Penguins have mishandled Whitney since returning from injury
The Penguins begin a crucial 5 game stretch beginning Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens. So much for the Penguins turning the corner after beating the Rangers 6-2 Wednesday night. Losing to a rebuilding team like the Leafs shouldn’t happen. The biggest disappointment with this team is their inability to clear the front of the net in the defensive zone. Head coach Michel Therrien and associate coach Andre Savard are defensive minded coaches and just as Mike Yeo takes the heat for the power play struggles, Savard and Therrien deserve some criticism for the Penguins defensive struggles. The Penguins have mishandled Ryan Whitney since he came back from off-season foot surgery. Whitney is clearly struggling and since his first game
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
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: Gonchar three weeks ahead of schedule
Gonchar will return in mid-February
MLB: Report: Pirates pursuing Hinske, Luis Gonzalez
MLB.com reports, The Pirates have their sights set on free agent outfielder Eric Hinske as the team searches for a fourth outfielder and bench option. An agreement could be close between the two sides. The deal is believed to be a one year deal worth $1.8MM with incentives 1:30 p.m. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates are pursuing free-agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez. Gonzalez, 41 batted batted .261 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs in 341 at-bats with the Florida Marlins last season. Source: Post-Gazette Sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports, The Pirates have also reached out to outfielder
NFL: Steelers Cap Situation: Steelers to be about $25 million under the cap
The Steelers are in great position as they will be about $25 million under the cap when free agency begins in four weeks. Among the teams top free agents are WR Nate Washington, CB Bryant McFadden, LT Max Starks, LT Marvel Smith, RT Willie Colon (RFA) and LG Chris Kemoeatu (RFA).
Tuesday’s Practice Report: Scuderi returns to practice
Defenseman Rob Scuderi returned to practice today after missing Monday’s practice with an illness. All-Star forward Evgeni Malkin who was excused from practice on Monday was also on the ice today as the Penguins prepare to face off against the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Crosby/Malkin to stay together?:
Tuesday’s NHL Rumor Mill
It is being speculated that the Nashville Predators are among two teams that have talked to the Lightning about 2008 1st overall pick Steven Stamkos Blues forward Keith Tkachuk is the Bruins top target at the trade deadline. Expect to hear a lot of Brian Gionta rumors throughout the next month. The Devils are a dangerous team in the East and they remain in the market for a top four defenseman. Boston Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York Rangers and Washington are among five teams that are on Bill Guerin’s wish list. Guerin has a NTC and will take advantage of that. Flames not pursuing Gerber: The Calgary Flames are expected to pass on Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber who was placed
The Latest NHL Buzz
A lot of buzz going around regarding Panthers GM Jacques Martin. Martin continues to take a hard stance in regards to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester who is this year’s Marian Hossa at the trade deadline. Teams want to see if Bouwmeester would be open to an extension prior to trading for him. Washington is a sleeper team in the Bouwmeester sweepstakes. They remain highly interested. Check out the Trade Deadline Chart for the rest of the suitors. Florida, Vancouver and Toronto are interested in Chris Pronger. The Panthers and Senators have had discussions about Filip Kuba, Chris Neil and Nathan Horton. Horton is another popular subject in Montreal. The Panthers are denying that he wants out. The Flyers obsession with Petr
Report: NHL players choose not to re-open CBA
According to the Toronto Star