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.
The Latest Penguins Buzz
Despite a 10-1-2 stretch, the Penguins are still not a lock to the make the playoffs as they’re only five points ahead of ninth place Florida. There is a lot of work that needs to be done between now and the end of the regular season. Two players who desperately need to pick up their games are Petr Sykora and Ruslan Fedotenko. Sykora who is a streaky player has 3 goals in his last 17 games and only one goal in his last 9 games. At this time last year Sykora was playing his best hockey of the season. From 3-9-08 through 3-24-08 Sykora had 7 goals in 7 games for the Penguins. Sykora needs to return to that level
Penguins waive Bill Thomas
The Pittsburgh Penguins have waived forward Bill Thomas. A source tells me the team is clearing space for a potential trade.
Bylsma to go with same lineup against Philadelphia
One Hour until the drop of the puck Head coach Dan Bylsma will not mess with his lineup this afternoon against the Philadelphia Flyers. Bylsma will go with the same lineup he used on Thursday when the Penguins beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4. The Penguins are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 62 points. The Flyers are in fourth place with 71 points Penguins Lineup Dupuis – Crosby – Fedotenko Satan – Malkin – Sykora Cooke – Staal – Kennedy Minard – Talbot – Godard Defensemen Orpik – Gonchar Scuderi – Gill Whitney – Eaton * Marc Andre Fleury will start in goal — Fleury is 14-5 with a 2.62 GAA in his career against the Flyers
Morning Skate Update: Chris Minard in; Thomas out
Quick Update from today’s morning skate Chris Minard will return to the lineup and Bill Thomas will be a healthy scratch Lines Dupuis¬†- Crosby – Fedotenko Satan – Malkin – Sykora Cooke – Staal – Kennedy Minard -¬†Talbot – Godard Marc Andre Fleury will start in goal Game Preview & The Latest Buzz
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
Mixed opinions around the league on Goligoski’s trade value
League sources tell me there are mixed opinions around the league regarding Alex Goligoski’s trade value. Goligoski and Luca Caputi not 2007 1st round pick Angelo Esposito were the two prospects at last year’s trade deadline that Penguins GM Ray Shero received the most calls about in his pursuit of a top 6 winger for Sidney Crosby last season. Through 42 games this season Goligoski has 6 goals & 13 assists. Young puck moving defensemen are a hot commodity around the league and Pittsburgh has been looking at interest in Goligoski for some time. Among the teams expressing interest
Penguins to re-assign Bill Thomas
Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned the Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forward Bill Thomas to WBS. Thomas dressed in two games registering 0 pts The Penguins are not expected to make any call-ups at this time Key Stats from WBS Chris Minard (6 goals – 4 assists – 10 pts) leads the team with 10 pts in 6 games Janne Pesonen is off to strong start leading the team with 7 assists in 6 games Jonathan Filewich is a team worst -6
Penguins Q & A
Gavin writes “Who do you think will be the final 2 guys filling the roster spots Bissonnette, Thomas, James, and/or Pesonen?” Answer: Based on performance in camp Bill Thomas and Paul Bissonnette should make the team. Thomas has really picked up his game since preseason play has opened up. He has been effective on the forecheck and is creating opportunities in the offensive zone. Thomas was the team’s top forward Monday night against Tampa Bay. Bissonnette has caught the eye of the coaching staff since the first day of training camp. He came into camp as a major longshot but worked hard and has been the team’s most physical player in camp. The coaching staff is very high on Bissonnette
The Latest Penguins Buzz
The Penguins are down to 29 players and have to make 5 more cuts before they depart for Europe. Is Rob Scuderi going to be ready for the opener? Plus a quick review of Janne Pesonen’s performance Monday night. Read more the latest