Penguins Pregame 3/17/10 - Need a 'W'

Remember a few years ago when we swept the Philadelphia Flyers 8-0 in one season? Yea, the NJ Devils have that same opportunity when they play the Penguins tonight at 7. We all know how annoying it is to play the Devils, most of us may be asleep by the first intermission, but this is fact a really huge game for the Pens.

Do you realize the Penguins have been outscored 17-3 vs. the Devils this season?

Martin Broudour is 158-161 vs. shots and has a save percentage of .981.

A win tonight gives a four point lead for the division, a loss we are tied.


Think the Pens will be focused tonight?

Matt Cooke - "We’re going to be pushing for the lead in our division,”. “The phrase ‘four-point game’ is getting used a lot even though you only get two points in the standings. It’s a big game for us.”

Dan Bylsma - “We know we’ve played them five times and haven’t beaten them yet. We know that we have a big game that will be a big factor in deciding the division. We know what kind of team they are. We know they’re a good team. We know we’re going to have to have our best game, an emotional game in their building.”

Sid Crosby - "It’s a big game. We know that we’re close in the standings."

I can't remember a time this team sounded this focused for a regular season game. Broudeur is the reason the Pens have lost five in a row this year, in the playoffs last year the world saw Broudeur crack, and once he cracks he's done.

Ponikarovsky-Crosby-Dupuis
Kunitz-Staal-Guerin
Cooke-Kennedy-Fedotenko
Rupp-Talbot-Adams

Gonchar-Eaton
Orpik-Letang
Leopold-Goligoski

Fleury

My thoughts for tonights game...

1.) Get in Broudeur's face - Sean Avery style if needed.
2.) Be ahead after the 2nd period - even know the Pens have 7 come from behind wins after the 2nd intermission (2nd in NHL) I don't want to see the third period trap from NJ.
3.) Be phyiscal - if only to get ready for tomorrow night.

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Pens Lose, but Marty's fat....

I'm tired, don't feel like doing a recap, call us lazy fans if you want. At least the Caps lost too.

Devils again next week, unless Marty eats the whole team. Nom nom nom.

Lighting on Sunday at 5pm. Stamkos scares me.

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Postgame: WBS Penguins vs. Lowell Devils - 01/08/09

Postgame Report: WBS Penguins vs. Lowell Devils

By: Ali Myers

In Wilkes-Barre, AHL all star Dustin Jeffrey got the game winning goal with 2:07 left in regulation as the Baby Penguins picked up a 3-2 victory over the Lowell Devils. The Pens now improve to 20-16-1-1 with 42 points and remain in third in the division.

With Aaron Boogaard in the penalty box after a fight with Myles Stoesz, and Deryk Engelland sitting for slashing (all penalties were called at the 4:02 mark), Lowell took advantage of their power play at 4:27 when Ben Walter put a shot past John Curry. Assists went to Matt Taormina and Michael Swift.

Later, the Penguins would come back thanks to Konstantin Pushkarev finding an opening on Lowell goalie Jeff Frazee’s right side. It was the first time tonight the Penguins would tally a goal in the closing minutes of a period; as Pushkarev scored at the 17:55 mark.

End of first period: WBS 1-Lowell 1

Shots on Goal: Penguins 9-Lowell 4

The second period was well played by both teams. This was a scoreless period and although both teams had good chances, Frazee and Curry kept their respective opponents off the board. Jeffrey’s best chance came when he hit the post about 12:30 into the period. Lowell attempted a wraparound shot but Curry was prepared to make the save.

Both teams took four minutes in penalties apiece. Lowell’s Nick Palmieri went first at 4:31 on a hooking penalty, and Matt Cohen followed at 9:40 on a slashing minor. For the Penguins, Nate Guenin was called for delay of game for closing his hand on the puck at 12:45. Pushkarev sat for WBS with 2:05 to go, also for hooking. However, the Penguins penalty killing unit, which is ranked 10th in the AHL with an 85% success rate, prevented Lowell from taking a lead before the end of the period.

End of second period: WBS 1-Lowell 1

Shots on Goal: Penguins 7-Lowell 3

SOG totals through two periods: Penguins 16-Devils 7

Devils right wing Stephen Gionta opened the third period scoring at 7:33 with an assist from Kory Nagy. Things would not go their way for long though. With Chris Murray serving a four minute spearing penalty, rookie Eric Tangradi converted 1:50 into the Penguins’ extended power play for his ninth goal on the season. Fellow rookie Robert Bortuzzo and defenseman Ben Lovejoy assisted on the goal.

The teams played an even game after that with no penalties and Frazee and Curry continuing to make key saves to keep their teams in the game. Just as it looked like overtime was a possibility, Jeffrey found his way into the Penguins’ attack zone and ripped a shot behind Frazee at 17:53. Bortuzzo picked up his second assist of the night.

Lowell pulled Frazee shortly after, but the Pens withstood their efforts to tie the score and were able to rebound from Wednesday’s loss to Norfolk. Their longest homestand of the season concludes tomorrow with a 7:05 matchup against the Manchester Monarchs.

Final Score: WBS 3-Lowell 2

Shots on Goal: Pens 16-Lowell 8

Final SOG tally: WBS 32-Lowell 15

Three Stars of the Game:

3. Stephen Gionta (Lowell)-third period goal, +1

2. Eric Tangradi (WBS)-third period goal, +1

1. Dustin Jeffrey (WBS)-game winning goal

Penguins Scratches:

Lane Caffaro (defense)-healthy

Wade Brookbnak (left wing)-concussion like symptoms

Jesse Boulerice (right wing)-stiff back

Ryan Bayda (left wing)-knee injury

Keven Veilleux (center)-shoulder surgery; likely done for the season

• Former Hershey Bear and Penguins nemesis Louis Robitaille made his return to the Wachovia Arena. Though taunted by the fans most of the game, he was barely noticeable on the ice with no penalty minutes, no points, and no shots.
• In the third period, Devils forward Tim Sestito left the game with a towel to his face. He did not return to the game and no penalty was called on the play.
• Penguins defenseman Jon D’Aversa was assigned to the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL; likely for a rehab stint as he recovers from shoulder surgery. He is the second WBS player assigned to Wheeling for a presumed rehab stint, as forward Zach Sill is also with the Nailers right now after suffering a broken finger.

Extra points:

The WBS penalty kill, which has been exceptional all season. Although Lowell went one for six on the power play, the Penguins did not let the AHL’s top ranked power play unit take over the game.

Penalty:

WBS goaltender John Curry. Although Curry is still a solid candidate to back up Marc-Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh, he has had some struggles as of late. Curry cannot continue to give up early goals which could possibly dictate the pace of the game. Hopefully a win tonight has boosted his confidence after being pulled against Norfolk on Wednesday.

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Pens Lose: So does the NHL

Games like these is why Mario retired twice...ok maybe not but man do I hate the trap.


Leave it to me to bring one of the worst displays of hockey to do a recap for PensUniverse. The Penguins lose their fourth game to New Jersey and the second in a row by way of a shutout by Martin Broudeur. I give the Pens some credit for sticking with it and not getting to frustrated by the trap, but at some point early in the third I just wanted to see someone run one of the Devils.


First off I really hate 7:00 games, one they actually never start at 7 and you really never get into the game until about ten minutes left in the first period. Apparently the Pens thought the game started about 7:15 because at 18:12 of the period Niclas Bergfors scores his 13th of the season from basically the corner just throwing it at the net. You can't blame Johnson for the goal, he was screened by at least two players.

Half way through the period the third line got some things going but Broudeur stops Staal at the doorstep. Just when you feel the Pens gaining momentum Max Talbot takes a penalty, starting to wonder where Max has been and I think head coach Dan Bylsma is thinking the same. The PK unit was great holding the Devils to only 1 shot and really never got to set up shop. Things start to open up with 5:00 minutes in the period two really bad giveaways by both teams lead to chances at the doorstep. Following some more end to end play Brett Johnson makes a huge save (get used to that statement). Right at the end of the period New Jersey gets the puck in deep, Dupois has a chance to lay the lumber on someone but doesn't, puck gets passed to the net but no dice for NJ, just a lazy play by Duper.

Shots 9-12 in favor of NJ and 4-7 in favor of NJ with scoring chances.


I wanted to take a nap during the intermission but the commercials were more entertaining then the game at this point. Malkin has a couple of tries with Feds getting a chance five minutes in, later Kunitz rocks Clarkson trying to get the Penguins going. Later Malkin comes with some speed, inside out move but no dice. Back come the Devils another big save by Johnson, NJ maintains the strong wave for a few shifts but Johnson stays strong through the period.

Shots 14-11 (23-23 total) and the scoring chances are 10-12 total for the Devils.


The third period begins and that empty feeling began in my stomach, I knew what was coming. Johnson starts out with a big save, then spends the next half a period keeping the Pens alive. Cooke takes a stupid penalty for slashing, during the kill Letang miss reads a pass behind the net and NJ maintains position. Malkin then blocks a shot and is hurt for a shift or two. Kunitz takes a slashing minor.

During the kill, Crosby has a chance cuts to the slot goes backhander to the net, Marty makes the save a instantly passes the puck up ice trapping 3 pens deep. A good defensive play by Gonch allows Sid to get back just in time to block a cross crease pass, Sid tries to get the puck out, he does but takes a Delay of Game penalty. The 5 on 3 for the Devils is killed but Gonch is hurt blocking a shot, NJ had almost a minutes of time while he was hurt to strike but the Pens kept NJ at bay.




Then the moment I waited two and a half hours for, the Two Headed monster is out on the ice, Malkin draws a penalty with 1:26 left, the Pens call timeout and pull Johnson for a 6-4 PP. Scramble, Scramble, Scramble, Gonch shot is blocked from the point and Jamie Langenbrunner scores the empty net shorthanded goal. Game.





Apparently everyone was to bored by the game to send in a Tweet of the Night.


* Talbot might be looking for a new job unless he steps it up soon.
* Dupuis played a lazy couple of shifts but Johnson saved him.
* Bad game by Letang, many times he was out of place on the ice.
* After the Olympics we'll be loving a game like this by Johnson.
* Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
* Broudeur's shut out streak vs. the Pens is longer then most DMV lines.




Just saying March 12th, sign this guy, he OWNS Broudeur.

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Penguins Gameday 12/30/09

Quick pregame, Congrats to Damian on his new baby girl born this morning, wife and baby are both doing well.

The lowlights from the last game with the Devils.

The projected lines from the Pens website.

Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Rupp-Malkin-Guerin
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Talbot-Adams-Godard

Gonchar-Eaton
Orpik-Letang
McKee-Goligoski

Johnson

"Please don't suck tonight, it will make the postgame more enjoyable for me." PensUniverse's Will Eller

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PREGAME - 12.21.2009 - New Jersey Devils

In order to write this pregame post I forced myself to drink 3 cups of espresso, eat a dozen of butterscotch oatmeal cookies and freebase 40 grams of crack.

Why?

The New Jersey Devils are in town.

The New Jersey devils play a brand of hockey that is about exciting as watching Jabba the Hut masturbate, but as much as we want to poke fun of Jabba he has that Rancor Beast there to back him him up. That Rancor Beast has a name and it's Marty Brodeur. This season, Uncle Daddy has been solid in net. Every other night there is some news report that he's broken yet another goaltending record.

Stellar.


THINGS YOU WANTED TO KNOW BUT WERE TOO LAZY TO LOOK UP:

• Pens in their last ten are 8-1-1 with a 5 game winning streak.
  
• New Jersey in their last ten are 8-2-0 with a 4 game winning streak.
  
• New Jersey has the best road record in the NHL with a 12-2-1 record.
  
• The Pens have a home record of 12-5-1.
  
• The Pens have the 2nd highest goals scored in the league
  
• New Jersey has the 3rd fewest goals allowed in the league.
  

Pot calling kettle black.

WHAT WHISTLER THINKS IS IMPORTANT TO THIS GAME:

Channel the spirit of Admiral Ackbar and realize early and often that the Devils will apply the Trap.

Never Underestimate the power of the Schwartz (oops, wrong movie) If the Pens are holding onto a lead DO NOT let up. Prepare for Ludicrous Speed and head on into plaid. If you give the Devils a chance to get back into the game, they WILL INDEED DO SO.

Stripping for Goals. If the Pens are tied or trailing, DO NOT be afraid to start peeling off layers of clothing. This has brought about victories in the past and will continue to do so all season long. If you happen to be at Mellon for the game it is still okay to strip. Chances are you will make it on the jumbotron and sadly escorted out of the building, but hey. It'll be fun while it lasts.





Kunitz-Crosby-Guerin
Dupuis-Malkin-Fedotenko
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams-Talbot/Godard



Gonchar-Orpik
Skoula-Letang
McKee-Goligoski



Fleury


Call Me...


Let's Go Pens!!

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Pens Lose: Sick of writing that....

Yep, here's another post on how the Penguins lost. They dropped their fourth in a row, this time to Satan's squad for the second time this year. One goal in our last 10 periods. Its a strange feeling. I mean, I know there's a reason why we're losing. Actually there are 6 sitting up there in the banner. But we all hate to lose, we just do. I said before that this team is a .500 squad in their current condition. I might have to alter it and say they may be more like a .400 squad. Now, they did play much better hockey, but that's about as good as they get. At least Crosby got a point.

TWEET of the NIGHT comes from none other than Robert Strong.

"Guerin looks like he was out til 3 a.m. sopping up booze & making it rain at Blush last night & then rode the ganja train home."

Random thoughts.

• Superman did everything to make it happen. He turned it up a few levels but unfortunately didn't get very much support. 24 shifts, 23:41 time of the ice.
  
• Chris Bourque missed a wide open net point blank. The jerk store called...
• Staal had a good first two periods,though didn't live up to the "A" on his chest.
  
• Four WBS Penguins, one shot on goal.
• Pens powerplay is 0-2,589.
• Brodeur had 21 saves, the post had 4.
• Devils aren't that good. Parise is though.
  
• Geno's expected back Saturday. 

When Geno's back, Sid is happy. 

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Penguins Gameday - 11/12/09 - Devils

"Its a hockey night in Pittsburgh!!!" Tonight your Pittsburgh Penguins take on the New Jersey Devils, OK OK your Pittsburgh (50% baby pens) take on the Devils. After a long, tiresome, injury prone west coast trip the Penguins will try to bounce back against one of the greatest goaltenders of all time, Martin Brodeur.

It has been a rough stretch for your Penguins. Injury after injury, a long goal scoring drought and a hard time for all in the organization. Now to our unofficial Geico Quote of the day. Pens Captain Sidney Crosby.

"We've got to find a way to score some goals, that's the way it's been going the last week or two for us. It's been a long road trip, longer when you don't win. We've got to find a way to play better."

Now for some good news on the Penguins front this Gem from off the Pens website! Evgeni Malkin and Maxime Talbot both returned to practice this morning wearing their black practice jerseys instead of the red "no contact" ones. Malkin stated that he hopes to be back for Saturday's game vs. Boston and Max said he is still out for another ten days or so.

Tonight's probable starting lines from the Pens website show head coach Dan Bylsma is shaking things up a bit.

Cooke-Crosby-Fedotenko
Kunitz-Staal-Guerin
Conner-Adams-Dupuis
Bourque-Rupp-Godard

Skoula-Engelland
Eaton-Lovejoy
Goligoski-McKee

Marc-Andre Fleury

Your highlights and recap from 10/24/09.

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Pens Lose: First time in a while...

Every once in a while  I don't do a traditional recap, typically when we lose. 
Rather I'll post this depressing picture of Sid, Geno, and Jay-S. Though I'll offer some random thoughts.

Yeah, it was only a matter of time. I did anticipate a difficult game, though not one where the Pens would barely capitalize. I said in the pregame that we needed to watch out for Parise, and he came through for his Satanic team. Brodeur stopped just about all of the Pens shots, though in my opinion he didn't face very difficult ones. Fleury meanwhile let a few easy ones get past him and fell out of position a lot.

Goligoski was a pleasant surprise for the evening. He showed off his offensive prowess with a ton of energy, puck control, and smooth skating. He was rewarded for his hard work with a goal in the third. And though it pepped up the rest of the team, it was too little too late. Any game when Geno gets the goose egg for shots on goal and Sid only gets two, generally speaking the Penguins will not end up in the win column.

 

Meet your new Penguins Assistant Coach.

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Penguins Gameday - 10/24/09 - Devils

Last evening the Pens showed their a team that doesn't give up. Looked like the streak was going to come to end at the end of the first period, but the willingness and determination Crosby and co. didn't allow that.

Tonight they take on a hot division rival, the NJ Devils. A team with a 4-0 road record. This will mark the first outing for Mike Rupp against his former team of last season, also where he spent the majority of his career. Rupp admitted it was going to be strange playing his former team.

"Absolutely. You have friends over there," Rupp said. "You have guys on the other side now and I want to prove I'm playing on the right team now. We're here to win and we want to send a message just because it's a divisional game, too. We always want to do that in divisional games. It should be fun."  NJ.com

The player to watch the most for the Devils will be Zack Parise. He leads the Devils in scoring with 10 points on 5 goals and 5 assists. Parise was 6 points shy of 100 last season and we all know what he's capable of.

Will the Pens have Brodeur's number as they have in the past? Will Crosby have an encore performance against Satan's squad? Will Geno pull a few goals out of his bag of tricks?

PREDICTION: 4-2, in favor of the Pens. I was actually tempted to say the Pens might lose this one since our streak will inevitably have to come to an end at some point. But I think last night's performance is going to add another spark for the Pens tonight, mainly for the crowd. 

Kunitz-Crosby-Guerin

Dupuis-Malkin-Fedotenko

Cooke-Staal-Kennedy

Rupp-Adams-Godard

Orpik-Gologoski
McKee-Skoula

Eaton-Letang

Fleury

Here are the highlights from our last meeting, a 6-1 win - April 1st, 2009 in Pittsburgh.

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