Pittsburgh Penguins

[mounD]

A Mighty Win for Pittsburgh

Times have been difficult lately for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who before tonight had been losers of their last six games; however, after a great effort this evening in Sunrise, Florida - in which the Penguins won 4-1 and dominated in nearly all facets of the game - the team's outlook is optimistic.

Penguins' GM Ray Shero commented Thursday on the situation, saying "We're making the playoffs, put it that way. Anything less is unacceptable."

Clearly Shero has confidence that the group of players on the ice have the capability - but more importantly the expectation - to overcome adverse situations and emerge victorious on any given night. Overcoming an extended losing streak is one of the most arduous mental struggles in professional sports, and tonight the Penguins were able to take the first step in their collective redemption by earning a win against the Southeast Division-leading Panthers.

On the backs of outstanding efforts from James Neal [1G, 1A, 9SOG +2] and Evgeni Malkin [1G, 7SOG +2], Pittsburgh posted a 41-shot effort and put an end to their losing streak with an impressive victory.

Steve Sullivan got the scoring started at 1:49 of the second period, slotting a Scott Clemmensen turnover into an empty net to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead. Malkin extended the Penguins lead to two with under a minute remaining in the period when he banked a shot in off Clemmensen from behind the goal line. Tyler Kennedy and James Neal would add third period goals for the Penguins, and Michael Repik for the Panthers, but the result was hardly in question after the second period.

The Penguins streak-breaking win over the Panthers is impressive in its own right, but the circumstances surrounding the team - and its concussed captain - only bolster the emotional importance of tonight's victory.

In an article published Friday in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review Dejan Kovacevic posits that there could be a rift brewing within the Penguins' locker room. An excerpt from Kovacevic's piece:

A few, certainly not all, of Crosby's teammates are of the mind that he's been symptom-free for a while, though they have no medical basis for that. Some think he should be playing. Some simply think he should be doing more to communicate, or at least be as visible as concussed defenseman Kris Letang.

Last week in Pittsburgh, according to three sources, a group of players held a 45-minute meeting to discuss a temporary captaincy. Another source disputed that any such meeting occurred.

If it did, were those players kidding?

Kovacevic's article raises the question of where the Penguins' sentiments lie. Do the Penguins have a locker room mutiny on their hands, or is this just a case of misinterpreted, out-of-context comments? The Pittsburgh Penguins addressed these concerns during their pre-game skate Friday morning before their tilt against the Panthers...

In a sublimely heartfelt display of solidarity with their recently oft-injured captain, Penguins players wore a makeshift tape "C" over their practice jerseys - a sign that although Crosby isn't on the ice with the team, he remains an important motivating factor for the group. Every player wore the "C" on their jerseys... everyone except for Penguins' dynamo Evgeni Malkin, who wore the traditional "K" of his native Russia. With or without Sidney Crosby on the ice, the Penguins' players all acknowledge he is their team leader.

With the recent losing streak and questions about Sidney Crosby's captaincy, tonight's victory against the Florida Panthers - a game occurring after Crosby's first on-ice workouts since December 7th - had a much deeper importance than just two points in the standings. The Penguins are still on the outside of the playoff picture looking up at eighth place Washington [who holds a tiebreaker over PIT], but there is now light at the end of the Penguins' tunnel for the first time in awhile.

The Penguins accomplished many things Friday; the team was finally able to score effectively, and get back to their winning ways. But the most important thing the Penguins accomplished today was reaffirm the validity of not only their team concept and team identity, but also their team captain: Sidney Crosby.

Times are tough in Pittsburgh, but we can't afford to do players like Sidney Crosby the disservice of forgetting what they've done for not only this organization, but for the city of Pittsburgh as a whole.

[blayze]

Solid piece man... you're on fire these days.

Great show of solidarity by the Pens players. Interesting rumor about the temporary captaincy, but after watching last year's 24/7, I can't see the Pens locker room doing something like that.

[mounD]

Solid piece man... you're on fire these days.

Great show of solidarity by the Pens players. Interesting rumor about the temporary captaincy, but after watching last year's 24/7, I can't see the Pens locker room doing something like that.

Thanks man. Hopefully I can get Dobber to read this junk...

[mounD]

Line Combinations:

Kunitz-Malkin-Neal
Dupuis-Jeffrey-Kennedy
Cooke-Park-Sullivan
Tangradi-Adams-Asham

Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Engelland
Niskanen-Lovejoy

[mounD]

- Dustin Jeffrey's line to start this afternoon against Lecavalier/StL line. Penguins go on an early Powerplay as Steven Stamkos trips Evgeni Malkin going over the 'Ning blue line at :46 of the period. Penguins first PP of the day, 0-11 in their last 11 chances on the man-advantage.

- Niskanen with a point-shot from Malkin near the 1:30 mark, Garon is up to the task. Malkin with a shot blocked just prior. Penguins with some nice pressure on the PP so far. Puck control in the Lightning zone for nearly the entire PP chance.

- James Neal scores on a wrist-shot from a sharp angle at the 2:43 mark just before the PP expired to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead. James Neal continues his recent stretch of HOT play. Martin and Malkin with the Assists.

- Stamkos centers a puck off the rush near the 4 minute mark, and MAF manages to pounce on the bouncing puck in the crease. Penguins respond well to the Bolts' first good scoring chance.

- Penguins almost add another goal moments later on a goal-mouth scramble from Malkin. Nearly jamming the rebound into the goal, Malkin pushed the puck just wide.

- Kennedy fans on a bouncing puck just past the 5 minute mark in front of an Empty Net. The puck just wouldn't lay down for TK as the net was wide-open, but the Penguins were unable to finish and take a 2-0 lead.

- Derek Engelland and Labrie drop the gloves at 6:24 of the period. The Lightning want to change the momentum and Labree has taken it upon himself to go with Engelland, a very tough customer. Engelland with a couple good shots and both fighters go to the sin-bin for 5minutes.

- Penguins have outshot their opponents in 9 straight games, and 13/14 games for Pittsburgh; Lightning have 1 SOG as of the Engelland fight.

- Dan Bylsma is now second overall in all-time Penguins Coaching Wins with 136.

- Malkin's line has again been very dominant in this hockey game so far. Creating constant pressure in the Lightning zone, Neal [already with 2 SOG today] has again been firing pucks from all over the ice and the line threatens every time they're on the ice.

- Richard Park with a beautiful toe drag move around the Lightning blue line opens up some space and he FIRES the puck top shelf where mommy hides the Peanut Butter at 10:38 to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead. BANG! Park's first goal in 18 games is a big marker for the club. Unassisted.

- Craig Adams' line combines for another glorious scoring chance at the 11:15 mark of the period, making a few saves during a goal-mouth scramble to keep some life in the Bolts. Penguins still lead 2-0.

- Penguins draw another penalty at 12:07 of the period and go on the man-advantage for the second time this afternoon. Malkin's line again dominant on the ice, creating chances and drawing another penalty. Penguins are 1-1 on the PP so far.

- Neal and Kunitz combine for a chance near the 13 minute mark of the period. Kunitz with a little backhand shot coming off the rush, but Garon up to the task.

- Penguins turnover leads to a SH Lightning chance for Tom Pyatt, but MAF is able to maintain the Penguins 2-0 lead. Solid positioning from the Flower is able to stop a bouncing puck from the slot to keep the Penguins ahead by two. Penguins have a 16-2 advantage in SOG.

- Park throws a puck through the goalmouth just past the 15 minute mark of the period, Garon snatches up the puck for a whistle. Give the Bolts a chance to rest from the Penguins incessant onslaught.

- Vinny Lecavalier misses an absolutely beautiful chance near the 16 minute mark, putting a puck through the crease with an EN chance. MAF may have gotten a piece of the puck, but Lecavalier stared toward the sky after missing this beauty... sometimes being lucky is better than being skilled.

- Engelland tries to line up Downie near the 18 minute mark, and Downie just nearly avoided Engelland as he came across ice to blast the Lightning player. Downie's stick took the brunt of the hit, flying up high into the air after being blasted by Engo.

- The Lightning with some decent pressure toward the end of the period. Dominic Moore with a bad angle shot with ~20 seconds remaining, and a goal-mouth scramble produces a couple chances for the Bolts. An early whistle gives the Penguins a break.

- Evgeni Malkin leads all Penguins forwards with 7:46 TOI [3:16 on PP], registering 2 SOG and an Assist in the First Period. James Neal added 1G, and 2 SOG in 7:33 TOI [3:13 on PP]. Chris Kunitz fired 3 Shots on Goal in 6:51 TOI [3:16 on PP]. Richard Park added the Penguins' second Goal in 3:36 TOI. Paul Martin led all Penguins D-men with 7:57 TOI, although Matt Niskanen leads Penguins D-men in PP TOI w/ 3:06 after 1 Period.

First Period Totals:

Penguins 2 - Lightning 0

SOG: 17-5 PIT
HITS: 7-6 TB
FOW: 12-12 tie

[mounD]

- Lightning with some pretty good pressure early in the second period. Kubina with a shot around the 1:00 mark turned aside by Fleury pretty much gets the festivities started in this middle frame.

- Sullivan with a shot just after the 2:00 mark of the period, and Garon pounces on the rebound. Solid chances from both teams early in the second period.

- Cooke to Park and he fires the puck off the goal post moments after the Sullivan chance. Bolts don't look too strong in their defensive zone right now, bad turnovers, bad puck battles. Sullivan follows up with another chance in a goal-crease scrum, capitalizing on weak d-zone play from Tampa.

- Kennedy tries to center a puck to Jeffrey on a 2-on-1 just past the 4 minute mark of the period, but TK can't get the puck through to the wide open Jeffrey on the play.

- Kennedy fires an innocent shot toward the net at the 6:23 mark of the period and the teams go to their first TV time-out of the period. Lightning lead in SOG 5-3 in the second period thus far.

- From Justin Goldman on Twitter:

I see Fleury smiling a lot today, chirping w/ Malone. He's relaxed, making good decisions. Good confidence makes everything look effortless.

https://twitter.com/#!/TheGoalieGuil...28370945548288

- Tangradi has a solid chance with a shot off the boards near the 7 minute mark of the period. This kid has really had some solid play as of late in limited-action. I really think he's playing well enough to stick with the lineup right now.

- James Neal with some great work on the forecheck in the middle of the period. Kunitz chips the puck in deep, and Neal beats two Lightning defenders to get possession with solid skating / body positioning.

- Back and forth action picking up near the 10 minute mark of the period, with both teams getting into their transition game. Tampa Bay has been a much improved team in the second period; we'll see how MAF responds to the increase in action. Penguins lead 23-11 SOG.

- Malkin getting some ice-time on the Tangradi/Adams line. Looks like Bylsma is again rewarding Tangradi with some quality linemates. He's certainly earned his chances these past few games.

- Ben Lovejoy hits the goal post near the 11:30 mark of the period, and the Penguins continue to push in this hockey game. Relentless pressure is the name of the game with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

- Ryan Malone knocks a puck in with a high-stick at the 12:42 mark. The call on the ice is NO GOAL; however, the call will be reviewed in Toronto. Replays seem to indicate that Malone's stick was above the crossbar, and the call on ice is confirmed. Penguins dodge another bullet.

- Malkin feeds Kunitz breaking, and he has a chance all alone in the slot near the 13:00 mark of the period. The puck streaks off Kuni's stick and he is unable to finish on a backhand move on Garon. The game is really starting to open up, evening out before our eyes.

- Steve Sullivan has been really prominent in today's game. All over the ice, moving the puck incredibly well, Sullivan has been able to create chances whenever he's been on the ice. Following up on a solid effort against Florida the other night.

- Malkin with a redirect with his skate off a Penguins point-shot goes off the post near the 15 minute mark of the period, Garon with another lucky break. The Penguins have been hitting a TON of goal posts lately.

- Steve Downie takes a penalty just before the 15 minute mark on a Boarding call; the Penguins will go on the man-advantage for the third time this afternoon when the teams return from a TV timeout.

- Paul Martin with a drive from the point is stopped at 16:07 of the second period. James Neal high-sticked away from the play, let's hope everything is alright.

- Cooke puts a pass to Jeffrey all alone in the slot, but St Louis slides into the picture to block Jeffrey's shot up high. Great defensive play perhaps keeping this game at a 2-0 lead for the Penguins. Not incredibly present on the offensive side of affairs today, StL gets in on the action making a very important play.

- Pascal Dupuis has a deceptive shot toward the net with 15 seconds to play in the period. Matt Cooke gets a stick on the puck, and Garon manages to keep the Penguins lead at two goals. Downie gets 2 minute for Roughing in the ensuing scrum. Bad penalties for the Bolts this afternoon.

- The Penguins have held Stamkos and StL without a SOG through two periods. Combining for a chance near the end of the period, Malkin-Kunitz nearly put the puck behind Garon in the waning seconds of the Second. Penguins lead 2-0 at the end of Two Periods.

- Evgeni Malkin leads all Penguins forwards with 15:36 TOI [4:45 on PP] while registering 3 SOG and 1 Assist. James Neal 1G and 4 SOG in 14:02 TOI [4:42 on PP]. Chris Kunitz also has registered 4 SOG in 12:58 TOI [4:11 on PP]. Paul Martin leads all Penguins players in TOI with 15:35 TOI [1:40 on PP] and Matt Niskanen has 4:32 PP TOI through 40 minutes. Orpik and Engelland have been banging bodies like crazy, as per usual. That defensive pairing has been shutting down Stamkos all afternoon.

Through Two Periods:

Penguins 2 - Lightning 0

SOG: 32-13 PIT
HITS: 25-15 TB
FOW: 27-22 TB

[mounD]

- James Neal shot from the point is easily saved by Garon at the :23 mark of the Third Period. Penguins still on the PP to begin the period. Neal with a one-time shot off the Faceoff, and Neal scores his second goal of the game on the PP at :35 of the period to make it 3-0 Penguins. James Neal now has 12 PPG [23] on the season. Assists to Malkin and Sullivan. Steven Stamkos who?

- Once again Penguins scoring very big goals at important moments during hockey games [i.e. early / late in periods]. Penguins give up a goal to Matt Gilroy on a back-door play at 2:00 of the period to make it 3-1 Penguins. The Lightning follow up the Penguins goal on a big "momentum" shift and cut the Penguins lead to two. Assists to Stamkos and StL.

- Tampa Bay hold 5 Wins this season when trailing after Two Periods, so the Penguins need to stay vigilant in this hockey game and not surrender any more unnecessary scoring chances to the Lightning.

- Evgeni Malkin has now registered his league-leading 15th multi-point game of the season. Return to form for Malkin means scary, scary things for the rest of the National Hockey League.

- Penguins turnover leads to a High-sticking call on Derek Engelland near the 4:00 mark. The stick goes up in StL's face for a 2-minute minor penalty. Big test upcoming for the Penguins to maintain a two goal advantage. Tampa on the PP.

- Ryan Malone scores at 4:53 of the Third Period on the PP to cut the Penguins' advantage to one. Beautiful back-door play from Lecavalier for the easy tap-in and the Penguins call Timeout. Penguins lead by one goal, 15 minutes remaining. Second Assist to Purcell. 3-2 Penguins.

- Richard Park with a near deflection goal near the 6:00 mark of the Third Period. Similar to how he put the puck through is legs before his First Period goal, Park tipped the puck through his legs, but Garon managed to stand strong.

- Teddy Purcell scores at 6:50 of the Third Period to tie the game 3-3, and the Penguins appear to be in a bit of trouble right now; running around in their own zone, losing puck battles, not strong on sticks. With 13 minutes remaining, we have a brand new hockey game down in Tampa.

- Malkin with a shot wide on a 2-on-1 rush at the 7:20 mark of the Third Period. Penguins very nearly take a 4-3 lead, but Malkin's shot goes just wide of Garon's blocker side. Penguins still hold a decided 36-18 advantage in SOG, but the game is tied going into the final portion of regulation.

- Geno Malkin walks off the boards and the Penguins retake the lead at 7:38 on a wicked backhander. Typical Geno goal: win the puck down low, make a beautiful move, and slot the puck behind the opposing netminder. Classic Malkin, Penguins lead 4-3.

- Tampa Bay following up another PEnguins goal with a great "momentum" shift. These moments are so important in hockey games. The Lightning have managed to stick around in this hockey game largely due to their play "in response" to Penguins' goals scored.

- Evgeni Malkin scores his second goal of the hockey game at 9:27 of the Third on an absolutely astounding backhand deke move to beat Garon and give the Penguins a 2 goal lead. A penalty shot would have likely been called as Malkin was tripped up a bit by Gervais, but Malkin converted on the initial attempt. 5-3 Penguins. Evgeni Malkin with a 4-point afternoon thus far [2G, 2A].

From Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Trib on Twitter:

Malkin playing like he's wearing the #C today. What a vintage performance.

https://twitter.com/#!/JoshYohe_Trib...45273151815680

- Firewagon Hockey in this Third Period; 4 goals in the last 4 minutes of this hockey game. Penguins have their second straight 40+ SOG hockey game.

- Lecavalier and Malkin are PISSED at eachother right now. At 12:11 of the period, Malkin and Vinny are exchanging punches [albeit with gloves on]. Both players could go off for Roughing penalties, but the Lightning are desperate and they are coming after Geno. Penguins have the 'Ning off their game right now... Boo-hoo Lightning... Boo-hoo. Malkin 2 for Roughing, and Vinny 4 for Roughing and a 10-minute misconduct. HAHAHAHA. Penguins Powerplay is 2-4 on the day so far.

- James Neal and Kubina each get matching 10-minute misconduct penalties at 12:22 of the Third Period. This game is starting to get a bit ugly; Lightning are more interested in getting physical retribution than they are in scoring goals and coming back in this hockey game.

- Lightning hit referee Ian Walsh on a clearing attempt, and the crowd goes wild. Pure class down in Tampa Bay this Sunday...

- Game is dramatically slowing down in the final few minutes of the Third Period / regulation. The Penguins appear to want to just eat the rest of the clock with down-low pressure in the Tampa Bay zone. Offense has died down a bit since the middle of the period, but the goaltenders reassert their authority over this game.

- With just less than 4 minutes remaining in the hockey game, the Penguins hold a 41-20 advantage in Shots on Goal. Again the Penguins outshoot their opponent [9 games in a row, 13 out of last 14] in dominant fashion. 2-1 advantage in today's game.

- Brooks Orpik slapshot is deflected at 17:07 mark of the period, just after Malkin nearly springs Kunitz on a breakaway. Garon is up to the task, unlike much of today's game.

- Malkin with a Hat-trick Goal into the Empty Net at 19:04 makes the score 6-3 Penguins in this Sunday matinee. Evgeni Malkin's eighth career Hat Trick gives him the natural hat trick in the third period, and puts him second overall in League scoring behind Hank Sedin with 51 points. Great Day for Hockey, Great Day for Malkin [3G, 2A].

- With the game tied 3-3 in the middle of the Third Period, Geno decided that he wanted to score a Hat Trick and give the Penguins a win. I really love when elite players take over hockey games, and Evgeni Malkin completely took this game over in the Third Period.

- Malkin on another near breakaway with an EN [again] and Matt Gilroy knocks the stick out of Geno's hand, but no call. I don't blame the officials for not calling a penalty this late, but Malkin should have had another goal there. Kinda bullshit, but whatever; 5 points is enough.

- Evgeni Malkin led all Penguins forwards in TOI with 21:26 [5:19 on the PP], he also finished with 5 points in today's game dominating all over the place. James Neal finished today's contest with 2 Goals scored, 10 PIM and 6 SOG in 18:04 [5:21 on the PP] - partially due to his 10 minute misconduct late in the Third. Chris Kunitz also registered 6 SOG with a +2 rating in 19:36 TOI [5:32 on the PP]. Paul Martin led all Penguins skaters with 24 minutes in the hockey game, and Matt Niskanen racked up over 6+ minutes of PP TOI in today's contest.

Game Totals:

Penguins 6 - Lightning 3

SOG: 44-20 PIT
HITS: 29-24 TB
FOW: 46-33 TB

Three Stars:

1. Evgeni Malkin had an absolutely dominant performance in this Sunday afternoon matinee. Geno finished the game with 3G, 2A, 6 SOG, 2 PIM and a +3 rating. Pure dominance in every aspect of his game today, especially in the Third Period where Malkin registered a natural HT to lead the Penguins to a 3-goal victory.

2. James Neal scored two PPG in this afternoon's game. Scoring his 23rd and 24th goal of the season, Neal now leads the league in Powerplay goals, and is now top-5 in Goals Scored. Neal finished the night with 2G, 6 SOG, 10 PIM and a +2 rating. Malkin's line again incredibly dominant, especially the Malkin-Neal tandem.

3. Teddy Purcell of the TB Lightning gets my Third Star honors from today's game for his 2 point performance in a losing effort. Purcell finished with 1G, 1A, 2 SOG in just under 14 minutes TOI. Solid energy all game long, Purcell was the Lightning's strongest player today and deserving of my 3rd Star honors.



The Penguins are now on a convincing 2-game winning streak after losing 6 in a row. Registering 40+ Shots on Goal for the second game in a row, the Penguins are seemingly getting into a nice groove and have been statistically dominating that department of hockey games for quite some time - even while losing games.

The Penguins' next tilt is on Tuesday @ HOME against Carolina, a team the Penguins really should beat at this point in the season. More efforts like today's game will have the Penguins back in a solid playoff position before the All-Star break.

[mounD]

Hey there,

Any of you who've read my past couple articles [So What's the Story with the Penguins? / A Mighty Win for Pittsburgh], I really appreciate the support for my attempts at journalism...

If anyone has any Penguins-related stories / ideas they would like me to write about, please send me a PM and hopefully I can get some fresh work out for all of your enjoyment.

Cheers!

[mounD]

Some pretty BIG news updates today, but we'll jump right in with the small stuff and work our way up:

- Evgeni Malkin has been named the NHL's Third Star of the Week, largely due to his dominant performance against the Lightning on Sunday.

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=611952


- Sidney Crosby has left the Penguins' team to visit Concussion Spec-i-a-l-i-s-t, Dr. Ted Carrick:

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=612036


- Kris Letang is progressing in his recovery from concussion-symptoms, and it's reported [on NHL Live] that he will resume practicing with the team TOMORROW; I assume on a full-contact basis, as he's being reported to be "fully medically cleared" to play.

http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/i...-fully-cleared


Letang back in the lineup should do wonders for this Penguins' team that has struggled mightily without his presence on the backend. Letang's ability to play in all defensive situations will benefit his long-time partner [Brooks Orpik], who has played a bit of 'musical chairs' with his defensive partners this season so far. As well, Letang brings a booming shot and elite puck moving ability to the Penguins offensive arsenal and PP opportunities. For a team that's already starting to pull themselves up by their boot-straps, Letang's presence will mean a whole lot for this Penguins' team.

[mounD]

- Kris Letang returned to practice with the Penguins today:

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=612188

"It feels great just to be back on the ice," said Letang, who has missed the last 20 games with a concussion and a broken nose sustained Nov. 26 vs. Montreal. "And today being the first time with my teammates, it felt really good."

[mounD]

- Aaron Asham is out of the lineup tonight [scratch] against the Canes; apparently dealing with an illness.

Line Combinations:

Kunitz-Malkin-Neal
Dupuis-Jeffrey-Kennedy
Cooke-Park-Sullivan
Tangradi-Vitale-Adams

Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Engelland
Niskanen-Lovejoy

Fleury in goal. Ward in net for Carolina.

STAT OF THE GAME: The Penguins have registered 40+ Shots on Goal in each of their last 3 games against the Carolina Hurricanes.

[mounD]

- The Pittsburgh Penguins last Win at home came December 27th against the Carolina Hurricanes. In post-New Year rematch, the Penguins will look to get back to their winning ways at Consol Energy Center. After a couple big wins down in FLA, the Penguins look to translate the "C" momentum to their home building.

- Jeffrey line to start tonight's game; Bylsma pleased with his play since getting healthy. In Staal's absence, Jeffrey is incredibly important to this Penguins' team - hopefully the secondary scoring can come soon.

- Penguins and Malkin line with some early pressure; Michalek with a shot wide past the 1:00 mark, and the Penguins are buzzing early in this tilt.

- Jamie McBain gives the Canes a 1-0 lead 2:11 into the First Period on a trickling puck through the slot. Unable to find the puck, the Penguins allow McBain to creep in and fire a wrist shot past MAF. 1-0 Canes. Poor defensive coverage. Assists to Jokinen and Skinner.

- Bylsma follows up next shift with Adams line w/ Tangradi. This line bangs bodies like crazy, and Tangradi has been a physical presence since being called up from Wilkes-Barre.

- Dustin Jeffrey with a quick shot off the Wing just before the 5:00 mark, Ward is able to shrug off the shot and prevent Dupuis from wrangling the rebound as the puck trickled toward the corner.

- Cam Ward with anothe save on Richard Park off the right-wing near the 5:30 mark of the period. Unassuming shot, but the Penguins are picking up the pressure since McBain's goal. Going into the first TV timeout, the Penguins and Canes are tied 3-3 in SOG.

- I've been writing a decent bit lately about Eric Tangradi - and his recent play since being recalled from the AHL; however, Tangradi has now gone 18 games in a Penguins uniform without scoring a Goal. Tonight would be a huge night for Tangradi to get off the schneid and show his value to this Penguins' team.

- Kennedy and Dupuis combine for a chance near the 9:00 mark of the period. Some nifty passing off the rush between the pair, and Martin gets a rebound chance off a TK shot, but Ward is up to the task.

- MAF with a big save near the 10:00 mark on a redirected point-shot, and the Penguins' netminder manages to keep the Penguins in this game with a tough save.

- Tangradi/Adams/Vitale had an absolutely DOMINANT physical shift spent in the Canes d-zone near the 12:00 mark of the First Period. Tangradi and Vitale throwing huge body checks around, and the Penguins maintain position for a solid 45 seconds in the Offensive zone. This Penguins' fourth line is really changing the pace of the hockey game, and has been the Penguins best line so far tonight.

- Andreas Nodl is LEVELED by Chris Kunitz along the boards around the 12:30 mark of the First Period and experiences discomfort working his way to the bench. Penguins really bringing their physical game tonight. To this point, Penguins lead 8-5 in SOG and 12-8 in HITS.

- Engelland and Gleason drop the mitts at the 12:46 mark of the Period, and the pair exchange about 30 punches during the fray. One of the better fights of the year, almost as good as Asham knocking out Feagle...

- MAF with two big saves on Skinner and Ponikarovsky after a turnover off the rush around the 14 minute mark, and the Penguins still trail by 1 goal. Hurricanes are here to win tonight, and the Penguins will have to weather this 1st period Storm in order to come out on top.

- MAF follows up with another big save on Ruutu near the 15:00 mark of the period. Coming off the boards, Ruutu is unable to stuff the puck past the Flower shortside. In situations like this, the Penguins are grateful to have the benefit of a confident, elite goaltender in MAF. Keeping them in the game right now.

- Dupuis with a shot, tries to beat Ward shortside near the 15:30 mark of the period but is unable to convert. Dupuis has gone his last 8 games without scoring a Goal.

- Apparently the Penguins announcing crew have just figured out that training with Gary Roberts in the offseason helped James Neal this season - no shit... Pretty sure we've seen the wonders it worked for Stamkos [among others], so this is no real surprise. Training with Gary Roberts = higher chance of reaching personal potential.

- Again the Adams/Tangradi pairing - this time with Richard Park - have a great shift near the 18 minute mark of the First Period. Great sustained pressure, quality cycling of the puck, physical play and tire out the Canes defense, translating to my next blurb...

- Malkin snaps a puck upstairs over the shoulder of Cam Ward at 18:38 of the First Period to tie the game 1-1. Malkin puts a bad angle shot toward the net from the boards, and after stealing the puck / rebound Malkin puts the puck upstairs where Mommy hides the Peanut Butter. Tie game. Assists to Niskanen and Paul Martin.

- Malkin, with about 30 seconds left in the period, walks out of the corner and almost manages to make this game 2-1 Penguins. An absolutely dominant shift from Geno Malkin and his linemates, bringing the Penguins back into this hockey game - and almost giving the Pens an advantage going into the dressing room.

- After being outplayed for most of the Period, the Penguins are able to go into the First Intermission tied with the Hurricanes 1-1. Marc-Andre Fleury made some very big saves over the course of the period, most notably on Skinner and Ruutu, to keep the Penguins deficit at 1 Goal, and Malkin brought the "good guys" back into the game late in the period.

- Evgeni Malkin led all Penguins forwards with 7:27 TOI during the 1st Period, registering 1 SOG, +1 and 1Goal. Pascal Dupuis had 4 SOG in 5:18 TOI, while Kunitz fired 3 SOG and registered a +1 rating in 7:00 TOI. Paul Martin led all Penguins D-men with 8:28 TOI, with Michalek playing just shy @ 8:22 TOI.

First Period Totals:

Penguins 1 - Hurricanes 1

SOG: 13-10 PIT
HITS: 14-10 PIT
FOW: 6-5 CAR

The Penguins will need to carry the play they exhibited towad the end of the period into the 2nd Frame. MAF was forced into making some huge saves to keep the Penguins in the game, so I'm sure the Penguins would like to spend more time in the offensive zone than they did in the 1st Period.

Look for the Tangradi/Vitale[Park]/Adams Line to receive some increased TOI during the 2nd Period. Their line has been dominating play down-low in the Offensive zone, and their physical play has set the tone for the rest of the Penguins players. Nothing major, but we could also see Tangradi get a couple shifts with Geno if he continues to play his up-tempo gritty, physical style of hockey.

[mounD]

- Malkin's line to start the 2nd Period against Eric Staal's line. Penguins going strength vs. strength early on in the middle-frame.

- Neal and Malkin set up Martin streaking back door with an Empty Net around the 1:00 mark of the period but he is unable to convert, putting the puck back into Ward's pads across-crease. Crisis averted for the Canes.

- Steve Sullivan attempted a pretty tic-tac-toe passing play to Vitale on a delayed penalty near the 2:30 mark of the period, but the puck goes past Vitale's stick and the Penguins will go on the PP at 2:38 of the Period.

- Neal with a couple opportunities early in the Powerplay chance, Ward keeps the puck out. Neal with ANOTHER shot from the slot, Cam Ward is able to snag the wrister with his glove at 3:46 of the period to keep the game tied 1-1. Canes able to kill off the PP chance for the Penguins.

- The Penguins have really turned it up a notch in this second period - at least defensively. As of the 6:00 mark of the period, the Penguins had registered 17 SOG and had not surrendered a 2nd period SOG to the Hurricanes. Much more solid team-wide effort than was evident in the 1st Period.

- Malkin and Neal combine for another opportunity near the 7:00 mark of the period, Neal shoots the puck through a defenseman after receiving a cross-ice pass from Malkin, but Ward is able to keep the puck out of the net.

- This 2nd Period is a perfect example of whistle-free, flowing hockey. Aside from the PP chance the Penguins had earlier in the period, the stoppages have been minimal. I really love when the teams have to run their full complement of lines, change on the fly, and respond to the changes in the game as they come. Less whistles, more excitement.

- Tyler Kenneyd hits the goal post just past the 9:00 mark of the period with a beautiful wrist shot off the rush. TK beats Cam Ward on the stick-side, going far post, but the puck clinks off the iron - where the post and crossbar meet - and the Penguins still search for a breakthrough to lead this hockey game.

- As of 10:40 remaining in the 2nd Period; Penguins lead 20-13 in Shots on Goal.

- Craig Adams' line again creating chances in this game. Big night for his line so far. Around the halfway point of the period, Sullivan puts a bouncing puck through the crease, but no Penguin can finish the play. Moments later, the Canes turn the puck over and Adams gets a booming shot off the rush stopped by Ward.

- Geno Malkin is feeding people for chances all over the ice. Just before the 12 minute mark of the period, he sets up Kunitz for a dynamite chance in the slot, but Kunitz fires the puck wide past Cam Ward's glove.

- Bylsma is really shuffling the lines in the last portion of the second period. Tangradi-Jeffrey-Kennedy line seeing some time around the 12:30 mark of the period. Vitale and Jeffrey switching up line assignments, switching up Wingers on Adams' line. Bylsma claims an "equipment issue" was the explanation for switching lines... yeah...right.

- Penguins almost get the go-ahead goal from Pascal Dupuis near the 13:00 mark of the 2nd period. Dupuis has been having a "whale" of a game thus far, having registered 5 SOG so far; "Stone Hands" as I affectionately refer to him, is on pace to set career-highs in just about every offensive category.

- MAF with a monster save on Skinner from the slot at the 13:30 mark of the 2nd Period. Skinner looked a bit off balance, and his release was a bit delayed and the shot almost fooled Fleury. Penguins' netminder keeps the game tied, late in the 2nd.

- Patrick Dwyer has a breakaway at the 14:30 mark of the period, but shoots the puck off the side of the net - low on MAF's glove side. Penguins dodge a bullet on this one, after a baaaaad James Neal turnover.

- Dustin Jeffrey centers a puck right through the crease near the 16:30 mark of the period, but Dupuis was unable to get stick on the glorious scoring chance. Dupuis has been all over the ice tonight, but unable to convert.

- Malkin nearly slides the puck past Ward, coming off the bench around the 18-minute mark of the period, but the chance goes wide of the net. Penguins lead 22-16 in SOG, but the game is still tied 1-1.

- The Penguins go on the Penalty Kill, on a tripping call to Paul Martin, at the 18:51 mark of the 2nd Period. Provided the Penguins don't surrender a goal in the next minute, they will be Shorthanded going into the 3rd Period of play.

- Penguins' Penalty Kill is dominant for much of the final minute of the 2nd Period, and MAF made a HUGE save when called upon in the final seconds. Making a save on Eric Staal in the final seconds, the Penguins will be SH for ~1 minute in the 3rd Period.

- The Penguins hold a 23-17 advantage in SOG after 2 Periods; however, the Penguins are not playing as well as they have recently - against Florida and Tampa Bay. A lot of the credit - mainly for the saves he made in the first period and the dying seconds of the second - goes to MAF for the Penguins being in this hockey game; elite goaltending is an incredibly luxury in today's NHL. Not many teams have truly "elite" goaltenders, and it's tough to win without them.

- Evgeni Malkin leads all Penguins players - not just Forwards - with 15:59 TOI [1:37 on PP]. Malkin has been dominant, but still has just 1 SOG through two periods. Pascal Dupuis has registered 5 SOG in 12:03 [0:23 on PP]. James Neal has fired 4 SOG in 11:59 TOI [0:56 on PP]. Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik lead all Penguins D-men with 15:57 [1:04 PP] and 15:56 [1:09 SH], respectively.

Through Two Periods:

Penguins 1 - Hurricanes 1

SOG: 24-18 PIT
HITS: 20-16 PIT
FOW: 14-10 CAR

After a scoreless 2nd Period, the Penguins will have to substantially pick up their play in the Third if they have any hope of winning this game. The Hurricanes have come out strong, and played very well tonight in my humble opinion.

MAF has really kept the Penguins in this hockey game, and they need to respond with either 1) more goal-support or 2) better defensive structure and EFFORT; ideally the Penguins can combine both of these options: maintaining solid defensive structure while adding a couple Goals would do wonders.

I'll see you after the Third Period for some post-game reflection and Three Stars...

[mounD]

- Penguins are Shorthanded to start the Third Period for 51 seconds on the tail-end of Paul Martin's Tripping penalty. Penguins PK able to get a couple full-length clears, and they kill off the penalty rather easily.

- Kennedy and Dupuis combine for a chance at 2:29 of the period, but Jeffrey is a bit too close to the crease and topples over Cam Ward for a goaltender interference penalty; big PK for the Penguins.

- Justin Faulk with a drive about 40 seconds into the PP chance, MAF flashes the pad and keeps the game tied. Canes manage a couple more PP chances, generated from point-shots but Fleury able to keep the Penguins from relinquishing a goal on the PP. Another solid PK for the Penguins.

- Neal walking out of the corner near the 5:30 mark of the period has a GLORIOUS scoring chance, but somehow Ward is able to stop his high wrist-shot from in tight as he's leaning off the post. Malkin and Neal very threatening on this shift. Doesn't look like James Neal is slowing down one bit, either.

- Brooks Orpik absolutely LEVELS Brooks Orpik in the neutral zone as he's reaching for the puck, and Jeff Skinner looks really bad after the hit. A clean shoulder check to the chest, Skinner stumbled and didn't seem good as he was getting up. Orpik penalized for Interference on the play, but I'm not quite sure why there was a penalty on the play. The puck was on Skinner's stick when he was Hit.

I understand that we have to protect players, and we shouldn't be encouraging concussions in any way, shape or form, but Jeff Skinner was reaching out to play the puck - a couple feet away from him - and as soon as he chipped the puck, Orpik leveled him with a clean hit. Somehow that play is called Interference, and the Penguins are faced with some adversity.

Sucks for Skinner, sucks for the Penguins...

EDIT: Before the Shootout, the referees apologized to Orpik for the poor Interference call earlier in the game. Classy move.

- Penguins go on the PK on a Brooks Orpik INT call at 7:03 of the 3rd Period. In my eyes this was a complete BS penalty call, the Penguins will have to kill it off regardless. Big moment in this hockey game right now.

- Brooks Orpik coming out of the penalty box leads the rush, as the Consol Energy Center goes wild in anticipation. The fans are a bit upset with the officiating over the past few minutes, and a scrum ensues around Orpik after Ward gloves an innocent Orpik shot off the rush. Things are getting pretty interesting in this game.

- Malkin with a stuff attempt, coming around the net near the 9:20 mark of the period but he is unable to jam the puck past Cam Ward. Penguins keep the pressure on, generating a couple more opportunities w/ the Malkin line. Penguins continue to look to break through this 1-1 tie.

- Vitale and Brent drop the gloves at the 10:14 mark as the physical side of affairs continues to percolate. Vitale was bangin' bodies all over the ice prior to the fight, and the Hurricanes' Tim Brent had apparently had enough. The physicality of this hockey game is really picking up; I expect the last 10 minutes of this hockey game might get a little crazy.

- With 9:46 to play, the Penguins lead in SOG 30-21, and lead 21-18 in HITS.

- Following TV timeout, Bylsma responds with Craig Adams' line - a quality choice all night tonight - as the game continues to increase in the GRIT department.

- MAF manages to make a save on Harrison around the 12 minute mark, and as the puck trickled through his 6 hole and wide, the Penguins' netminder managed to poke the puck onto the back of the net for a whistle.

- Jeff Skinner is somehow back on the ice after being absolutely WRECKED by Orpik earlier in the period. I'm not so sure the Canes aren't following proper protocols with this injury, but Skinner was definitely wobbling around after being smashed by Free Candy [Orpik]. I'm not a doctor, but he definitely looked concussed to me.

- Jeffrey with a shot blocked around the 14:00 mark of the Period, and Kennedy with a follow-up on the rebound can't finish. Cam Ward is able to make the save and keep this game tied late in the Third.

- Kennedy with a couple great opportunities from the slot just past the 15:00 mark of the 3rd Period. One shot knocks Ward's helmet off, and the Canes take offense to their goaltender seeing too much rubber. Kennedy shoots another as whistle goes - apparently not noticing Ward had just knocked his mask off - and the Canes players all attack Kennedy in the corner. Old time hockey.

- The Pittsburgh Penguins have not gone to overtime in 20+ hockey games played, so perhaps tonight is the night where that streak comes to an end. The Penguins need to maintain the pressure over these last 5 minutes in regulation.

- Paul Martin's shot from the point goes off a skate and just wide near the 17:00 mark of the Third Period. Penguins continue to push the pace in the final minutes of this game.

- Neal feeds Malkin streaking to the net around the 18:00 mark of the Third, and Malkin fired a wrist shot into Cam Ward's chest. Penguins unable to convert on the rebound, and game stays tied late in the 3rd.

- Sullivan looks for Dustin Jeffrey off the rush with just over a minute remaining in regulation, and the puck goes just past his stick. Penguins have had the better of the chances in the 3rd Period, but no goals have been scored.

- Jokinen with a FABULOUS chance to score with 19 seconds left in the game, but he is unable to put the puck on net all alone in the slot. On an attempted pokecheck, MAF gets a piece of the puck with his blocker, denying the Canes. We're headed to OT.

- Penguins lead 35-24 in SOG at the end of regulation; 23-20 adv. PIT in HITS; 28-17 adv. CAR in FOW.



OVERTIME:


- Malkin tries to dazzle early in OT with a move through the skates, and gets a great shot off against Ward; puck deflected and goes up into the netting. Evgeni Malkin would love to be an OT hero in tonight's game.

- Evgeni Malkin witha backhand opportunity about :45 into OT; Ward strong on the post able to keep the puck out of the net. Geno is really inspired right now.

- MAF with a dazzling save on Eric Staal coming off the bench at the 2:30 mark of OT. Staal was a totally fresh offensive player, and the Penguins defenders were tired; Fleury was able to keep Staal's shot out, and clear the rebound averting any second chance opportunities.

- Penguins have a good opportunity on a Canes' Icing call with 1:00 remaining in Overtime. Kunitz and Jeffrey are the Forwards for Pittsburgh in the final minute >>> Dustin Jeffrey feeds Paul Martin moving into the slot with just over 30 seconds remaining; Martin manages to get all alone playing incredibly patient, but Ward keeps his cool and prevents the Penguins from getting the OT winner.

- Evgeni Malkin with Shot Blk turning the puck the other way; a drop pass to Dupuis produced a great scoring opportunity in the waning moments of the game; however, Gleason is able to block a shot of his own... looks like a Skills Competition will decide this one.

- Thanks to the Overtime Period, the Penguins make it 3-straight games with 40+ Shots on Goal. Also, the Penguins have now fired 40+ Shots on Goal in each of their last four games against Carolina. Some promising statistics.



Shoot-out Results:

PIT: Malkin, Kunitz, Neal
CAR: Jokinen, Skinner, E. Staal

Round 1: Malkin - Goal // Jokinen - Goal

Round 2: Kunitz - No Goal // Skinner - No Goal

Round 3: Neal - Goal // E. Staal - No Goal


Penguins win 2-1 in the Skills Competition, and Win the game by a final score 2-1, as well.


- Evgeni Malkin led all Penguins Forwards with 24:53 TOI [1:37 on PP], including 6 Shots on Goal and 1 Goal. James Neal also registered 6 SOG in 18:27 TOI [0:56 on PP], and Pascal Dupuis had a whopping 7 SOG in 20:47 TOI - Dupuis's strong play tonight was certainly rewarded with some solid TOI. Brooks Orpik led all Penguins D-men with 26:39 TOI [1 SOG]; Paul Martin registered an Assist and 2 SOG in 26:31 TOI [1:15 on PP].

Game Totals:

Penguins 2 - Hurricanes 1 [SO]

SOG: 41-26 PIT
HITS: 26-20 PIT
FOW: 31-19 CAR
BLKS: 24-12 CAR

Three Stars:

1. Evgeni Malkin finished tonight's game with 6 SOG, 1 Goal scored, and was feeding his linemates all night long. Malkin also scored in the Shootout to give the Penguins a 1-0 advantage, and he's been on FIRE lately. If you took a chance on Malkin's 100+ potential at the beginning of the season, you are reaping the rewards right about now.

2. James Neal also finished tonight's tilt with 6 SOG in just under 20 minutes of ice-time. Neal, who finished the game with a +1 rating, also registered the GWG in the Shootout, giving the Penguins a 3-game winning streak and helping the Penguins to their first Home Win since nearly Christmas.

3. Pascal Dupuis gets my Third Star honors tonight for his gritty effort all over the ice tonight. What is unexpected is the offensive flare present tonight in Dupuis' game - registering a game-high 7 SOG in nearly 21 minutes of ice-time.

HM: Jeff Skinner got laid out in the 3rd Period by Brooks Orpik, and seemed to be really shaken up after the play. He displayed amazing GUTS and courage to come back into this game only a few minutes later, and was able to finish the game with 2 SOG and an Assist. Major props to Skinner for showing what he's made of tonight; let's hope everything's alright going forward.



We'll see everyone back here on Thursday night for a very important match-up against the New York Rangers. The Penguins will take their recent 3-game winning streak on the road against the Conference-leading Rangers, and it's certain to be a hard fought game in the Big Apple.

[mounD]

- Kris Letang has been fully medically cleared to play, and after a couple hard days of practice, he will join the team for their game tonight @ MSG against the New York Rangers.

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=612531

Bylsma on Letang's return:

"It certainly is a situation where you're not looking to get him too many minutes, but I still think he's going to be used in a top-four role against their good players and on the power play," Bylsma said. "So he's going to play a fair amount of minutes in tonight's game."

STAT OF THE DAY [via Pittsburgh Penguins on Twitter]:

#Pens enter tonight as only #NHL team to rank in top-10 in avg. goals per game, avg. goals allowed, avg. shots, avg. shots allowed, PP & PK.

https://twitter.com/#!/pghpenguins/s...30729047638016