Penguins/Blue Jackets Lineup News

The Penguins will go with basically the same lineup tonight that played against the Lightning on Wednesday. Chris Minard will be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game. Alex Goligoski and Philippe Boucher will be the Penguins scratches on the blue line. Only way Goligoski gets in the lineup tonight is if Therrien decides to use him at wing on the fourth line and sit Eric Godard, which Therrien is believed to be considering. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will be on seperate lines tonight. From what I’ve been told Luca Caputi will likely see his ice time increase tonight and will move around a bit from the third line to one of the top two lines in certain

Trade Watch

If the Penguins want Colby Armstrong it is going to cost them puck moving defenseman Alex Goligoski according to a league source. Contrary to other reports, the Thrashers are not actively shopping Armstrong and they remain very high on him. Armstrong has 13 goals on the year, has been a great locker room presence and is averaging between 15-17 minutes of ice time per game. The Thrashers have received quite a few inquires about Armstrong including from the Penguins, Wild, Rangers, Kings, and Flames. As I’ve been mentioning for a while, the Thrashers are actively shopping former Penguins forward Eric Christensen. Columbus, Montreal, New York Islanders and the Phoenix Coyotes are four teams to express interest. The trade deadline always

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

NHL Mid Season Awards; Parise earns 1st half M.V.P

1st half M.V.P Forward Zach Parise (28 g – 27 a – 55pts, +20) Inside Analysis: Parise is the games most under-rated player and the leagues top bargain with a cap hit of only $3.1 million per season. With goaltender Martin Brodeur sidelined for up to 4 months, Parise has carried the Devils offensively and at the All-Star break the Devils are the Atlantic division leader with 61 points. With Brodeur due back in late February, the Devils go into the second half as arguably the most dangerous team in the Eastern Conference. Parise ranks 7th in the NHL in points and ranks third in goals. Runner up: Alexander Ovechkin (31g -28a -59pts) Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender) Miikka Kiprusoff (28-12-3,

The Latest Penguins Buzz

The Penguins 7-12-1 in their last twenty games fell out of the top eight in the Eastern Conference following a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. Ownership is spending up to the cap and expects a long playoff run. Is a shakeup in the works? Like I said in my previous post don’t expect a major trade soon. They don’t happen overnight. I do expect a shakeup on the roster possibly within the week. One scenario being talked about that could happen this week is Jordan Staal getting another shot at wing¬†on the top two lines. ¬† The Penguins, Ducks, Blackhawks, Wild, and Blue Jackets are among five teams that have inquired about Atlanta Thrashers forward Slava Kozlov. Sources I’ve

NHL Preview: Central Division

Inside Report The Detroit Red Wings are clearly the class of the Central Division. Times won’t be as easy for the Wings as the Chicago Blackhawks are on the rise and the Nashville Predators are always a tough out for the Wings but they will run away with the division by at least 15 points 1. Detroit Red Wings (54-21-7) 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Champions In the salary cap era it is difficult for a Stanley Cup winner to field the same team the following season. The Detroit Red Wings have not only found a way to bring everyone back but they have a found a way to get even better with the addition of prize acquisition Marian Hossa. Hossa who