NHL: Talbot out, Zigomanis to return?

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Maxime Talbot did not practice Friday and will not play in Philadelphia Saturday afternoon. Talbot left Thursday’s game with a injury in the third period. Forward Mike Zigomanis is hopeful that he will be able to play against Philadelphia. Zigomanis is expected to center Jeff Taffe and Eric Godard who has been a healthy scratch for the past two games

Penguins re-assign Minard and Curry

Following this mornings practice the Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned goaltender John Curry and forward Chris Minard to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Goaltender Marc Andre Fleury will be active for Saturday afternoon’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Penguins rout Islanders 9-2

Petr Sykora scored a hat trick for the first time in his career, ending the longest streak in NHL history without a hat trick by a player who had at least two goals in a game and Pascal Dupuis also netted a hat trick as the Penguins beat the New York Islanders 9-2 Thursday night at Mellon Arena. Pittsburgh 8-2 in its last ten games against the New York Islanders, halted a three game losing straight as they head into a divisional showdown Saturday afternoon against the Philadelphia Flyers. Evgeni Malkin, Philippe Boucher, and Miroslav Satan also scored for the Penguins. Malkin the NHL’s leading scorer with 48 points had a goal and an assist. Sidney Crosby had three assists.

Tomlin responds to Parker’s comments

Mike Tomlin held a 5 minute media session today which isn’t rare on Thursday’s but Tomlin did address Willie Parker’s controversial comments from Wednesday. Tomlin is clearly not happy about what Parker said. Tomlin responded to Parker’s comments by saying Parker didn’t care about running behind two tight end sets when he was leading the league in rushing last year. Tomlin also made a reference that he walks past 5 Vince Lombardi trophies when he goes to work, not 5 rushing titles. Tomlin also addressed the team as a whole about Parker’s comments, not Parker individually. Bruce Arians who usually talks to reporters for 25-30 minutes on Thursday’s told the media that he was told not to speak today.

Atlantic Division Report: Sundin remains set on signing with New York

Sources continue to indicate that Mats Sundin’s top choice remains the New York Rangers. I’ve been told Glen Sather has told J.P. Barry the agent for Mats Sundin that he needs until Christmas to move enough salary to sign Sundin. Sundin appears to be willing to wait according to reports. As I reported yesterday in the BOG Article, it is really a two team race between the Rangers and Canucks, with the Canucks the second option if the Rangers are unable to move enough salary. There’s a crazy rumor that the Rangers could move Michael Rozival to Dallas for Sean Avery and then the Rangers would send Avery to the minors. Sather continues to work the phones to move forward

Penguins re-assign Ben Lovejoy

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned defenseman Ben Lovejoy to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Lovejoy, 24, played two games with Pittsburgh, including his NHL debut on Dec. 8 versus Buffalo. Sources tell me Phillipe Boucher has received clearance to play. Boucher has been suffering from concussion symptoms

Pirates, Vazquez near deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of a two-year, $4 million deal with infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez hit a career-high .290 with a .365 on-base percentage with the Texas Rangers last season. ESPN’s Buster Olney first reported about the Pirates interest in Vazquez. The Pirates have not made offers to DAvid Eckstien or Craig Counsel.

Penguins suffer third straight loss

New Jersey 4 – Pittsburgh 1 New Jersey Devils backup goaltender Scott Clemmensen made 26 saves to improve to 7-1 in his last eight starts as the New Jersey Devils defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 Wednesday night. Pittsburgh who has lost three straight did not get a very good performance from Dany Sabourin who struggled for the second consecutive game. Travis Zajac, Zach Parise, Dainius Zubrus and Patrik Elias scored for the Devils, who won for the eighth time in nine games. The Devils (15-8-2) are within two points of the Penguins for second place in the Atlantic division. Pittsburgh failed to get on the scoreboard until Matt Cooke scored with 3:58 remaining in the third period. Evgeni Malkin the

NFL: Parker expresses displeasure with offense again

Since Willie Parker has returned from his injury, he has been calling for the Steelers to run the ball more. Today Parker complained that the Steelers are too predictable. Following practice Parker had this to say: “We bring in two tight ends now, without a fullback, and they know what’s coming. “I don’t know what it is but it’s not been effective.” Parker leads the Steelers in rushing with 597 yards but the offense has been more effective with Mewelde Moore. Insiders Take: Under Mike Tomlin the Steelers are no longer a power running team. Willie Parker needs to get with the picture that the Steelers are moving more towards a West Coast style of offense and they don‚Äôt have

MLB: Royals contact Pirates?

Inside Pittsburgh Sports MLB Rumor Mill Daily Updates on the latest rumors around MLB 12/10/08 The Kansas City Royals have made a minor inquiry about Jack Wilson. Nothing substantial other than an inquiry. Their focus remains on Rafael Furcal who is down to four teams, (Royals, A’s, Blue Jays and Dodgers). Perez eyes $70 million over 5 years According to Jon Heyman of CNNSI, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Oliver Perez is believed to be seeking a 5 year contract in the range of $70 million. Royals remain in the mix for Rafael Furcal Steve Phillips Reports, The Royals, Blue Jays, A’s and Dodgers remain in the mix for free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. Kansas City’s front office has asked ownership for