Malkin determined to bounce back to elite level
Unlike Sidney Crosby, there’s no uncertainty about Evgeni Malkin being fully healthy for the start of next season. Malkin returned back home to Russia in Mid-May and has already been undergoing extensive on-ice training for almost 3 weeks now and is said to be fully recovered. In fact, according to his dad, Malkin doesn’t intend to slow down on his training this summer.
With eye on division crown, must-win game for Pens tonight
Game 74 Pittsburgh 42-23-8, 92 pts) @ Philadelphia (44-19-9, 97pts) PHI Home Record: 21-10-5 | PIT Road Record: 20-10-6 PHI Last 10: 4-3-2 | PIT Last 10: 6-2-2 | Season Series: Philadelphia leads, 3-1 Game Buzz Although the Penguins are very close to clinching a playoff berth, the Penguins enter tonight’s pivotal matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers in a must-win situation, when it comes to their chances of winning the division title. “They’re in our sights,” head coach Dan Bylsma said on Wednesday. “We’ve gotta win two games against them to think we have a chance of getting them.”
Post-Game: Staal steps up in 5-2 win over Canadiens
Post-Game Observations The Pittsburgh Penguins snapped their three game winning streak, getting a big win in Montreal Wednesday night, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 at the Bell Center, improving to 27-14-4 on the season. It was an important win for the Penguins who collected their first win against Montreal in five games. A victory against a team that has given the Penguins a bad taste in their mouth and is becoming a rival as both teams, are starting to dislike each other. For the Penguins, it was also their first win this season without star center Sidney Crosby, who remains out indefinitely due to a concussion. Prior to tonight’s game, Pittsburgh had scored just three goals in three games without
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
Pittsburgh Penguins All-Decade Team
The Pittsburgh Penguins franchise had many ups and downs during the decade. The decade began with a bang as hall of famer/owner Mario Lemieux made a stunning comeback in December 2000 after being retired for 3.5 years. The team would earn its 12th straight playoff appearance in 2001 but financial reasons would lead to cost cutting moves such as trading star winger Jaromir Jagr and the cost cutting moves would continue years after. From 2002-2005, the franchise had no choice but to go into full throttle rebuilding mode and the Penguins endured four straight losing seasons that included rumors of relocation but the latter part of the decade would turn glorious (2009 Stanley Cup Champions, New Arena agreement) due to
Pre-Game Buzz: Bylsma skakes up the top two lines
Dan Bylsma flirted around with the possibility of shuffling his top two lines in Tuesday’s practice, and for tonight’s contest Sidney Crosby will have two new wingers as Bylsma has opted to go with some odd combinations.
Tuesday Practice Report: Kennedy moved up to Malkin’s line; Eaton (knee) misses practice
Pittsburgh _ Coming off a 4-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils, head coach Dan Bylsma is considering changes on his top four lines. Evgeni Malkin needs more production from his linemates and today in practice, Dan Bylsma made two changes as Tyler Kennedy skated on the second line with Malkin.
Fleury among the league’s best; Penguins winning streak goes to 5
Marc Andre Fleury made 31 saves and was 3-for-3 in the shootout as the Pittsburgh Penguins (25-10-1) defeated the Buffalo Sabres (21-10-3) 2-1 Saturday night for their fifth straight win and 25th win of the season. Sabres goaltender Patrick Lalime did his best impression of Ryan Miller making 23 saves and holding the Penguins to one goal in regulation. Kris Letang scored the lone goal for Pittsburgh in the shootout. Sidney Crosby (5-for-6) was stopped by Lalime in the shootout for the first time this season. The big story of the night was Marc Andre Fleury who earned his 21st win of the season. At the young age of 25, Fleury has established himself as one of the top 5
Sources: Jordan Staal still in the mix for Team Canada
Team Canada Buzz Team Canada representatives are still evaluating 4-to-6 players for their final forward spots and Jordan Staal is among the players still be evaluated, according to multiple sources. Staal still has a daunting task of earning a spot but to his credit is still in the mix. Representatives from Team Canada are slated to attend tonight’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. They are expected to finalize their roster by Sunday. Staal is being frequently discussed of late as a 13th forward according to a source, who could also fill a 4th line role if needed. Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman is a strong supporter of Staal’s which has gone a long way towards Staal remaining
Friday Practice Report: Kunitz eyes return to lineup
The Pittsburgh Penguins snapped a two game winless streak Thursday night, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 at the Bell Centre behind a game winning goal from Pascal Dupuis. Much of the talk today was about the blown call by referee Chris Lee in the third period. Lee lost sight of the puck in Fleury’s crease right before Scott Gomez put it past Fleury in what would have tied the game 3-3. Winning teams get bounces like that. This afternoon the Penguins got back to work as head coach Dan Bylsma put his team through a 60 minute up-tempo practice with a lot of emphasis on skilled drills. ***Prior to practice Michael Rupp was working out for the Pittsburgh Steelers on