The Confluence
Entries with the tag: NHL-Hockey
The Sid-Ovie surprise, Canucks’ not-so-hard road, more notes
by Tony on 02/03/10 at 02:44 PM ET
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From SI.com’s Michael Farber:
The topic of the day, class, is which is more surprising: Sidney Crosby leading Alexander Ovechkin in goals or Ovechkin leading Crosby in assists?
(You there, in the back of the class. Stop smirking! If you are Ovie-ed out or can’t abide another word about the erstwhile Sid the Kid—gracious, he’s 22 and totally legal, so banish that Kid stuff—pack up your books and go home. They are the two most dynamic and significant players of the post-lockout generation. You couldn’t ignore Jack and Arnie if you came to golf in the 1960s or Magic, Bird and MJ if you studied basketball in the 1980s. Same deal with these guys.)
Now, where were we? Yes, are you more stunned that a brilliant playmaker like Crosby has one more goal (37, albeit in eight more games) than Ovechkin or that he has seven fewer assists than Ovechkin’s 41?
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins, Washington+Capitals,
Penguins interest in R.J. Umberger ???
by Tony on 02/03/10 at 01:36 PM ET
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Sorry for the multiple question marks, but someone linked my Jay McKee post yesterday and left out the question marks, making it sound like a “switcheroo on the blueline” was coming. As I’ve said 100 times, I am nowhere near an insider, but I’ll pass on pertinent rumors I read. From the Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline:
[struggling CBJ fan] There seems to be some concern about Umberger going to Pittsburgh. Is the source of this info strictly coming from blogs as being on Pittsburgh’s wish-list, or have you picked up on anything coming from the Jackets which would suggest that this would even be considered?
[Portzline] The Penguins want Umberger, yes. I know this from very good sources. The Blue Jackets are highly opposed to trading him, to the point where I’d say it’s highly unlikely. It would take more than people outside Columbus would imagine, because Umberger is so important to the room.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins re-assign Johnson, Letestu
by Tony on 02/02/10 at 12:24 PM ET
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From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forwards Nick Johnson and Mark Letestu to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Johnson has appeared in six games with Pittsburgh this season, posting two points (1G-1A). He made his NHL debut and scored his first career goal against Washington Jan. 21.
Letestu recorded his first career NHL goal (and point) with a score 47 seconds into Pittsburgh’s 5-4 victory over Buffalo Monday night. Letestu has also posted a plus-2 rating in five games this season for Pittsburgh.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Pens Notes: Maybe a switcharoo on the blueline ??
by Tony on 02/02/10 at 10:04 AM ET
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Very impressive wins vs. the Wings and Sabres on back-to-back nights. I don’t care what anyone says, when that team gets healthy, the Wings will be back, and I wouldn’t want to play them in the first round of the playoffs. You have to be impressed with the resurgence of the Sabres. Those guys will not go away in the playoffs easily, I really don’t think this is just a regular season thing with them.
You know, you can hate Sidney Crosby all you want. Call him those childish, immature names, call him a whiner and a diver (although I honestly can’t remember the last time he was even close to a dive), but the way he’s playing now, it’s pretty damn special to watch. Scary probably is a better word. With 37 goals and 25 games to go, 50 goals is well within his reach, if not more.
But will we be seeing some changes on the Penguins’ blueline ? We might find out about noon’ish today.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Today’s rematch won’t heal Red Wings’ Stanley Cup wound
by Tony on 01/31/10 at 08:25 AM ET
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From the Detroit Free Press:
That was nearly eight months ago, and whatever happens today at Mellon Arena on national television, it won’t change who owns the Cup. For the Wings, however, it is a significant game because they need points, and getting a pair from the defending champions would be a confidence booster.
“I think it’s up to us to show something, especially the way things have gone lately with us not having played up to our potential,” veteran forward Kirk Maltby said. “Any time we’ve won a championship, it’s always been that you measure yourself against the team that won the Cup last year.”
The Wings won the Cup in 2008 when they beat Pittsburgh in six games. A year later, they came so close, leading 2-0 and 3-2 in the series, only to lose Game 7 at home. “I felt it pretty hard right away,” Cleary said, “and still do. When I’m just sitting alone thinking, I think about it a lot and I keep telling myself to try to get it out of my mind. But it’s something I’ll never forget.”
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Tags: Detroit+Red+Wings, NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
NBC pre-empting Penguins/Red Wings for Pat Robertson in some markets
by Tony on 01/30/10 at 07:14 PM ET
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You’re gonna be out of luck if you were looking forward to watching the Stanley Cup Finals rematch between the Penguins and Red Wings and unlucky enough to live in one of several local television markets. NBC will be pre-empting programming on Sunday afternoon in the following markets in order to broadcast Pat Robertson’s “700 Club Telethon”. The markets are:
WAVY 10 Norfolk (yup, that’s mine)
WBRE 28 Scranton
WDTN 2 Dayton
WVVA 6 Beckley-Bluefield
WSMV 4 Nashville
WVTM 13 Birmingham
KKCO 11 Grand Junction
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Tags: Detroit+Red+Wings, NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins recall forwards Johnson, Letestu
by Tony on 01/30/10 at 05:36 PM ET
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From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forwards Nick Johnson and Mark Letestu from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Johnson, 24, has played four games for Pittsburgh this season, posting two points (1G-1A). He made his NHL debut and scored his first career goal against the Washington Capitals Jan. 21. Johnson (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) is in his second full season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and ranks sixth on the club with 23 points (7G-16A) in 28 contests.
Letestu, 24, has made three appearances for Pittsburgh this year. He made his NHL debut in the Penguins’ 6-5 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins. Letestu (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s leading goal scorer with 16 tallies in 36 games on the season, and ranks second on the club with 39 points. He also boasts a team-best (tied) plus-12 rating.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Lemieux, Burkle offer to buy Pirates
by Tony on 01/30/10 at 08:56 AM ET
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Not a hockey article, per se, but interesting nonetheless. From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle, co-owners of the Penguins, recently made an unsolicited offer to buy the Pirates in a face-to-face meeting with that team’s owner, Bob Nutting, but the offer did not receive a response.
Sources on the Penguins’ side last night described the offer made by Mr. Lemieux and Mr. Burkle as “very serious,” without divulging a dollar figure, and said they remain interested in following up.
The Pirates characterized the matter far differently.
Mr. Nutting, the only person in the meeting to comment on it, was adamant that no serious discussion about a sale had taken place. And he firmly reiterated that the Pirates are not for sale.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Crosby’s sister looks to match Sidney with her own Olympic appearance
by Tony on 01/29/10 at 10:47 PM ET
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From the National Post:
To most he’s known as one of the world’s greatest hockey players, but to Taylor Crosby he will always just be big brother.
Taylor, the younger sister of Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, is in Ottawa this weekend with her teammates from the Cole Harbour Red Wings girls’ bantam hockey team from Nova Scotia competing in the 30th annual Nepean Girls’ Hockey Association Tournament. Taylor, 13, doesn’t see her 22-year-old brother very often during the NHL season, but says they talk and text regularly.
“Just never on game day,” she said with a laugh. “It’s kind of a superstition. But when he’s not playing, we always talk, and we talk a lot of hockey and both sides of it, whether he’s playing or I’m playing.”
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins re-assign Conner and Johnson yet again
by Tony on 01/29/10 at 10:18 AM ET
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The Penguins salary cap shuffle continued yet again today. From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forwards Chris Conner and Nick Johnson to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Conner has posted three points (2G-1A) in eight games for Pittsburgh this season. He recorded his first career two-goal game, including the game-winning tally, in the Penguins’ 4-2 win over the New York Rangers Jan. 25.
Johnson has seen action in four games with the Penguins, notching one goal and two points. He made his NHL debut, and scored his first career goal, against Washington Jan. 21.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Military Veteran Receives Surprise from Penguins
by Tony on 01/28/10 at 02:41 PM ET
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From PittsburghPenguins.com’s Jason Seidling:
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and head coach Dan Bylsma are considered hockey heroes for helping lead the Penguins to the franchise’s third Stanley Cup championship last June. Following the morning skate on Thursday, Crosby and Bylsma, were able to honor an American hero – Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Justin Lubash.
Lubash, 23, was injured on Dec. 29 when multiple rounds of fire first struck his living quarters in Afghanistan, and minutes later hit him as he and his fellow comrades ran to safety. The attack, which left Lubash with eight-and-a-half metal plates replacing three inches of bone and nerve damage in his elbow, also destroyed two of his most prized possessions – his black Sidney Crosby jersey and a Penguins Stanley Cup champions banner.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Lemieux Skates With Make-A-Wish Patient
by Tony on 01/28/10 at 01:07 PM ET
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From PittsburghPenguins.com’s Jason Seidling:
Penguins owner Mario Lemieux has always served as an inspiration to others. During the 1992-93 season he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease in early January, underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and returned to the lineup on March 2, when he picked up a goal and an assist against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Seventeen years later, Lemieux’s courageous comeback continues to inspire fans throughout the world. On Thursday morning, Lemieux invited fellow Hodgkin’s survivor Michael Saikali, 11, to skate with him at Mellon Arena. “Anytime that Make-A-Wish calls it is always welcome by the whole organization and myself,” Lemieux said. “That is the least we can do to make him feel better.”
Saikali is a die-hard Penguins and Lemieux fan from Ottawa, Ontario. As part of his recovery, his wish was to skate with the Penguins owner.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins recall forward Nick Johnson: Godard out 4-6 weeks
by Tony on 01/28/10 at 12:26 PM ET
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From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Nick Johnson from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Johnson, 24, has played three games for Pittsburgh this season. He made his NHL debut and scored his first career goal against the Washington Capitals Jan. 21.
Johnson (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) is in his second full season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and ranks fifth (tied) on the club with 22 points (7G-15A) in 27 contests.
In addition, the Penguins announced that forward Eric Godard will be out 4-6 weeks with a groin injury.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins re-re-recall forward Chris Conner
by Tony on 01/27/10 at 05:27 PM ET
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From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Chris Conner from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Conner, 26, was recalled Monday and was a pivotal player in Pittsburgh’s 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden that evening. Conner recorded his first career two-goal game, while also netting the game-winner in the third period. His first goal was his first as a Penguin. Conner was re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton following Monday’s win. He has played seven games for Pittsburgh this season, recording three points (2G-1A) and 10 shots on goal.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Consol Energy Center to feature HD Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision™ Super-System
by Tony on 01/27/10 at 10:01 AM ET
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From Business Wire:
When the Consol Energy Center, new home of the National Hockey League Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, opens for the 2010 NHL season, it will feature one of the most advanced and sophisticated video display super-systems ever produced for the arena market.
Created by Mitsubishi Electric’s Diamond Vision Systems, the fully integrated scoring and video display installation will include more than 15 LED displays and feature four high-definition, center-hung video displays that use Mitsubishi Electric’s high-contrast 6mm black package LED technology. “From day one, our goal has been to include state-of-the-art technology in Consol Energy Center,” said Travis Williams, senior vice president, business affairs and general counsel for the Pittsburgh Penguins. “When it came time to make our decision on the center-hung scoreboard and other video display products for the new arena, the clear choice was Diamond Vision. Mitsubishi Electric is the industry leader and we are excited about the opportunity to present these cutting-edge products to our fans.”
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Tags: Consol+Energy+Center, NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Miss Nevada, the Pittsburgh Penguins fan
by Tony on 01/26/10 at 11:01 PM ET
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From the Las Vegas Sun’s John Katsilometes:
A Pittsburgh Penguins fan, Keegan says her dream job would be to be a physician for an NHL team, meaning that a pro hockey player suffering from a sprained ACL might conceivably be treated by, yes, a onetime Miss America.
“My mom says the Penguins are my boyfriends,” she says, laughing. “Rosemont is right next to Philadelphia, but I couldn’t be a Flyers fan. I don’t like how they play. They’re a little too aggressive, too physical, for me, and not enough skill and speed, and that’s why I got into watching the sport. Naturally, I went to their cross-state rivals and love the Pittsburgh Penguins”.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Young Penguins fan in finals of Reebok “Why Hockey Rocks” contest
by Tony on 01/26/10 at 03:05 PM ET
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Funny line from Pittsburgh radio personality Mark Madden, “The kid needs to work on his skating, but he’s a better finisher than Fedotenko.” From the Penguins:
Three-year-old Jack Rosensteel of Greensburg has reached the national finals of Reebok’s “Why Hockey Rocks” video contest. Young Jack, who wears a Sidney Crosby jersey in the video and displays some sharp puck-handing skills, is a member of the Little Penguins “Learn to Play Hockey” program at Kirk S. Nevin Arena in Greensburg. Jack’s video was originally chosen as one of 16 that Reebok Hockey included in its national online contest, where fans vote for their favorites. Fans liked the video so much that Jack easily reached the national semifinals and now has advanced to the finals against one other entrant. Fan voting continues through Saturday, Jan. 30 at http://www.reebokhockey.com/hwaa.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Pens Notes: Roster shuffling continues
by Tony on 01/26/10 at 09:59 AM ET
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Real nice two-game back-to-back sweep on the road against division opponents for the Penguins. The best part ? Special teams was a major part of the recipe for the Pens’ success.
Chris Conner was promptly rewarded for his two goals at the Garden last night with a return ticket this morning to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, along with fellow forward Nick Johnson. Kind of a tough situation for not only Conner but Johnson as well, but regardless of their stats, this is going to be a tough lineup to crack for a rookie on a regular basis. Not that I’m saying everyone’s earning their keep right now.
Some other notes:
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins re-assign forwards Conner, Johnson
by Tony on 01/26/10 at 08:07 AM ET
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From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forwards Chris Conner and Nick Johnson to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Conner, who was recalled Monday and played that night in the Penguins’ 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers, recorded his first career two-goal game, including the game-winning tally.
Johnson saw action in three games with Pittsburgh. He made his NHL debut, and scored his first career goal, against Washington Jan. 21.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins/Flyers NBC game draws higher ratings
by Tony on 01/25/10 at 03:47 PM ET
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From Sports Media Watch:
Without direct competition from the NFL, NBC drew good numbers for NHL coverage on Sunday.
The Penguins’ win over the Flyers drew a 1.3 overnight rating on NBC Sunday afternoon, up 18% from a 1.1 for the network’s third NHL telecast last season (Red Wings/Penguins, 2/8/09), and up 63% from a 0.8 for Blackhawks/Red Wings last week.
The 1.3 overnight is tied as the highest for any non-Winter Classic regular season NHL telecast since NBC’s debut NHL telecast in ‘06 (1.5/3).
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Philadelphia+Flyers, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins recall Chris Conner: Goligoski, Guerin out tonight vs. Rangers
by Tony on 01/25/10 at 12:52 PM ET
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According to Chris Botta’s Twitter, both defenseman Alex Goligoski and forward Bill Guerin are out for tonight’s game in New York. Also, from the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Chris Conner from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Conner, 26, previously spent six games with the Penguins from Oct. 30 – Nov. 12. He recorded one assist and had seven shots on goal while averaging 9:06 minutes of ice time.
Conner (5-foot-8, 180 pounds) appeared in 24 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season and ranks fifth on the club with 22 points (7G-15A). He tied a WBS franchise record with five points (2G-3A) in Saturday’s 6-3 victory over the Syracuse Crunch.
Conner spent three-plus seasons with the Dallas Stars organization prior to signing with Pittsburgh over the summer. In 71 games with the Stars he recorded 21 points (7G-14A).
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins don’t like the day games too much
by Tony on 01/24/10 at 09:42 AM ET
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Stat O’ the Day:
Going into today’s 12:30 ET matchup with the Flyers, the Penguins are 6-14 in day games during the last two seasons.
The last daytime regular season win for the Pens was a 4-3 win over the Rangers on March 28th.
I need to stress that that statistic was only for regular season games.
The last daytime playoff win, you may ask ?
How apropos, it was Game Six, the Max Talbot “Shhhh” game, in Philadelphia, a 5-3 series-clinching win for the Penguins.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Philadelphia+Flyers, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins re-recall forward Nick Johnson
by Tony on 01/23/10 at 06:41 PM ET
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Looks like Max Talbot isn’t as ready originally thought. From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Nick Johnson from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Johnson, 24, made his NHL debut and scored his first career goal in Pittsburgh’s game against the Washington Capitals on Thursday. He finished the game with three shots and one hit in 9:21 minutes of ice time.
Johnson (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) is in his second full season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and ranks fifth on the club with 22 points (7G-15A) in 27 contests.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins’ Curry re-assigned back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
by Tony on 01/23/10 at 12:39 PM ET
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Good news for the return of Marc-Andre Fleury. From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned goaltender John Curry to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Curry played in one game (Jan. 16 at Vancouver) during his recall. In four NHL career games, Curry has a 2-2 record.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
“Pens and Pins” fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
by Tony on 01/23/10 at 10:14 AM ET
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From PensTV’s Katie O’Malley:
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Pechurskiy thrilled to have moment in NHL spotlight
by Tony on 01/22/10 at 10:26 PM ET
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From the Tri-Cities Herald’s Annie Fowler (stick-tap to Lynn for the heads up):
Friday night, Alex Pechurskiy tended goal for the Tri-City Americans in front of a modest crowd of 4,000 at Toyota Center.
Saturday night, dressed in Pittsburgh Penguins gold and black, he made his NHL debut in front of 19,000 at the General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Pechurskiy, 19, was told after Friday’s game against the Seattle Thunderbirds that he would be joining the Penguins for their game against the Vancouver Canucks. Pittsburgh signed him to a one-day professional tryout contract—he received only the NHL per diem, about $100—and expected him to sit on the bench to back up John Curry, who was starting in place of injured Marc-Andre Fleury.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Memo to Mario: I’m afraid it’s time to lock out the Capitals fans now
by Tony on 01/22/10 at 07:50 PM ET
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So let me get this straight: After all, I’m not the head of neither a major company nor a professional sports team.
Washington Capitals owner Uncle Teddy Leonsis, who I honestly respect for his integration of bloggers into the NHL press box, first creates a policy that prevents potential ticket buyers from the Pittsburgh area from buying tickets to Penguins games at the Verizon Center (unless you buy a minimum of a six-pack of games, that is). Then he expands it, not only blocking area codes but also including those whose ticket history indicates Penguins games. It even started including fans selling tickets on Ebay, who would look at “geographical location and ticket history”.
Whatever. That’s all fine and dandy, Ted. You’ve got every right to do it. Although I am curious, I’m just wondering why you didn’t keep all those Penguins fans out of the Verizon Center when you couldn’t fill half that barn. Sure as hell took their money then, didn’t ya.
But I digress.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins, Washington+Capitals,
Caps/Pens Lands Third on FSN All-Time Highest Rated Regular Season
by Tony on 01/22/10 at 03:18 PM ET
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From the Penguins:
Thursday night’s telecast of the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals registered a 10.85 average rating, according to Nielsen Media Research. The FSN Pittsburgh telecast, viewed by more than 124,000 households in the Pittsburgh DMA, marks the third highest rated regular season Penguins game on the regional sports network. The game is the highest rated in 2010 and the second highest rated this season behind the Dec., 17, 2009 shootout win at Philadelphia which averaged a 10.95. To date 13 of the top 20 and three of the top five regular season Penguins games ever on FSN Pittsburgh have been played in the 2009-10 season. Last night’s game also marks the top rated Pens loss on FSN Pittsburgh in any regular season.
Rank Date Opponent Rating
1 Wed., Dec. 27, 2000 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 15.90
2 Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009 at Philadelphia Flyers 10.95
3 Thurs., Jan. 21, 2010 vs. Washington Capitals 10.85
4 Fri., Oct. 23, 2009 vs. Florida Panthers 10.74
5 Thurs., Mar. 27, 2008 at New York Islanders 10.65
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins, Washington+Capitals,
Penguins’ Orpik receives ultimate present
by Tony on 01/22/10 at 01:40 PM ET
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From the Greene County Messenger’s John Mehno:
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik must feel like the kid who got the ultimate Christmas present and was then told he couldn’t play with it for a couple of months.
Orpik was chosen for the United States Olympic team in late December. But after accepting congratulations from his teammates, he’s had to forget about it until he reports to Vancouver for the Olympics in the middle of next month.
“It’s definitely exciting,” Orpik said. “But we’re right in the middle of the toughest part of our schedule here, something like 15 games in 30 days. I’m sure I’ll get a little more excited as we get closer to that tournament, but right now I’m pretty occupied with what’s going on here.”
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins re-assign forwards Jeffrey and Johnson
by Tony on 01/22/10 at 09:36 AM ET
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Well, that was quick. Good news for the return of Dupuis and Talbot for Sunday’s game in Philly. From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forwards Dustin Jeffrey and Nick Johnson to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Jeffrey and Johnson, who were recalled Thursday, saw action in Pittsburgh’s game against the Washington Capitals. Johnson made his NHL debut in the contest and scored his first career goal.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins recall forwards Jeffrey, Johnson
by Tony on 01/21/10 at 09:40 AM ET
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Not a good sign for neither Dupuis nor Talbot. From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forwards Dustin Jeffrey and Nick Johnson from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Jeffrey, 21, is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s leading scorer, and ranks fifth in the entire AHL with 43 points on 13 goals and 30 assists in 39 games. He also paces WBS in plus-minus (plus-12), shorthanded goals (3) and shots (125). Jeffrey started for the Canadian AHL All-Star team and recorded one goal and three points. Jeffrey, who was drafted by the Penguins in the sixth round (171st overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh last season. He appeared in 14 games with the Penguins, notching one goal and three points. The Sarnia, Ontario native spent the majority of the year with WBS, recording 37 points (11G-26A) in 63 games. He placed second on the club with 10 postseason points (5G-5A) in 12 playoff contests.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Capitals eager to face Penguins for first time since Game 7
by Tony on 01/21/10 at 08:19 AM ET
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From the Washington Post’s Tarik El-Bashir:
Tom Poti thought he had finally pushed the painful memory of the Washington Capitals’ Game 7 collapse against the Pittsburgh Penguins into the deep recesses of his mind. But about three weeks later, the veteran defenseman discovered he had not buried it deep enough.
“Just when you’re starting to get over it, you see them hoisting the Cup, and it kind of started all over again,” Poti said Monday, nearly eight months after Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and his teammates beat the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup finals. “You start thinking, ‘What if we beat them? Could that have been us?’”
For Poti and many of his teammates, the only thing more excruciating than the what-ifs that consumed them during the quiet moments in the offseason has been the 253 days NHL schedule-makers forced them to wait before facing their arch rival again.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins, Washington+Capitals,
Start the hype, here comes Ovechkin and the Caps….
by Tony on 01/20/10 at 10:09 AM ET
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Let me begin by repeating my wish to Commissioner Bettman: Get the Penguins and Capitals in the same division again. It’s a downright travesty that these two teams (and fanbases, while you’re BS’ing) who have a complete disdain for one another (I don’t like to use the word “hate”, but feel free if you’d prefer) don’t play each other more than four times a season.
But, as it’s currently scheduled, it is what it is. Tomorrow will be January 21st, approximately 50 games into the regular season, and only now will be the first meeting of the year between the two former Patrick Division rivals.
It’s the first time the two teams have faced each other since a 6-2 blowout at the Phone Booth on May 13th in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped a breakaway by Alex Ovechkin in the opening minutes, and the Pens didn’t look back.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins, Washington+Capitals,
Concrete pour for Penguins’ Consol Energy Center in progress
by Tony on 01/19/10 at 01:16 PM ET
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Courtesy of PensTV’s Katie O’Malley:
The concrete for the floor of the Consol Energy Center is being poured today. NHL Facilities Manager Dan Craig is on hand to oversee it.
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Tags: Consol+Energy+Center, NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Why Lemieux really hung up his skates
by Tony on 01/19/10 at 10:19 AM ET
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From the Reader’s Digest Association (Canada):
The hockey legend first noticed symptoms in the summer of 2005. “The first really bad episode was the Wednesday morning of my celebrity charity golf tournament in Pittsburgh. I got up and started having an irregular heartbeat,” shares Lemieux. However, Lemieux was unaware of the seriousness of his condition until it started to affect him outside of the rink. He recalls experiencing dizziness and even the sensation of having a heart attack, but every time he would visit his doctor after an “episode,” his heartbeat would return to a normal rhythm and they were unable to catch any irregularities.
It was not until December 2005, when Lemieux was hospitalized as a result of his episodes that a proper diagnosis was made-atrial fibrillation. It was then that Lemieux decided his health was more important than playing the game. “No one knew how debilitating the condition was for him,” reveals Pierre McGuire, friend and former coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins. “Mario is an extremely private person and it was a difficult decision for him to make, but the priority was to take care of himself and his health. And now, by choosing to share his story with Reader’s Digest, he’s sure to reach millions with his message about AF.”
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Goal of the Year ? Of the Millenium ?
by Tony on 01/19/10 at 09:53 AM ET
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I just love watching this. Enjoy….
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Tags: NHL-Hockey,
Penguins re-assign Caputi and Lovejoy to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
by Tony on 01/18/10 at 10:21 AM ET
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From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned forward Luca Caputi and defenseman Ben Lovejoy to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Caputi saw action in four games in his first stint with Pittsburgh this season and recorded two points with one goal and one assist, and added nine hits.
In 12 games with Pittsburgh this year, Lovejoy has collected three assists, 14 hits, 14 blocked shots and a plus-8 rating.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Capitals/Penguins viewing party in Arlington this Thursday night
by Tony on 01/18/10 at 09:36 AM ET
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For all you D.C. area Caps and Pens fans out there (that includes me, but can’t make it up there on a weeknight):
Mr. Puck Daddy himself, Greg Wyshynski, is holding a viewing party this Thursday night for the first installment of the Capitals/Penguins season series.
It will be held at Bailey’s Pub & Grille at the Ballston Mall, located at 4233 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington (703-465-1300). There’s plenty of garage parking, and it’s within walking distance of the Ballston-MU (Orange Line) Metro.
Wysh wants to stress that it’s not just a Caps party, he wants Pens fans as well. Might as well invade Bailey’s like we invade the Verizon Center, eh boys ??
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins, Washington+Capitals,
Penguins wrap up road trip with defensive thud
by Tony on 01/17/10 at 11:39 AM ET
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Really a strange game last night in Vancouver. Was that ball hockey in the first period ?
A combination of lousy luck and lousy defense proved to be the Pens’ downfall in the finale of their five-game road trip, getting trounced by the Canucks, 6-2.
Perhaps though the Penguins’ misfortune of injured goaltenders provided a glimmer of promise in the hastily arranged debut of 19 year old Alexander Pechursky, who stopped 12 of the 13 shots he faced.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins sign goaltender Alexander Pechurski to amateur tryout
by Tony on 01/16/10 at 03:04 PM ET
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From the Penguins:
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed goaltender Alexander Pechurski from Tri-City of the Western Hockey League to a one-game amateur try out, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Pechurski, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in the fifth round (150th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, will return to Tri-City following the Penguins’ Saturday game against the Vancouver Canucks.
Pechurski, 19, has appeared in six contests for the Americans this season, posting a 4-1-1 record with a 1.84 goals-against average, .936 save percentage and two shutouts.
The Magnitogorsk, Russia native played two seasons in the Under-18 World Championships for Russia. In five contests in 2007-08, Pechurski (6-foot, 187 pounds) recorded a 4-1 mark with a 3.06 goals-against average.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Canucks, Penguins matchup features Hart Trophy candidates
by Tony on 01/16/10 at 12:00 PM ET
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From CBC’s Jim Hughson:
The script:
If the NHL realized what a big event it is when the Pittsburgh Penguins travel to Vancouver, maybe they’d have them pass by more often than Halley’s comet. Then again, if the league is trying promote the event by creating a scarcity, they’ve done a brilliant job.
Since he was drafted in 2005, this is just the second time Sidney Crosby has toured western Canada and it’s the Penguins’ first visit as Stanley Cup champions. So Crosby will be the marquee player, but few are talking about the fact there are two Hart and Art Ross candidates in the game. Three if you include defending scoring champ, Evgeni Malkin. Henrik Sedin is leading the scoring race, having a much better season than Malkin, and is every bit as valuable to the Canucks as Sid is to the Penguins.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins, Vancouver+Canucks,
Penguins’ Fleury day-to-day with fractured finger
by Tony on 01/15/10 at 06:14 PM ET
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From Pittsburgh Penguins.com’s Jason Seidling:
Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury did not practice today in Vancouver and is day-to-day with a fractured left ring finger.
The injury occured in the Penguins’ 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Fleury remained in the game and made 33 saves on 35 shots to pick up the victory.
Fleury, 24, has appeared in 41 games this season for the Penguins, posting a 25-14-1 record to go with a 2.60 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. His 25 wins rank fourth in the National Hockey League through Friday.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Jan. 31st Wings/Penguins game flexed to NBC Game of the Week
by Tony on 01/15/10 at 02:44 PM ET
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NEW YORK (January 15, 2010) – The Sunday, Jan. 31, Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins game has been flexed as NBC Sports’ “Game of the Week” and will be played at Mellon Arena at 12:30 p.m. ET, the National Hockey League and NBC Sports announced today.
The teams have met to decide the past two Stanley Cup Finals, with the Penguins winning Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena last spring to dethrone the Red Wings, who had won in six games the previous season. Jan. 31 marks this the first meeting between Pittsburgh and Detroit this season. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury continue to lead the defending champion Penguins, who again are among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, just four points out of the conference lead. Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk pace Detroit, who will look to continue the team’s climb up the Western Conference standings as more players return to the lineup from injury.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Ray Shero will need to be master juggler this time around
by Tony on 01/15/10 at 02:38 PM ET
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Penguins’ General Manager Ray Shero, who we affectionately refer to as GMRS, is gonna be one busy dude as the season nears the trade deadline, the playoffs and the eventual offseason. Or, should I say, busier than he usually is.
Now most likely there won’t be any sort of a Marian Hossa blockbuster deal this year, although Penguins fans have learned by now that we don’t put anything past GMRS.
But there’s not much doubt that Shero will soon face his toughest test yet: Juggling a roster of expiring contracts against an already bursting at the seams Penguins payroll.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Gonchar extension talk could heat up ‘soon’
by Tony on 01/15/10 at 08:26 AM ET
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From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Rob Rossi:
The next couple of weeks could produce movement regarding talks between the Penguins and defenseman Sergei Gonchar, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Gonchar’s agent, JP Barry, said Thursday he plans to speak with his client at the conclusion of the Penguins’ five-game road trip, which ends Saturday at Vancouver, before meeting with Penguins general manager Ray Shero.
“We haven’t really agreed on terms or dollar aspect, but the time for that is soon,” Barry said, adding that he wants to discuss numbers with Shero as early as next week for the first time since late September. Barry described dialogue with the Penguins as “comfortable.” Talks between the parties have been mostly exploratory since a meeting early in training camp. A week later, Shero and Barry agreed to delay additional discussions until after Jan. 1. Talks since have been limited.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Pens’ sleeping giant should concern Oilers
by Tony on 01/14/10 at 03:30 PM ET
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From CBC Sports’ Chris Iorfida:
Captain Sidney Crosby is red hot for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the Edmonton Oilers will also have to worry about Evgeni Malkin when the clubs meet Thursday at Rexall Place.
Crosby has scored six goals in his last four games after potting one in Pittsburgh’s 3-1 victory in Calgary on Wednesday. Malkin, meanwhile, went without a goal for a 10th straight game and has just 13 in 41 games this season after notching 47 and 35 in the last two seasons, respectively.
The Russian has also not scored in two career games against Edmonton, although he’s been a force with five assists. But given his talent level, he’s bound to hit the back of the net sometime soon, and without offending Oilers fans, his goal output this season is fairly neatly correlated to the opposition’s place in the NHL standings.
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Tags: Edmonton+Oilers, NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins down Flames, head to Edmonton
by Tony on 01/14/10 at 09:33 AM ET
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UPDATE: Sid did indeed see the attractive young lady in the stands last night.
Solid 3-1 road win for the Penguins in Calgary last night. Nice high-tempo game, plenty of physical play, and, dare I say it, signs of life from the Pens’ power play.
Sidney Crosby, he of the above marriage proposal, scored his 30th goal of the season, while Marc-Andre Fleury was sharp in net as well against a Flames team that was peppering him with shots all night long, stopping 37 of the 38 shots on goal.
Some notes:
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Tags: Calgary+Flames, NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Crosby on pace for 50 goals thanks to changes in his game
by Tony on 01/13/10 at 07:59 AM ET
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From TSN:
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has accomplished a lot for a hockey player who’s just 22 years of age. Frankly, he’s accomplished a lot for a player of 35. Faced with a tremendous amount of hype to live up to - none of it of his own making - he did exactly that, leading the Pens to a Stanley Cup victory last June and claiming several individual accolades along the way, more than surpassing the mantle of “the Next One” that was placed on him when he was still in just his mid-teens.
But there’s one thing Crosby has never done that may surprise some fans of the game: score 50 goals in a season. In fact, he hasn’t even come all that close; in 2005-06, his rookie season, the Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native scored 39 goals, still the most times he’s lit the lamp in an NHL campaign.
This season could be different though. As 2009-10 rolls on, Crosby is on pace to hit that elusive 50-goal mark for the first time, a fact that he’s chalking up to a newfound sense of poise and self-assurance.
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Penguins’ power play has reached comical proportions
by Tony on 01/12/10 at 09:05 PM ET
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For as much vitriol as is being spewed about the Penguins’ power play nowadays, you have to snap out of it and remember, they’re still quite comfortable in 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
That said, there not much left to say about the abomination that is the Penguins with the man advantage, which is currently scoring at a putrid 14.3 percent rate. If it weren’t for the Ottawa Senators, they’d be dead last in the NHL.
Let’s do a quick review: That’s a power play with two NHL scoring champions and a perennial top scoring defenseman on the first power play unit.
And yet, this group looks so disorganized at times that penalty killers must be licking their collective chops in anticipation of the Charlie Foxtrot that takes the ice when a penalty is called.
[ If you don’t know what a Charlie Foxtrot is, ask The Chief, I’m sure he’ll be happy to fill you in…. ]
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Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
FSN Pittsburgh producer suspended for replay gaffe
by Tony on 01/12/10 at 06:30 PM ET
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From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Rob Rossi:
FSN Pittsburgh has suspended a veteran producer for failing to provide NHL replay officials in Toronto all video footage of a disputed goal disallowed to a Philadelphia Flyers player last Thursday in a Penguins’ loss at Mellon Arena.
Lowell MacDonald, Jr., 45, has been suspended indefinitely, the Tribune-Review learned today, as part of FSN Pittsburgh’s investigation. The NHL was not directly involved in the investigation.
“There is nothing more important than the integrity of the game. During last Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, a definitive replay of a Flyers goal was not aired prior to the conclusion of the official review and, as a result, a Flyers goal was not awarded. Fortunately, this did not change the outcome of the game. Nonetheless, FSN Pittsburgh’s failure to provide video to the league officials in a timely fashion was wholly unacceptable,” FSN Pittsburgh said in a statement.
Filed in: Pittsburgh Penguins | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Philadelphia+Flyers, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
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