“Lack of focus” in key situations for the Penguins during recent skid
Post-Game Wrap Up: Latest Penguins Buzz Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma had the look of a frustrated coach after tonight’s game as the Penguins have lost 7 of 9 games. Despite a good effort from his hockey team in Thursday’s 7-4 loss, Bylsma mentioned the lack of focus, and attention to details is playing a factor in lapses during the course of a game. Pittsburgh showed glimpses tonight of the kind of hockey Bylsma wants from his hockey team, but again, the inability to play a 60 minute game is why they have dropped 7 of 9 games. Pittsburgh now hits the road for what has the look of being a very tough five game road trip. Special Teams
The Latest Penguins Buzz; Teams inquiring about Letang
Just like Jordan Staal a year ago, Pittsburgh is receiving inquiries about potential restricted free agent defenseman Kris Letang. The Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues and Edmonton Oilers are among 4-5 teams to have their eye on Letang, with league speculation rampant that the Penguins would move Letang for the right offer to enhance their chances of signing Sergei Gonchar. However, team sources say Pittsburgh’s asking price is higher than the “Ryan Whitney” asking price from last year. For Pittsburgh to even consider moving Letang it’s going to take a young-to-mid 20’s impact winger and a top prospect. Regarding contact talks, Penguins and Kent Hughes the agent for Letang remain far apart on a new deal. The two
The Latest Penguins Buzz
Eric Godard was informed on Saturday that he would return to the lineup Sunday night against Toronto and the likely candidate to be scratched on Sunday appeared to be Max Talbot but Dan Bylsma opted to sit Tyler Kennedy who has 0 goals in 12 games. By making Kennedy a healthy scratch, Bylsma is sending a message in the hopes of jumpstarting Kennedy’s game. *Pittsburgh is 4-for-10 on the power play in their last two games. While three of the goals came in Wednesday’s 8-2 rout, the Penguins have shown more movement and creativity of late. However, for their power play to become consistent in the long run, they’re going to need some kind of production from Kris Letang (1
Maple Leafs @ Penguins pre-game buzz: Eric Godard to return to the lineup
Toronto (13-17-9) @ Pittsburgh (26-11-1) Morning Skate Update: Defenseman Mark Eaton (right knee) participated fully in today’s morning skate. Eaton, Kris Letang and Martin Skoula alternated as a pairing. Eaton will return to the lineup sometime this week likely Wednesday night against New Jersey. Pittsburgh will wear their third jerseys tonight as today marks the 9 year anniversary of Mario Lemieux’s comeback. * Enforcer Eric Godard has been informed that he will return to the lineup against Toronto. Max Talbot is expected to be a healthy scratch. ******Game 39 Preview******** By James Conley
Brodeur makes history as Devils shutout Penguins 4-0
Martin Brodeur broke Terry Sawchuk’s 40-year-old shutout record with his 104th career shutout Monday night as the New Jersey Devils (26-8-1) blanked the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0 for their third straight win against Pittsburgh this season. While Brodeur continues to entrench himself as arguably the greatest goaltender in the history of the game, the defending champs were over-matched against New Jersey for the third time this season. It has reached the point of concern as the Devils have quickly proved they are among the league’s best teams. The Devils transition game gave Pittsburgh fits Monday night just like it did in the two previous contests. New Jersey not Pittsburgh set the tone in the game and that’s been a common scene
NHL: Latest Trade Rumblings: Teams preparing to make a run at Kovalchuk
Hurricanes not moving Eric Staal A number of league sources have disputed any talk that the Carolina Hurricanes are even considering the possibility of moving Eric Staal. Not going to happen under any circumstances I’m told A report by the Ottawa Sun indicated the St. Louis Blues were making a play for Staal. Market growing for Ilya Kovalchuk The Atlanta Thrashers have yet to make Ilya Kovalchuk available for trade but when or if they do, teams are already beginning preparations. The Flyers, Kings, Oilers and Canucks are four teams prepared to make a major play for Kovalchuk, sources tell me. The Kings are willing to offer a package centering around Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson, while Philadelphia has made
Letang to play; Penguins make changes on the power play
Philadelphia (15-15-1) @ Pittsburgh (22-10-1) Morning Skate Update: Defenseman Kris Letang practiced this morning after missing yesterday’s skate. Letang has been battling an illness and continues to be bothered by a nagging upper body injury. However, Letang took his usual reps with Mark Eaton and will play tonight against Philadelphia. With 13 healthy forwards, Pittsburgh’s healthy scratch tonight is expected to be Max Talbot or Eric Godard. Dan Bylsma is keeping things close to the vest. Godard and Talbot alternated at right wing on line rushes this morning as both players skated on the fourth line with Michael Rupp and Craig Adams. Based on performance, Craig Adams should be a candidate to sit but Max Talbot has not been used
Letang questionable for Tuesday’s game
Monday Practice Report: Injury bug strikes again?
Tuesday Practice Report: Penguins get back to work after disappointing loss
The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice this morning after Monday nights disappointing loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Head coach Dan Bylsma talked today how the Penguins lacked focus as the Penguins have given up the first goal in seven straight games. One player who did not practice today was Mark Letestu, who was re-assigned to Wilkes Barre/Scranton this morning. Letestu played a strong game Saturday night against Chicago but was a healthy scratch Monday night. Defenseman Alex Goligoski practiced for the second straight day and barring a setback, expects to return to the lineup Thursday night in Montreal. With two full practices before Thursday’s game, the power play will be a top priority for the coaching staff like it
Penguins look for an encore performance against Montreal
The Pittsburgh Penguins return home tonight to face-off against the Montreal Canadiens after a 2-1 road trip. Pittsburgh has won two straight and four of five games. As the Penguins are starting to get somewhat healthier, the injury riddled Canadiens have been without a number of key players this week including forwards Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta and defensemen Andrei Markov (injured reserved), Hall Gill, Jaroslav Spacek. Markov will be sidelined for atleast two more months and Gionta, Gill will not play tonight. Spacek and Gomez are questionable as the Canadiens cancelled their morning skate in Pittsburgh today. The Canadiens have also recalled center David Desharnais in anticipation that forward Andrei Kostitsyn will not be able to play tonight as Kostitsyn