Will Alexander Ovechkin catch Evgeni Malkin?
Scoring Race 1. Evgeni Malkin | 34 goals – 74 assists – 108 points | Remaining Schedule: TB, NYI, MTL 2. Alexander Ovechkin | 55 goals – 51 assists – 106 points | Remaining schedule: ATL, TB, FLA Alexander Ovechkin has a six game point streak that includes 5 goals – 7 assists during that streak as he is now within two points of catching Evgeni Malkin for the NHL points lead Both players have three games remaining and
Confirmed: Marc Andre Fleury to start against Panthers
A source at the arena has confirmed Marc Andre Fleury will start in goal against the Florida Panthers this afternoon.
Pregame Report: Penguins @ Panthers; Fleury to start in goal
The Florida Panthers have made a few changes for tonight’s game upfront and in goal. Michael Frolik has been taking off of the Panthers first line. Zednik – Horton – Booth Stillman- Weiss-Dvorak Olesz – Campbell – Peltonen McLean – Kreps – Frolik Defensemen Bouwmeester – Skrastins McCabe – Ballard Boynton – Cullimore Tomas Voukon will start in goal. Backup goaltender Craig Anderson has started the Panthers previous four games. With four games remaining and two points behind the Rangers for 8th place in the Eastern Conference, the Panthers are in a must-win situation tonight. For the Penguins they
Post-Game Report
Penguins Post-Game Report Very good turnout for Penguins fans tonight at the RBC center In the locker room following the game, the Penguins felt they played good enough to win. They were disappointed not to leave Carolina with two points but they did get a much needed point. In his post-game comments, Sidney Crosby talked about how the Penguins ran into a good goaltender but felt if the Penguins continue to play at the level they did tonight, “he likes their chances.” The Florida Panthers (87  pts) will be in a must-win situation Sunday afternoon. Interim coach Dan Bylsma remains non-committal on who will start in goal but sources tell me Fleury will start. Fleury has been pushing to play both
Hurricanes 3, Penguins 2 (OT); Canes clinch playoff spot
Hurricanes defenseman Anton Babchuk scored the winning goal at 1:11 into overtime, as the Hurricanes beat the Penguins 3-2 at the RBC center Saturday night. The win was the Hurricanes eighth straight and franchise record 11th straight home win. The win clinched the Hurricanes first playoff berth since the 2005-2006 season. The Penguins trailed 2-1 going into the third period, and at 3:34 in the third period, Jordan Staal tied the game from the left circle with a quick one timer on a Tyler Kennedy’s pass from the left corner. Tyler Kennedy had a goal an assist for the Penguins. Ruslan Fedotenko added two assists and Marc Andre made 27 saves in the loss.
Crosby expects uptempo, physical game; Staal discusses Penguins chances of returning to the finals
Live From Raleigh The Carolina Hurricanes (93 points) and Pittsburgh Penguins (92 points) are separated by one point in the playoff standings and tonight is a crucial game for both teams fighting for playoff positioning. Carolina is on a seven game winning streak and have won 10 straight home games. Tonight’s game is between the conference’s hottest teams as the Hurricanes are 11-2-1 in their last 14 games, and the Penguins are 13-2-1 in their last 16 games. Following the Penguins morning skate, Sidney Crosby talked about how the teams focus is on the winning and how he expects a physical game while Jordan Staal discussed the Penguins chances of reaching the Finals again. Read more for the latest pregame
Prospect Report: Penguins sign goaltender Brad Thiessen
Photo courtesy of Northeastern University The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed goaltender Brad Thiessen to a two-year entry-level contract. Thiessen, 23, appeared in 41 games with the Northeastern Huskies this season, finishing with a record of 25-12-4. He recorded a 2.12 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage Thiessen will report to
Penguins envision Jordan Staal as a winger for the 2009-2010 season?
The Latest Buzz Penguins, Zigomanis have mutual interest: Despite missing most of the season with a shoulder injury, look for the Penguins to sign center Mike Zigomanis to a one year deal following the season in the range of $650k. Zigomanis has a strong interest in returning to the team for the upcoming season. The Penguins are looking to fill 3rd/4th line holes with players making close to the minimum salary for next season. Zigomanis is weeks ahead of schedule from shoulder surgery and will begin skating soon. The Penguins have no plans in moving Jordan Staal back to wing for this season but a source close to the team tells me
The Ice Report
Bozak signs with the Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs won the Tyler Bozak sweepstakes as the talented forward agreed to a two year contract worth close to $1.8 million. The Penguins were informed late Wednesday night that Bozak would be signing elsewhere. The Penguins remain in contact with a few other college prospects but they are not believed to be pursuing former Hobey Baker award winner Ryan Duncan. Ruslan Fedotenko Update The Penguins practiced this morning at SouthPointe and they will depart to Carolina this afternoon. Forward Ruslan Fedotenko (Shoulder) was evaluated this morning by Dr. Charles Burke
Prospect update: Penguins sign Joe Vitale to a one year contract
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed prospect Joe Vitale to a one year entry level contract. Vitale will report to Wilkes Barre. Vitale, was the Penguins 7th round draft choice in the 2005 draft. In 40 games this season with Northeastern University, Vitale had 7 goals – 20 assists – 27 points. Vitale finished his four years at Northeastern University with 34 goals and 60 assists for 94 points, which ranks 48th in Huskies history Vitale is regarded as a