Pens struggling against top NHL teams

I hate seeing Jagr smile in that jersey as much as the rest of you, but the Flyers and the rest of the teams at the top of the NHL standings have been doing a lot of smiling when they play against the Penguins.

In an article by Alan Robinson of NHL.com, he points out some hard hitting stats.

The Penguins are 16-10-3 without Crosby this season, and 39-23-8 over the last two seasons, but being without their best player certainly seems to be hurting them against the best teams. They are 1-5-0 against the top five teams in the Eastern Conference and a combined 3-7-1 against the top five in both conferences, based on the standings going into Thursday night's play.

Yikes. You have to believe Bylsma, Shero and Mario are keeping tabs on how they're stacking up against these conference leading teams. There's still over half a season to be played, but the Pens can't keep losing these pivotal points. You know it could come down to the end of the year and we're on the 4/5 seed threshold with home ice in the balance. Then we'll think back to those missed points early in the season.

A new year is coming. Let's hope it brings us some wins and health.

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#NHL All Star Voting Process Unappealing

In only the second year of the new format for the NHL All Star Game voting, it has already run its course.  It was easy to see the fan voting would lead to stuffing the electronic tally box for the first six to be voted into the game.  Yes, there are many more deserving players that will get into the game outside of the top six, but this is now aligning with other major sporting leagues that have given the fans the control.  The player draft and other aspects of the NHL All Star game have appeal, but this voting process needs tweaked. It shouldn’t take someone with a PHD to figure out a better online voting system.

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Grandma scores goal to win a new truck

Totally not Penguins related, but had to share this.

A 59-year-old woman named Brenda Hewitt during intermission of a minor league game in Massena, NY had a chance to win a new pickup truck if she scored a goal from the opposing blue line into a hole slightly bigger than a puck.

I love the play-by-play the guy running camera gives. She shoots, she scores! Let's hunt moose in a new Ford F-150!

A link to read more about this amazing goal.

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Engelland gets 3 games

So... help me figure this one out. Deryk Engelland gets suspended for three games by Warden Shanahan, but no punishment on this hit?

Now what will happen to his Red Wings brother?

Consistency lacked when Colin Campbell was sheriff. Looks like more of the same. Here is the video from Shanahan.

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Colligan on the 'Evolution of Evgeni Malkin"

Do yourself a favor and give this article on Geno a read. Great insight. It's all about the system.

Read Mike Colligan's article here.

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PensUniverse Podcast 12.11.11

Corey Allan and Doug Smith discuss the games against Ottawa, Buffalo, and Chicago with a where a lot of unexpected happened in accordance with our last podcast.  We touch on the Tangradi demotion, the Engelland hit, and Tyler Kennedy's fourth goal of the year.

We look ahead to games against the Jets and Hurricanes with the FLyers first trip to Pittsburgh looming.

Also we have some holiday themed questions and the host takes a run at both of the usual guests all in good fun.

Happy Holidays everyone!

                Fleury pushes MacIntyre during a Johnstown sled hockey practice at Consol. (penguins.nhl.com)

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Blueline Beat: 12/8/11-12/21/11

The Pens defense has definitely taken a beating as of late. The team has been without Letang and Michalek since the end of November. Engelland took a brief absence with a lower body injury. Martin is listed as day-to-day after a leg injury, and Lovejoy just made his return last night after his injury. We've seen Despres, Picard, Bortuzzo, and Sneep called up from the Baby Pens and have held their own. Here's my recap from the past several games.


Pens. vs. Flyers: 12/8 (L3-2)

-Niskanen earned his sixth assist on Neal's goal.
-Orpik earned his third assist on Malkin's goal.
-Engelland was not available in this game with his lower body injury.
-Bortuzzo suffered a concussion in this game after taking a hit from Zac Rinaldo.
-Fleury stopped 26 of 29 shots.
-Despres led the team with four blocked shots.
-Niskanen led the defense with two shots on goal.
-Martin led in ice time with 29:00.



Pens vs. Islanders: 12/10 (W 6-3)

-Niskanen earned his seventh assist on Sullivan's goal.
-Picard earned his first assist on the goal from Dupuis.
-Niskanen earned his eighth assist on Cooke's goal.
-Martin scored his first goal of the season as well.
-Engelland returned in this game and was a big presence on the ice. His returned helped relieve some ice time from Martin, Orpik, and Niskanen. Martin also played a strong game.
-Fleury stopped 24 of 27 shots.
-Despres, Engelland, and Niskanen led the team with 2 blocked shots apiece.
-Martin led the defense with four shots.
-Martin led in ice time with 25:33.



Pens vs. Red Wings: 12/13 (L 4-1)

-Orpik earned his fourth assist on Malkin's goal.
-This was a hard fought game, but a few bad turnovers helped give Detroit the scoring edge.
-Fleury stopped 21 of 24 shots.
-Martin and Orpik led the team with three blocked shots apiece.
-Niskanen led the defense with three shots on goal.
-Martin led in ice time with 24:38.



Pens vs. Senators: 12/16 (L 6-4)

-Niskanen scored his second goal of the season on the power play.
-Despres earned his second assist on the Kunitz goal.
-Martin took an injury to his leg in the third period and did not return. He came out and tested his leg, then went right back down the runway.
-This was not a sharp game by the defense with a lot of sloppy mistakes.
-Johnson stopped 14 out of 19 shots faced and was replaced by Fleury in the third period. While this was not Johnson's best performance the loss should not be pinned on him.
-Fleury stopped 4 out of 5 shots in that third period.
-Engelland and Orpik led the team with three blocked shots apiece.
-Niskanen led the defense with two shots on goal.
-Orpik led in ice time with 26:32.



Pens vs. Sabres: 12/17 (W 8-3)

-The Pens did a complete turnaround in this game and had a great rebound after the previous night's loss.
-With Martin out Carl Sneep got the call up.
-Fleury earned his 200th win of his career.
-Picard earned his second assist on the goal from Williams.
-Despres scored his first NHL goal on the power play.
-Orpik earned his fifth assist on Malkin's first goal. This was Orpik's 100th career point.
-Sneep earned his first assist and point in the NHL on Malkin's second goal. Picard also earned his third assist on this goal.
-Niskanen earned his ninth assist on Neal's goal.
-Engelland scored his second goal of the season with a shot that squirted right underneath Miller.
-Niskanen earned his tenth assist on Malkin's third goal.
-Engelland earned his eighth assist on the goal from Kunitz.
-As you can see, every defenseman in this game scored at least one point.
-Fleury stopped 16 out of 19 shots.
-Orpik led the team with two blocked shots.
-Engelland led the team with four shots on goal (along with Malkin).
-Niskanen led in ice time with 21:20.


Pens vs. Blackhawks: 12/20 (W 3-2)

-Niskanen earned his 11th and 12th assists on the goals from Kunitz and Neal.
-In his first game back from injury, Lovejoy earned his second assist on the goal from Kennedy. Lovejoy played a good game for being gone for so long.
-Engelland fought with John Scott after he delivered a questionable hit on Marcus Kruger. We will have to wait and see if any disciplinary action is taken.
-Fleury stopped 36 of 38 shots and was huge in this game. He made some outstanding saves, most notably in the third period when the Blackhawks were surging.
-Lovejoy, Niskanen, and Orpik, led the team with two blocked shots apiece.
-Niskanen led the defense with four shots on goal.
-Orpik led in ice time with 23:50.

Best of the Blueline

You cannot help but to be impressed with the way Matt Niskanen has been playing. Going into the season with a surplus of defensemen, it was questioned if he would even have a spot on the starting roster. From training camp on, he has proved his worth. Lately, with the injuries to Letang, Michalek, and Martin, he has stepped his game up and contributes in all areas on the ice. With this increased playing time, he has already exceeded his totals last year in goals and assists. On the team he has cracked the top ten in points and shots on goal (8th place in points, tied for 8th place in shots on goal with Staal). Defensively he has been playing a lot smarter and a lot tougher. He sits at seventh place on the team in hits. Even when more of our defensemen return from injury, you can still expect Niskanen to contribute on the ice.

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Pens needed that win

It's easy to say a team needs to win a certain game, but this was one the Penguins needed to win. Blackhawks score two in the 3rd period after the Pens scored three straight, but MAF put Toews and Hossa to bed.

After losing four in five games earlier this month, the Penguins seem to have found a new gear returning to the team mentality of old. Poor showings between the pipes and on the blue line. Tough losses against conference leading teams with the Bruins, Red Wings and Flyers. Fleury seems to be in the zone again and the defense is getting healthy. Key for the Pens to stay in the hunt, even as early into the season it is.

Oh and some guy named Malkin is playing possessed lately. A hat trick on Saturday and three helpers last night has pushed Geno into a tie for the league lead with 39 points.

Keep it up boys.

OTHER NOTES:


- Deryk Engelland will probably get suspended for this hit on Mike Kruger. You can't leave your feet or target the head. He did both. Cue another video from Shanahan.

- Tyler Kennedy showed up. He got a goal for only his fourth on the season. Even with injuries, he needs to do more. Ray Shero is paying him more now, so earn it TK.

- Hossa still sucks.

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Darren McCord hates the Blackhawks

I find this very fitting every time the Penguins play the Blackhawks... Lets go Pens!

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It's a hockey trip in Pittsburgh

Living six hours away from Pittsburgh, it's always exciting making a trip for a Penguins game. I return to a time when I was in 4th grade and seeing Lemieux, Jagr and Francis from the C level at the Igloo for my very first game. I get the same feeling walking into the new barn today. There's always a ritual for an out of towner like myself I do before each game. Seeing I'll be there this Saturday vs. Sabers, here's my itinerary.

First, how cool is the view once you get out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel? I love that. It's such a warm welcoming sight for the bone crushing hits I'll see later that night.

The first stop after checking into the hotel is a lunch date with Primanti Bros. My fiance and I first heard about them through Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. From there, it's become a staple of every trip for a game. I haven't been there enough to have a favorite. I'll take any suggestions.

Then it's back to the hotel to suit up. I won't wear my jersey around town until I know once I leave the hotel I'm going to the game. My choice for Saturday night is Brooks Orpik. My fiance will wear Geno. Both with the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals patch. Huge.

My dad and I would always stay at the Marriott across the street from the Igloo each trip for a game. It was there we realized the bar that was down in the lobby. Since those trips as a child, the downstairs bar has become an all out pregame site for Pens games. They have the Labatt carts out by the check-in desk. It's a great spot to get some brews in you and talk hockey with some other fans. I still couldn't tell you the name of the place for sure, but it's fantastic.

We always get inside the arena in time for the warm up skate. This is as close as we ever get to the players living out of state. It's worth the price of admission to me. Nothing like seeing the players up close and see the intensity on their faces. By far the best part of any Penguins trip.

After the game, my fiance and I always make a post game pizza run. We found Milanos near the arena a few years back, and there hasn't been another place we've gone since. Great food for sure. The best part for me is the security guard they always have at the counter. I guess in the past it gets rowdy after games. He has to watch me like a hawk. What a mall cop.

Then after we come to in the morning from all the Labatt we consumed, we usually work our way down to Six Penn Kitchen for breakfast. Great deviled eggs.

For people who live in Pittsburgh and leave before the game ends or takes regular season games for granted piss me off. As someone who travels from Indiana to see my favorite team play, I always enjoy every moment of the trip. It makes my passion for the Pens even greater to get the chance to see them in action. And the best part about this year is I get to come back a second time to see the Flyers in April. Suck it Talbo and Jagr.

You know where we'll be this Saturday. Tweet me at @knucklepucker and lets meet, talk hockey and drink Labatt. LETS GO PENS!

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PensUniverse Podcast 12.14.11

The PensU crew looks back at the games against the Flyers, Islanders, and Red Wings in which the Penguins went 1-2-0. We also discuss the ability of the current lineup to stay above water until players come off the injury shelf. We also look at the number of concussions in the NHL and take a guess at why along with an extensive list of who is currently ailing. 

As usual we give some predictions about the next set of Pens games, but before that we name off our best teams in each conference.

-Corey Allan, Joe Pfab, & Doug Smith

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HBO returns for another 24/7

If you didn't love HBO's 24/7 Road to the Winter Classic last year, find an oncoming bus and go play in the street.

The NHL returns to HBO tonight with the season premier with the Rangers and Flyers. I'm sure this is going to be great, although it puts the spotlight on two of the Penguins rivals, but nothing will top the Pens last year.

Here are some epic clips of the Pens from last year's 24/7.

This isn't one of the Pens, but we had to throw this in there.

Puck Daddy has another drinking game this year. Here's a look at it. Good luck keeping up.

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Crosby out again indefinitely

It's like a bad reoccurring dream isn't it? Sidney Crosby, once again feeling symptoms of a concussion, is out indefinitely and there is no timetable.

Crosby told the media today he wants to make sure he's 100% before he returns, again.

Obviously once news of this got out, grown men started crying like women did for The Beatles.

Also, Dick Park is out 4-6 weeks with a broken foot. Staal is still day-to-day. Some good news today for the Pens was the return of Zbynek Michalek cleared for practice.

When are the Pens going to catch a break with injuries?

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Pens welcome cameras back behind-the-scenes

(Image from Penguins website)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing fans to gain all access to their favorite teams once again. With the success of the HBO 24/7 series last year, the Penguins organization is doing their own series in house called "In The Room". The series is produced by PensTV and will run for 10 episodes on the Penguins website.

Click here to view part 1 of the first episode.

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PensUniverse Podcast 12.7.11

Doug Smith, Corey Allan, and Damian Romano look back at the past three games, including the loss to the Bruins.  Are opposing teams efforting to be even more physical against the Penguins, especially around the goal crease?  Also, how do the blue line loses change the offensive play?

We also look at match ups with the Flyers, Islanders, and Red Wings, as well as the proposed realignment.

Oh yeah, there is that whole Sidney Crosby sitting out two of those three games news too.

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Blueline Beat: 11/29/11-12/7/11 and November Stats

The Pens defense has gone through some rough times as of late. Lovejoy has been out since the beginning of November. Letang and Michalek have both suffered recent concussions. Engelland left the game against the Hurricanes with a lower body injury. The Pens had to call up Robert Bortuzzo, Alex Picard, and Simon Despres from the Baby Pens, who have held their own coming into a difficult situation. Here's my recap from the past few games, followed by statistics from November.

Pens vs. Rangers: 11/29 (L 4-3)

-Martin earned his eighth assist on Neal's goal.

-Engelland earned his seventh assist on the goal scored by Dupuis.

-With Michalek and Letang out for this game, Picard and Bortuzzo got the callup.

-Both Niskanen and Engelland had a strong game despite the loss.

-Fleury stopped 26 out of 30 shots.

-Martin and Picard led the team with three blocked shots apiece.

-Engelland and Martin led the defense with two shots on goal apiece.

-Martin led in ice time with 23:31.

Pens vs. Capitals: 12/1 (W 2-1)

-Picard was sent back down to Wilkes-Barre and Simon Despres got the callup for his NHL debut. For his first game he gave a good effort and did not make mistakes.

-In his first NHL game, Despres got an assist on the goal from Kunitz.

-In the midst of the injuries Martin has started to step up his game and played well in this one. Engelland also played another strong game.

-The team overall held the Capitals to only 17 shots on goal, which is the lowest number of shots on goal the Capitals have had on the Penguins in their history.

-Martin earned the first star in this game.

-Fleury stopped 16 of 17 shots.

-Engelland led the team with four blocked shots.

-Niskanen led the defense with two shots on goal.

-Martin led in ice time with 28:11

Pens vs. Hurricanes 12/3 (W 3-2)

-Martin earned his ninth assist on Asham's goal.

-Niskanen earned his fifth assist on the goal from Dupuis.

-Engelland left the game after the second period with what was described as a "lower body injury."

-Martin again was strong in this game, and Orpik played a very physical game.

-Johnson stopped 30 of 32 saves. Most notably he made a huge save at the end of the game when the Pens were killing the Hurricanes' 5 on 3 to stop the Hurricanes from tying the game.

-Orpik led the team with three blocked shots.

-Niskanen led the defense with three shots on goal.

-Martin led in ice time with 27:50.

Pens vs. Bruins: 12/5 (L 3-1)

-There were no points from defensemen in this game.

-Fleury stopped 24 out of 27 shots.

-Niskanen and Picard led the defense with one blocked shot apiece.

-Niskanen led the defense with two shots on goal.

-Martin led in ice time with 29:43.

November Stats

Leader of each category will be bolded.

Letang

11 GP

Points: 2G 6A (total of 19 for season)

SOG: 31

BS: 14

Hits: 24

Average Ice Time: 26:22

(+/-) even (+5 for season)

Orpik

12 GP

Points: 2G 1A (4 points on season)

SOG: 7

BS: 19

Hits: 42

Average Ice Time: 22:25

(+/-) +1 (+4 on season)

Martin

12 GP

Points: 0G 5A (9 points on season)

SOG: 11

BS: 24

Hits: 4

Average Ice Time: 22:31

(+/-) -5 (-7 on season)

Michalek

4 GP

Points: 0G 1A (4 points on season)

SOG: 5

BS: 16

Hits: 3

Average Ice Time: 20:21

(+/-) -3 (-8 on season)

Engelland

12 GP

Points: 1G 5A (8 points on season)

SOG: 16

BS: 13

Hits: 25

Average Ice Time: 16:02

(+/-) +3 (+4 on season)

Niskanen

11 GP

Points: 0G 1A (6 points on season)

SOG: 14

BS: 5

Hits: 13

Average Ice Time: 17:27

(+/-) +4 (+9 on season)

Lovejoy

1 GP

Points: 0G 0A (1 point on season)

SOG: 1

BS: 1

Hits: 3

+1 on season

Bortuzzo

2GP

Points: 0G 0A

SOG: 1

BS: 0

Hits: 1

(+/-) +1 (+2 on season)

Picard

7 GP

Points: 0G 0A

SOG: 4

BS: 6

Hits: 2

Average Ice Time: 12:44

(+/-) +5 (+4 on season)

Let's hope the injury bug leaves the defense soon so we get our starters back. Thanks for reading and GO PENS!

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Realignment plan keeps Pens with rivals

The Penguins wanted to make sure when realignment plans were announced by the NHL, they were able to play their biggest rival ... the Flyers. Now, not only do the Pens and Flyers stay together in the most recent plan approved by the NHL Board of Governors on Monday, but you can throw the Caps into the mix as well.

The new plan would double the number of conference to four from two, and add a new twist to the playoffs. The Pens fall into the cleaver named Conference D along with the Canes, Devils, Rangers, Isles, Flyers and the Capitals.

Conferences with 7 teams, like Conference D with the Pens, play each other six times and the remaining games are played against all the other teams in a home-and-home. This sucks. Now you're guaranteed to play on the road at each west coast team. I hate playing on the west coast.

As for the new playoff setup, the top 4 teams from each conference make the playoffs. Each conference will have their own mini playoff with No. 1 playing No. 4 and No. 2 playing No. 3. The four winners of their conference then make the semi-finals of the Stanley Cup. It hasn't been decided how the seeding would be decided with the four remaining teams. It also hasn't been decided the series length getting out of your own conference. I would assume it would stay at a best of 7.

With this approval by the NHL Board of Governors on Monday night with at least two thirds of the owners approving it, it now goes to the NHLPA for their vote.

What are your thoughts? Let me know on Twitter at @knucklepucker

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Bruce Boudreau Farewell Tribute

From our buddy Benstonium. See you in Anaheim, Brucey!

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