Scuderi to be a Game Time Decision
Lineup News: Rob Scuderi skated in the morning skate and will test his injured foot during the pregame skate before making a final decision as to whether he will play tonight. Scuderi wants to see how is foot reacts this afternoon. Scuderi did say following the morning skate that it is a definite that he will play Saturday night against the Sabres. If Scuderi unable to go tonight, Mark Eaton will return to the lineup. Max Talbot who started Tuesday night’s game on a line with Pascal Dupuis and Eric Godard will be back on Sidney Crosby’s line tonight. Pittsburgh Penguins (9-4-2) vs Philadelphia Flyers (5-6-3) Talbot-Crosby-Satan Fedotenko-Malkin-Sykora Cooke-Staal-Kennedy Dupuis-Zigomanis-Godard D-pairs Orpik-Letang *GTD*Scuderi-Gill Sydor-Goligoski Marc Andre Fleury will start in
Quick Hits
Last night showed how Michel Therrien has improved as a coach. When the Penguins were down 5-2 with 15 minutes left in the second period, Therrien would have pulled Marc Andre Fleury in the past. Even if Jordan Staal only scores 13-15 goals this season, his performance last night shows the kind of potential he has and enhances his value when he becomes a RFA following the season.
Staal breaks out of offensive slump
Final thoughts from Detroit I’ve been to a lot of games in my lifetime but last night’s Penguins 7-6 win over the Red Wings is near the top. Great up and down action that saw the Penguins come back from 5-2 and 6-4 deficits. Jordan Staal broke out of his offensive slump scoring three goals and 1 assist. Last night was the best hockey I’ve seen Staal play since his rookie year. He was skating with confidence and was a force in the offensive zone especially in front of the net. Staal set up Ruslan Fedotenko for the game winner in overtime. Michel Therrien had a lot of line combinations throughout the game Talbot-Crosby-Satan Fedotenko-Malkin-Sykora Cooke-Staal-Kennedy Dupuis-Zigomanis-Godard Those are the
Steelers sign cornerback Fernando Bryant
Mike Tomlin Press Conference Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has announced the Steelers have signed cornerback Fernando Bryant. Bryant was drafted in the first round (26th overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bryant spent five years with the Jaguars before signing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2004. Bryant was released by the Lions in February of 2008 and then signed a 1 year deal with the New England Patriots. Bryant was cut by the Patriots prior to week 1. Bryant has made 109 starts in 110 games played during nine NFL seasons. He has recorded 509 tackles, seven interceptions, defended 88 passes and recovered seven fumbles.
Rumor of the Day
The Latest Penguins Buzz
Should the Steelers pursue Ty Law?
Last week the Steelers made a strong effort to sign cornerback DeAngelo Hall and now with Deshea Townsend possibly lost for a significant period of time the Steelers are exploring the market for a cornerback again. The most interesting name on the free agent block is cornerback Ty Law. Law remains unsigned because of his asking price and previously had drawn interest from the Browns, Ravens, Patriots, and Dolphins. With only seven weeks left in the season, time is running out for Law to find a home. Pittsburgh has explored the possibility of signing Law this season but Law has declined to come in for a workout which has halted any chance of the Steelers offering Law a guaranteed contract.
The Hossa Factor
The Pittsburgh Penguins (8-4-2) face off against the Detroit Red Wings (9-2-2) on Tuesday night for the first time since the Red Wings defeated the Penguins in the Stanley Cup finals. The Penguins are 6-3-1 in their past ten games and have quietly been climbing the standings in the Atlantic Division. Pittsburgh is 5 points behind the division leading Rangers who have played three more games than the Penguins. The biggest story line of the game will be Marian Hossa who spurned the Penguins 7yr – 50 million offer to sign with the Red Wings.
Steelers Post Game Thoughts
The two interceptions by Ben Roethlisberger were costly but the inability to score at the goal line in the fourth quarter was the difference in the game. The Steelers play calling was effective at times but they were too predictable in critical situations. In Ben Roethlisberger’s past ten quarters he has one touchdown and eight interceptions. The lack of practice is showing as Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes were not on the same page which resulted in Roethlisberger’s first interception. Going with Byron Leftwich is not the answer but if Ben can’t get two full days of practice in, maybe the Steelers should sit him until he can. The Steelers defense is very good but they can’t be considered a great
Crosby likely to play
Sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports, Sidney Crosby is skating at the teams morning skate and all indications are he will play tonight. Crosby is currently skating with Max Talbot and Miroslav Satan. Pittsburgh Penguins (7-4-2) at New York Islanders (4-8-1) Projected Lineup Talbot – Crosby – Satan Dupuis – Malkin – Sykora Cooke – Staal – Kennedy Fedotenko – Zigomanis – Godard D-Pairings Orpik – Letang Gill – Scuderi Sydor – Goligoski Starting Goaltender: Dany Sabourin
Steelers release Najeh Davenport
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced they have released running back Najeh Davenport to make room for linebacker Donovan Woods on the 53 man roster. Davenport played in four games this season and averaged 21.7 yards on 10 kickoff returns.