Kennedy has minor setback; Return pushed back
Winger Tyler Kennedy (groin/hip) has suffered a minor setback and his return to the lineup has been pushed back until Friday against the New York Islanders at the earliest. Kennedy has not played since Tuesday, November 3rd against Anaheim. Kennedy skated on his own Thursday at Mellon Arena for the first time since Pittsburgh’s morning skate in Los Angeles on November 5th. Kennedy joined the Penguins on Saturday for their morning skate and went through a rigorous workout on Sunday. He did not respond well enough and will be held out for at least two more games. Kennedy was hopeful to play tonight against Florida. *Defenseman Kris Letang will receive
Injuries mounting for Penguins
Penguins lose second straight game; fall to Sharks 5-0 The Penguins three game west coast swing started out with a win Tuesday night but ended with disappointment as the Penguins lost their second straight game Saturday night, losing to the San Jose Sharks 5-0. The Penguins now return back to the east coast for a meeting with the Boston Bruins to end their four game road trip. The Penguins didn’t come to play as the game had the look of being a rout 8-10 minutes after the drop of the puck. Goaltender Marc Andre Fleury was pulled in the second period and Pittsburgh couldn’t get anything past Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov who made 27 saves to earn his 49th career
Whitney faces former team for the first time since trade
Pittsburgh Penguins (11-3-0) @ Anaheim Ducks (4-6-2) When the Anaheim Ducks acquired Ryan Whitney (PIT 2002, 1st round pick) last February, the Ducks believed they got the best of the deal, because they were receving the best player. To this day, they feel the same way. The deal which sent forward Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi to Pittsburgh in ex-change for Whitney, is regarded as a win-win for both teams in league circles but it’s still up for debate whether the Penguins got enough in return for Whitney. Whitney who has benefited from the coaching of Randy Carlye, a former Norris Trophy winner, has been paired with James Wisniewski (suspended 2 games) which has been the Ducks No. 1
Former GM Craig Patrick still making his mark on the franchise
When former Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Craig Patrick (1989–2006) was fired in April of 2006, there was a notion in league circles that the “game” had past Patrick by. More than three years later, that notion continues to follow Patrick. The architect of two Stanley Cup Championships in Pittsburgh, has been aggressive in getting back into a front office occupation. Despite a number of GM openings around the league over the past 2-3 years, Patrick has not been on the short-list of any GM positions and according to sources has only been sought out by the Tampa Bay Lightning in a consultant role. Patrick went through some tough years during the Penguins rebuilding process (2002-2006), which he has not been
The Latest Penguins Buzz
Boasting the league’s best record at 11-3, the Pittsburgh Penguins ended October on a sour note, losing to the Minnesota Wild 2-1, Saturday night at Mellon Arena. Pittsburgh outshot the Wild 35-15 and their top line of Sidney Crosby, Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz combined for 14 shots and dictated the play in the offensive zone most of the night. Crosby was also assessed his third career fighting major in the second period when he dropped the gloves with Marek Zidlicky. Crosby delivered a number of hard rights. Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom made 34 saves as the Wild earned their first road win of the season. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said it best following the game, “it’s weird how hockey
Johnson to start against Florida; Skoula – McKee pairing?
*The 8-1 Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice this morning and went through a 90 minute workout today and there will be a few lineup changes when the Penguins host the Florida Panthers friday night. Goaltender Marc Andre Fleury will get a night off and backup Brent Johnson will get the start against the struggling Panthers. Fleury (8-0) will start Saturday night against the New Jersey Devils. *All eyes will be on defenseman Martin Skoula tomorrow night who will replace star defenseman Sergei Gonchar in the lineup. Skoula was drafted in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche in 1998 and when he first entered the NHL, Skoula was regarded as having the potential to being an elite defenseman. Some
Hartnell had hearing with NHL this morning
Two game suspension for Hartnell?
NHL: Letang’s camp using Brent Seabrook deal as a benchmark in negotiations
Letang’s camp seeking a Ryan Whitney type of deal?
The Latest Penguins Buzz
Veterans preparing for training camp Many veterans on the team have arrived in Pittsburgh as the Stanley Cup Champions report to training camp on Sept. 12. Forwards Sidney Crosby, Sergei Gonchar, Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin and defenseman Jay McKee have been skating for the past week at the Iceoplex complex in preparation for training camp. Goaltender Brent Johnson has also joined them after he drew some criticism for practicing with members of the Washington Capitals last month at the Capitals practice facility. Pittsburgh native Christian Hanson of the Toronto Maple Leafs also skated last week with Crosby and co. Hanson is currently participating in the 2009 rookie tournament. Reese accepts training camp invite to Columbus Defenseman Dylan Reese of Upper
Jeffrey will be given opportunity to be #4 center on the depth chart
The Pittsburgh Penguins will hold their 2009 prospect camp from Saturday, Sept. 5 to Thursday, Sept. 10 in Kitchener, Ontario. Penguins’ prospects will compete in a Rookie Tournament at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium against prospects from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. The annual rookie tournament is a great opportunity for young forward Dustin Jeffrey to make an early impression to the Penguins staff before training camp begins on September 12th. Of all the prospects invited to training camp, Jeffrey has the best shot of making the team. In fact, the Penguins plan to give Jeffrey a prime opportunity to win the 4th line center job. The organization would like to play Michael Rupp and Craig Adams on