Malkin nets 100th career goal; Penguins fall to Devils in OT
Everything was going right for the Penguins against the Atlantic Division leading Devils who came into the game playing back to back games. Pittsburgh built a 3-1 lead with less than 9 minutes remaining in the third period. Max Talbot, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin all scored and Marc Fleury continued his stellar play through the first 51 minutes of the game but Devils forward Brendan Shanahan scored a power-play goal off a slap shot at 11:59 of the third period to stage the Devils comeback. The Penguins halted the Devils momentum following Shanahan’s goal, until Jamie Langerbruner came up big for the Devils, for the second straight night. Langenbruner who tallied two goals against the Bruins on Thursday night including
Lineup News: Orpik in; Gill out
Quick update from today’s morning skate Brooks Orpik appears in and it looks like Hal Gill will be a healthy scratch. Gill and Goligoski will be the Penguins two scratches on the blueline. Pittsburgh Penguins (24-21-4-52) Lineup Dupuis – Crosby – Malkin Minard – Staal – Sykora Satan – Talbot – Kennedy Bissonnette – Thomas – Godard Defensemen Scuderi – Whitney Eaton – Letang Orpik – Boucher Marc Andre Fleury will start in goal Scratches: D Hal Gill, D Alex Goligoski More to come
NHL: Colorado among teams targeting Ryan Whitney
As I reported last night, Colorado was in the building last night scouting the Rangers-Penguins game —Source: Management see’s Wolski as a Malone type player
News and Notes
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward went through a full practice on Thursday. The only reporter allowed in the Steelers practice is SI.com’s Peter King. Hines Ward is the only Steelers player on the injury report. For the Cardinals defensive end Travis LaBoy (biceps), defensive end Antonio Smith (knee), running back J.J. Arrington (knee), and punter punter Ben Graham (groin) have been limited in practice according to reports. All four players are expected to play. Mike Tomlin denied an internet report (profootballtalk.com) that Ben Roethlisberger had a X-Ray on his ribs yesterday. Roethlisberger hurt his back in the first half of the Ravens game. Nonetheless this is a non-story because the only practice Roethlisberger missed was last Wednesday and there
The Latest Penguins Buzz
Breakout game for Crosby, Pens? A five goal third period against the New York Rangers Wednesday night has captain Sidney Crosby and the Penguins proclaiming last night’s game as their breakout game of the season. Crosby who was playing at about 80% health had a four point night and the Penguins erupted for five goals in the third period. Kris Letang and Petr Sykora each added two goals. Fleury picking up his game: Goaltender Marc Andre Fleury has put together four straight strong performances. In Fleury’s past four starts, he has allowed two goals or less. Fleury will start against the Atlantic Division leading New Jersey Devils on Friday and fans will get their first chance to see goaltender Mathieu
Tomlin Wins Motorola Coach of The Year Award
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin who guided his team to a 12-4 regular season record, and a super bowl berth in his 2nd season has been named the 2008 Motorola Coach of the Year. The award was conducted on NFL.com from January 7th – January 21st. According to the NFL, Tomlin received over 520,000 votes. The other finalists were Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans, Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants, Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons, John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens, and Tony Sparano of the Miami Dolphins.
NHL: Gonchar three weeks ahead of schedule
Gonchar will return in mid-February
Morning Skate update: Penguins recall Chris Minard
Alex Goligoski and Brooks Orpik will be the Penguins two scratches tonight. Goligoki is the seventh defensemen in the morning skate. Orpik is skating for the second consecutive day and is expected to return to the lineup this weekend. Marc Andre Fleury will make his 10th start in 11 games. The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Chris Minard from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) to replace winger Matt Cooke who will be suspended for two games. Minard who leads the AHL with 28 goals, has one goal in 13 games with the Penguins. Cooke will be elgible to return against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, January 31st. It is also believed that the Penguins gave
Pirates, Hinske on verge of one year deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates and free-agent infielder/outfielder Eric Hinske are on the verge of a one year contract worth $1.8 million (plus incentives). Hinske, 31, hit .247 with 20 homers and 60 RBIs last season for the Tampa Bay Rays. Hinske was the American League Rookie of the Year for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002 and has reached the World Series the past two seasons (07 Red Sox, 08 Rays) Hinske can play both infield corner positions and will likely be used as an outfielder/infielder with the Pirates. Hinske was also being pursued by the Padres and Nationals.
NHL: Zetterberg, Wings agree to 12yr – 73 million deal
The Detroit Red Wings have called a press conference for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday to announce the club and star forward Henrik Zetterberg have agreed to a 12 year – $73 million extension.