Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thats more like it

I don't talk about the The Devils because I don't recognize what they do as actual hockey, therefore i didn't remark on what took place this following Saturday, It had nothing to do with the final score. That thing they do in new Jersey can have an effect on hockey teams, sort of like Kryptonite for superman. All you Devils fans bask in the glory of winning games 1-0 and 2-1, but just remember THAT ISN'T HOCKEY.

And now on to what happened last night. Hal Gill and the Montreal Canadiens came to town on a 4 game winning streak to face the Penguins for the first time this season. Well it didn't work out so well for them. The Pens scored early and scored often. It took Crosby a little under 2 periods to get a hat trick and the Pens to rack up a commanding 4 goal lead. Maf was back to his normal self and all is good in Penguin land. Maybe the biggest thing from last night is Kunitz getting his first goal since the Montreal Wanderers swept the Ottawa Victorias in 2 games (1908 wasn't that long ago). Not only did he score a breakaway goal, he also racked up an assist on each of Sids 3 goals. Ironically he was on my Fantasy team until Monday morning. If that's what it takes to break his goal drought, I'm happy to Oblige.



But again, with the good comes the bad. this appears in the paper today.
Penguins center Evgeni Malkin will miss "a couple weeks" because of a strained right shoulder, coach Dan Bylsma announced after practice today at Mellon Arena.

First Gonch and now this. Everyone says the Penguins have great depth all around. Well they are getting a chance to prove it.

Go Pens.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

They Might not Lose Again.......

The Pens made quick work of the St. Louis Blues last night, beating them by a score of 5-1. Thats saying nothing bad about the Mason, St. Louis would have been embarrassed had he not kept the game close early on. The Pens have been winning games and making it look easy. The Blues looked like the just were not ready to face a team like the pens. The first period shot count was laughable at 20 something to 3 in favor of the pens. I'm not sure of the exact numbers but i know the Pens launched a total of 43 shots at Mason and then Conklin. It was well executed at every aspect of the game. If they can come out like that every night, i can see a 81-1 season.


I would talk about highlights, but its more fun to watch

The Pens dominated from the 1st line to the fourth line, from defense to offense, and when the blues got some good chances Maf was there to clean it up. The only thing that got by him was a deflection goal from Kariya. Simply put he is the best Net minder in the League right now.

With the good come the bad and the Pens will have to battle a bit of adversity for the first time with the injury to Gonchar. I dont know when or how it happened, just just noticed he wasn't on the ice in the third period. I don't know the exact time frame but, I'm hearing 4 to 6 weeks with a broken bone in his hand. Will it hurt the Pens? certainly. Will they continue to win games? certainly. The Pens have plenty of depth to take care of any injury that will come up. Blueline is loaded with offensive minded defenseman to handle what Gonchar was doing.

Next game Friday against the Florida panthers

Go Pens

Friday, October 16, 2009

Perfect Road trip?

The Pens went 5-0 on the road for the first time in team history by defeating the Carolin Hurricanes 3-2 after a 12 shooter shootout. Just because the Pens won every game mean it was a perfect road trip. I would hardly call giving up a 2 goal lead in the third period Perfect, but we still got the win. The most impressive about the road trip is the way Mike Rupp made Cam Ward look like a rookie. Same Jersey, same move, but that's not Petr Sykora, What a move.

Ward did get some redemption when he completly robbed Bill Guerin at the door step. to keep the Canes in it. Another Robbery happens against Malkin in over time.


(it really doesn't get any better than that)

The Pens will be returning home to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning Saturday night. I don't have a good feeling about this one and I have one reason why:


This will be the first of I think 12 times the Pens will be in the Blue jerseys this season. They weren't very good to us last season, I hope the JuJu will be better this time.

Other than that The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off a severe ass beating at the hands of the Ottawa Senators Last night to the tune of 7-1, Giving up to shortys in the process. Ex-penguin and former fan favorite Ryan Malone got the only goal for the Lightning. Speaking of Ryan Malone, he is off to s strong start this season, Something like 6 goals already and one hat trick. I don't even think its a contract year. That's the only time he decided to do anything when he was with the Pens. He left on a good note, that's why everyone misses him. Jagr did more for the Pens in his Rookie year than Malone ever did But the whole "dying alive" comment pissed everyone off.

The Lightning do have a roster full of offensive talent starting with Captain Vinny Lecavalier. He's afraid of the defensive zone for sure, but he can fill the net. Marty St. Louis just a shell of what he used to be. Steven Stamkos is getting better every game in his 2nd season, alex Tanguay is off to a slow start but he can score goals at a consistent pace usually.

The lightning defense.....not so much. Last year the traded or released all the defense they had.

One Person that i always like to bring up, ex Flyer Steve Downie is on the Tampa Bay Roster. The guy who had a big hand in helping the Pens in the playoffs 2 seasons ago.

(he just walks away)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Carolina Hurricanes

An unbeaten road trip makes it's final stop in the sunny south for the Pens Vs Hurricanes (Staal has a brother on that team). The Canes aren't scoring goals. 2 goals a game is about their limit. Last game saw them get beat by the Tampa Bay circus by a score of 5-2, going into the 3rd period tied at 2.

The first line of Samsanov, Eric Staal (Jordans Brother), and Ruutu should have enough to put up decent numbers. If they can't do it the second line of Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Chad LaRose should be able to pick up the slack. Sooner or later they will start scoring, hopefully not tonight, as the Pens want to close out this road trip with a perfect record.

I can't mention The Hurricanes without mentioning Cam Ward. he is a beast. The Trib evidently thinks he's comparable to Maf.

If anyone can remember the finals in the east last season it was a 4 game sweep against the Canes.



If you cant remember much of the series that goal should be firmly lodged in your brain. That game also saw Malkin get his first ever Playoff Hat trick. If i remember correctly I think Maf robbed Eric Staal (Jordans Brother) at the door step. He was good for at least one of those saves every series. The Pens steam rolled right through the Canes last season so I'm sure some revenge is on the minds of all the canes that was involved.

Tonight Crosby and the Pens VS. Eric Staal (not funny anymore) and the Canes.


The Fans in North Carolina will be Electric.

Go Pens

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Why In The World

Why is it that every team the Pens have faced so far have decided to goon it up? Like Bob Errey mention last night, Is it because the Pens are just frutrating their opponent to the point of total retardation.

Last night the Ottawa Senators turned into what you may only see in Philly and I guess now in Toronto. It's not like the Sens played a bad game. Maf was huge last night. Every team at one point or another will run into a hot goalie. The 2 or 3 that did get past Fleury went of the Pipe or wide.

Maybe the Fact that Tyler Kennedy got 2 goals against Leclaire. Maybe because we got 4 goals and Malkin or Crosby didn't own one of them. The Pens have enough depth to beat you with the top guns taking a night off, Not to mention we went 0-4 on the power play. Craig Adams turn in 2 assists, thats gotta hurt.

I was surprised however, The Sens put together a better game than what I was expecting. Jason SPezza was a beast all night, But bad bounces, missed nets, and the best goalie in the league caused the Sens to fall short. The Sens, at one point were actually leading, so it was only for 39 seconds before Guerin tied it up at 1, The fact is they were leading. As it turns out that would be the only goal the Sens would get.

The thing that the rest of the league should be worried about right now is we are 5-1 and are far from playing the best hockey. The Pens will get better as the season goes on. The Power play needs to be more consistant. I think i say that every season, but usually it shows up when we need it. Certain players aren't producing like we are used to. as soon as this gets settled and everything start clicking, It would be impossible for the Pens to be beat.

Next on the list is Carolina. The playoff series with the Hurricanes was so quick, sometimes i forget we ever faced them in the playoffs, Oh yeah and Staal has a brother that plays in Carolina i think.

More on the Canes Tomorrow.........Maybe?

Go Pens

Monday, October 12, 2009

Is it The Flyers or The Leafs?

The Pens skated to a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple leafs on staurday night, giving the Pens 4-1 record to start out the season. Much to my surprise the Leafs reminded me a lot of the Flyers in their goonery. Although from what i could see there was no biting. The spear to Letang should have gotten Rosehill sent to the locker room, But instead he gets a 2 min roughing call. It seems like the Leafs are going to be a joke again this season, but instead of just losing, They are gonna fight and lose. Atleast it will be a little more interesting.

The Pens power play was clicking on all cylinders going 3 for 5 with Crosby getting 2 of them. I wouldn't put to much stock into it, afterall, it is the Leafs. Fleury made 18 saves. hardly a days work for him.

Tonight we take on the Ottawa Senators for the first time this season. The Sens beat the Thrashers Saturday night. Newcomer Alex Kovalev got his first goal in a Ottawa. I guess he's the replacement for Cry baby Danny heatley who just had to get traded. He didnt like how the coaches were using him. Thats a shame. If i was in that situation there would be 4 million reasons (or whatever he makes) why that wouldn't bother me. Lets not forget another biter and ex-Penguin Jaarko Ruutu play for the Sens still.


(we still remember this....Right?

Thats the way he played when he was a penguin and we all loved him for it.

The Sens are on a 3 game winning streak, but i cant forsee the Pens having a tough time with this team.

Go Pens

Friday, October 9, 2009

What the...?!

Mike Tyson... Oh wait a minute it's just Scott Hartnell.

The flyers are a bunch of vile, stinking, dirty d-bag, poopy shorts nerds... and now they can add biting to their list of specialties. I hope Hartnell had all of his shots. Keep that mutt on a leash next time you come to our town!

Good Job PENS!!!

Sweet goal 11!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

If You Do the Math...We are Still In It

The Phoenix Coyotes skated to their second victory last night, The Pens were there don't worry. They just decided to take in the game as a spectator from the Penalty box. The Coyotes controlled the flow from the drop of the puck to the final whistle. There is not much more that can be said about that. Brent Johnsons debut was good. He had a few good saves and one stellar glove save to keep the Pens in it early, But the rest of the team didn't care to be in it at all.

Another bright spot of last night was Chris Bourque Looked good in his 1st game. Actually by the end of the game I thought he was our best skater on the ice. Enough about the Yotes, I'm fully aware that the Pens didn't show up because they knew they were traveling to Philly today.

Tonight the Pens faceoff against the hated Flyers and their band of Goons. I'm sure Philly will want some revenge from last seasons early playoff exit from the hands of the Penguins. The Flyers haven't lost a game yet, as opposed to last year being the final to to actually get a win. There are some newcomers for Philly this season. Chris Pronger comes to mind. One of the best defenseman in the league, but also one of the dirtiest in the league. Why did it take him so long to get to the Flyers, seems like a perfect fit.

Another future inmate in starting goalie Ray Emery. Pens fans remember him from 3 seasons ago when he was with Ottawa, and they ended the Pens playoffs in 5 games of the first round. Fresh of a season in Russia, because nobody else would sign such a head case. Never fear, That is a perfect fit in Philadelphia.

Lets not forget the rest of the rejects that play for Philly, Mike Richards is the Captain of the futere inmates, Jeff Carter is the leading goal getter of a season ago, Danny Brierre is Captian of the Philly Cheer Team, and last but not least, Scott Hartnell. There are no words that can express how much of a D-bag the thing is.

Tonight is the biggest game so far in this young season. I can deal with any loss some worse than others, But a loss to Philly is unacceptable. We lose to the Flyers, i consider it a losing season no matter the Outcome.

Go Pens..

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Bottom of the Barrel

So without much to do on a Tuesday night. I turn on the Tv, Maybe versus has some hockey on or something. Low and behold under the Guide says "NHL Hockey. My night is set. I kick my chair back, flip to hockey. How can this be i say. Versus is airing the Capitals VS the Flyers!! Are you kidding me. 2 young stairs of the eastern Conference facing off, Mike Richards facing Alex Ovechkin. It's like putting two Retards in a room with a rubix cube, something fun to do but it will end up with one beating the other into submission, but i continue to watch. It will be the first time this season i will get to see the biggest of the Pens rivals this season.

To my surprise it was quite the offensive explosion, either that or shitty goaltending, a little of both if you ask me. Playoff hero for the Caps Semyon Varlamov was pulled after watching 4 go by him. Flyers Goalie, Well he has always sucked so no surprise there.

As far as the Offense is conserned, Richards did get a Hat trick marking the first time a Flyer turned a trick on opening night. Ovechkin had two goals, Semen had 2 goals, and Hartnell is still a goon. The Flyers ended up winning the game with an overtime goal scored by little girl danny brierre. Flyers win, I'm still disgusted that they are still in the NHL.

For the Pens. The season started out as good as it can. 2 games, 2 wins. The Islanders game was a let down a little, seeing as how the Islanders put it to us for a good 2 periods. That Tavares fella is gonna be something thats for sure.

Tonight the Pens host the Coyotes for the 3rd win of the season. I dont keep p much with the yotes so i have know idea what to expext. This will be their first year in banckruptcy. The Coyotes are staying in Phoenix now. All Pens fans can appreeciate that!!

Go Pens

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Finally!

Breast Cancer Survivors, all of you fighting this stupid disease and those who love you...my prayers are constantly with you! Keep fighting. I continue to be proud of the NHL for their support.

Here we go again little brother, another season...another cup...another shot of brandy! So much to do.

Finally...PENS hockey! Stanley Cup Champions! Freakin' rocks! I am still virtually speechless and still wishing Mike Lange had come up with something other than "Ginger Brandy"!

Go PENS!!!!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Its That Time Again

The pens open up the 09/10 campaign tonight defending the Championship against the New York Rangers. Finally something to talk about that doesn't have to do with how over-rated the Steelers defense is. The Stanley cup banner will be hoisted to the Rafters for the Final season at Melon Arena Tonight. According to my vast array of inside knowledge of the Pens, I have no idea what the Lines will be. I did hear somewhere the Dupuis will be on the 2nd Line with Malkin........Coach T are you there??. I thought Maybe Tyler Kennedy would have been a good candidate for that spot. All signs point to Crosby being in the Lineup tonight.

We all know the new faces on the pens team, which aren't many, but the Rangers have made a few changes themselves for this season. They have revised more than half of the line up that finished fourth in the East a season ago. first off the biggest move the Rangers made was aquiring Sniper Marian Gaborik from the free agency. For the fist 15 or 20 games this guy will be the best Ranger by far, then The a lower body injury will happen. Over-rated Scott Gomez is gone, off to The habs for Higgins and some change. They even got a little tougher, grabbing Long time NHL goon Donald Brashear from Washington, and nobody can forget maybe the biggest d-bag in the NHL Sean Avery will be returning. Did the Rangers get any better? only if Gabby can stay healthy.


Check This out....From this Guy http://www.benstonium.com/

Finally:

Go Pens