Go Pens!


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

0:42 - Couturier scores. Gostisbehere fires a shot from the blue line that Murray gets a piece of with his glove. Couturier is right in front to get the rebound and put it behind Murray. 4-4 tie game. 

1:33 - Murray with a huge save with the puck bouncing already, along with bodies crashing the net. Brassard played a little goalie to help Murray. 

2:00 - Mrazek is off to the bench and the Flyers have an empty net. 

5:47 - Kessel flies down the wing and gains the zone. He holds and makes a pass across the goal mouth to Sheary, but a Simmonds' stick breaks up the play. 

8:12 - Crosby fights his way through bodies and sticks all the while protecting the puck. He finds Guentzel wide-open with a clear shot on net. Mrazek comes up with a great save to deny Guentzel. 

10:05 - Shots are 41-25 in favor of the Flyers. Pens have been outshot in the first two periods and are currently being outshot this period. They can't sit back too much. 

10:23 - Murray with a really good save on a quick shot by Shayne Gostisbehere. Sullivan is not happy with the zone coverage by the Pens. He is letting them known. 

15:29 - Scary shift for the Pens as the Flyers had complete control in the offensive zone. Murray with a save. Finally, the puck is directed into the netting. 

19:43 - CROSBY SCORES! What moves by our Captain! Crosby protects the puck from Couturier and outworks him to get some space. Once he has space, Crosby elevates his shot over a stick and the glove of Mrazek. 4-3 Pens 

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to stay out of the box and put the pressure on Mrazek. Lets Go Pens! 


2nd Period
0:00 - The second period comes to an end and this game is tied 3-3.

0:32 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. They need more of those. I don't mean they should take penalties, just get the job done when needed. 

1:25 - Murray with a solid save through a screen and he didn't give up a rebound. 

2:32 - Terrible penalty to take. Dumoulin will head to the box for cross-checking. Flyers go right back onto the power play. 

2:50 - Weal scores on the power play. A rebound chance is loose in front and Weal gets to it to put it into the net. 3-3 tie game. 

4:19 - Critical penalty kill ahead for the Pens. Brassard is called for high-sticking. 

4:58 - A turnover by Rust leads to a rush up ice for the Flyers, but Ruhwedel gets his stick out to poke the puck right away from Travis Konecny, who had a wide-open net. This sends the Pens the other way. Crosby's shot just goes wide. 

6:50 - Shots this period are 12-7 in favor of the Pens. 

12:58 - Murray with a few good saves. They should help build his confidence. 

15:01 - The Pens have come out to play. A completely different team from the first period. 

17:22 - Flyers will have a goalie change. Lyon is chased out and Petr Mrazek will replace him. 

17:23 - MALKIN SCORES! The Pens on in a delayed penalty situation. Malkin fakes a shot, holds, drags the puck a little, and fires through traffic. Five-hole is wide open and Malkin's shot finds its way through. 3-2 Pens  

19:23 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Great puck movement by the Pens. Kessel goes to Hornqvist, in his usual spot. Hornqvist quickly turns and goes far post to beat Lyon. 2-2 tie game. 

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens need to capitalize on the power play they have to start. Still 1:49 left on it. Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the first period. Flyers have the 2-1 lead. 

0:11 - A late power play for the Pens as Jakub Voracek takes a cross-checking penalty. 

0:35 - That does it for the power play. No shots for the Pens. They passed the puck way too much. 

2:35 - Now a power-play chance for the Pens. Sean Couturier takes a seat for hooking. 

2:51 - A solid penalty kill for the Pens to build off. Murray with two quality saves. 

4:51 - Flyers get the first power play of the game as Dumoulin is ticketed for hooking. Critical penalty kill for the Pens and a great chance for them to get their penalty kill back on track. 

8:53 - Brandon Manning scores. Weal carries the puck and gains the zone on the wing. He leaves the puck for Manning at the point. Manning slaps a shot that beats Murray, glove side. 2-1 Flyers - side note: Murray has to have that one there. 

10:19 - BRASSARD SCORES! Wake up call has been answered! Sheary gets to the loose puck in the neutral zone and pops it up in the air, over three Flyer players. Brassard, stationed at the blue line, gets the puck and has a one-on-one chance. Brassard's shot goes over the blocker of Alex Lyon. Perfect setup and perfect shot. 1-1 tie game. 

11:23 - The defensive play of the Pens is lacking right now. Pinching and no one covering, so that leads to odd-man rushes for the Flyers. The Pens need to wake up before they dig a hole that is too deep to get out of. 

14:57 - Travis Sanheim scores. Jordan Weal enters the offensive zone and pulls up by the half-boards. He finds Sanheim trailing the play. Sanheim rifles a shot from the center and beats the glove of Murray. 1-0 Flyers

15:36 - Murray with a few solid saves as the Flyers got some solid scoring chances on the last shift. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped on the final regular season game between the Pens and Flyers. Lets Go Pens! 

Game coverage update

By: MF, 

Hey everyone! I hope you are doing well. I won't be doing a play-by-play for games tonight or tomorrow. I went and caught myself a cold it seems. So, I am just going to relax and enjoy the games (at least I will try). I will be putting some thoughts on Twitter @PensHockeyShow, so make sure to follow and check that out.

Thanks for the continued support and I will be back once I am better.

As always, Lets Go Pens!

From New York to Montréal - Penguins back in action

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action for the second night in a row, this time against the Montréal Canadiens.

Last night, the Penguins lost to the New York Rangers 4-3 in overtime in the Big Apple. It was a tough loss as the Rangers battled back to get the win. The Penguins let that game slip through their hands, to be honest.

Now onto tonight's game. Nothing to update from last game as everything is the same. The Penguins will have to focus on playing a smart defensive game especially if they get a solid lead like they did last night. Small things like penalties and turnovers killed them. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Oleksiak - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 5 Canadiens 3

3rd Period
0:00 - PENS WIN 5-3! Solid win for the Pens and an important two points to tie the Washington Capitals for first place in the Metro. 

1:41 - Empty net once again for the Canadiens. 

1:53 - RUST SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Rust gets the control in the neutral zone and doesn't hesitate. 5-3 Pens 

2:00 - Canadiens have an empty net. 

4:01 - Now the Pens just need to play a smart four-minute hockey game. They have to watch out for those little mistakes. Most importantly, they have to stay out of the box. 

7:37 - HORNQVIST SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT! Hagelin turns and fires the puck with traffic in front. Hornqvist with an awesome redirect between his legs and over Niemi. 4-3 Pens 

8:42 - Kessel with a centering pass with Brassard at the back door, but Brassard pushes the puck just wide. 

14:48 - Almost a goal for the Pens. Brassard fires from the corner on a bad angle. Niemi bobbles the puck and it ends up going through his legs. It sits right on the goal line but doesn't go over. Close one. 

15:18 - Pens with the first two shots of the third period. 

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens have been putting up the shots, they just need to convert a few more into goals. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Horn sounds to conclude the second period. This game is now tied 3-3. 

2:39 - Gallagher comes rushing into the zone and goes right for the net. Jarry with a strong poke check to disrupt his play. 

3:52 - Shots this period are 14-3 in favor of the Pens. Time to convert those shots into some goals. 

7:03 - Nicolas Deslauriers scores. Drouin pressures Letang on the boards. Hagelin goes to help, but his pass ends up going off the skate of Daniel Carr. Carr controls and finds Deslauriers right in front. He buries a one-timer. 3-3 tie game again. 

9:30 - MALKIN SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Malkin gains the zone and leaves the puck for Crosby. Everyone gets into their spots. Crosby finds Letang at the point, Letang goes to Malkin at the faceoff circle. Letang put it right in Malkin's wheelhouse. The shot blows past Niemi. 3-2 Pens 

9:53 - Another power play is coming to the Pens as Petry heads to the box for interference. 

13:04 - Canadiens have the Pens on their heels right now. 

13:41 - The fourth line of the Canadiens get some extended zone time. Jarry comes up with some big saves and the Pens are able to clear. 

14:44 - Still good puck movement and speed by both teams this period. 

16:53 - Power play time expires. A couple of good chances on that power play chance. 

18:53 - Interference penalty for Gallagher. A power play chance for the Pens. 

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens need to keep putting on the pressure and make sure to play smart. Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period
0:00 - The first period comes to an end and things are tied 2-2. 

1:50 - Jarry with a solid save on Jonathan Drouin. Hornqvist clears the rebound. Jarry is putting some solid saves together. 

2:31 - Hagelin's wrist shot is stopped by Niemi. 

5:27 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Letang fires the puck up the ice to Malkin at the blue line. It bounces off Malkin into the center area. Hornqvist pokes the bouncing puck around Reilly. While off balance, he makes a shot/pass towards the backdoor area to Hagelin. It ends up hitting Paul Bryon's stick into the net. 2-2 tie game. 

9:55 - KESSEL SCORES! Brassard gets the puck back at the blue line and outlets to Rust rushing into the zone. Rust holds and ends up freezing both Mike Reilly and Niemi. He backhands a pass over to Kessel at the back door. Kessel slides the pass into the open net. Beautiful play all around there. 2-1 Canadiens

12:24 - Kessel and Rust get a two-on-one chance. Kessel carries the puck into the zone and holds. He is able to slide a pass over to Rust, but Rust's shot rings off the post. 

13:29 - Paul Bryon scores on the power play. The puck is loose in front of the net. Gallagher sticks with the play and gains control of the puck. Jarry makes the save on his shot, but Byron gets the rebound and puts it in the open net. The Pens were too busy puck watching and not paying attention to the open players in front. 2-0 Canadiens 

13:52 - The Canadiens will get the first power play of the game. Oleksiak is guilty of a holding penalty. Terrible penalty to take. Pens need to work on their penalty problems. 

14:30 - Antti Niemi makes a solid save on a tip-in shot attempt by Guentzel. 

16:45 - Artturi Lehkonen scores. The Canadiens get the puck off the side boards. Jeff Petry fires from the half boards and Lehkonen, stationed in front, redirects the puck past Jarry. 1-0 Canadiens. 

17:20 - Even start for both teams. No one with the early edge to start this one. The first goal will be important to get either team going. 

20:00 - This game is underway! The Pens need to get to their game early and play a smart game. Remember the small things, guys. Lets Go Pens! 

Rivalry night in the Big Apple

By: MF, 

Good evening everyone! Tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the Big Apple to take on the New York Rangers.

On the injury front, Bryan Rust will be back in the lineup tonight. As for Matt Murray, he is making progress. As a result of Rust coming back tonight, Josh Jooris has been reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

These last few games of the season are all about a push to the playoffs, so every point counts and teams are getting desperate for a spot. The Rangers are out of the playoff picture, but that doesn't mean the Penguins can take them lightly. The Penguins have to stay on top of things and continue to tune their game for the playoffs. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Oleksiak - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

DeSmith in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 3 Rangers 4 OT

Overtime
Rangers get the 4-3 win in overtime. The Pens sloppy defensive work and penalties are what killed them in the end. They can't afford to sit back all the time when they are leading. Onto the next game. 

2:07 - Zibanejad scores. Kreider backhands a pass across to Zibanejad. He sneaks one under the elbow of DeSmith. 4-3 Rangers

2:59 - DeSmith cuts down the angle to make a save on Neal Pionk. 

3:18 - Georgiev with two solid back-to-back saves. Battle of the netminders in overtime. 

3:36 - Chances at both ends right in front. Both are stopped by the respective netminders. 

4:32 - Letang comes up the wing and gets the Ranger defense to back up. His shot is saved by the glove of Georgiev. 

5:00 - Overtime is underway! The Pens need to make sure to play smart and put on the pressure early. Lets Go Pens! 


3rd Period
0:00 - This one is going to overtime. 

0:10 - Malkin comes in slowly and Georgiev stays with him the whole time. Malkin can't get it past the pad of Georgiev. 

0:10 - PENALTY SHOT! Georgiev gets a delay of game penalty for pushing the net off. That results in a penalty shot. Malkin is up to bat! 

3:17 - Zibanejad scores on the power play. Kreider carries the puck down the wing and has Zibanejad flying down the opposite side. Kreider stickhandles around Letang and goes to the back side of the net where Zibanejad is all alone. He puts it behind DeSmith. No chance for DeSmith there. 3-3 tie game. 

3:38 - Ruhwedel takes a terrible tripping penalty, which gives the Rangers a power play chance. Critical penalty kill. 

4:19 - HAGELIN SCORES! Hagelin goes behind the net for a wraparound shot. He beats Georgiev, five-hole. 3-2 Pens

5:32 - Jesper Fast scores. Marc Staal puts the puck in front of the net and Fast redirects it past DeSmith. Quite a bit of traffic in front. 2-2 tie game. 

6:12 - Not great puck management by the Pens this period. They need to be more careful. 

7:00 - Hayes rings a shot off the goal post. 

11:18 - Kreider scores on the power play. Pavel Buchnevich fires from the half boards and DeSmith makes the save. Kreider, stationed in front all alone, gets the rebound and puts it five-hole. 2-1 Pens 

11:31 - A power play chance for the Rangers as Hornqvist is called for slashing. Penalty killing time. 

12:47 - DeSmith with another great save. Zibanejad drives right to the net the net and gets up close. Solid work by DeSmith. 

13:40 - Kevin Hayes with a rising shot in front. DeSmith makes a save with his goalie stick to put the puck over the net. 

18:12 - Another power play ends without any goals for the Pens. They are 0-3 on the night. 

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens start with 1:48 still left on their power play chance. Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - Horn sounds to end the second period and the Pens have the 2-0 lead. 

0:12 - A late power play for the Pens. Ryan Sproul will be called for slashing. 

1:09 - The Pens have calmed down things a little. DeSmith has been solid in net for the Pens. Dumoulin with a strong stick to disrupt Vladislav Namestnikov's drive down the center.

5:02 - The Pens power play is now 0-2 on the night. 

7:02 - Power play time for the Pens. Brady Skjei takes a seat in the box for slashing. 

7:21 - Kessel's laser shot beats the glove of Georgiev, but not the goal post! 

11:10 - A great sequence for the Rangers as they get some extended time in the offensive zone. The puck stays out of the net, but the crowd is fired up after that shift by the Rangers. 

13:31 - Kuhnhackl with some serious guts. He ends up laying his body down to block a shot and was hurt by that. He still tried to block another shot right after. Hornqvist helps him up after the play and he hobbles to the bench.  

17:12 - LETANG SCORES! The Pens get to work behind the net and end up with the puck. Kuhnhackl finds Letang at the point. Letang rifles one past Georgiev from the blue line. 2-0 Pens

18:07 - RUST SCORES! WELCOME BACK! Hagelin gets the puck off the half boards and finds Rust at the center of the faceoff circle. Rust holds and lines up his shot. He beats Georgiev. 1-0 Pens

18:46 - Chris Kreider blows past Guentzel and gets a step on him as he drives down the center towards DeSmith. DeSmith denies Kreider's backhanded shot. Sheary ties up Zibanejad to make sure he can't get the rebound. 

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens just need to keep the pressure on Georgiev and get some second chances going. Lets Go Pens! 


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

1:20 - Pens penalty kill is successful. 

3:20 - Now the Rangers get a power play as Maatta is ticketed for hooking. 

5:32 - Power play time is up for the Pens. The best chance came towards the end of the power play, but Georgiev is ready for it. 

7:32 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Mika Zibanejad will head to the box for tripping. 

7:53 - Hornqvist is robbed right in front by Georgiev. He has been solid for the Rangers. 

12:37 - Kessel finds Rust driving up ice. Rust wrist's shot goes over the net. 

13:21 - Sheary is able to get the puck in front, where Guentzel and Crosby are stationed. Georgiev is able to hold down the fort and keep them at bay. 

14:20 - Kuhnhackl rings one off the goal post. 

14:45 - McLeod fires a shot wide of the net! 

17:08 - DeSmith dives out to deny McLeod in front of the net as the puck was loose in front. Solid save. 

17:23 - Rust is denied right in front by Alexander Georgiev. Rangers with quite a few turnovers to start this game. 

20:00 - It's game time! The Pens need to come out ready to play and get the job done against the Rangers. They can do it. Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins look to bounce back

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action for the second night in a row. This time they are facing off against the Dallas Stars at PPG Paints Arena.

The Penguins are coming off a tough 5-2 loss on the road to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They will look to bounce back tonight.

Not much to add, just that the Penguins need to focus on putting a consistent 60-minute effort, which can be tough. However, they are a team with enough talent to do so. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Oleksiak - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

DeSmith in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 3 Stars 1

3rd Period
0:00 - THE PENS GET THE 3-1 WIN OVER THE STARS! Great work by the Pens and DeSmith tonight. A well-deserved win for them. 

0:43 - MALKIN SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Crosby gets the puck and puts it up to Malkin. He doesn't miss. 3-1 Pens

1:50 - Empty net for the Stars. 

3:35 - Not much to update on. Stars getting some offensive zone time. The Pens need to be careful with their defensive plays. 

7:36 - The penalty kill is successful. 

9:36 - Critical penalty kill ahead for the Pens as Ruhwedel is ticketed for hooking. 

9:51 - DeSmith gives up a huge rebound, but the Pens are there to clear it before the Stars get to it. 

11:02 - DeSmith has been solid in this period. He has faced only two shots, but they were quality shots. 

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens need to keep pushing forward. Lets Go Pens! 


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period. The Pens still have the lead 2-1. 

1:40 - Powerplay time is up for the Pens. 

2:33 - It appears that Hornqvist scored a goal. Crosby makes a shot/pass on net and Lehtonen comes up with the first save. Hornqvist is right on the doorstep to pick up the loose change. They are reviewing Hornqvist's goal for offsides leading up to the play. It's ruled a no goal.

3:40 - Now the Pens will head onto the powerplay as Radulov is called for tripping. 

6:37 - Maatta has been set free. 

7:50 - 1:16 left in the second half of the power play for the Stars. 

7:51 - Radulov scores on the powerplay. Radulov is wide-open at the side of the net and buries it. 2-1 Pens

8:40 - Five-on-three powerplay chance for the Stars for 52 seconds. Maatta sits for high-sticking on Seguin. He sold that well as the stick didn't even hit him. 

9:48 - Guentzel will go to the sin bin for slashing. The Stars get a powerplay chance. Big kill for the Pens, if they want to keep the Stars from gaining any momentum. 

12:30 - Powerplay time is up for the Pens. 

14:30 - Guentzel finds Crosby across the ice on the left wing. His wrist shot is stopped by Lehtonen. Greg Pateryn ends up taking a cross-checking penalty after the play. Powerplay time for the Pens. 

15:23 - Lehtonen comes up with two back-to-back saves on Hagelin and Malkin. 

17:41 - Powerplay time has expired. 

19:41 - Another powerplay chance for the Pens as Pitlick is called for cross-checking on Guentzel. 

20:00 - Time for the second period! Keep your foot on the pedal Pens. Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period
0:00 - The first period comes to an end and the Pens have the 2-0 lead over the Stars. 

0:04 - OLEKSIAK SCORES! Great pressure by the third line of the Pens in the offensive zone. Brassard ends up lifting a Stars' stick, which allows Kessel to get the puck. He finds Oleksiak at center. Oleksiak rips a perfect shot over the glove of Lehtonen. 2-0 Pens

3:45 - Tyler Seguin finds Alexander Radulov at the blue line with a clear lane down the center. DeSmith is out far to challenge him and ends up denying Radulov's wrist shot. 

4:48 - Crosby with a backhand, no-look pass to Sheary. The puck ends up loose in the blue paint. Lehtonen is eventually able to cover it up for the whistle. 

7:03 - HORNQVIST SCORES ON THE POWERPLAY! Crosby and Malkin exchange the puck at the side. Malkin makes a quick pass to Hornqvist who is stationed at the top of the faceoff circle. He snipes a shot over the blocker of Lehtonen. 1-0 Pens. 

7:23 - Powerplay number two for the Pens. Marc Methot is ticketed for cross-checking on Jooris. 

8:44 - Crosby gains control of a bouncing puck at the blue line and outskates Klingberg. He goes across the front and tries to jam the puck home. Lehtonen holds strong and Crosby's shot ends up going off the side of the net. 

11:18 - That will do it for the powerplay. The Pens had two quality scoring chances at the end of that power play. Kari Lehtonen comes up with both saves to keep things 0-0. 

13:18 - Dumoulin is back on the ice, but ends up getting high-sticked by Devin Shore. As a result, the Pens are headed onto the power play. 

15:22 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. Dumoulin ended up getting tangled up with Tyler Pitlick during a rush and is in some discomfort, but he stays on the bench. 

17:22 - The first power play of the game will go to the Stars as Sheary is ticketed with tripping. 

19:20 - Malkin lays a hard body hit on John Klingberg. 

20:00 - Puck drop! The Pens need to come out with speed and get some sustained pressure against the Stars. Lets Go Pens! 

The Penguins are in Canada

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Toronto, Canada to take on the Maple Leafs.

The Penguins are dealing with some injuries. Dominick Simon and Bryan Rust join the list. Simon is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, while Rust has been diagnosed with a concussion. They join Zach Aston-Reese and Matt Murray, who are both progressing well.

With the hole in the lineup, Josh Jooris will slot in as he was recalled from Wilkes-Barre Scranton.

Tonight, the Penguins need to focus on putting forth a consistent effort in this game and keep pushing forward even with the injuries. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Oleksiak - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
Pens 2 Maple Leafs 5

3rd Period
0:00 - That will be an end to this game. The Leafs end up with the 5-2 win over the Pens. 

0:57 - Marleau scores an empty-netter. Marleau fires from the neutral zone into the empty net. 5-2 Leafs

2:17 - Empty net once again for the Pens. 

2:28 - HORNQVIST SCORES! Malkin rips a hard shot on net and Hornqvist deflects the puck right in front past Andersen. 4-2 Leafs

3:24 - Pens have an empty net. 

3:36 - CROSBY SCORES! The first line gets to the forecheck and wins some puck battles. Crosby ends up with the puck and stickhandles to the center. He backhands one that goes off the stick of Hainsey and past Andersen. 4-1 Leafs

5:44 - Brassard tries to reach around the outstretched pad of Andersen, but he is unable to do so. Great scoring chance. 

6:25 - Solid save by DeSmith as Komarov has a chance right at the side of the net. 

9:43 - Jooris with some great speed and stick work right up the middle to the front of the net. Andersen turns away his shot. 

14:53 - Crosby's line gets some extended time in the offensive zone with a tired unit of Leafs. The Pens are unable to convert. 

19:13 - Marner rings a shot off the crossbar. 

20:00 - Third period time! Come on Pens. DeSmith replaces Jarry to start. Lets Go Pens! 


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to conclude the second period. Leafs extend their lead to 4-0. 

1:36 - Mitchell Marner scores on the PP. Marner fires from the blue line, it goes off some bodies, and through the five-hole of Jarry. 4-0 Leafs

2:04 - Dumoulin charges right to the net and gets inside position on Ron Hainsey. He ends up putting the puck past the pad of Andersen. The referee announces that it is not a goal and Dumoulin is ticketed with goalie interference. He did make contact with Andersen but was pushed in by Hainsey. The referees gather for a discussion. Four-on-three power play for the Leafs for 23 seconds. 

2:38 - Jarry with a huge save on Travis Dermott who came flying up the center with an open lane to shoot. 

3:40 - Malkin and Roman Polak have a disagreement. They both get matching minors and we will see some four-on-four hockey. 

4:30 - Andersen robs Guentzel in front. 

8:25 - Kadri scores again. A power-play goal. Jarry gives up a big rebound chance right to an open Kadri. He puts it in the open net. 3-0 Leafs

8:34 - The Leafs will get their first power play of the game as Oleksiak takes a seat for interference. The Leafs are still looking for their first shot in this second period. 

10:57 - Shots are 7-0 in favor of the Pens this period. 

15:59 - Another very aggressive penalty kill by the Leafs. The Pens had two scoring chances, but Andersen denied them both. Pens power play is frustrated after that one. 

17:59 - Third power play chance for the Pens as Patrick Marleau will head to the box for hooking. 

19:36 - Hornqvist puts on the after-burners and forces Andersen to mishandle the puck behind the net. He outlets to Malkin, but Malkin's backhand goes wide. 

20:00 - Time for the second period! The Pens have to step up their game this period. Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period
0:00 - That will do it for the first period. The Leafs have the 2-0 lead. 

0:46 - Nazem Kadri scores. Kadri gets in on the forecheck and wins the puck battle back to the point. Rielly fires from the blue line and Kadri redirects the puck in front past Jarry. 2-0 Leafs

1:55 - The power play time has expired. Leafs looked to be on the power play and not the Pens. Jarry came up big. 

3:30 - Jarry with an out-stretched pad save to deny a breakaway chance. 

3:55 - A huge chance for the Pens to tie things up as Connor Carrick is ticketed with holding the stick as in holding Hagelin's stick. Power play time. 

9:04 - Malkin has been flying since the puck dropped to start this game. 

10:52 - Kasperi Kapanen scores. A bad turnover by the Pens. Leo Komarov goes behind the net and leaves the puck for Tyler Bozak at the side of the net. Bozak makes a no-look backward pass to Kapanen, who is all alone on the other side of the net. He puts it in the wide-open net. 1-0 Leafs 

11:37 - Things have settled down for the Leafs and they have found their legs. Things have evened out. 

12:52 - Morgan Rielly gets some space down the wing. His wrist shot is turned away by Jarry. That is the first shot of this game for the Leafs. 

14:01 - That will be the end of the power play for the Pens. 

16:01 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Lee Komarov is called for hooking. 

16:19 - A great start by the Pens. They are outshooting the Leafs 6-0, so far. 

18:37 - Malkin and Crosby's lines come out and put on the pressure. Guentzel gets a chance at the side of the net, but Frederik Andersen denies him. 

20:00 - This game is underway! The Pens need to get on the board early and put on the pressure at the start. Lets Go Pens! 

Battle of Pennsylvania

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are behind enemy lines as they will take on the Philadelphia Flyers in Philly.

Nothing to really update on since last game. Matt Murray is still progressing well, but other than that the lineup is the same.

Tonight, the Penguins need to stay focused on their game, play smart defensively, and give a 60-minute effort. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Oleksiak - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 5 Flyers 2

3rd Period
0:00 - PENS BEAT THE FLYERS 5-2! Nothing like beating the Flyers to put a little spring in your step. Great penalty killing by the Pens tonight, which was a huge reason for their win. Also, solid goaltending by Jarry. 

0:00 - Disagreement after the end of this one. Manning shoves Guentzel after the whistle, which leads to the pileup. Guentzel, Oleksiak, Malkin, Kuhnhackl, and Hagelin are involved. Manning and Oleksiak are kept apart by the referees. 

1:41 - MALKIN SCORES AN EMPTY NETTER! Hagelin and Malkin pass back and forth in the neutral zone. Malkin ends up with the puck and fires it into the empty net. 5-2 Pens

2:05 - Empty net for the Flyers. 

4:27 - Close call in front as Jarry is caught out of the net. Pens are able to clear. 

4:41 - Pens with some solid defensive work. 

6:57 - What a great night for the penalty kill. Malkin is set free. 

8:57 - Terrible time to take a penalty for the Pens, but Malkin takes one. Tripping minor.  

11:16 - Jarry holding down the fort for the Pens. 

15:34 - Sean Couturier gets in alone at the side of the net. Jarry is able to get over and rob him. Jarry with some huge saves in the last few minutes. 

16:25 - Flyers end up with a three-on-one chance, but Jarry shuts the door on them. 

19:04 - FYI: Simon is also missing from the bench. 

20:00 - Time for the third period! The Pens have to keep the pressure on the Flyers. They cannot sit back in this final 20 minutes. Lets Go Pens! 


2nd Period
0:00 - That will do it for the second period. The Pens have extended their lead to 4-2.

0:39 - SHEARY SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT! Crosby goes back to Guentzel in the slot. He fires a wrist shot that ends up going off the body of Bradon Manning. The puck bounces out to the side where Sheary is stationed all alone. He fires a shot while falling and beats Mrazek. 4-2 Pens

1:00 - Crosby fires a bad angle shot that rings off the crossbar.

1:27 - Jarry with a huge save at the end of the penalty kill.

3:27 - Pens are playing with firing as they take another penalty. Oleksiak is ticketed for tripping in the defensive zone. Critical penalty kill.

3:58 - Mrazek robs Malkin. Great side-to-side movement by the netminder.

5:35 - SHEARY SCORES! Crosby and Sheary get a two-on-one chance. Crosby holds, waits, and wrists one on the net. Mrazek makes the save, but Sheary reaches out and backhands the rebound into the open net. 3-2 Pens

6:00 - Oleksiak rings one off the goal post. 

6:31 - Solid penalty kill. They have been on it tonight. 

8:31 - Flyers pin the Pens down in their own zone for an extended period of time, which results in Sheahan taking an interference penalty. Penalty killing time. 

10:36 - OLEKSIAK SCORES! Oleksiak fires a wrist shot from the point with Crosby and Guetnzel, along with two Flyers right in front of Mrazek. It goes off something and past Mrazek. They review for goalie interference, but it's ruled a good goal. 2-2 tie game. 

13:59 - Konecny scores. Jarry is unable to glove up the loose puck. Konency crashes in on the net. He tries to jam in the puck, but Jarry puts the pad down to deny him. Konency goes give up and elevates the puck over the pad into the net. Odd sequence there. 2-1 Flyers

15:18 - Jarry comes up with another big save in front. The Pens are giving up too many quality scoring chances. They need to tighten up their game. 

16:35 - Jarry robs Claude Giroux. Really great save by the young netminder. 

17:53 - Jakub Voracek scores. Nolan Patrick strips Brassard of the puck in the Pens' zone. He passes over to Voracek at the wing. Voracek puts the puck in front of the net and it goes off the stick of Brassard into the open net. 1-1 tie game. 

18:29 - Malkin uses his slick stickhandling skills to get around Travis Konecny. His wrist shot goes off the crossbar. 

19:30 - Shayne Gostisbehere rips a shot from the point that rings off the goal post. 

19:59 - FYI: Rust is still not on the bench. 

20:00 - The second period is underway! The Pens need to put on the pressure and extend their lead. Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period
0:00 - Horn sounds to end the first period and the Pens hold the 1-0 lead.

1:25 - KESSEL SCORES ON THE POWER PLAY! Crosby goes up to Malkin, who makes a perfect pass across the center to Kessel at the side of the net. The puck is right in Kessel's wheelhouse and he puts it in the open net. A great passing sequence there. 1-0 Pens

2:14 - Power play time again for the Pens as Oskar Lindblom is called for high-sticking on Brassard.

2:33 - Pens are leading the shots 9-7, so far.

4:01 - Another solid penalty kill. This period is been all about special teams.

5:31 - Penalty killing for 1:32.

6:01 - More four-on-four play to come. This time for 28 seconds. Schultz to the box for a high-sticking penalty. Way too much passing on that power play sequence once again.

7:31 - Another power play chance for the Pens as MacDonald is ticketed for interference on Sheary.

8:21 - Kessel is set free. Solid penalty kill for the Pens. Jarry and Petr Mrazek are both making quality saves.

9:32 - Now the Flyers get their first power play of the night. 1:11 left on the power play for them. 

10:21 - Kessel ends up taking a tripping penalty. Four-on-four hockey for 49 seconds. 

11:32 - Hagg lays a hard hit on Rush behind the net, which sends Rust's head into the boards. He will be ticketed for boarding and the Pens head to the power play once again. Furthermore, Rust is headed to the locker room. 

13:46 - Power play time expires for the Pens. Still 0-0. 

15:46 - The first power play of the game will go to the Pens as Jori Lehtera sits for holding. 

17:29 - Scott Laughton gets some time and space down the wing. Jarry makes a shoulder save to deny him. 

20:00 - Game time! The Pens take on their cross-state rivals, the Flyers! Lets Go Pens! 

Penguins host Hockey is for Everyone night

By: MF,

Good evening Pittsburgh nation. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Monday. We are back covering tonight's game. Did you miss me? Well, I missed posting for you guys. My work schedule this month is packed full, so make sure to follow on Twitter for updates on my game coverage.

Now let us move onto tonight's game against the Calgary Flames. The Penguins are hosting the Flames at PPG Paints Arena during their Hockey is for Everyone night. The regular season is coming to a close and playoffs are nearing, so every point counts as teams are vying for a playoff position and home-ice advantage.

The Penguins just need to focus on consistency in their gameplay and making sure to play smart, defensively, as Tristan Jarry will be in the net. There is no reason to make the young goaltenders job any harder than it already is for him. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

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

Defense
Dumoulin - Letang
Oleksiak - Schultz
Maatta - Ruhwedel

Jarry in the net!

Play - by - Play
PENS 4 Flames 3 OT

Overtime
PENS GET THE 4-3 OVERTIME WIN! A much needed two points for the Pens. Not a perfect game, but they get the job done in the end. Solid performance by Jarry once again.

2:24 - SCHULTZ SCORES! Kessel carries the puck up the ice and finds Malkin at the blue line. He gains the zone and snaps a pass to Kessel, who gloves down the puck. He tricks Gillies into thinking he is going to shoot but instead passes over to Schultz. Wide-open net for Schultz and he doesn't miss. What a play. 4-3 Pens

3:22 - Hamilton enters the zone and quickly shoots the puck. Jarry makes the save and covers up the loose puck. 

3:29 - Gaudreau is in all alone against Jarry and fires the shot wide. 

4:27 - Jarry stretches out the pads to make a save. 

5:00 - Extra hockey is required to figure out the winner of this one. The Pens need to use their speed and talent. Lets Go Pens! 


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

2:58 - Kessel slaps a hard shot just wide of the net. 

6:36 - Another successful penalty killing effort. 

7:36 - Wow! What a close chance for the Pens. Maatta fires from back in the Pens' zone and it takes a bounce. Gillies gets a piece, but it sneaks behind him. As he reaches back the puck goes on edge right on the goal line. It was unbelievably close to being a goal. 

8:36 - Malkin will head to the box for hooking. Penalty killing time for the Pens. 

10:47 - Jarry with another huge stop. Jankowski gets the puck and has a step on the defense. He holds, but Jarry closes up the five-hole. 

11:11 - Brassard goes across the ice to Kessel at the side of the net. Gillies robs him. 

11:44 - Flames taking it to the Pens on this shift. Backlund goes behind the net and makes a backward pass to Matthew Tkachuk. He tries to sneak the puck behind Jarry, but he gets over and shuts him down. 

14:40 - Two-on-one chance for the Flames. Johnny Gaudreau holds the puck and fires a shot wide of the net. 

17:06 - The puck is loose in front of the Flames' net. Everyone crashes the net and bodies are everywhere. Poor Gillies is at the bottom of that pile. The referee eventually loses sight of the puck and blows the whistle. Everyone is alright after that pileup. 

20:00 - We are back for the third period! The Pens just need to put on the pressure, but make sure to play smart even if they regain the lead. Lets Go Pens! 


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

0:02 - Troy Brouwer scores. Brodie carries the puck up the wing and draws players to him. He slides a perfect pass across the front of the net to Brouwer, who is wide-open at the side of the net. He puts it in an open net. 3-3 tie game. 

1:17 - Dougie Hamilton with a hard wrist shot that hits Jarry up high on the side of his neck. Jarry looks to be alright. 

2:59 - LETANG SCORES! Malkin finds Letang in full flight into the offensive zone. Gillies end up backing up into the net and Letang rips one. 3-2 Pens

5:04 - Power play time is up for the Pens. 

7:04 - Another goalie interference penalty for the Flames. This time Jankowski is off to the box. Power play time for the Pens. 

7:48 - A solid penalty killing effort for the Pens. 

9:48 - Flames getting a power play as Ruhwedel is called for hooking. 

12:18 - Brassard has a chance on the side wing, but he fires it high over the net. 

13:24 - Things have calmed down after a wild first period. Both teams have three shots each so far this period. 

18:53 - Power play time expires. 

19:23 - Malkin and Jankowski's penalties expire. Regular five-on-four power play for 30 seconds.

20:00 - The second period is underway! There are still 37 seconds left on the Pens power play. Time to take back the lead. Lets Go Pens! 


1st Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the first period and things are tied 2-2. 

0:53 - Now the Pens will get a power play chance for 1:30 (four-on-three power play) as Backlund is ticketed for goalie interference. 

1:23 - Four-on-four action as Malkin and Mark Jankowski get matching slashing minors. 

3:30 - Shots are 15-6 in favor of the Flames. The Flames are pressuring the Pens and Jarry. Playing some desperate hockey, which isn't a surprise since they are fighting for a playoff spot. 

7:54 - A great shift by the first line for the Pens. Extended offensive zone time, but they are unable to capitalize. 

9:42 - Mikael Backlund scores. Brett Kulak gains the blue line and gives the puck to Backlund. He stickhandles around Letang, turns to the backhand, and slips the puck under the pad of Jarry. 2-2 tie game.

11:31 - Flames are getting way too many quality scoring chances. The Pens need to clean up their defensive play or they won't have the lead for long. 

13:46 - Mark Giordano scores. The fourth line has an extended shift in the offensive zone. Letang ends up breaking his stick and has to use another Penguins' stick, which is curved the wrong way for him. This doesn't allow him to get enough on the clearing attempt. Giordano gets the puck off the half boards and fires on the net to beat Jarry. 2-1 Pens

15:50 - TJ Brodie finds himself wide-open in the slot. He receives a pass, but Jarry tracks the puck across the ice. Brodie is robbed by Jarry. 

16:55 - MALKIN SCORES! Gillies goes behind the net to play the puck and Rust rushes him. Gillies shoots the puck off the boards, Malkin with some great hand-eye coordination to knock the puck down. He takes it to the front of the net and puts it around a down and out Gillies. 2-0 Pens

17:50 - RUHWEDEL OPENS UP THE SCORING! Sheahan gets to the forecheck behind the net and forces the Flames to turnover the puck. The puck goes around to Ruhwedel at the point. He holds and fires a shot through traffic. He beats Jon Gillies, blocker side. 1-0 Pens 

20:00 - Game time! Time for the Pens to come out and get to their game early. No slow start tonight guys. Lets Go Pens!