Penguins go through uptempo practice, Gonchar nearing full health
The Pittsburgh Penguins went through their final practice this morning before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals which begins Monday night Defenseman Sergei Gonchar returned to the ice this morning after taking Saturday off. Gonchar’s skating was very good today and he is nearing 100% health. He has been improving everyday and there is no question that he will be in the lineup Monday night. Gonchar rotated through all drills as the Penguins ran 7 defensemen this morning and worked with the 1st power play unit. Gonchar was getting a lot of zip on his shots as he is able to plant off of his right leg and his lateral movement from side to side is much improved from
Jeffrey, Taffe among 5 callups from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled five players from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) The five players include forwards Dustin Jeffrey, Christopher Minard and Jeff Taffe; defenseman Ben Lovejoy; and goaltender John Curry.
Penguins look to make Pitkanen play defense
Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green has been viewed as a scapegoat in Washington after being booed the home crowd in Wednesday’s 6-2 loss against the Penguins. Green who is the most dynamic offensive defenseman in the game, scored 31 goals ( 73 points in 69 games) during the regular season but was a non-factor against Pittsburgh, finishing the series with four assists and a plus/minus rating of -5. What the Penguins did against Washington was make Mike Green play defense. Pittsburgh won the puck possession game and they were attacking offensively at every opportunity they could get. Green is like a extra forward on the ice and he was taking out of his comfort zone against Pittsburgh. The Penguins were
NHL: Boucher establishes himself as a mentor to young defenseman Kris Letang
Philippe Boucher and Kris Letang have developed a close relationship off the ice. Will it lead to the Penguins bringing back Boucher next season?
Penguins return to the ice; Gonchar given a day off
Saturday’s Practice Report After a much needed two days off, the Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the ice this morning as they prepare for the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Penguins come into the East Finals as heavy favorites against Carolina, but the team has the mindset that this could be their toughest series thus far. All 25 players are accounted for this morning as the Penguins took the ice at 10:30 a.m but defenseman Sergei Gonchar did not skate today with his teammates, although all indications are he is improving. Gonchar was in the facility on Thursday, Friday receiving treatment on his upper right leg injury along with Kris Letang and a few others who have some
Malkin quietly had 10 points in the series
Overlooked in the Alexander Ovechkin – Sidney Crosby hype, Evgeni Malkin quietly had 10 points in the Penguins second round series against the Washington Capitals. Malkin registered 8 points in the final 5 games of the series and while he didn’t put up Crosby, Ovechkin numbers, 10 points in one playoff series is nothing to be disappointed about. Crosby (21 pts) and Malkin (19 pts) have combined for 40 pts through the first two rounds of the playoffs and it’s no surprise the Penguins have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals when they’re getting that type of production from their two superstars. Malkin is within four points of passing his points total (23) from last years Stanley Cup playoff run
The Latest Penguins Buzz
The Penguins would like for the Eastern Conference Finals to begin on Monday and get some of their key players healthy. If the Boston Bruins win tonight, the NHL has to work around the Celtics schedule. If the Magic force a game 7 tonight, the Celtics will play at home Sunday afternoon. Therefore, the East Finals would likely start Monday night in Boston. Mellon Arena is booked on Sunday and Tuesday of this week. If Carolina wins, we’re likely looking at a Monday start in Pittsburgh. There’s some talk going around this afternoon that the Penguins have been informed they won’t play Saturday night. The schedule will be released Thursday night. As expected Sergei Gonchar played last night and he
Crosby, Penguins rout Capitals 6-2; Advance to Eastern Conference Finals
Pittsburgh wins series, 4-3 Great players elevate their games in big situations and the Penguins got a dominant performance from Sidney Crosby in Game 7 Wednesday night. Crosby had two goals and 1 assist as the Penguins jumped out to a commanding 5-0 lead in the second period and beat the Washington Capitals 6-2 Wednesday night to advance to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals In a series that met the billing and lived up to the hype, the Penguins made up for a missed opportunity to close out the Washington Capitals in game 6 and put on a spectacular performance in game 7 while the Capitals put on a lackluster performance.
Crosby puts on a display in second round series
After battling through some minor injuries and finishing third in the NHL scoring race, Pittsburgh Penguins star forward Sidney Crosby is not a Hart Trophy Finalist for the league’s most coveted individual trophy as he was left off the list for Pavel Datsyuk who will join Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in Las Vegas this June. While Crosby may not be in the running for the Hart Trophy,
Keys to Victory
Washington’s and Pittsburgh’s Keys to Victory Pittsburgh’s 5 Keys to Victory 1. Convert on Power Play Chances – The Penguins scored two power play goals in game 6 but they failed to convert when they were awarded a power play with 2:03 remaining in the game. They have missed that killer instinct they had last season. Washington has been undisciplined all series and power play opportunities will be on the table for Pittsburgh in game 7. 2. Get secondary scoring help – Secondary scoring has been the key for both teams in this series. If Pittsburgh can continue to get strong contributions from players like Max Talbot and Ruslan Fedotenko who has three goals in the series, it could be