The Daily Bongo

Game Recaps for the 2009-2010 Pens Season

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 -- Evening

The End of the Road

The Pens played game seven against the Montreal Canadiens this evening. It was obvious from the start that the Canadiens came to play, and the Pens to lose. Sidney Crosby took a boarding call in the first ten seconds of the game that resulted in the Canadiens getting a goal from Brian Gionta 32 seconds into the game. Then another Canadien goal gave them the lead. The Pens tried to play catchup, but after the fourth goal for Montreal, Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled and Brent Johnson was sent in. That woke up the Pens a bit, and they scored two goals. But it was two goals too little. The Canadiens went on to win with a final score of 5-2. The Canadiens go on to the Eastern Conference finals. The only thing left is to find out who will join them. The Flyers are making a series of it against the Bruins. Right now, in game six, the Flyers are leading 2-0 after the second period and are trying to take it to a game seven.

Seventh Game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Goals

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	0:32	MTL	B.GIONTA(6)	P.SUBBAN(3)	S.GOMEZ(9)	PP
2	1	14:23	MTL	D.MOORE(3)	R.HAMRLIK(6)		EV
3	2	3:32	MTL	M.CAMMALLERI(12)	T.PLEKANEC(7)	J.SPACEK(3)	EV
4	2	5:14	MTL	T.MOEN(2)	unassisted		SH
5	2	8:36	PIT	C.KUNITZ(4)	K.LETANG(2)	P.DUPUIS(6)	EV
6	2	16:30	PIT	J.STAAL(3)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(4)	A.GOLIGOSKI(7)	EV
7	3	10:00	MTL	B.GIONTA(7)	M.CAMMALLERI(6)	S.GOMEZ(10)	PP

Monday, May 10, 2010 -- Evening

Do or Die

The Pens were in Montreal for game six against the Canadiens. Obviously the Pens wanted to end things in Montreal so they could get a rest before the next series. The Canadiens were the first to score. Sidney Crosby broke his no goal in eight games in Montreal by finally getting a goal to tie things up. Things took an even brighter turn when Kris Letang got a goal with an assist from Crosby. However, just when we thought things were humming along, the Canandiens got one to tie things up, and then another to take the lead. However, the Canadiens were bound and determined to win the game. They scored another goal in the third, and even though Billy Guerin scored one with less than a minute and a half left in the game, it was too little to late. The Pens play was not the best in this game, and afterwards, Dan Byslma sounded defeated and out coached. Let's hope that the Pens rise above this, and win game seven in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Final score: Canadiens 4, Pens 3.

Sixth Game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Goals

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:13	MTL	M.CAMMALLERI(10)	T.PLEKANEC(6)	A.KOSTITSYN(4)	EV
2	1	7:22	PIT	S.CROSBY(6)	S.CROSBY(6)	C.KUNITZ(7)	EV
3	2	5:21	PIT	K.LETANG(5)	S.CROSBY(13)	S.GONCHAR(9)	PP
4	2	10:45	MTL	M.CAMMALLERI(11)	A.KOSTITSYN(5)	R.HAMRLIK(5)	EV
5	2	13:15	MTl	J.SPACEK(1)	S.GOMEZ(8)	B.GIONTA(5)	EV
6	3	11:03	MTL	M.LAPIERRE(3)	unassisted		EV
7	3	18:36	PIT	B.GUERIN(4)	S.GONCHAR(10)	A.GOLIGOSKI(6)	EV

Saturday, May 8, 2010 -- Evening

Pens Stay Alive

The Pens played the Canadiens this evening in game 5 of the semifinal round. The Pens needed to win to keep the home ice advantage, and to switch the momentum in their favor. To that end, Billy Guerin was back in the lineup, and Ruslan Fedotenko was out. Fedotenko hasn't been playing well so far in the playoffs. The Pens scored first with a power play goal by Kris Letang at the end of the first period. Letang probably felt that he has to make up for the winning goal for the Canadiens in the last game. The Canadiens put on a valiant fight in the third period, with a two minute power play in the last two minutes of the game. With only 31 seconds left in the game, the Canadiens were able to get a goal, but they were unable to tie the game in the remaining 30 seconds. The Pens won the game with a final score of 2-1, and they are now up 3-2 in the series. Now let's hope that the Pens put an end to it all on Monday in Montreal.

Fifth Game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Goals

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	18:18	PIT	K.LETANG(4)	E.MALKIN(6)	S.GONCHAR(8)	PP
2	2	9:50	PIT	S.GONCHAR(2)	B.ORPIK(2)	M.LETESTU(1)	EV
3	3	19:29	MTL	M.CAMMALLERI(9)	B.GIONTA(4)	T.PLEKANEC(5)	PP

Thursday, May 6, 2010 -- Evening

Stall Outdoes Chuck Norris and Gary Roberts

Believe it or not, after having his tendons sliced by a skate, Jordan Staal played in tonight's Pens and Canadiens game. The Canadiens got a goal in the first three minutes of the game, but then the Pens got two goals in the first period to take the lead. There were no goals on either side in the second period, but then the Canadiens got a goal to tie things up. Horrors of horrors, Kris Letang mishandled a puck and put it into the net behind Marc-Andre Fleury to give the Canadiens the lead. I mean really! The last thing that Fleury needed was lack of help from a teammate that results in a goal that gives the Canadiens the lead. Unfortunately, that's how the game ended, with the Canadiens winning off an own goal by Letang. Final score: Pens 2 - Canadiens 3. The series is back in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Fourth Game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Goals

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	2:34	MTL	T.PYATT(1)	T.MOEN(1)	G.METROPOLIT(2)	EV
2	1	3:27	PIT	M.TALBOT(2)	unassisted		EV
3	1	5:18	PIT	C.KUNITZ(3)	S.CROSBY(12)	A.GOLIGOSKI(5)	PP
4	3	2:07	MTL	M.LAPIERRE(2)	M.DARCHE(1)	M.BERGERON(4)	EV
5	3	3:40	MTL	B.GIONTA(5)	T.PYATT(1)	R.HAMRLIK(4)	EV

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 -- Evening

Back on Track

The Pens were in Montreal tonight to play the Canadiens in game three of the Eastern Conference Semi-final. Billy Guerin was a scratch before the game due to an undisclosed injury. That's how things work in the playoffs. Undisclosed. Guerin could have anything from a hang nail to a broken bone. Well, maybe not a hang nail since that wouldn't be a scratch able injury. But you get the idea. The interesting story was that Jordan Staal skated today. He didn't practice, but it was a very hopeful sign to see Staal lacing up the skates. The first period of tonight's game was not in the Pens favor. They only got three shots on goal, and it was obvious that the Pens weren't playing their game. That started to change in the second period. The Pens were the first to score with a power play goal by Evgeni Malkin in the third period. Marc-Andre Fleury did a good job, making some nice saves, even though the Canadiens didn't get many shots on goal (only 18 in the whole game). Jaroslav Halak was pulled in the last minute of the game, and that's when Pascal Dupuis got his empty net goal to seal the deal for the Pens. Pesn won with a final score of 2-0, and Fleury got a playoff shutout. Next game is Thursday.

Third Game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Goals

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	3	1:16	PIT	E.MALKIN(5)	S.GONCHAR(7)	A.GOLIGOSKI(4)	PP
2	3	19:45	PIT	P.DUPUIS(2)	C.KUNITZ(6)	M.EATON(2)	EV-EN

Sunday, May 2, 2010 -- Evening

Canadiens Turn Up the Heat

The second game of the Pens / Canadiens series was this afternoon in Pittsburgh. It was not a good time to have an afternoon game in Pittsburgh because the Pittsburgh Marathon had most of the roads closed in the city until shortly before the start of the game. The Pens started out in the first period with some good power and energy. Matt Cooke got a goal, and the arena was abuzz. However, the Canadiens came back to tie things up at the end of the first period. The Pens that came out in the second and third periods were not a team that was playing well. Even though the Canadiens only had three shots on goal in the second and six shots in the third, they still managed to get a goal in each period. Probably Marc-Andre Fleury was off his game because of the sparsity of shots. Jaroslav Halak gave another stellar performance, stopping 38 of 39 shots. It was definitely not a good game for the Pens, and I can only hope that they pick up their game to defeat the Canadiens in the series. The final score for today's game was Canadiens 3 - Pens 1. The next game will be Tuesday in Montreal.

Second Game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Goals

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:48	PIT	M.COOKE(4)	M.TALBOT(4)	P.DUPUIS(5)	EV
2	1	15:48	MTL	B.GIONTA(4)	S.GOMEZ(6)	B.POULIOT(2)	EV
3	2	7:29	MTL	M.CAMMALLERI(7)	P.SUBBAN(2)	S.GOMEZ(7)	PP
4	3	17:06	MTL	M.CAMMALLERI(8)	T.PLEKANEC(4)		EV

Friday, April 30, 2010 -- Evening

Second Round

The Eastern Conference Semifinal started here in Pittsburgh this evening with the Pens playing the surprise winners of the Caps and Montreal Canadiens series. Alexander Ovechkin has been getting mocked for being a choker, even though he can't be blamed for all the woes the Capitals experienced in the post-season. The Canadiens got the first goal, but the Pens had three straight power play goals (Sergei Gonchar, Jordan Staal, and Kris Letang). The Pens suffered a few injuries too. Sideny Crosby got whacked in the chin by Dominic Moore's (former Pen) stick. It looked like a purposeful thing, but the refs didn't call it. Jordan Staal also was tripped up, and wound up dragging his leg onto the bench and leaving the game to not return. Hopefully, he's not seriously injured and will be back in the next game. In the third period, when Jaroslav Halak gave up a fourth power play goal, he was pulled from the game, and Carey Price went in. It was really surprising because Halak stood on his head in the last three games against the Capitals, stopping 132 of 135 shots in games five through seven. The Canadiens stopped the Caps in all but one of the 33 power-plays the Caps had. As the Versus guys were saying, Halak is a person who needs a rest, and bringing him back so quickly, was a bad move on the Canadiens part. The Canadiens were really not up to par to battle the Pens, and the Pens won with a final score of 6-3. The next game is on Sunday afternoon.

First Game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Goals

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:30	MTL	P.SUBBAN(1)	unassisted		EV
2	1	8:38	PIT	S.GONCHAR(1)	K.LETANG(1)	E.MALKIN(5)	PP
3	1	13:27	PIT	J.STAAL(2)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(3)	A.GOLIGOSKI(3)	PP
4	2	2:34	PIT	K.LETANG(3)	S.CROSBY(10)		PP
5	2	15:27	MTL	M.CAMMALLERI(6)	S.GOMEZ(4)	B.GIONTA(3)	EV
6	2	18:36	PIT	C.ADAMS(2)	P.DUPUIS(4)	M.COOKE(2)	EV
7	3	2:59	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(2)	S.CROSBY(11)	B.GUERIN(5)	PP
8	3	12:29	MTL	B.GIONTA(3)	M.BERGERON(3)	S.GOMEZ(5)	PP
9	3	19:11	PIT	B.GUERIN(3)	C.KUNITZ(5)	B.ORPIK(1)	EV-EN

Saturday, April 24, 2010 -- Evening

Pens Move on to Next Round!

The Pens were back in Ottawa for game six against the Senators. The Senators were the first to score with a goal in the first five minutes of the game. Towards the end of the first period, there was a review of a possible goal by the Pens' Mike Rupp, but the guys in Toronto couldn't conclusively determine if the puck went over the line, even though it looked like it from the angle that we saw on television. Bob Errey commented though, that it might have looked as if it went over the line because the puck was in the air, but it definitely looked like the puck crossed the line with white over it. The Pens managed to get a goal in the second period, but the Senators were definitely playing like wanted to move into the next round. It was incredibly hard to watch the second period because the Pens were looking so bad in the game. Finally in the third period, Billy Guerin got a goal to get the Pens within one of the Senators. Matt Cooke, who got the first goal for the Pens, got the tying goal in the third period. The game finished regulation in a tie and went into overtime. I was extremely tense during the overtime period, and finally, halfway through the overtime period, Pascal Dupuis put me out of my agony by scoring the winning goal. It was such a relief to know that the Pens would move on to the next round. Final score: Pens 4 - Senators 3.

Sixth Game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Goals

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	5:19	OTT	M.CULLEN(3)	D.ALFREDSSON(6)	A.VOLCHENKOV(2)	EV
2	2	1:51	OTT	C.NEIL(3)	C.KELLY(5)	J.RUUTU(1)	EV
3	2	9:48	OTT	D.ALFREDSSON(2)	M.CULLEN(5)	M.FISHER(3)	EV
4	2	10:56	PIT	M.COOKE(2)	J.STAAL(1)	P.DUPUIS(3)	EV
5	3	7:03	PIT	B.GUERIN(2)	A.GOLIGOSKI(2)	E.MALKIN(4)	Pp
6	3	12:24	PIT	M.COOKE(3)	M.EATON(1)		EV
7	4	9:56	PIT	P.DUPUIS(1)	J.STAAL(2)		EV

Thursday, April 22, 2010 -- Evening

Endless Night

Tonight was the fifth game in the Pens and Senators matchup. Things were not looking good when the Senators got two quick goals in the middle of the first period. Fortunately, Kris Letang got a power play goal towards the end of the first period, and then Chris Kunitz knocked the puck into the net in the second period to tie things up. The Kunitz goal was reviewed by Toronto because the ref had called no goal because he had blown the whistle when the Senators' net was coming up off the ice. However, the net wasn't dislodged, and the puck had already crossed the line at that point, so Toronto called it a goal. After the first period, the Senators were obviously tired and frustrated, with only five shots on goal in the second period, and no goals going to Marc-Andre Fleury for the almost the whole first half of the third period. Right after the Senators got their first shot on goal in the third period, the Pens took the puck down the ice, and Sidney Crosby got the puck into the net while falling on his butt. Unfortunately, the Senators chose that moment to get a goal. You can't blame Fleury that much because he was mostly waiting for the action to happen. Neither could score another goal in regulation, and the game went into overtime. The first two overtime periods were scoreless, and almost halfway through the third overtime, the Senators scored. It was a heart breaker, and I wonder if it is a turning of the tide against the Pens. It's back to Ottawa, and hopefully, the Pens will end it there. Final score: Senators 4 - Pens 3.

Fifth Game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Goals

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

Final

Shots on goal

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	10:25	OTT	M.FISHER(2)	E.KARLSSON(4)	J.SPEZZA(5)	PP
2	1	11:33	OTT	J.RUUTU(2)	N.FOLIGNO(1)	C.KELLY(4)	EV
3	1	18:06	PIT	K.LETANG(2)	B.GUERIN(4)	E.MALKIN(2)	PP
4	2	18:34	PIT	C.KUNITZ(2)	S.CROSBY(8)	B.GUERIN(5)	EV
5	3	9:01	PIT	S.CROSBY(5)	E.MALKIN(3)		EV
6	3	10:24	OTT	P.REGIN(3)	J.SPEZZA(6)	E.KARLSSON(5)	EV
7	6	7:06	OTT	M.CARKNER(1)	D.ALFREDSSON(5)	M.FISHER(2)	EV

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 -- Evening

How High Can You Go?

This was not the game that i expected after the first game in the Pens and Senators matchup. The Pens took the lead with a goal in the first period. Then all heck broke loose in the second period with the Pens scoring five goals and the Senators scoring three. After the fourth Pens goal, Ottawa pulled goalie, Brian Elliot. That seemed to give the Senators a boost, and they got a few goals in answer, but the Pens just kept on pulling away, started by a short handed goal by Max Talbot. Sidney Crosby got two goals and two assists. Whenever it seemed that the Senators might gain momentum, the Pens responded. Final score: Pens 7 - Senators 4. The Pens go up on the Senators 3-1 in the series. Now let's hope that the Pens finish off the Senators on Thursday.

Fourth Game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Goals

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	11:50	PIT	E.MALKIN(4)	S.GONCHAR(4)	S.CROSBY(6)	PP
2	2	3:47	PIT	S.CROSBY(3)	C.KUNITZ(3)	S.GONCHAR(5)	EV
3	2	3:59	PIT	M.COOKE(1)	M.TALBOT(3)		EV
4	2	6:12	PIT	M.TALBOT(3)	S.GONCHAR(6)	C.KUNITZ(4)	EV
5	2	7:06	OTT	C.NEIL(2)	C.CAMPOLI(2)	C.KELLY(3)	EV
6	2	10:59	OTT	D.ALFREDSSON(1)	E.KARLSSON(2)	M.CULLEN(3)	EV
7	2	12:38	PIT	M.TALBOT(1	C.ADAMS(1)		SH
8	2	13:19	OTT	M.CULLEN(2)	J.SPEZZA(4)	D.ALFREDSSON(4)	PP
9	2	18:11	PIT	C.KUNITZ(1)	S.CROSBY(7)	B.GUERIN(3)	EV
10	3	7:37	OTT	J.SPEZZA(1)	E.KARLSSON(3)	M.CULLEN(4)	PP
11	3	12:27	PIT	J.STAAL(1)	A.GOLIGOSKI(1)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(1)	PP

Sunday, April 18, 2010 -- Evening

Game Three

The Pens were in Ottawa this evening to play the Senators. The Pens were the first to score with a goal by Alexei Ponikarovsky. Some of the local reporters were commenting on how little Ponikarovsky had brought to the Pens since the trade. Well, Ponikarovsky finally started paying the bill. Ponikarovsky scored at 1:17 in the first period, and the rest of the period went by without any goals. With only 40 seconds left on the clock in the first, it looked like the Senators had tied the game, but they got the puck into the net with a kicking motion, so the goal was called off. Unfortunately, Jordan Staal was called for a slashing penalty at the very end of the period, and the Senators got their goal with eight seconds left on the Staal penalty. The Pens put on a fight right after that, and Evgeni Malkin tossed the puck into the net. With less than a minute left in the second period, Sidney Crosby got a goal to give the Pens a 3-1 lead. In the third period, Marc-Andre Fleury was making some great saves. He was really aided by the others scoring, like Billy Guerin in the third period. Even though the Senators did get another goal in the third, the Pens held on to win with a final score of 4-2.

Third Game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Goals

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:17	PIT	.PONIKAROVSKY(1)	P.DUPUIS(2)	S.GONCHAR(3)	EV
2	2	1:53	OTT	M.FISHER(1)	P.REGIN(1)	M.CULLEN(2)	PP
3	2	5:57	PIT	E.MALKIN(3)	M.TALBOT(2)		EV
4	2	19:15	PIT	S.CROSBY(2)	M.COOKE(1)	B.GUERIN(2)	PP
5	3	4:27	PIT	B.GUERIN(1)	C.KUNITZ(2)	S.CROSBY(5)	EV
6	3	12:58	OTT	M.CULLEN(1)	D.ALFREDSSON(3)	J.SPEZZA(3)	PP

Friday, April 16, 2010 -- Evening

Redemption

The Pens were under pressure to perform better in tonight's game against the Ottawa Senators. Boy, did things look bad when the Senators scored in the first 18 seconds of the game. Sidney Crosby was bound and determined to get a win though, and he scored a goal in the first period, and then in the third, kept the puck away from Jason Spezza for several seconds before passing it to Kris Letang for another goal. The Pens got a win, and the series is tied. Unfortunately, Jordan Leopold was knocked out by Andy Sutton, who came off his feet to apply an elbow to Leopold's head. No call was made at the time, but it was quite obvious that Sutton left his feet. At least, they were a few inches off the ice from what I could see. Leopold was flat on the ice for several minutes before he finally managed to make his way to the locker room. Leopold did not come back into the game. Tensions were high in the game, and I doubt that it will lessen over time. Final score: Pens 2 - Senators 1.

Second Game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Goals

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	0:18	OTT	P.REGIN(2)	J.SPEZZA(2)	D.ALFREDSSON(2)	EV
2	1	8:45	PIT	S.CROSBY(1)	C.KUNITZ(1)		EV
3	3	15:48	PIT	K.LETANG(1)	S.CROSBY(4)	B.GUERIN(1)	EV

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 -- Evening

Playoff Hockey

The Pens and the Ottawa Senators met up for the first game of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. I've been listening to the commentary from various hockey analysts on numerous sports podcasts, and everyone seemed to think that the Pens would have an easy time of it in this matchup against the Senators. I was starting to think that my analysis that the Pens would probably not make it past the first round was flawed. So they haven't been playing well, and the team, in general, seems tired and not very interested in winning. We are talking the Senators, after all. The Pens do have their number, don't they? The Pens handed out white shirts to get everyone into the "whiteout" mood, and the game started with lots of energy. Things started well, Evgeni Malkin scored, and the crowd went wild. Unfortunately, the Senators didn't get the memo that they were supposed to lay down for the Pens. They came on to score three goals, taking a lead that they would never relinquish. The fans, for the most part, were out of the game. Only showing short bounds of cheering when the Pens would get around to scoring a goal. Malkin got two goals, Craig Adams, one, and Alex Goligoski one. The Senators shut down Sidney Crosby, who was having trouble getting the puck to the net. However, Crosby did have three assists. Chalk up one loss for the Pens. Senators win with a final score of 5-4. The next game is this coming Friday.

First Game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Goals

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:03	PIT	E.MALKIN(1)	S.GONCHAR(1)	S.CROSBY(1)	PP
2	1	8:45	OTT	P.REGIN(1)	J.SPEZZA(1)	D.ALFREDSSON(1)	EV
3	1	14:08	OTT	C.NEIL(1)	A.VOLCHENKOV(1)	C.KELLY(1)	EV
4	2	1:20	OTT	C.KELLY(1)	C.CAMPOLI(1)	E.KARLSSON(1)	PP
5	2	10:22	PIT	E.MALKIN(2)	S.GONCHAR(2)	S.CROSBY(2)	PP
6	2	13:14	OTT	E.KARLSSON(1)	M.FISHER(1)	M.CULLEN(1)	PP
7	3	5:16	PIT	C.ADAMS(1)	P.DUPUIS(1)	M.TALBOT(1)	EV
8	3	9:40	OTT	J.RUUTU(1)	C.NEIL(1)	C.KELLY(2)	EV
9	3	17:36	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(1)	S.CROSBY(3)	E.MALKIN(1)	EV

Sunday, April 11, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Islanders

The Pens played their last game of the regular season against the New York Islanders late this afternoon. Brent Johnson was in goal for the game, and he did a good job. Sidney Crosby was in the goals and points race, and the Pens' players spent most of the game feeding him the puck. Crosby got to 51 goals, but then was tied by Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In fact, when the Islanders scored two quick goals in the third period to bring the game to Pens 5, Islanders 4, Bob Errey commented that it was because the team was too busy trying to make sure that Crosby would score points. Unfortunately, the Pens gave up a huge lead, 4-1 in the second period, to let the Islanders tie the game and take it into overtime. The Pens finally won in overtime with a goal by Jordan Leopold. The Pens won the last game of the season with a final score of 6-5. Next up for the Pens will be the Ottawa Senators. Crosby will share the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals with Stamkos.
Eighty Second Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Islanders

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Islanders

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:09	PIT	E.MALKIN(27)	A.GOLIGOSKI(28)	S.CROSBY(56)	EV
2	1	6:35	PIT	E.GODARD(1)	S.CROSBY(57)	S.GONCHAR(39)	EV
3	1	17:03	PIT	S.CROSBY(50)	E.MALKIN(48)	P.DUPUIS(20)	EV
4	1	19:16	NYI	J.TAVARES(23)	M.STREIT(36)	K.OKPOSO(32)	PP
5	2	0:55	PIT	S.CROSBY(51)	M.TALBOT(5)		EV
6	2	1:55	NYI	M.MOULSON(30)	M.STREIT(37)	F.NIELSEN(26)	PP
7	2	11:09	PIT	E.MALKIN(28)	S.CROSBY(58)	A.GOLIGOSKI(29)	PP
8	3	4:29	NYI	K.OKPOSO(19)	M.STREIT(38)	J.TAVARES(30)	EV
9	3	4:53	NYI	J.SIM(13)	T.HUNTER(17)	J.HILLEN(18)	EV
10	3	15:47	NYI	F.MEYER(5)	K.OKPOSO(33)	M.MOULSON(19)	EV
11	OT	4:25	PIT	J.LEOPOLD(11)	E.MALKIN(49)	M.EATON(13)	EV

Saturday, April 10, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Thrashers

The Pens only had two more games left in the regular season, and you would think that they would be interested in solidifying a bid for the number two seed in the Eastern Conference. Tonight when the Pens played the Atlanta Thrashers, they didn't play as if they wanted to win. Things have not been boding well for the playoffs. In one of the most boring games that I have seen in a long time, the Pens lost to the Thrashers in a shutout with a final score of Thrashers 1 - Pens 0. Matt Cooke was knocked out when he was hit with a punch during a fight with Evander Kane. Kane connected with Cooke's jaw on Cooke's way to the ice and knocked Cooke out. Cooke lay on the ice for a while while he was checked out, but he was able to skate off the ice on his own. Only one more game left in the Pens' regular season.

Eighty First Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Thrashers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Thrashers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	9:26	ATL	B.LITTLE(13)	C.MACARTHUR(19)	V.KOZLOV(18)	EV

Thursday, April 8, 2010 -- Evening

Pens' Last Regular Season Game at Mellon Arena

Today was the last regular season game that the Pens were going to play in Mellon Arena. The Pens organization had players, coaches, and others who had an association with the Pens over the years come out on the ice before the game. Unfortunately, Jaromir Jagr and Tom Barraso couldn't make it, but Bob Erry, Jay Caufield, Phil Borque, Craig Patrick, Eddie Olczyk, and tons of other players. Of course, Mario Lemieux was the last person to come on the ice. They then got the current players to gather around the former Pens and took a team photo. The game was a great one. The Pens scored first, and after scoring four goals in the first period, the New York Islanders pulled Martin Biron from the goal and put in Dwayne Roloson. Sidney Crosby had a goal (his 49th), and everyone thought that he had his 50th, but Crosby insisted that it deflected off of Billy Guerin. The official scorer finally gave the goal to Guerin. It was a fun game, with Crosby getting four points, and Evgeni Malkin, back on the ice, scoring an unassisted goal. The final score was Pens 7, Islanders 3. After the game, the Pens gave the shirts off their backs to the fans. All in all, it was a great end to Mellon Arena. Now there are only playoff games left to be played on Mellon Arena ice.

Eightieth Game of the season

Goals

Islanders

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Islanders

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	0:23	PIT	B.ORPIK(2)	T.KENNEDY(12)	M.COOKE(15)	EV
2	1	5:03	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(8)	S.CROSBY(53)	S.GONCHAR(37)	PP
3	1	8:29	NYI	M.MOULSON(28)	M.STREIT(34)	J.TAVARES(28)	PP
4	1	15:15	PIT	E.MALKIN(26)	unassisted		EV
5	1	17:08	PIT	K.OKPOSO(18)	J.TAMBELLINI(7)	F.MEYER(10)	EV
6	1	19:02	PIT	S.CROSBY(49)	P.DUPUIS(18)	B.GUERIN(24)	EV
7	2	6:49	NYI	J.BAILEY(16)	M.STREIT(35)	A.MACDONALD(6)	EV
8	2	14:34	PIT	B.GUERIN(20)	S.CROSBY(54)	S.GONCHAR(38)	PP
9	2	16:41	PIT	T.KENNEDY(13)	J.STAAL(28)	M.EATON(12)	EV
10	3	1:46	PIT	B.GUERIN(20)	P.DUPUIS(19)	S.CROSBY(54)	EV

Tuesday, April 6, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Capitals

The Pens met up with the Washington Capitals this evening. The match was much anticipated because the Caps have been playing well all season, and have beaten the Pens in each of this season's meetings to date. The hope was that the Pens would win, and end the sweep by the Caps. Well, the Pens had trouble with that from the beginning. Marc-Andre Fleury couldn't seem to see the puck, and after he let in three goals, George McFly pulled him. Then Brent Johnson has issues seeing the puck. The Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin had their way with the Pens and went on to win with a final score of 6-3. The Pens really hasn't been playing up to snuff, and I think that even though they will make the playoffs, they will have issues getting much beyond the first round.

Seventy Ninth Game of the season

Goals

Capitals

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Capitals

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	13:00	WSH	A.SEMIN(39)	J.SCHULTZ(18)		EV
2	2	0:42	WSH	M.KNUBLE(28)	N.BACKSTROM(65)		EV
3	2	6:21	PIT	S.CROSBY(48)	B.GUERIN(23)	S.GONCHAR(36)	PP
4	2	6:42	WSH	T.FLEISCHMANN(23)	A.SEMIN(41)	J.SCHULTZ(19)	EV
5	2	9:55	PIT	J.LEOPOLD(9)	S.CROSBY(51)	A.GOLIGOSKI(27)	EV
6	3	18:00	WSH	M.BRADLEY(10)	Q.LAING(2)	D.STECKEL(11)	EV
7	3	0:49	PIT	J.LEOPOLD(10)	P.DUPUIS(17)	S.CROSBY(52)	EV
8	3	2:37	WSH	A.OVECHKIN(47)	N.BACKSTROM(66)		PP
9	3	19:59	WSH	A.OVECHKIN(48)	N.BACKSTROM(67)		EV-EN

Saturday, April 3, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Thrashers

The Pens played the Atlanta Thrashers in an early afternoon game today. Both Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar were in the line up today, and they both played as if they had not been out for several games due to injury. It looked at first as if the Thrashers were going to win the game. It was one of those back and forth games with the Thrashers scoring first and coming back each time to retake the lead. Johan Hedberg did a great job in goal for the Thrashers, and the Pens were lucky to get a Gonchar goal in the last minute and a half of regulation to tie the game. It took half of the overtime period for the Pens to get the win. The final score was Pens 4 - Thrashers 3. The Pens only have four more games before the playoffs start. I'm not very confident about the Pens chances in the playoffs because they really have not been playing well for awhile now. It seems that they have a lack of dedication to the game. Of course, I never thought George Bylsma was a good coach, and I think his real test comes when times get bad.

Seventy Eighth Game of the season

Goals

Thrashers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Thrashers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	19:12	ATL	M.AFINOGENOV(24)	N.BERGFORS(23)	N.ANTROPOV(43)	EV
2	2	12:05	PIT	E.MALKIN(25)	A.GOLIGOSKI(25)	S.CROSBY(48)	PP
3	2	17:23	ATL	T.STAPLETON(2)	J.ODUYA(10)	T.ENSTROM(44)	PP
4	3	3:27	PIT	T.KENNEDY(12)	S.GONCHAR(35)	S.CROSBY(49)	EV
5	3	4:31	ATL	R.PEVERLEY(22)	C.MACARTHUR(18)	E.KANE(12)	EV
6	3	18:46	PIT	S.GONCHAR(11)	E.MALKIN(47)	A.GOLIGOSKI(26)	PP
7	OT	2:50	PIT	J.LEOPOLD(8)	S.CROSBY(50)		EV

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Lightning

The Pens are nearing the end of the season and trying hard to solidify their position in the standings for the playoffs. This evening, they played the Tampa Bay Lightning. Evgeni Malkin was still out with his bruised foot, and Sergei Gonchar was out with an upper body injury. The Pens have had problems with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the past, and this evening was no different. The Lightning were able to shut out the Pens. Final score: Lightning 2 - Pens 0. The Pens only have five games left in the regular season, and hopefully, they will start to pick up their game for the playoffs.
Seventy Seventh Game of the season

Goals

Lightning

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Lightning

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	17:00	TB	S.STAMKOS(46)	M.ST LOUIS(62)	K.FOSTER(30)	PP
2	2	0:29	TB	S.DOWNIE(22)	M.ST LOUIS(63)	S.STAMKOS(42)	EV

Sunday, March 28, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Maple Leafs

The Pens played the Toronto Maple Leafs this evening. Well, actually the game started at 5. I don't like that start time because it's not an afternoon game or an evening game. Also, it's right at dinner time. Through the first two periods, the Pens and Leafs exchanged goals. First one would score, then the other. By the third period, the Pens were getting testy. Marc-Andre Fleury had had enough of Colton Orr bumping into him at the net, and Fleury put the hip into Orr as Orr came around the Pens' net. Of course, Fleury got called for interference, but he was really getting beat up in the net. Unfortunately, the Pens' defense seems to neglect taking care of their goalie. You couldn't get away with goalie abuse with other teams. Unfortunately, in the waning seconds of that penalty, the Leafs scored. Matt Cooke tied things up, and the game went into overtime. No score in overtime, so we went to a shootout. The Pens were up first with Kris Letang, but Jean Sebastian Giguere stopped him. Next was Phil Kessel, but Fleury stopped him. Crosby went next for the Pens, and he fired one into the net, right over Giguere's glove hand. Then It was Nikolai Kulemin's turn, but Fleury stopped him. Pascal Dupuis got to try his hand, and he scored to give the Pens the win. Crosby got the game deciding goal, and for now the Pens are ahead of the New Jersey Devils in the Atlantic Division and in the Eastern Conference. All the Pens' games now will determine the seed for the playoffs. Brooks Orpik was on fire in the game, getting three assists. Sidney Crosby also boosted his goals for the year with two goals to get the lead in the goals race.

Seventy Sixth Game of the season

Goals

Maple Leafs

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

0 (0-2)

1 (2-3)

Final

Shots on goal

Maple Leafs

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:23	TOR	C.ORR(3)	W.PRIMEAU(5)	R.WALLIN(6)	EV
2	1	9:49	PIT	T.KENNEDY(11)	C.ADAMS(10)	M.RUPP(6)	EV
3	2	4:54	TOR	P.KESSEL(30)	N.KULEMIN(20)	T.BOZAK(16)	EV
4	2	7:29		S.CROSBY(46)	B.ORPIK(21)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(29)	EV
5	2	10:43	PIT	S.CROSBY(47)	B.ORPIK(22)		EV
6	2	14:35	TOR	C.GUNNARSSON(3)	F.SJOSTROM(8)	R.WALLIN(7)	EV
7	3	5:38	TOR	T.BOZAK(8)	D.PHANEUF(19)	P.KESSEL(24)	PP
8	3	17:12	PIT	M.COOKE(15)	J.LEOPOLD(15)	B.ORPIK(23)	EV
9	SO		PIT	S.CROSBY

Saturday, March 27, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Flyers

The Pens played the Philadelphia Flyers in an early afternoon game today. The Flyers scored first, but after that, the Pens took charge, getting four goals in the game. The Pens have locked up a playoff spot. The question at this point is where they will end up.

Seventy Fifth Game of the season

Goals

Flyers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Flyers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:02	PHI	A.ASHAM(8)	B.BETTS(9)		EV
2	1	19:02	PIT	C.KUNITZ(13)	J.LEOPOLD(14)	M.FLEURY(1)	EV
3	2	6:03	PIT	P.DUPUIS(18)	S.CROSBY(45)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(28)	EV
4	3	7:32	PIT	M.COOKE(14)	R.FEDOTENKO(19)	S.CROSBY(46)	EV
5	3	14:31	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(11)	S.CROSBY(47)		PP

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Capitals

Everyone looks forward to a Pens and Washington Capitals because they can't wait to see Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin compete. Sergei Gonchar and Evegeni Malkin didn't play today. The first period went by without a score with Jose Theodore stopping all the Pens shots. Then in the first minute of the second period, the Capitals scored on a flukey goal, where the puck flew up into the air, and landed behind Marc-Andre Fleury. Shortly after, the Pens got the goal back to tie things up. The Pens owned the shots in the first period, the goals in the second, and then lost the edge in the third period. With only three minutes left in the game, Jordan Staal tied the game. The game went into overtime. Neither side could score though, and the game went into overtime. The Pens shot first with Kris Letang getting into the net. Nicklas Backstrom was up for the Caps, and Fleury stopped him when Backstrom couldn't get the puck up. Next was Sidney Crosby, and he scored with a nice move around Theodore. Alexander Ovechkin was next, and he scored, getting it over Fleury's pad. Billy Guerin was third, but he was really slow, and couldn't get it past Theodore. Alexander Semin was up next, and he scored. Next: Chris Kunitz was stopped Theodore. Mike Knuble was next, and he scored to give the Caps the win. Final score: Pens 3 - Caps 4.
Seventy Fourth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Capitals

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Capitals

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	1:09	WSH	M.KNUBLE(26)	N.BACKSTROM(60)	A.OVECHKIN(53)	EV
2	2	2:21	PIT	M.TALBOT(2)	B.ORPIK(20)	C.ADAMS(9)	EV
3	2	14:39	PIT	B.GUERIN(19)	S.CROSBY(44)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(27)	EV
4	3	5:36	WSH	A.SEMIN(34)	unassisted		SH
5	3	7:32	WSH	E.FEHR(21)	M.GREEN(54)	E.BELANGER(25)	EV
6	3	16:54	PIT	J.STAAL(21)	C.KUNITZ(19)	J.LEOPOLD(13)	EV
7	SO		WSH	M.KNUBLE

Monday, March 22, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Red Wings

The Pens played their arch nemesis, the Detroit Red Wings. Marc-Andre Fleury was trying his darndest to keep the puck out, but it was not to be. The Pens have struggling in the past two games. The Red Wings are starting to pick up their game, even though they have been lackluster this season. Tensions were running high, and at the end of the game, as Sidney Crosby was trying to get the puck past goalie, Jimmy Howard, Henrik Zetterberg started shoving Crosby. After the buzzer called the end of the game, Howard got involved, grabbing Crosby, and puling off Crosby's helmet. Red Wings won with a final score of 3-1.

Seventy Third Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Red Wings

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Red Wings

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	19:03	DET	V.FILPPULA(9)	T.BERTUZZI(23)	H.ZETTERBERG(41)	EV
2	2	7:38	DET	H.ZETTERBERG(21)	T.BERTUZZI(24)	N.LIDSTROM(36)	EV
3	2	16:54	PIT	P.DUPUIS(18)	unassisted		EV
4	3	1;20	DET	H.ZETTERBERG(22)	V.FILPPULA(22)	N.LIDSTROM(37)	EV

Saturday, March 20, 2010 -- Afternoon

Pens versus Hurricanes

The Pens played the Carolina Hurricanes in an early afternoon game today. The weather was gorgeous in Pittsburgh today, which makes it hard to stay in to watch a hockey game. The Hurricanes did a good job of keeping the Pens shot at a minimum. It was a back and forth game. Carolina scored, then the Pens. The Pens scored a second time, and then the Hurricanes scored. The game was tied and went into overtime. With only 0.9 seconds left on the clock in overtime, the Hurricanes got a puck behind Marc-Andre Fleury to give the Hurricanes the win. Final score: Pens 3 - Hurricanes 2.

Seventy Two Game of the season

Goals

Hurricanes

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Hurricanes

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	6:48	CAR	Z.BOYCHUK(3)	J.PITKANEN(38)	.MCBAIN(3)	PP
2	2	19:42	PIT	J.STAAL(20)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(25)	S.CROSBY(43)	PP
3	3	13:05	PIT	E.MALKIN(24)	R.FEDOTENKO(18)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(26)	EV
4	3	16:00	CAR	J.PITKANEN(6)	E.STAAL(35)	R.WHITNEY(32)	EV
5	OT	4:59	CAR	J.MCBAIN(1)	C.LAROSE(10)	B.RODNEY(6)	EV

Thursday, March 18, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Bruins

Tonight's Pens and Bruins game has been the talk of the media since Matt Cooke took Marc Savard out of the game and season with his head hit, that didn't receive a penalty. Everyone has been saying that the Bruins would have to retaliate, and there has been tons of talk about Cooke's dirty play. Even Billy Guerin weighed in against Cooke. I think anyone with any sort of reason, who saw the play would have been disgusted at Cooke's dirty play. Cooke has a history though of pulling cowardly acts and dirty hits. I think players like Cooke should just be eliminated from the game. He's not skilled enough to provide anything other than dirty hits. Meanwhile Savard is out of the game because of after effects from the grade 2 concussion. But back to the game. The first time Cooke went out on the ice, Shawn Thorton took it upon himself to clean Cooke's clock. Thornton continued to beat on Cooke even after Cooke fell and the refs stepped in, and that resulted in a game misconduct for Thornton. Every time Cooke come off the bench, the crowd booed him. I would have booed Cooke too, if I was there. The game was a good one for the Pens. They had a goal in each period, and Marc-Andre Fleury got a shut out. Final score: Pens 3 - Bruins 0.

Seventy First Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Bruins

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Bruins

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	8:34	PIT	T.KENNEDY(10)	R.FEDOTENKO(17)	B.ORPIK(19)	EV
2	2	19:45	PIT	A.PONIKAROVSKY(21)	K.LETANG(24)	S.GONCHAR(34)	EV
3	2	5:14	PIT	M.RUPP(13)	unassisted		EV

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

The Pens have back to back games starting with the New Jersey Devils this evening. The first five minutes, the Pens were playing well. However, things quickly turned with the Devils take advantage of puck turnovers in the neutral zone and sloppy play by defense. Marc-Andre Fleury started the game, but was pulled after the fourth goal. The Pens had a few good moves at the beginning of the third period, and Ruslan Fedotenko got a goal. The Pens weren't able to completely get their act together though, or to take advantage of a five minute major power play. The final score: Pens 2 - Devils 5.

Seventieth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Devils

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Devils

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:01	PIT	C.KUNITZ(11)	B.GUERIN(22)	K.LETANG(23)	EV
2	1	10:51	NJ	D.ZUBRUS(7)	P.ELIAS(23)		EV
3	1	18:18	NJ	P.MARTIN(1)	unassisted		EV
4	2	3:09	NJ	P.ELIAS(13)	unassisted		SH
5	2	10:17	NJ	Z.PARISE(33)	T.ZAJAC(38)	M.SKOULA(7)	EV
6	3	5:23	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(10)	A.GOLIGOSKI(24)		EV
7	3	18:47	NJ	R.NIEDERMAYER(10)	Z.PARISE(37)		EV-EN

Sunday, March 14, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus LIghtning

The Pens were in Tampa Bay to play the LIghtning in an early afternoon game today. The Pens' fans almost had a collective heart attack when Sidney Crosby got his leg caught up between a Tampa Bay player's legs, who then fell twisting Crosby's leg under the TB player's body. I missed catching who the TB player was, but it looked like an intentional tripping job. Fortunately, Crosby didn't appear to be hurt, although there were plenty of questions over the game about whether he might have a high ankle sprain. Evgeni Malkin had a puck to his foot in the second period, and did not come back for the third period. He may only have a bad bone bruise, although the sports guys have been wondering if Malkin hasn't been feeling physically well for awhile. Marc-Andre Fleury had a good game and held the Lightning to one goal. Pascal Dupuis got a goal, and Crosby got an assist on a Sergei Gonchar goal. Pens won with a final score of 2-1.

Sixty NInth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Lightning

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Lightning

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	8:09	TB	V.LECAVALIER(20)	T.FEDORUK(3)	V.HEDMAN(15)	EV
2	3	2:20	PIT	P.DUPUIS(17)	J.STAAL(27)	M.COOKE(14)	EV
3	3	5:17	PIT	S.GONCHAR(10)	S.CROSBY(42)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(24)	PP

Friday, March 12, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

The Pens played the New Jersey Devils this evening. The Pens were hoping to get a win over the Devils as the season dwindles down to the playoffs. But for some reason, the Pens seem unable to beat New Jersey. This evening was no different. Marc-Andre Fleury did a great job in goal, even stopping and Ilya Kovalchuk penalty shot. The Devils put on the attack with only five shots in goal in the third period and got two goals to break the tie and win the game. Pens 1 - Devils 3.

Sixty Eighth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Devils

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Devils

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:43	NJ	P.ELIAS(12)	A.GREENE(24)	.KOVALCHUK(33)	EV
2	1	2:25	PIT	S.CROSBY(45)	C.KUNITZ(18)	P.DUPUIS(15)	EV
-	2	18:11	NJ	I.KOVALCHUK	Unsuccessful Penalty Shot		EV-PS
3	3	2:06	NJ	A.GREENE(6)	I.KOVALCHUK(34)	B.SALVADOR(9)	EV
4	3	9:59	NJ	I.KOVALCHUK(35)	D.ZUBRUS(12)	T.ZAJAC(37)	EV

Thursday, March 11, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Hurricanes

The Pens were back in action after a mini-break of three days to play the Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams were keeping things pretty close throughout the game. The Pens scored two goals in the first period, and then the Hurricanes got two. In the second period, the Hurricanes pulled ahead, and then the Pens tied things. The third period was scoreless, and the game went into overtime. Unfortunately, 22 seconds into OT, the Hurricanes got the winning goal. I think that Brent Johnson, the Pens' goalie, let in a couple of soft goals. It was as if he didn't even see the puck. The Pens were making the shots, just not getting anything from it. Final score: Pens 3 - Hurricanes 4.

Sixty Seventh Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Hurricanes

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Hurricanes

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:04	PIT	J.STAAL(19)	P.DUPUIS(13)	M.EATON(11)	EV
2	1	5:29	PIT	B.GUERIN(18)	E.MALKIN(46)	S.CROSBY(41)	PP
3	1	7:45	CAR	R.WHITNEY(20)	J.PITKANEN(35)	B.POTHIER(9)	PP
4	1	9:11	CAR	Z.BOYCHUK(2)	unassisted		EV
5	2	2:09	CAR	E.STAAL(21)	E.COLE(3)		EV
6	2	6:00	PIT	M.COOKE(13)	P.DUPUIS(14)	A.GOLIGOSKI(23)	EV
7	OT	0:23	CAT	B.POTHIER(5)	R.WHITNEY(31)	E.STAAL(33)	EV

Sunday, March 7, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Bruins

The Pens played a last afternoon games against the Boston Bruing. The game started out slow, probably because the Pens were still recuperating from yesterday's game. Boston was the first to score, but Pascal Dupuis put one in the net for the Pens almost six minutes later. At the start of the third period, Evgeni Malkin got a goal to give the Pens a 2-1 lead. They didn't look back from there. The game was mostly boring except for a hit that Matt Cooke put on Marc Savard. It happened with around six minutes left in the game. Savard had just crossed the blue line, and shot the puck at the net, when Cooke came along, catching Savard in the head, and knocking him to the ice. Savard laid there for the longest time, and the Pens' doctor came out and ordered a stretcher to take Savard away. Although a penalty wasn't called, I thought that Cooke's hit was late, and that it was an intentional head blow. After all, Cooke knew that Savard's head was there, and had to realize at that point that Savard didn't have the puck. I'm not sure that I like Matt Cooke. He seems to do some questionable things on the ice, dirty in a way. I'm not a fan, but I guess we will have to wait to see what the league thinks. The Bruins coach, Claude Julien, thought that it was a dirty hit. We'll see if the league carries through with its pledge to stop crap like this, and give Cooke a lengthy suspension. Final score in the game: Pens 2 - Bruins 1.

Sixty Sixth Game of the season

Goals

Bruins

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Bruins

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	3:12	BOS	B.WHEELER(14)	M.STURM(12)	D.KREJCI(21)	PP
2	2	8:57	PIT	P.DUPUIS(16)	S.CROSBY(40)	M.RUPP(5)	EV
3	3	1:27	PIT	E.MALKIN(23)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(23)		EV

Saturday, March 6, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Stars

The Pens had an early afternoon game against the Dallas Stars. The score was tied after the first period, but then things started to look bad for the Pens. The Stars got two goals within a minute of each other. It was starting to look as if Marc-Andre Fleury would bet pulled, but instead, he took it as a wake-up call and started making some spectacular stops. The Pens started to go on the offense, and Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis, and Sidney Crosby scored goals to give the Pens the lead going into the third period. Crosby and the Pens trade acquistion, Alexei Ponikarovsky, scored goals in third to put the game out of reach. Final score: Pens 6 - Stars 3.

Sixty Fifth Game of the season

Goals

Stars

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Stars

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	2:11	PIT	J.STAAL(18)	M.COOKE(13)	S.GONCHAR(32)	EV
2	1	12:05	DAL	M.RIBEIRO(15)	B.SEGAL(3)	S.ROBIDAS(24)	EV
3	2	1:29	DAL	B.SEGAL(3)	M.RIBEIRO(26)	B.MORROW(20)	EV
4	2	2:28	DAL	L.ERIKSSON(25)	B.RICHARDS(52)	S.OTT(13)	EV
5	2	4:01	PIT	C.KUNITZ(10)	S.CROSBY(39)	K.LETANG(21)	EV
6	2	9:10	PIT	P.DUPUIS(15)	K.LETANG(22)		EV
7	2	16:47	PIT	S.CROSBY(43)	C.KUNITZ(17)	J.LEOPOLD(12)	EV
8	3	1:35	PIT	S.CROSBY(44)	J.STAAL(26)		SH
9	3	15:13	PIT	A.PONIKAROVSKY(20)	S.GONCHAR(33)	A.GOLIGOSKI(22)	PP

Thursday, March 4, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Rangers

The Pens were in New York this evening to play the Rangers. Marc-Andre Fleury was back in goal for the Pens. Although the Rangers didn't put a ton of shots on the net in the first two periods, they managed to get three of them behind Fleury. The puck wasn't going Fleury's way. The Rangers fourth goal came off the goal, and bounced off of Fleury's back into the net. After that goal, Fleury got pulled, and Brent Johnson went in. Fleury was not happy with that, and flung his stick off the bench area as he sat down. Fleury wasn't on top of his game, but then neither where the other Pens. The Olympic break wasn't to Fleury's advantage because he didn't get to play. Fleury is one of those players who does well when he plays a lot. After Fleury was pulled, Sidney Crosby gave the puck to Mike Rupp who scored for the Pens. Alex Goligoski gave the Pens a tie, and the game went into overtime. After all what do you expect when a team only gets one shot on goal in the whole period. At least, that's what the Rangers did. Henrik Lundqvist did a great job thoughout the game, facing 55 shots. Evgeni Malkin ended the game by scoring the game winning shot in overtime. Final score: Pens 5 - Rangers 4.

Sixty Fourth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Rangers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Rangers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	2:17	NYR	A.ANISIMOV(10)	S.AVERY(17)	W.REDDEN(10)	EV
2	1	6:03	PIT	C.KUNITZ(9)	S.GONCHAR(30)	A.GOLIGOSKI(22)	PP
3	1	9:58	PIT	J.STAAL(17)	unassisted		EV
4	1	14:39	NYR	C.DRURY(11)	M.DEL ZOTTO(21)	O.JOKINEN(28)	EV
5	2	2:03	NYR	M.ROZSIVAL(2)	V.PROSPAL(34)	O.JOKINEN(29)	EV
6	2	12:49	NRY	B.DUBINSKY(15)	M.ROZSIVAL(16)	M.GILROY(9)	PP
7	2	14:23	PIT	M.RUPP(12)	S.CROSBY(38)	C.KUNITZ(15)	EV
8	3	11:59	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(7)	C.KUNITZ(16)	R.FEDOTENKO(16)	EV
9	OT	3:42	PIT	E.MALKIN(22)	S.GONCHAR(31)	J.STAAL(25)	PP

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Sabres

The Pens were back in action at home this evening. The Buffalo Sabres were in town too, with Patrick Lalime as the starting goal. The Sabres were giving Ryan Miller a break, and the Pens gave Marc-Andre Fleury a break too. You know sitting in the stands can be rough. I think mostly with Fleury, it was the lack of activity. The Pens did a really cool thing by having a pre-game ceremony to honor those who competed in the Olympics, and they honored both teams. Lindy Ruff, Jochen Hecht, Andrej Sekera, Henrik Tallinder, Sergei Gonchar, Evgeni Malkin, and Toni Lydman. The crowd gave Ryan Miller a huge ovation, and he waved from the sidelines. Brooks Orpik got a good round of applause too. Then they honored the gold medalists: Fleury and Sidney Crosby. It was nice that they did it in order of the order of finish. I especially liked the ovation for Ryan Miller. He did a great job, as tournament MVP, and it was just the fluke of the puck that gave the Canadians the win. That and Crosby's skill. Max Talbot was also back on the ice after his span out with an injury. Gonchar was the first to score, giving the Pens the advantage. The second period started with a goal by Pascal Dupuis. Lydman brought things closing by getting a goal for the Sabres. Ruslan Fedotenko got a goal in the third, and then Derek Roy got a goal that went up for review to bring things close again. The Sabres weren't able to score again, and the Pens got another win with a 3-2 score.

Sixty Third Game of the season

Goals

Sabres

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Sabres

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	14:58	PIT	S.GONCHAR(9)	A.GOLIGOSKI(21)	S.CROSBY(37)	PP
2	2	3:13	PIT	P.DUPUIS(14)	R.FEDOTENKO(15)	E.MALKIN(45)	EV
3	2	6:44	BUF	T.LYDMAN(2)	P.KALETA(4)	C.RIVET(12)	EV
4	3	<11:03/td>	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(9)	T.KENNEDY(11)		EV
5	3	14:21	BUF	D.ROY(17)	P.KALETA(5)	C.BUTLER(19)	EV

Sunday, February 14, 2010 -- Afternoon

Pens versus Predators

The Pens played the Nashville Predators here in Pittsburgh in an early afternoon game. This will be the last game before the NHL break for the Olympics. The Pens were hoping to go to break with a win, but the Nashville Predators were just as eager to end with a win. It was a back and forth battle with the Pens scoring, and then the Predators scoring. The game went into overtime, and even though the Pens had a power play during overtime, and had seven shots on goal compared to the Predators' zero shots, they weren't able to seal the deal. Of course, that means shootout, but both Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang were unable to get the puck into the net while both Cal O'Reilly and Martin Erat got a goal for the Predators. The Predators got the win, and the Pens got a point. Hopefully, the Pens will come back from the Olympic break feeling more energized. Final score: Pens 3 - Predators 4.

Sixty Second Game of the season

Goals

Predators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

1 (2-2)

0 (0-2)

Final

Shots on goal

Predators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	14:43	PIT	S.CROSBY(42)	S.GONCHAR(29)	E.MALKIN(44)	PP
2	2	0:34	NSH	M.ERAT(19)	S.WEBER(24)	J.ARNOTT(21)	PP
3	2	2:09	PIT	M.COOKE(12)	J.STAAL(23)	T.KENNEDY(10)	EV
4	2	2:21	NSH	J.TOOTOO(5)	.GOC(10)		EV
5	3	4:51	PIT	B.ORPIK(1)	K.LETANG(19)	S.CROSBY(36)	EV
6	3	12:17	NSH	S.WEBER(11)	M.GOC(11)	J.DUMONT(26)	EV
7	S)		NSH	C.O'REILLY

Friday, February 12, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Rangers

The Pens welcomed the New York Rangers to Mellon Arena this evening. Going into the game, the Pens had won the last seven meetings between the teams. Brent Johnson was in goal for the first period, but was pulled in the second with an injury. Marc-Andre Fleury replaced him, obviously. Sidney Crosby scored in the first period to get his 40th goal of the season. The 40 goal mark is not easy, and this is the best goal record per season for Crosby so far. The Pens started the second period with a 1-0 lead, but the Rangers came on to score two goals to take the lead in the second period. Things were definitely testy at the end of the second period. Crosby got his second goal of the game during a power play a little less than four minutes into the third period. The game went into overtime, and unfortunately, the Rangers scored to get the win. Final score: Pens 2 - Rangers 3.

Sixty First Game of the season

Goals

Rangers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Rangers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	6:42	PIT	S.CROSBY(40)	B.GUERIN(21)	E.MALKIN(43)	EV
2	2	1:28	NYR	B.DUBINSKY(13)	C.DRURY(12)	O.JOKINEN(27)	Ev
3	2	9:44	NYR	V.PROSPAL(13)	A.ANISIMOV(11)	W.REDDEN(9)	EV
4	3	3:53	PIT	S.CROSBY(41)	S.GONCHAR(28)		PP
5	OT	1:02	NYR	O.JOKINEN(13)	unassisted		EV

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Islanders

Fans braved the snow covered streets to attend tonight's Pens versus the New York Islanders. The game was rather a boring one to watch. No score in the first period, but then the Pens did manage to put two in the net in the second period. The Islanders scored a goal in the third period, but Chris Kunitz scored his second goal of the game to seal the deal. Final score: Pens 3 - Islanders 1.

Sixtieth Game of the season

Goals

Islanders

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Islanders

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	10:33	PIT	C.KUNITZ(7)	E.MALKIN(42)	B.ORPIK(18)	EV
2	2	17:00	PIT	E.MALKIN(21)	S.GONCHAR(27)	M.EATON(10)	EV
3	3	9:38	NYI	F.NIELSEN(9)	B.GERVAIS(11)		EV
4	3	14:48	PIT	C.KUNITZ(8)	B.GUERIN(20)		EV

Sunday, February 7, 2010 -- Afternoon

Pens versus Capitals

Although the PIttsburgh area got almost 2 feet of snow, Washington DC got almost three feet of snow. That made it impossible for the Pens to fly into town from Montreal yesterday. Instead, the Pens flew to New Jersey, and drove to DC, finally arriving around 2 a.m. Not a great time when you consider that the game with the Capitals started at noon. The Pens, especially Sidney Crosby, came to play for the nationally televised game. Crosby scored two goals, three minutes apart, in the first period. Alexander Ovechkin got a goal in the second period, and then Jordan Staal decided that he wanted two goals, and he quickly put two into the net. Ovechkin got his second goal in the third period to make the score Pens 4, Capitals 3. Then Ovechkin makes a face-off win this third goal of the period. The crowd went wild, and hats flew to the ice. Obviously, this is why the Capitals have a 13 game winning streak going into today's game. They don't give up, and Ovechkin can always score. The game went into overtime, and the Capitals capitalized on a power play to win the game. Final score: Pens 4 - Capitals 5. The Capitals lead the Eastern Conference, and now have a 14 game winning streak.

Fifty Ninth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Capitals

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Capitals

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	6:59	PIT	S.CROSBY(38)	unassisted		EV
2	1	9:59	PIT	S.CROSBY(39)	E.MALKIN(40)	A.GOLIGOSKI(20)	PP
3	2	9:01	WSH	A.OVECHKIN(40)	J.SCHULTZ(14)		EV
4	2	11:43	PIT	J.STAAL(15)	T.KENNEDY(9)		EV
5	2	13:07	PIT	J.STAAL(16)	E.MALKIN(41)		EV
6	2	17:12	WSH	E.FEHR(15)	B.MORRISON(21)		EV
7	3	6:51	WSH	A.OVECHKIN(41)	T.POTI(18)	N.BACKSTROM(47)	EV
8	3	11:06	WSH	A.OVECHKIN(42)	N.BACKSTROM(48)		EV
9	OT	2:49	WSH	M.KNUBLE(21)	A.OVECHKIN(44)	M.GREEN(41)	PP

Saturday, February 6, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Canadiens

The Pens were in Montreal today to play the Canadiens in an early afternoon game. Although the Pens didn't play poorly, everything seemed to go the Canadiens way. The first goal that the Canadiens scored came about because Marc-Andre Fleury was playing the puck behind the net, and he was checked into the boards, falling to the ice. Of course, that left an empty net, and the Canadiens scored. Evgeni Malkin did get a short handed goal at the end of the game, but it was too little, too late. Final score: Pens 3 - Canadiens 5.

Fifty Eighth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	0:29	MTL	T.PLEKANEC(15)	unassisted		EV
2	1	1:02	PIT	P.DUPUIS(13)	J.STAAL(22)	E.MALKIN(39)	EV
3	2	9:38	MTL	B.GIONTA(15)	R.HAMRLIK(15)		EV
4	2	10:21	MTL	S.GOMEZ(8)	T.PLEKANEC(42)	B.GIONTA(13)	PP
5	2	13:57	PIT	B.GUERIN(17)	S.CROSBY(35)	B.ORPIK(17)	EV
6	3	7:15	MTL	M.DARCHE(2)	T.PLEKANEC(43)	J.SPACEK(14)	EV
7	3	10:47	MTL	B.GIONTA(16)	T.MOEN(5)	S.GOMEZ(31)	EV
8	3	16:44	PIT	E.MALKIN(20)	J.MCKEE(9)	S.GONCHAR(26)	SH

Monday, February 1, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres were in town to play the Pens this evening. The Pens scored first with a goal by Mark Letestu, called up from the Baby Pens along with Nick Johnson. It was Letestu's first NHL goal, and he made it 47 seconds into the game. Unfortunately, the Sabres scored two quick goals five minutes later. Of course, the only I have to say about the Sabres' two goals is that the Pens were wearing those blue uniforms at home. They tend to do poorly when they wear blue. The Sabres added another goal to their lead, and things were looking dire. However, Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal did their parts to tie things up. Crosby's second goal was a nice one. Ryan Miller was getting the puck from behind the net, and one of the Sabre defensemen let it go past him. Well, Crosby got it into the net. Then a little after a minute later, Crosby got another goal for a hat trick. The points put him into third place in the scoring competition. The Sabres managed to cut down the Pens' lead to one with three minutes left in the game. The Sabres put there all into tying the game, but they weren't able to get the tying goal. The Pens won with a final score of 5-4.

Fifty Seventh Game of the season

Goals

Sabres

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Sabres

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	0:47	PIT	M.LETESTU(1)	T.KENNEDY(8)	K.LETANG(17)	EV
2	1	5:15	BUF	D.ROY(12)	D.STAFFORD(14)	S.MONTADOR(12)	PP
3	1	6:03	BUF	T.VANEK(17)	D.ROY(27)	H.TALLINDER(11)	EV
4	2	7:32	BUF	T.KENNEDY(6)	M.GRIER(8)	C.MACARTHUR(11)	EV
5	2	10:53	PIT	S.CROSBY(35)	A.GOLIGOSKI(19)	E.MALKIN(37)	PP
6	2	14:06	PIT	J.STAAL(14)	E.MALKIN(38)	P.DUPUIS(12)	EV
7	2	17:30	PIT	S.CROSBY(36)	unassisted		EV
8	2	18:55	PIT	S.CROSBY(37)	K.LETANG(18)		EV
9	3	17:00	BUF	J.POMINVILLE(15)	T.CONNOLLY(37)	T.VANEK(18)	PP

Sunday, January 31, 2010 -- Late Afternoon

Pens versus Red Wings

The Pens met up with the Detroit Red Wings in an early afternoon game that was broadcast on NBC today. Depending on your viewpoint, the game was either really exciting or really boring. It was low scoring, going into a shoot out with a 1-1 tie. And it was low shooting on the Red Wings side, with only 24 shots on goal by the Red Wings in the entire game. The Pens won in the shoot out when Sidney Crosby, and then Evgeni Malkin, were able to score, while the Red Wings went 0 for 2. Final score: Pens 2 - Red Wings 1.

Fifty Sixth Game of the season

Goals

Red Wings

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

0 (0-2)

1 (2-3)

Final

Shots on goal

Red Wings

Devils

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	16:46	PIT	S.CROSBY(34)	A.GOLIGOSKI(18)	E.MALKIN(36)	EV
2	3	11:10	DET	D.CLEARY(11)	B.STUART(9)	H.ZETTERBERG(29)	EV
3	SO		PIT	S.CROSBY

Thursday, January 28, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Senators

The Pens were back in town this evening to play the Ottawa Senators. Evgeni Malkin wanted to show that his slump was over, and he scored in the first minute and a half of the first period with assists from Nick Johnson and Ruslan Fedotenko. Unfortunately, the Senators went on to score two goals in the first to take the lead. The second period passed with the Pens frustrated in their efforts to get a goal. The only time the puck went into the net behind Senator goalie, Brian Elliott, was when Kris Letang shot at the net right after the buzzer sounded. That irritated a few of the Senators because goalies think it's bad karma to shoot into their net after the buzzer. Unfortunately, the karma wasn't in the Pens' favor. The Senators went on to score two goals, including an empty net goal in the last minute of the game to win with a final score of Senators 4 - Pens 1.

Fifty Fifth Game of the season

Goals

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:34	PIT	E.MALKIN(19)	N.JOHNSON(1)	R.FEDOTENKO(14)	EV
2	1	10:06	OTT	M.FISHER(18)	N.FOLIGNO(15)	M.CARKNER(8)	EV
3	1	13:39	OTT	C.KELLY(10)	.RUUTU(10)	C.NEIL(8)	EV
4	3	4:27	OTT	J.SPEZZA(8)	D.ALFREDSSON(28)	M.MICHALEK(7)	EV
5	3	18:32	OTT	N.FOLIGNO(8)	E.KARLSSON(8)		EV-EN

Monday, January 25, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Rangers

The Pens played the New York Rangers. Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal for the Pens. The first period wasn't very action-filled with each team putting up only seven shots on goal. Chris Conner, recalled from the Baby Pens today to replace injured Alex Goligoski, got his first goal of the season with an assist by Sidney Crosby to put the Pens on the scoreboard. The Rangers have been having serious problems, and haven't scored a goal in their last two games. They broke that lack of scoring streak with a goal midway through the second period to tie the game. In the third period, the Rangers scored again to take the lead, but they only held it for forty one seconds. Evgeni Malkin scored then to tie the game. Exactly one minute later, Conner got his second goal and Crosby got his second assist of the game. Pascal Dupuis sealed the deal by scoring an empty net goal in the last minute of the game. Final score: Pens 4 - Rangers 2.

Fifty Fourth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Rangers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Rangers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	2:47	PIT	C.CONNER(1)	S.CROSBY(33)	K.LETANG(15)	EV
2	2	13:04	NYR	A.ANISIMOV(8)	C.HIGGINS(8)	E.LISIN(7)	EV
3	3	9:15	NYR	A.ANISIMOV(9)	D.GIRARDI(10)		EV
4	3	9:46	PIT	E.MALKIN(18)	S.GONCHAR(24)	K.LETANG(16)	EV
5	3	10:46	PIT	C.CONNER(2)	S.CROSBY(34)	P.DUPUIS(11)	EV
6	3	19:20	PIT	P.DUPUIS(12)	E.MALKIN(35)	S.GONCHAR(25)	EV-EN

Sunday, January 24, 2010 -- Late Afternoon

Pens versus Flyers

The Pens versus the Flyers match was the game of the week on the NBC broadcast this afternoon. Any time the Pens and Flyers meet, you know it's going to be an action packed game. Brent Johnson was in goal, and Marc-Andre Fleury was the back-up. This game did not disappoint, even though it wasn't a very high scoring game. In fact, it looked like it was going to go into overtime before the Pens pulled out a win with a goal by Matt Cooke. Final score: Pens 2 - Flyers 1.

Fifty Third Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Flyers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Flyers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	5:18	PHI	J.CARTER(22)	K.TIMONEN(24)	S.HARTNELL(17)	PP
2	1	14:33	PIT	S.GONCHAR(8)	R.FEDOTENKO(13)	S.CROSBY(32)	PP
3	3	18:13	PIT	M.COOKE(11)	S.GONCHAR(23)	E.MALKIN(34)	PP

Thursday, January 21, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Capitals

This evening was the first meeting of the season between the Pens and the Washington Capitals. Everyone was abuzz over the meet-up between the Caps and Pens, and Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. Both Max Talbot and Pascal Dupuis were scratches due to injury, and Marc-Andre Fleury was still out with the broken finger. Brent Johnson was in goal for the Pens, and Nick Johnson was called up from the Baby Pens for his first NHL appearance. Surprisingly, he was placed on Evgeni Malkin's line, which started the game. Jose Theodore was in goal for the Caps. Crosby and Ovechkin are in the points race, and Crosby was the first to add to his total with a flukey goal. Ruslan Fedotenko aimed at an open net, and it got deflected and rode along the goal line until Crosby knocked it in. Later in the first period, Ovechkin got an assist on a Mike Knuble goal. The Caps scored early in the second period, and then 28 seconds after that, Nick Johnson got his first NHL game. Congrats to Johnson on his first goal! The game continued with both teams scoring a second goal in the period. Kris Letang scored for the Pens, and Ovechkin scored for the Caps. The third period didn't start well with the Caps getting two goals in the first three and a half minutes of the period. The crowd really seemed to be out of it at that point. You could have heard a pin drop in the arena. The Pens weren't able to score another goal, so the Caps got the win with a final score of 6-3.

Fifty Second Game of the season

Goals

Capitals

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Capitals

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:22	PIT	S.CROSBY(33)	R.FEDOTENKO(10)	E.MALKIN(31)	EV
2	1	14:24	WSH	M.KNUBLE(14)	A.OVECHKIN(36)	S.MORRISONN(5)	EV
3	2	2:22	WSH	E.FEHR(13)	J.CHIMERA(14)	J.CARLSON(1)	EV
4	2	2:50	PIT	N.JOHNSON(1)	E.MALKIN(32)	R.FEDOTENKO(11)	EV
5	2	10:46	PIT	K.LETANG(3)	R.FEDOTENKO(12)	E.MALKIN(33)	EV
6	2	16:25	WSH	A.OVECHKIN(31)	B.MORRISON(19)	B.MORRISON(19)	PP
7	3	2:32	WSH	T.FLEISCHMANN(17)	A.SEMIN(25)	J.CARLSON(1)	EV
8	3	3:25	WSH	N.BACKSTROM(21)	T.FLEISCHMANN(16)		PP
9	3	19:34	WSH	A.OVECHKIN(32)	unassisted		EV-EN

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Islanders

The Pens were back in Pittsburgh after their western Canada road trip to play the New York Islanders. Mike Yeo was behind the bench tonight. The guys were saying that Yeo is taking heart medication and is doing much better. As Bob Errey said during the game, Yeo is taking deep breaths and trying to maintain his calm. Brent Johnson was in goal for the Pens, with John Curry as a backup. Marc-Andre Fleury is still out with the broken finger. Sidney Crosby did his job, and got a goal for the Pens in the first period. Evgeni Malkin finally got off the schnide and scored a power play goal in the second period. Then Johnson stopped a penalty shot by Kyle Okposo. Then Billy Guerin got a power play goal to give the Pens a 3-0 lead. The Islanders got a goal, and Crosby got another, but the tide turned. At the end of the second period, into the third period, the Islanders came back to tie the game at 4-4. Fortunately, Malkin upped his game by scoring another goal to give the Pens the lead. In the last three minutes of the game, Pascal Dupuis was knocked into the boards from behind, aka called boarding. Dupuis fell face forward to the ice, with a pool of blood beneath his head. Dwayne Roloson, the Islanders goalie, peeked over the net, and saw that Dupuis was badly injured, and quickly started waving for help. Crosby and Guerin helped carry Dupuis off the ice. It looked like Dupuis was unconscious at first. It's a good thing that he was able to get to his feet with some help, and skate off the ice. That gave the Pens a power play for the duration of the game because boarding is a five minute major. Malkin put the game away by scoring an empty net goal with 30 seconds left. It gave Malkin a hat trick, and the fans threw their free give away onto the ice. In this case, it was a nice carry-all bag. Weird because a bag is not a hat, and it ain't a bag trick! The Pens won with a final score of 6-4.

Fifty First Game of the season

Goals

Islanders

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Islanders

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	18:37	PIT	S.CROSBY(31)	B.GUERIN(19)	M.EATON(9)	EV
2	2	3:40	PIT	E.MALKIN(15)	S.GONCHAR(21)	S.CROSBY(28)	PP
-	2	4:36/td>	NYI	K.OKPOSO	Unsuccessful Penalty Shot		SH-PS
3	2	7:01	PIT	B.GUERIN(16)	S.CROSBY(29)	S.GONCHAR(22)	PP
4	2	11:45	NYI	A.SUTTON(4)	J.HILLEN(13)	D.WEIGHT(9)	EV
5	2	13:02	PIT	S.CROSBY(32)	P.DUPUIS(10)	K.LETANG(14)	EV
6	2	13:27	NYI	F.MEYER(1)	B.COMEAU(8)	R.SCHREMP(10)	EV
7	3	0:48	NYI	T.HUNTER(9)	F.NIELSEN(17)		EV
8	3	7:11	NYI	R.PARK(4)	D.WEIGHT(10)	J.HILLEN(14)	EV
9	3	11:09	PIT	E.MALKIN(16)	A.GOLIGOSKI(17)	S.CROSBY(30)	PP
10	3	19:30	PP	E.MALKIN(17)	B.ORPIK(16)	S.CROSBY(31)	PP-EN

Saturday, January 16, 2010 -- Late Evening

Pens versus Canucks

The Pens played the Vancouver Canucks this evening. John Curry was in for the injured Marc-Andre Fleury. To help out with the goaltending situation, the Pens signed Alex Pechurski to an amateur tryout contract. Pechurski, 19, is from the Tri-Cities Americans of the Western Hockey League. Evgeni Malkin finally got a goal to put the Pens on the scoreboard, but then Vancouver scored two in the first period to give the Canucks an early lead. John Curry had a meltdown at the beginning of the second period, and let in three goals in a little over two minutes. So George McFly pulled curry and put in Pechurski. Pechurski gave up a goal in the second, but managed to not let any of the five shots on goal that the Canucks made into the net. The problem is that the Canucks also held off the Pens from scoring. Final score: Pens 2 - Canucks 6.

Fiftieth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Canucks

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Canucks

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	7:32	PIT	E.MALKIN(14)	R.FEDOTENKO(9)		EV
2	1	14:42	VAN	H.SEDIN(21)	D.SEDIN(26)	J.HANSEN(4)	EV
3	1	18:37	VAN	A.BURROWS(21)	unassisted		SH
4	2	1:22	VAN	M.SAMUELSSON(16)	M.RAYMOND(16)		EV
5	2	3:04	VAN	J.HANSEN(5)	H.SEDIN(45)	S.SALO(9)	EV
6	2	3:56	VAN	W.MITCHELL(4)	H.SEDIN(46)	D.SEDIN(27)	EV
7	2	11:54	PIT	M.COOKE(10)	T.KENNEDY(7)	J.STAAL(21)	EV
8	2	13:08	VAN	R.KESLER(13)	M.SAMUELSSON(17)	M.RAYMOND(17)	PP

Friday, January 15, 2010 -- Early Morning

The Pens continued their western Canada run last night in Edmonton, playing the Oilers. Again, this was a game that I fell asleep on, but it turned out to have an interesting third period. The Oilers took the early lead with goals in the first and second periods. Then Marc-Andre Fleury got a penalty for roughing because Robert Nilisson, who got a penalty for goaltender interference, came right at Fleury and bowled him over into the net. Fleury was really getting ticked at the way he was being abused in goal, so he let it out. Jordan Staal then must have decided to win the game for the Pens because in the third (the period I missed), he had an assist in all three goals in the period to give the Pens a 3-2 win. Staal got the first star of the game, and Evgeni Malkin got the third. Yes, Malkin hasn't been on the scoring sheet much lately, but he was getting most of the shots on goal in the first two periods (at least). You can't say that Malkin isn't trying. Something just isn't working for him, and the local sports analysts think that it might be that the Pens really lack skilled wingers.

Forty Ninth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Oilers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Oilers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	1:34	EDM	A.COGLIANO(5)	P.O'SULLIVAN(15)	L.VISNOVSKY(20)	PP
2	2	11:53	EDM	L.VISNOVSKY(9)	P.O'SULLIVAN(16)		PP
3	3	3:18	PIT	T.KENNEDY(9)	J.STAAL(18)		EV
4	3	6:48	PIT	M.COOKE(9)	J.STAAL(19)	K.LETANG(13)	PP
5	3	10:30	PIT	P.DUPUIS(11)	.STAAL(20)	M.COOKE(12)	EV

Thursday, January 14, 2010 -- Early Morning

Pens versus Flames

The Pens started their western Canada road trip with a match against the Calgary Flames last night. I only wanted the beginning of the game before I went to bed. I wasn't overly impressed with the play of either side, but the Pens scored first with a goal by Sidney Crosby. He now has 30 goals for the season and is second in the most goals category. Fortunately, he is still producing. Unfortunately, Evgeni Malkin seems to have fallen off the team. He has really been a no-show, and obviously whatever Dan Bylsma is doing isn't working for Malkin. When I woke up, it was to a Pens' win, and that's all that is important in the long run for the team. Final score: Pens 3 - Flames 1.

Forty Eighth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Flames

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Flames

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:52	PIT	S.CROSBY(30)	M.EATON(8)		EV
2	2	9:39	CGY	M.GIORDANO(6)	N.DAWES(14)	R.BOURQUE(21)	PP
3	2	10:52	PIT	B.GUERIN(15)	S.GONCHAR(20)	A.GOLIGOSKI(16)	PP
4	3	18:20	PIT	T.KENNEDY(8)	J.STAAL(17)		EV

Monday, January 11, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Wild

The Pens were in Minnesota this evening to play the Wild. Brooks Orpik had some sort of undisclosed injury and wasn't scheduled to play. Also, Brent Johnson left practice early today, and John Curry was called up from the Baby Pens to replace him. The Pens scored first with an early goal by Sidney Crosby, but per usual, the Wild scored after the puck took a funny bounce off of Marc-Andre Fleury and into the net. The second period started with another quick goal by Pascal Dupuis to give the Pens the lead again. But then seconds later, Martin Havlat scored for the Wild to tie things up again. This has just been typical of the Pens in recent games. The Pens blew a 5 on 3 power play, letting it pass without a score. But the Wild took advantage of a bounce to take the lead with a goal. Crosby tied the game early in the third, but the Wild were not to be denied. Final score: Pens 3 - Wild 4. I think the problem with the Pens is that they are having a problem, obviously, of sustaining any win. You could blame injury of key players, or stagnation on the part of others, like Evgeni Malkin. The only thing I know is that Michel Therrien lost his job for those reasons. If you don't give a seasoned coach the benefit of the doubt, why give a novice coach one? I think that Dan Bylsma needs some remedial coaching instruction. We'll see how he pulls the team out of this problem.

Forty Seventh Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Wild

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Wild

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:44	PIT	S.CROSBY(28)	P.DUPUIS(8)	M.EATON(6)	EV
2	1	11:40	MIN	E.BELANGER(12)	G.LATENDRESSE(4)		EV
3	2	0:54	PIT	P.DUPUIS(10)	B.GUERIN(18)	S.CROSBY(27)	EV
4	2	1:45	MIN	M.HAVLAT(8)	G.LATENDRESSE(5)		EV
5	2	12:03	MIN	C.CLUTTERBUCK(9)	G.LATENDRESSE(6)	E.BELANGER(15)	EV
6	3	1:04	PIT	S.CROSBY(29)	M.EATON(7)	P.DUPUIS(9	EV
7	3	6:13	MIN	G.LATENDRESSE(12)	K.BRODZIAK(12)	N.SCHULTZ(11)	EV

Saturday, January 9, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Maple Leafs

The Pens started a 5 game, 11 day road trip this evening in Toronto, playing the Maple Leafs. Sergei Gonchar was back on the ice. However, Brooks Orpik got injured somehow at the beginning of the first and did not return to the game. The Pens were the first to score with a goal by Billy Guerin, but then the Maple Leafs scored one right back. There was a slightly controversial period when Gonchar had a shot on goal that went in, but the refs didn't see it, and when the puck came back down, it looked like the Leafs' player was interfered with and would get a penalty shot. There was a long period of review, then the ref said that the shot for the Pens crossed the goal line, so everything after it was negated, except that the goal scorer was put in the penalty box for the hooking that happened AFTER the goal. There was a great deal of confusion on the part of the sports announcers. Right after he served the penalty, Gonchar came out of the penalty box to score another goal. Sidney Crosby also got a goal to tie with Alexander Ovechkin in the goals race. They are both in third place now. The Pens went on to win, which was good since they lost six of their last seven games. Hopefully, the winning will continue. I think that the Pens were helped by Marc-Andre Fleury playing so well, and Gonchar's goals. Final score: Pens 4 - Maple Leafs 1.

Forty Sixth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Maple Leafs

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Maple Leafs

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	7:24	PIT	B.GUERIN(14)	S.CROSBY(26)	M.EATON(5)	EV
2	1	18:48	TOR	M.STAJAN(13)	P.KESSEL(9)	T.KABERLE(35)	PP
3	2	14:44	PIT	S.GONCHAR(6)	E.MALKIN(29)	B.GUERIN(17)	PP
4	2	17:17	PIT	S.GONCHAR(7)	E.MALKIN(30)	A.GOLIGOSKI(15)	EV
5	3	3:49	PIT	S.CROSBY(27)	P.DUPUIS(7)	S.GONCHAR(19)	EV

Thursday, January 7, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Flyers

The Flyers were in town to play the Pens. The game started out as a shooting match. The Flyers quickly got two goals to take an early lead. Then Sidney Crosby got off his slump to get a goal. The Flyers and Pens both got another goal in the first. Then less than two minutes into the second, Chris Pronger scored goal four for the Flyers, and George McFly pulled Marc-Andre Fleury and put Brent Johnson in. Within seconds, the Flyers scored on Johnson. The Pens have just been looking like crap lately. McFly finally put Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the same line, and Crosby got another goal to bring the Pens within two of the Flyers. Towards the end of the second period, the Flyers were robbed of a goal. The puck went over the goal line, and the local sports guys showed a clip that showed the puck going over the line, but Johnson covered it quickly and threw it out. i was shocked that when it went to Toronto, they didn't have that film angle to see that the puck went over the net. All I have to say is that the Pens as a whole were playing like crap, and I don't think this one "gimme" will help them to win the game. if it does, they don't deserve a win. The Pens, however, were playing not to win, and they didn't. Just getting the one win didn't do much to really break the losing attitude of the team. Final score: Flyers 7 - Pens 4.

Forty Fifth Game of the season

Goals

Flyers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Flyers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	6:39	PHI	J.CARTER(15)	M.CARLE(18)	K.TIMONEN(20)	PP
2	1	7:10	PHI	J.VAN RIEMSDYK(9)	A.ASHAM(7)	D.POWE(1)	EV
3	1	8:25	PIT	S.CROSBY(25)	K.LETANG(12)	B.ORPIK(15)	EV
4	1	16:51	PHI	M.CARLE(3)	C.PRONGER(24)	D.BRIERE(12)	PP
5	1	19:04	PIT	M.COOKE(8)	unassisted		EV
6	2	1:42	PHI	C.PRONGER(6)	M.CARLE(19)	M.RICHARDS(18)	EV
7	2	2:56	PHI	J.VAN RIEMSDYK(10)	A.ASHAM(8)	O.BARTULIS(6)	EV
8	2	10:32	PIT	S.CROSBY(26)	E.MALKIN(27)	L.CAPUTI(1)	EV
9	3	9:26	PHI	J.CARTER(16)	D.BRIERE(13)		EV
10	3	12:08	PIT	M.RUPP(11)	M.TALBOT(4)	E.MALKIN(28)	EV
11	3	19:28	PHI	M.RICHARDS(19)	D.POWE(2)	S.GAGNE(10)	EV-EN

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Thrashers

The Pens tried to break their losing streak in this evening's game against the Atlanta Thrashers. The Pens are in the same sort of slump that lead to the firing of Michel Therrien. Let's see how long Dan Bylsema (aka George McFly) lasts. For tonight's game, Brent Johnson was in goal. The first period was very boring to watch: lots of back and forth skating and shooting, not getting anywhere. Finally 39 seconds into the second period, Kris Letang got a goal. Unfortunately, a little over two minutes later, the Thrashers tied things up. Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy teamed up to give the lead back to the Pens. The scoring continued with another goal by Ruslan Fedotenko. The Thrashers weren't done with scoring either, and they got another to end the period with a 3-2 score to the Pens advantage. In the third period, Luca Caputi, recalled from the Baby Pens today to replace Chris Kunitz, scored his first NHL goal. Although the first line, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, didn't show up to play, the third line did, with Jordan Staal getting another goal. The Pens won with a final score of 5-2, breaking their losing streak. Let's see how long they can maintain the wins.

Forty Fourth Game of the season

Goals

Thrashers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Thrashers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	0:39	PIT	K.LETANG(2)	M.COOKE(11)		EV
2	2	2:57	ATL	J.SLATER(2)	C.THORBURN(4)	P.KUBINA(18)	EV
3	2	8:12	PIT	J.STAAL(12)	T.KENNEDY(5)		EV
4	2	14:41	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(8)	J.STAAL(16)	A.GOLIGOSKI(14)	PP
5	2	16:14	ATL	.SLATER(3)			EV
6	3	8:32	PIT	L.CAPUTI(1)	E.MALKIN(26)	R.FEDOTENKO(8)	EV
7	3	15:38	PIT	J.STAAL(13)	T.KENNEDY(6)	B.JOHNSON(1)	EV

Sunday, January 3, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Panthers

The Pens played the Florida Panthers in a late afternoon game today. Yesterday, after the Tampa Bay Lightning game, the paramedics were called to the coaches' rooms. Well, the Pens refused to make any statement, but we found out when the game started that Mike Yeo was "under the weather" and was not at the game today. Sounds like he had some sort of problem. I hope that Yeo is okay. But I just found this article on the Pens' site, about Yeo not feeling well, and being sent to the hospital. All tests were normal, but it sounds like a heart or stress thing, maybe? Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal again for a back to back game. The thought was that the Pens really wanted to get a win back under their belts. They were the first to score with a goal by Tyler Kennedy. Then half way through the first period, Sidney Crosby got a goal. The Panthers called a time out to allow their players to regroup. The Panthers finally got a goal at the very end of the first period. Neither team was having much luck in the second period until the ending of the period when the Panthers got two quick goals within a minute of each other to take the lead. Although the Pens had a good first period, they just sort of fell apart for the rest of the game. Well, the Pens did get 50 shots on goal, but Tomas Vokoun was too good for them. The Pens now have a five game losing streak. This will be a good test for Dan Bylsema, aka, George McFly. I don't think he's a good coach, and I think that he will have trouble addressing this slump. Final score: Pen 2 - Panthers 6.

Forty Third Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Panthers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Panthers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	5:49	PIT	T.KENNEDY(7)	J.STAAL(15)	M.COOKE(10)	EV
2	1	10:39	PIT	S.CROSBY(24)	A.GOLIGOSKI(13)		EV
3	1	18:57	FLA	J.LEOPOLD(6)	N.HORTON(26)	M.FROLIK(13)	EV
4	2	17:35	FLA	R.DVORAK(7)	G.CAMPBELL(6)		EV
5	2	18:37	FLA	R.OLESZ(8)	B.ALLEN(6)	G.CAMPBELL(7)	EV
6	3	8:11	FLA	S.REINPRECHT(13)	N.HORTON(27)	M.FROLIK(14)	EV
7	3	13:08/td>	FLA	R.DVORAK(8)	C.STILLMAN(9)	B.MCCABE(16)	EV
8	3	19:57	FLA	R.DVORAK(9)	D.SEIDENBERG(14)		SH-EN

Saturday, January 2, 2010 -- Early Evening

Pens versus Lightning

The Pens were in Tampa Bay for an afternoon game against the Lightning. The Lightning scored first with a goal by Martin St. Louis, who was passed over for Canada's 2010 Hockey team. Billy Guerin, another one who was passed over for the Olympics this year, scored a tying goal for the Pens. I think they were both showing that they were scorers, but there are just so many spots open in the Olympics. People are bound to be overlooked. The Lightning pulled ahead in the second period for a one goal lead. Marc-Andre Fleury managed to stop a penalty shot that Vincent Lecavalier was given because Mark Eaton broke Lecavalier's stick. However, the Lightning got a goal from Steve Downie shortly thereafter. The Pens are in a slump though, and lost their fourth game in a row. Final score: Pens 1 -Lightning 3.

Forty Second Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Lightning

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Lightning

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:03	TB	M.ST LOUIS(9)	M.OHLUND(9)	S.STAMKOS(17)	EV
2	1	17:15	PIT	B.GUERIN(13)	J.STAAL(14)	J.MCKEE(7)	EV
3	2	14:26	TB	Z.KONOPKA(2)	S.DOWNIE(10)	S.STAMKOS(18)	EV
-/td>	3	4:44	TB	V.LECAVALIER	Unsuccessful Penalty Shot		EV-PS
4	3	7:11	TB	S.DOWNIE(8)	M.OHLUND(10)	V.LECAVALIER(29)	EV

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

The Pens were in New Jersey to play the Devils this evening. Brent Johnson was in goal to give Fleury a rest. Unfortunately, the Devils were the first to score with a quick goal in the first two minutes of the game. The Pens picked up their game a smidge in the second period, but the team as a whole just seemed to be lackluster. In general, any games between the Pens and the Devils is incredibly boring, and this game was no exception. The Pens weren't able to get one past Martin Brodeur. The Devils scored an empty net goal when Johnson was pulled in the final minute of the game. The Pens were shutout. Final score: Devils 2 - Pens 0.

Forty First Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Devils

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Devils

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:48	NJ	N.BERGFORS(13)	T.ZAJAC(20)	A.GREENE(18)	EV
2	3	19:48	NJ	J.LANGENBRUNNER(9)	R.NIEDERMAYER(8)		SH-EN

Tuesday, December 29, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Sabres

The Pens drove up to Buffalo yesterday to play the Sabres. Unfortunately, there was a snow storm, and the Pens bus got stuck. Dan Potash mentioned in the pre-game show that Dan Byslma had to get out with some of the other staff to push the bus. Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal for the Pens. The Pens were the first to score with a goal by Jordan Staal. Then Bill Guerin scored another at the end of the first to give the Pens a 2-0 lead. The Sabres have been having problems in several of their first periods lately, and Ryan Miller hasn't been as hot then, which is weird because he leads the NHL in goals against and save percentage. The second period started with Chris Kunitz scoring (with an assist by Sidney Crosby) at 1:28 into the second period. Lindy Ruff pulled Ryan Miller at that point, and put in Patrick Lalime. Miller was really pissed and threw his gloves when he got to the bench. The Sabres were attacking the net, and Fleury was out out of the net. Jay McKee through himself on the puck, and the call from the refs (and Toronto) was no goal, but the Sabres were awarded a penalty shot. Drew Stafford was able to score against Fleury to give the Sabres a goal. A few minutes later, a more relaxed Stafford scored another goal for the Sabres to make the score 3-2. In the third period, Thomas Vanek was knocked into Fleury. Fleury had been knocked to the ice, and Vanek just came right down and bounced his butt off of Fleury's chest. It took a few minutes for Fleury to get his wind back. The Sabres got the lead with a power play goal in the middle of the third period. It came down to a frenzied shooting fest on the part of the Pens in the final minute of the game, but it was too little too late. The Pens weren't able to score against Lalime. The Sabres win with a final score of 4-3.

Fortieth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Sabres

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Sabres

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:08	PIT	J.STAAL(11)	T.KENNEDY(4)		EV
2	1	18:31	PIT	B.GUERIN(12)	B.ORPIK(14)	K.LETANG(11)	EV
3	2	1:28	PIT	C.KUNITZ(6)	S.CROSBY(25)	P.DUPUIS(6)	EV
4	2	12:46	BUF	D.STAFFORD(8)	Penalty Shot		EV-PS
5	2	14:55	BUF	D.STAFFORD(9)	C.MACARTHUR(8)	T.KENNEDY(10)	EV
6	3	7:28	BUF	P.GAUSTAD(8)	D.STAFFORD(10)	C.MACARTHUR(9)	EV
7	3	10:55	BUF	J.POMINVILLE(10)	T.CONNOLLY(20)	T.MYERS(18)	PP

Sunday, December 27, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Maple Leafs

The Pens returned from the Christmas break to play the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Pens have three games over the next four days. Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal tonight, and unfortunately, let in a goal less than three minutes into the first period. Good news for the Pens when a few minutes later, Matt Cooke took the puck down the ice with a two on one, and powered the puck past Vesa Toskala to tie the game. Jordan Staal was on the ice without his full mask. He work only a plastic half-shield. The Leafs got another goal in the first period to take the lead. I know that I started to think that the Pens were playing poorly because they were wearing the dreaded blue jerseys. For some reason, they seem to lose games when they wear blue at home. The Pens only had four shots on goal in the first period. Sidney Crosby tied things again in the second for his 23rd goal of the year. It was a back and forth game though, and the period ended with the Leafs again in the lead. Mike Rupp scored with only minutes left in the game to tie things, but the Leafs got the lead right back seconds later. Final score: Pens 3 - Maple Leafs 4.

Thirty Ninth Game of the season

Goals

Maple Leafs

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Maple Leafs

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	2:28	TOR	L.SCHENN(1)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(13)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(13)	EV
2	1	5:01	PIT	M.COOKE(7)	unassisted		EV
3	1	16:32	TOR	L.STEMPNIAK(10)	A.PONIKAROVSKY(14)	T.KABERLE(32)	PP
4	2	7:48	PIT	S.CROSBY(23)			PP
5	2	15:07	TOR	J.BLAKE(9)	L.STEMPNIAK(10)	I.WHITE(13)	EV
6	3	17:45	PIT	M.RUPP(10)	E.MALKIN(25)	A.GOLIGOSKI(12)	EV
7	3	18:38	TOR	I.WHITE(8)	F.BEAUCHEMIN(15)	L.STEMPNIAK(11)	EV

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Senators

The Pens played the Ottawa Senators this evening. Jordan Staal was back on the ice. It seems that he didn't break his nose after all. He had five stitches to close up the horseshoe cut over his nose, and the rest of it was glued. The cut goes from one nostril, up the side of the nose, over the bridge, and then down the side to the other nostril. The game was a shooting match for the Senators had 24 shots on goal in the first period! Daniel Alfreddson also got a really hard hit in the first period that took him out of the game. It seems he may have hurt his shoulder in the hit. While it was a shooting match for the Senators, it was a scoring match for the Pens. Evgeni Malkin finally got out of his scoring slump, that was mentioned in the local papers this morning. By the end of the second period, Marc-Andre Fleury had stopped 38 of 39 shots, and the Pens had scored six goals (five in the second). Chris Kunitz had four points (goal and three assists) in the second. Pascal LeClaire was pulled when the Senators started the third period, but the scoring didn't stop. Malkin got his third goal for his fourth career hat trick. The Senators got one more goal with less than two minutes left in the game, but the Pens won with a final score of Pens 8 - Senators 2.

Thirty Eighth Game of the season

Goals

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Senators

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:37	PIT	E.MALKIN(11)	S.CROSBY(22)	S.GONCHAR(16)	PP
2	1	13:05	OTT	A.VOLCHENKOV(3)	P.REGIN(6)		EV
3	2	1:03	PIT	B.GUERIN(10)	C.KUNITZ(12)	S.GONCHAR(17)	PP
4	2	7:35	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(7)	.STAAL(12)	M.TALBOT(3)	EV
5	2	11:25	PIT	C.KUNITZ(5)	B.GUERIN(14)		EV
6	2	13:57	PIT	B.GUERIN(11)	S.CROSBY(23)	C.KUNITZ(13)	PP
7	2	18:27	PIT	E.MALKIN(12)	C.KUNITZ(14)	B.GUERIN(15)	EV
8	3	1:43	PIT	S.GONCHAR(5)	M.COOKE(9)	J.STAAL(13)	EV
9	3	6:33	PIT	E.MALKIN(13)	S.CROSBY(24)		EV
10	3	18:09	OTT	C.KELLY(4)	J.WINCHESTER(6)	J.CHEECHOO(7)	EV

Monday, December 21, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

The New Jersey Devils were in town tonight to play the Pens. The Devils really seem to have the Pens number, and they have won both of the games against the Pens this season, and both were at Mellon Arena. That's not a good record. The Devils scored a goal in the first period, and then a power play goal early in the second period. As is normal for a Devils game, the play was rather boring. Poor Jordan Staal was going after the puck behind Martin Brodeur when the puck flew up and whacked Staal in the nose. Blood started pouring out, and Matt Cooke and the trainer had to help Staal off the ice. In fact, by the time Staal got to the door to the leave the ice, it didn't look as if he could pick up his feet. It did not look good. After that, things went down hill. The Devils got two more goals in the second period, and Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled. Bob Errey was making a joke that in the past eight games, Fleury hasn't let in a goal in the third period, and that he wouldn't let one in in this game. Because Fleury was pulled. Funny, but cruel. As the horrible second period was ending, Max Talbot, Dean McAmmond, and Peter Elias got into a fight. Talbot and McAmmond got 10 minute misconducts in addition to a roughing. Elias just got a roughing. In the scrum, the ref got whacked in the nose and had to stuff a tampon in his nose to staunch the bleeding. Brodeur was trying to break Terry Sawchuck's record of 103 shutouts in this game. Staal came back at the start of the third with a full face mask on. His nose was so swollen and cut up. It's amazing that Staal can even breath. Boy, talk about hockey chutzpah. In the last minute of the game, the Pens put on a rush to try to score to not give Brodeur a shutout, but Brodeur make a great glove save on Evgeni Malkin. But nothing could stop Brodeur who got the 104th career shutout for a new NHL record. The Devils win with a final score of 4-0.

Thirty Seventh Game of the season

Goals

Devils

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Devils

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:39	NJ	B.SALVADOR(2)	D.MCAMMOND(4)	A.GREENE(15)	EV
2	2	0:23	NJ	N.BERGFORS(12)	Z.PARISE(23)	A.GREENE(16)	PP
3	2	8:27	NJ	P.ELIAS(8)	D.MCAMMOND(5)	Z.PARISE(24)	EV
4	2	11:03	NJ	M.FRASER(2)	D.MCAMMOND(6)	Z.PARISE(25)	EV

Saturday, December 19, 2009 -- Late Evening

Pens versus Sabres

I missed the game, but the Pens were able to win tonight's game in a shootout. It seems that Marc-Andre Fleury did a great job in goal, and so did Patrick Lalime, former Pens' goalie. The final score: Pens 2 - Sabres 1.

Thirty Sixth Game of the season

< td valign=top> OT

Goals

Pens

Sabres

1st

2nd

3rd

1 (1-2)

0 (0-3)

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Sabres

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	15:05	BUF	J.POMINVILLE(8)	C.MACARTHUR(7)	T.LYDMAN(4)	EV
2	1	19:21	PIT	C.KUNITZ(4)	S.CROSBY(21)		EV
3	SO		PIT	K.LETANG

Thursday, December 17, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Flyers

The rematch between the Pens and the Philadelphia Flyers took place in Philadelphia this evening. The Flyers were the first to score, getting a goal in just a little over a minute into the game. But the Billy Guerin quickly tied thins up for the Pens. Sidney Crosby got his 22nd goal in the second period. Again, it was an answering goal for one the Flyers made earlier in the second period. Both sides were playing well, and both goalies, Marc-Andre Fleury and Brian Boucher were making good saves. The game remained tied through regulation, and went into overtime. Brooks Orpik and Dan Carcillo both got called for slashing penalties on each other, which lead to an interesting three on three situation. Unfortunately, neither side seemed able to score during the overtime, and the game went into a shootout. The Flyers went first with Daniel Briere, and Fleury stopped him. Then it was time for Kris Letang. He shot a rocket past Boucher. Then it was Claude Giroux, but Fleury poke-checked him to stop the goal. Next up was Crosby, and he also got a good shot that flew past Boucher. Who's the star here? Letang or Crosby who scored, or Fleury who stopped two shooters? Final score: Pens 3 - Flyers 2.

Thirty Fifth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Flyers

1st

2nd

3rd

1 (2-2)

0 (0-2)

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Flyers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:15	PHI	J.CARTER(12)	M.CARLE(17)	D.BRIERE(9)	EV
2	1	3:48	PIT	B.GUERIN(9)	C.KUNITZ(10)	E.MALKIN(24)	PP
3	2	2:04	Phi	C.GIROUX(7)	D.CARCILLO(4)	M.RICHARDS(14)	PP
4	2	9:17	PIT	S.CROSBY(22)	C.KUNITZ(11)	S.GONCHAR(15)	PP
5	SO		PIT	K.LETANG

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Flyers

The Pens played the Broadstreet Bullies, the Philadelphia Flyers, this evening at Mellon Arena. There were three fights shortly after the five minute mark of the first period. Time between the first fight and the third? 16 seconds. The first fight, at 5:17, was between Mike Rupp and Arron Asham. Fight number two, at 5:23, was between Eric Godard and Riley Cote. The third fight, at 5:33, was between was between Craig Adams and Dan Carcillo. Adams really isn't a fighter, and Carcillo got the best of him. By the end of the first period, the Pens had goals from Sidney Crosby, Billy Guerin, and Jordan Staal, while the Flyers had one from Carcillo. The Flyers sort of died after the first period. Staal got a second goal in the second period, and Ruslan Fedotenko and Evgeni Malkin both got goals in the third period. Final score was Pwns 6 - Flyers 1. The teams meet up again on Thursday, maybe without Guerin or Staal who suffered injuries late in the game. The Pens now have the best record in the NHL after tonight's win.

Thirty Fourth Game of the season

Goals

Flyers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Flyers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:30	PIT	S.CROSBY(21)	R.FEDOTENKO(7)	S.GONCHAR(14)	PP
2	1	6:09	PIT	B.GUERIN(8)	S.CROSBY(19)	B.ORPIK(12)	EV
3	1	11:46	PHI	D.CARCILLO(3)	M.RICHARDS(13)	M.CARLE(16)	PP
4	1	14:51	PIT	J.STAAL(9)	M.COOKE(8)	B.ORPIK(13)	SH
5	2	19:45	PIT	J.STAAL(10)	K.LETANG(10)	S.CROSBY(20)	EV
6	3	12:17	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(6)	E.MALKIN(23)	E.GODARD(2)	EV
7	3	18:39	PIT	E.MALKIN(10)	J.MCKEE(6)		EV

Saturday, December 12, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Panthers

The Pens were back in action against the Florida Panthers this evening. Brent Johnson was in goal for the Pens to give Marc-Andre Fleury a much needed rest. The Panthers were the first to score, but Pascal Dupuis is on a streak, and he got a goal shortly afterwards. At 16:51, the Panthers Mike Duco got cross-checking for knocking Jay McKee into Johnson. McKee's head hit Johnson, who landed back in the goal. They called a trainer out for Johnson, but it seems he was okay. In the second period, Ruslan Fedotenko got his first goal in 14 games. He got himself right in front of the net, and was able to get a pass from Evgeni Malkin into the net. The Panthers tied things in the third, and the game went into overtime. In overtime, Jordan Staal got dragged down, and the Pens had a power play. Within seconds, Malkin finally got a goal to win the game for the Pens. Ironically, Malkin had said in an interview yesterday that he would score today, because he hasn't had a goal in the past several games. Final score: Pens 3 - Panthers 2.

Thirty Third Game of the season

Goals

Panthers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Panthers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	10:25	FLA	S.REINPRECHT(11)	R.OLESZ(8)	R.DVORAK(6)	PP
2	1	13:03	PIT	R.DVORAK(6)	C.ADAMS(8)	A.GOLIGOSKI(11)	EV
3	2	9:41	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(5)	E.MALKIN(22)	M.RUPP(4)	EV
4	3	4:39	FLA	S.WEISS(14)	B.MCCABE(13)	N.HORTON(20)	EV
5	OT	0:37	PIT	E.MALKIN(9)	S.GONCHAR(13)	S.CROSBY(18)	PP

Thursday, December 10, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Canadiens

It was a busy sports night in the 'Burgh. Well, a busy TV night for sports, since both teams were playing out of town. First up was the Pens, who were playing the Montreal Canadiens. The team wanted a win after the poor showing in the past two games. The Pens came out wanting to win, and they got the first goal from Sergie Gonchar who got the puck in the net after a nice pass from Billy Guerin. In the second period, the Canadiens got two fairly quick goals. But the Pens never let things like that get under their skin. Matt Cooke got the tying goal in the waning minutes of the second. Pascal Dupuis was the hometown hero with his go-ahead goal in the third period to give the Pens the win. There was a ton of extremely loud booing when a goal was called off for the Canadiens because the refs blew the whistle right before the puck went into the net. The booing went on for the final three minutes of the game. But the Pens managed to hold off the attack to win. Final score: Pens 3 - Canadiens 2.

Thirty Second Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Canadiens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	6:38	PIT	S.GONCHAR(4)	B.GUERIN(13)	P.DUPUIS(5)	EV
2	2	10:48	MTL	M.D'AGOSTINI(2)	G.METROPOLIT(9)		EV
3	2	13:38	MTL	R.HAMRLIK(5)	M.CAMMALLERI(11)	M.BERGERON(7)	PP
4	2	17:45	PIT	M.COOKE(6)	S.GONCHAR(12)	J.STAAL(11)	EV
5	3	13:21	PIT	P.DUPUIS(8)	B.ORPIK(11)	J.MCKEE(5)	EV

Monday, December 7, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Hurricanes

Boy, it seems as if the Pens are playing every day this season. Tonight they were playing the Carolina Hurricanes. That's what happens with the Olympic break coming this February. For some reason, the Pens didn't seem to be on top of their game. The first period was bad, and the Hurricanes took advantage, getting two goals. Then the second period started with another goal by the Hurricanes. But the Pens were done, within 49 seconds of each other, the Pens scored two goals: one by Sidney Crosby and another by Mike Rupp. Things quieted down for both sides. The Hurricanes were trying to shut down the Pens, and it worked until the end of the third period when the Pens, especially Crosby, tried really hard to get a win, but the Hurricanes were due. They got their first road win, and beat the Pens with a final score of 3-2.

Thirty First Game of the season

Goals

Hurricanes

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Hurricanes

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:45	CAR	A.ALBERTS(1)	R.WHITNEY(12)	E.STAAL(9)	EV
2	1	11:6	CAR	J.JOKINEN(7)	J.PITKANEN(8)	T.GLEASON(6)	PP
3	2	2:26	CAR	R.WHITNEY(8)	J.PITKANEN(9)	E.STAAL(10)	EV
4	2	6:00	PIT	S.CROSBY(20)	B.GUERIN(12)	K.LETANG(9)	EV
5	2	6:49	PIT	M.RUPP(9)	C.ADAMS(7)	P.DUPUIS(4)	EV

Saturday, December 5, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks were in town today to play the Pens, and we all know what that means: an audience full of Marian Hossa haters. Sidney Crosby didn't play in this evening's game because of a sore groin problem. That's a problem that Crosby has been plagued with for a few years now. The first five minutes of the game went by without a single shot on goal by either team. When the first shot went to Marc-Andre Fleury, it almost went in because of the lack of action, I'm sure. Unfortunately, the first person to score was Hossa. That elicited boos from the crowd, and gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead. The game was an extremely boring one. Antti Niemi did a great job in goal for the Blackhawks, stealing a few goals from the Pens. It was looking dire for the Pens. The Pens called a time out with less than two minutes left in the game. Fleury got on the bench, and Jordan Staal, who had been begging to stay on the ice, was on, all the way near the Blackhawks' bench during the face off. Well, Staal went casually to the net, and got a rebound from Evgeni Malkin to tie things up. The game went to into overtime. The reason the game seemed so boring is that there was a ton of skating and passing in the neutral zone, and little shooting, and the overtime wasn't much different. The Blackhawks took advantage, and did some scrumming in front of Fleury to get the puck into the net. That's what happens when you have someone in front of the net, and others shooting at the net. The Pens were lucky to get a point in the game because Niemi was hot in goal. Final score: Pens 1 - Blackhawks 2.

Thirtieth Game of the season

Goals

Blackhawks

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Blackhawks

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	7:37	CHI	M.HOSSA(3)	B.CAMPBELL(14)	P.KANE(18)	EV
2	3	18:28	PIT	J.STAAL(8)	E.MALKIN(21)	S.GONCHAR(11)	EV-EN
3	OT	2:38	CHI	K.VERSTEEG(9)	B.CAMPBELL(15)		EV

Thursday, December 3, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche were in town to play the Pens this evening. The Avalanche had played yesterday, and it showed in the way they were playing today. They seemed to be tired and a few steps behind the Pens. The Avalanche were able to come on late in last night's game, but the Pens dominated. Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal both got empty net goals in the final minute of the game (18 seconds apart). In fact, the Avs only had one shot on goal in the third period, with a total of 16 shots. Final score: Pens 4 - Avs 1.

Twenty Ninth Game of the season

Goals

Avalanche

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Avalanche

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	5:02	COL	T.GALIARDI(3)	D.TUCKER(4)	W.WOLSKI(14)	PP
2	1	19:53	PIT	S.CROSBY(18)	M.RUPP(3)	E.MALKIN(18)	EV
3	3	7:15	PIT	B.GUERIN(7)	S.CROSBY(17)	E.MALKIN(19)	PP
4	3	19:11	PIT	J.STAAL(7)	M.TALBOT(2)	B.ORPIK(10)	EV-EN
5	3	19:29	PIT	S.CROSBY(19)	J.STAAL(10)	E.MALKIN(20)	EV-EN

Monday, November 30, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Rangers

The Pens met up with the New York Rangers again this evening in New York. Today was Mike Rupp's son's birthday, and Rupp said that he would score a goal for his son. Well, Rupp scored not one goal, not two goals, but three! Yep, Rupp's son got a hat trick present. It was Rupp's first career hat trick. What a great story! Sean Avery and Donald Brashear kept their hands to themselves, and there weren't any fights in the game. The Pens won with a final score of 5-2.

Twenty Eighth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Rangers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Rangers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	3:12	NYR	M.GABORIK(20)	V.PROSPAL(20)	M.STAAL(8)	EV
2	2	3:23	PIT	S.CROSBY(16)	B.GUERIN(11)	S.GONCHAR(10)	EV
3	2	7:33	PIT	M.RUPP(6)	J.STAAL(9)		EV
4	2	18:42	NYR	M.GABORIK(21)	C.DRURY(7)	M.DEL ZOTTO(12)	PP
5	3	11:14	PIT	M.RUPP(7)	unassisted		EV
6	3	15:51	PIT	S.CROSBY(17)	M.EATON(4)	M.SKOULA(5)	EV
7	3	18:20	PIT	M.RUPP(8)	S.CROSBY(16)		EV-EN

Saturday, November 28, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Rangers

The Pens were back in town today to play the New York Rangers. Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal on his 25th birthday. Kris Letang was also back on the ice after his undisclosed injury. The Pens are getting back into shape with Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Gonchar, and Max Talbot back in the line up. The Rangers were the first to score with a goal by Marc Staal. The Pens answered right back with a goal by Malkin, followed by goals from Sidney Crosby and Max Talbot. The Pens had a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period. The Rangers got another goal in the second period, but the amazing goal was Mark Eaton's goal with 0.02 seconds left in the second period. Crosby went on a scoring run in the third period, getting two goals for a hat trick. Unfortunately, for the Pens, there was a hat give-away. It seems that all the fans started flinging their free hats onto the ice. Kris Letang almost got a goal, but instead, the other former injured person, Tyler Kennedy, got his puck on it. The Rangers just started to take the game down a level. Sean Avery swung at Fleury, and then Avery tackled Ruslan Fedotenko, giving the Pens a seven minute power play (with less than seven minutes left in the game). The Pens spent the last six minutes just trying to get Eric Godard a goal. The Pens won with a final score of 8-3, and it will be interesting to see how things go on Monday when the Rangers and Pens meet up again.

Twenty Seventh Game of the season

Goals

Rangers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Rangers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	8:50	NYR	M.STAAL(3)	C.DRURY(6)	A.KOTALIK(12)	EV
2	1	14:37	PIT	E.MALKIN(8)	S.CROSBY(14)	B.GUERIN(10)	EV
3	1	17:43	PIT	S.CROSBY(13)	.GOLIGOSKI(9)		EV
4	1	18:29	PIT	M.TALBOT(1)	S.CROSBY(15)	K.LETANG(7)	EV
5	2	14:33	NYR	M.GILROY(4)	V.PROSPAL(19)	M.GABORIK(15)	EV
6	2	19:59	PIT	M.EATON(3)	C.ADAMS(6)	B.ORPIK(8)	EV
7	3	0:33	NYR	M.ROZSIVAL(1)	S.AVERY(7)	M.GABORIK(16)	EV
8	3	3:14	PIT	S.CROSBY(14)	E.MALKIN(17)		EV
9	3	7:20	PIT	P.DUPUIS(7)	B.ORPIK(9)	S.GONCHAR(8)	EV
10	3	11:29	PIT	S.CROSBY(15)	unassisted		PP
11	3	11:54	PIT	T.KENNEDY(6)	K.LETANG(8)	R.FEDOTENKO(6)	PP

Friday, November 27, 2009 -- Late Afternoon

Pens versus Islanders

Since it is the Thanksgiving weekend, the Pens played the New York Islanders in an afternoon game today. Brent Johnson was in goal for the Pens because Marc-Andre Fleury will be playing the Rangers tomorrow, on his 25th birthday. Although the Pens scored two goals, one from Matt Cooke and the other from Evgeni Malkin, the team as a whole just didn't seem to get their act together. This was most evident in the shots record, with the Islanders overshooting the Pens. In fact, the Pens only had five shots on goal in the third period. Malkin was really getting banged up, and had to leave the ice at one point because his chin was bleeding. The Pens are back in action tomorrow, and we can only hope they put on a better performance than this afternoon. Final score: Pens 2 - Islanders 3.

Twenty Sixth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Islanders

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Islanders

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	9:05	NYI	J.BAILEY(7)	M.STREIT(11)	F.MEYER(5)	EV
2	1	17:22	PIT	E.MALKIN(7)	E.GODARD(1)	B.LOVEJOY(3)	EV
3	2	7:12	PIT	M.COOKE(5)			EV
4	3	1:24	NYI	S.BERGENHEIM(4)	F.NIELSEN(7)	T.HUNTER(6)	EV
5	3	14:38	NYI	J.TAVARES(10)	F.MEYER(6)	K.OKPOSO(9)	EV

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Canadiens

The Pens played the Montreal Canadiens this evening. The Pens were the first to score with a goal by Sidney Crosby in the middle of the first period. The Pens got two more goals in the second period. Crosby was working hard throughout the game. Marc-Andre Fleury wasn't overly challenged (only 19 shots from the Canadiens), but he did make some good saves to keep the Pens in it. The Canadiens managed to get a goal in the third period to take away Fleury's chance at a shutout. Pens win with a final score of 3-1.

Twenty Fifth Game of the season

Goals

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	9:21	PIT	S.CROSBY(12)	M.TALBOT(1)		EV
2	2	6:41	PIT	B.GUERIN(6)	B.GUERIN(6)	M.SKOULA(4)	EV
3	2	16:56	PIT	S.GONCHAR(3)	S.CROSBY(13)	J.STAAL(7)	EV
4	3	7:17	MTL	M.PACIORETTY(3	S.KOSTITSYN(2)	S.KOSTITSYN(2)	EV

Monday, November 23, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Panthers

The Pens played the Florida Panthers this evening. The Panthers were the first to score late in the first period, after the Pens had taken four bad penalties and turned over the puck several times in the neutral zone. The Panthers scored again in the second period, and it was indeed looking dire for the Pens when the Pens charged the net and managed to get a goal off of Tomas Vokoun's shoulder. Vokoun and another Panther knocked the net off its moorings, but after a review from Toronto, it was called a goal. With only two and a half minutes left in the game, Evgeni Malkin shot at the net, and Mike Rupp scored to tie the game. The game went into overtime. The Pens has a break in overtime when the linesman saw a high sticking and reported it to the ref when the action stopped. The penalty went against the Panthers. The Pens did take advantage after the penalty ended, and Sidney Crosby got it past Vokoun to win the game. Final score: Pens 3 - Panthers 2.

Twenty Fourth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Panthers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Panthers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	17:33	FLA	N.HORTON(7)	S.WEISS(8)	M.FROLIK(5)	EV
2	2	10:21	FLA	K.BALLARD(1)	M.FROLIK(6)	N.HORTON(12)	EV
3	3	4:49	PIT	P.DUPUIS(6)	B.ORPIK(7)	D.ENGELLAND(2)	EV
4	3	17:28	PIT	M.RUPP(5)	E.MALKIN(14)	C.ADAMS(6)	EV
5	OT	3:07	PIT	S.CROSBY(11)	E.MALKIN(15)		EV

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Thrashers

The Pens were back in business this evening, this time against the Atlanta Thrashers. Martin Skoula had a good night, getting a goal in the first and second periods. Evgeni Malkin got into the act with a goal of his own in the second. You had to feel for poor Johan Hedburg. The pucks were bouncing off his own teammates into the net. It's hard to block shots that are ricocheting off people. Hedburg was making great saves on the ones he could see, so you have to give him some credit. The game had some interesting moments: Max Talbot was taken down while trying to come to the net to score, and was given a penalty shot. He didn't make it. Then in the third period, Ilya Kovalchuk instigated a fight with Matt Cooke (after Cooke knocked Kovalchuk for a loop). The Thrashers had to fight off a four minute instigation penalty, but George McFly decided to put only forwards on the ice. They gave up the puck, and Chris Thorburn was able to score a short handed goal for the Thrashers. With seventeen seconds left in the game, the Thrashers took Hedburg out of the net, and managed to score one goal. Fortunately for the Pens, the Thrashers weren't able to tie things up, and the Pens won with a final score of 3-2.

Twenty Third Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Thrashers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Thrashers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	7:38	PIT	M.SKOULA(2)	C.BOURQUE(3)	S.CROSBY(12)	PP
2	2	7:34	PIT	M.SKOULA(3)	M.COOKE(7)	J.STAAL(6)	EV
3	2	11:46	PIT	E.MALKIN(6)	M.RUPP(2)		EV
-	2	17:34	PIT	M.TALBOT	Unsuccessful Penalty Shot
4	3	9:40	ATL	C.THORBURN(2)	Z.BOGOSIAN(3)	P.KUBINA(7)	SH
5	3	19:42	ATL	M.AFINOGENOV(9)	N.ANTROPOV(17)	R.PEVERLEY(16)	EV-EN

Thursday, November 19, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Senators

Lots of good news for the Pens. Sidney Crosby took the Olympic Torch through Hallifax last night. Also, finally, Sergei Gonchar and Max Talbot are back in the line up tonight against the Ottawa Senators. The game started positively, with a quick goal from Jordan Staal. There were high expectations because everyone thought that Gonchar and Talbot would bring positive energies to the team. The Senators got one in the first and another in the second, before going on a goal scoring spree in the third period. Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled and Brent Johnson went in. Unfortunately, the Senators also got one past Johnson. The second and final of the Pens' goals came in the tail-end of the third when Evgeni Malkin scored a power play goal. Final score: Pens 2 - Senators 6. It was a pitiful showing by the Pens. Maybe Gonchar and Talbot threw off whatever chemistry had rebuilt over the past few games.

Twenty Second Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:09	PIT	J.STAAL(6)	P.DUPUIS(3)	B.GUERIN(8)	EV
2	1	12:16	OTT	M.CARKNER(2)	N.FOLIGNO(3)	M.FISHER(8)	EV
3	2	2:31	OTT	M.MICHALEK(9)	D.ALFREDSSON(14)	A.PICARD(7)	PP
4	3	1:29	OTT	C.KELLY(1)	M.FISHER(9)	A.PICARD(8)	EV
5	3	5:09	OTT	C.PHILLIPS(2)	M.FISHER(10)	N.FOLIGNO(4)	EV
6	3	7:12	OTT	C.PHILLIPS(3)	F.KUBA(4)	C.KELLY(8)	EV
7	3	13:06	OTT	J.CHEECHOO(2)	unassisted		EV
8	3	17:19	PIT	E.MALKIN(5)	M.COOKE(6)		PP

Monday, November 16, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Ducks

The Pens were playing again tonight. There have been so many games lately, all because of upcoming break for the Winter Olympics. Alex Goligoski was out this evening and will be for a few weeks because of an undisclosed injury. He was to have an MRI performed. Tonight the Pens were playing the Ducks. The Pens quickly got on the scoreboard with an unassisted goal by Matt Cooke. This was quickly followed by another goal by Bill Guerin. The Ducks got a short-handed goal against Marc-Andre Fleury for the last of the scoring in the first period. The Pens continued to score with a goal by Jordan Staal in the second period, and Martin Skoula in the third. The Ducks managed to get another goal, but Cooke got an empty-netter to seal the deal. The Pens won with a final score of 5-2.

Twenty First Game of the season

Goals

Ducks

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Ducks

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:31	PIT	M.COOKE(3)	unassisted		EV
2	1	5:13	PIT	B.GUERIN(5)	S.CROSBY(11)		PP
3	1	9:06	ANA	T.MARCHANT(3)	C.PERRY(11)	S.NIEDERMAYER(11)	SH
4	2	4:09	PIT	J.STAAL(5)	D.ENGELLAND(1)		SH
5	3	3:28	PIT	M.SKOULA(1)	B.LOVEJOY(2)	C.ADAMS(5)	EV
6	3	17:21	ANA	T.SELANNE(10)	N.BOYNTON(4)	T.MARCHANT(2)	EN
7	3	19:47	PIT	M.COOKE(4)	J.STAAL(5)		EV-EN

Saturday, November 14, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Bruins

The Pens played the Bruins this evening. Brent Johnson was in goal tonight. Evgeni Malkin was back in the line up, but Chris Kunitz was out with an undisclosed lower body injury. The hope was that Malkin would be on the same line as Sidney Crosby, and that would generate some offense. The Pens did generate more offense, but the Bruins answered every goal. When it came to the final minutes of the game, the Bruins took a 5-4 lead. Things were looking dire when with second left, Malkin came down the ice and passed to Bill Guerin who scored with 0.4 seconds left on the clock. The game went into overtime and the Pens were guaranteed a point in the standings. The Pens only took around a minute and a half into the overtime, Tim Thomas went behind the net for the puck, and got stuck behind the net with Jordan Staal. Pascal Dupuis got the puck into the empty net to win with a final score of 6-5.

Twentieth Game of the season

Goals

Bruins

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Bruins

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	1:42	PIT	J.MCKEE(1)	E.MALKIN(11)	R.FEDOTENKO(4)	EV
2	1	8:29	BOS	B.WHEELER(5)	D.KREJCI(5)	M.HUNWICK(2)	EV
3	1	16:24	PIT	P.DUPUIS(4)	M.COOKE(5)	B.LOVEJOY(1)	EV
4	2	3:33	BOS	M.RYDER(4)	B.WHEELER(5)		EV
5	2	9:19	PIT	S.CROSBY(10)	A.GOLIGOSKI(8)	E.MALKIN(12)	EV
6	2	15:02	BOS	D.MORRIS(2)	P.BERGERON(7)	M.RECCHI(4)	EV
7	3	9:00	PIT	M.EATON(2)	S.CROSBY(9)	R.FEDOTENKO(5)	EV
8	3	14:13	BOS	D.KREJCI(2)	Z.CHARA(9)	D.MORRIS(9)	PP
9	3	17:31	BOS	M.STURM(4)	Z.CHARA(10)	M.RECCHI(5)	EV
10	3	19:59	PIT	B.GUERIN(4)	E.MALKIN(13)	S.CROSBY(10)	EV
11	OT	1:24	PIT	P.DUPUIS(5)	J.STAAL(4)	M.SKOULA(3)	EV

Thursday, November 12, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

The Pens were back in town this evening to play the New Jersey Devils. The Pens have been slumping over the past few games, with the injuries really wrecking havoc. Of course, as I say, the true test of a coach is not how he handles wins, but how he handles adversity. So far, I haven't seen much from Dan Bylsma, aka George McFly, when it comes to adverse situations. the Pens have been scoreless in the previous two games. Finally, Ruslan Fedotenko scored the Pens first goal in 160 minutes 41 seconds. He got it by beating away on Martin Brodeur as Brodeur tried to hold the puck with his leg. Of course, Brodeur complained, but the ref knew that Brodeur didn't have the puck secured with his hand. The Devils tied things up in the second, and then got the go ahead goal when the puck went off Pens' defenseman, Ben Lovejoy's, skate and behind Marc-Andre Fleury. It sounded as if someone turned off the sound in the arena because the crowd just went still. Although the Pens didn't seem totally out of it in the second period, they were totally out of it in the third period. It was so bad that Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey were talking about players from the past and various other stories while the Pens made a lackadaisical circuit of the rink. The only good thing to say about this game is that at least the Pens weren't scoreless. Final score: Devils 4 - Pens 1.

Nineteenth Game of the season

Goals

Devils

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Devils

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	11:32	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(4)	S.CROSBY(8)	C.BOURQUE(2)	EV
2	2	13:50	NJ	N.BERGFORS(5)	Z.PARISE(12)	T.ZAJAC(8)	EV
3	2	18:50	NJ	A.GREENE(3)	T.ZAJAC(9)	N.BERGFORS(6)	PP
4	3	4:43	NJ	Z.PARISE(9)	T.ZAJAC(10)	N.BERGFORS(7)	EV
5	3	19:58	NJ	D.CLARKSON(6)	B.SALVADOR(4)		EV-EN

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Bruins

The Pens injury woes continued this evening with Brooks Orpik getting injured in the first period of the Boston Bruins game. Not only are the Pens suffering because of injuries, but they can't generate any offense. For the second game a row, the Pens were scoreless. It will be interesting to see how George McFly handles this losing and injury spate.

Eighteenth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Bruins

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Bruins

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	2	1:36	BOS	M.HUNWICK(4)	D.WIDEMAN(2)	S.BEGIN(7)	EV
2	3	3:34	BOS	D.PAILLE(1)	M.RECCHI(3)	P.BERGERON(6)	EV
3	3	19:56	BOS	P.BERGERON(6)	S.BEGIN(8)	D.WIDEMAN(3)	SH-EN

Sunday, November 8, 2009 -- Afternoon

Pens versus Sharks

I only watched a very small portion of the Pens and San Jose Sharks game last night before I went to sleep. I think it's probably a good thing that I did go to sleep. The Pens seem to be in the usual November slump, and after the Sharks scored a quick goal on Marc-Andre Fleury, they went on to score four more to win the game with a final score of 5-0. Yep, the Pens were shutout. What is disappointing is that the Pens only had three shots on goal in the first period. Maybe they are just slumping against the West Coast teams. However, it will be interesting to see how and when they break out of this spate of poor playing. It will be interesting to see how Dan Bylsema (aka George McFly) coaches when the team ain't doing so good.

Seventeenth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Sharks

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Sharks

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:27	SJ	.MCGINN(2)	S.NICHOL(2)	J.ORTMEYER(1)	EV
2	1	16:04	SJ	J.PAVELSKI(1)	D.BOYLE(13)	M.MALHOTRA(2)	PP
3	2	1:41	SJ	D.BOYLE(3)	J.ORTMEYER(2)	K.HUSKINS(5)	EV
4	2	3:31	SJ	D.HEATLEY(11)	J.PAVELSKI(3)	J.THORNTON(18)	EV
5	3	9:51	SJ	M.MALHOTRA(3)	M.VLASIC(4)	R.CLOWE(7)	PP

Friday, November 6, 2009 -- Morning

Pens versus Kings

The Pens played the LA Kings late last night. Although Tyler Kennedy played in the last game (he's been out for a few games) and skated with the team in the morning, he did not play last night. Maybe an injury? I just listened to the first period, and things didn't sound too bad. Anze Kopitar scored in the first 27 seconds, but then Jordan Staal has an answering goal in less than a minute. When I checked this morning, the Pens had scored once in the second period, and the Kings scored four, yes, four times in the third. So the Pens lost with a final score of 5-2. This was the first road loss in eight games.

Sixteenth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Kings

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Kings

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	0:27	LA	A.KOPITAR(12)	J.WILLIAMS(7)	R.SMYTH(12)	EV
2	1	1:10	PIT	J.STAAL(4)	C.CONNER(1)	J.MCKEE(4	EV
3	2	10:51	PIT	C.KUNITZ(3)	B.ORPIK(6)	B.GUERIN(7)	EV
4	3	6:17	LA	A.KOPITAR(13)	J.WILLIAMS(8)	D.DOUGHTY(11)	EV
5	3	12:09	LA	J.STOLL(4)	D.BROWN(10)		EV
6	3	12:32	LA	M.HANDZUS(6)	A.FROLOV(9)	W.SIMMONDS(5)	EV
7	3	17:30	LA	D.BROWN(5)	J.STOLL(9)	J.JOHNSON(4)	EV

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Ducks

The Pens played the Anaheim Ducks last night. It sucks not being in Pittsburgh when it's hockey season because you can't see the game. I listened to the first period online. The Pens didn't seem as if they were playing well, and the Ducks took a one goal lead. In fact, Kris Letang seemed to be having serious issues in that first period, including giving up the puck a few times. But he made up for that by scoring in the second period. I found out though that the Pens won with a final score of 4-3. That's all that matters, a win in the end. Ryan Whitney says that he missed playing with the Pens at first, especially watching them during the playoffs. But then Whitney took his hanky out of his purse, wiped the tears from his eyes, and started enjoying the West Coast life style. Good for him!

Fifteenth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Ducks

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Ducks

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:57	ANA	C.PERRY(9)	S.NIEDERMAYER(8)		EV
2	2	2:39	PIT	M.RUPP(4)	T.KENNEDY(2)	J.MCKEE(3)	EV
3	2	10:02	PIT	K.LETANG(1)	B.ORPIK(4)	M.COOKE(4)	EV
4	2	16:01	ANA	C.PERRY(10)	R.GETZLAF(11)	B.RYAN(4)	EV
5	3	7:55	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(6)	T.KENNEDY(3)	J.STAAL(3)	EV
6	3	8:14	ANA	S.KOIVU(2)	T.SELANNE(1)		EV
7	3	9:13	PIT	P.DUPUIS(3)	B.ORPIK(5)	K.LETANG(6)	EV

Saturday, October 31, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Wild

The Pens played the Minnesota Wild this evening. Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal, and Petr Sykora was back in town, since he now plays with the Wild. Tyler Kennedy hasn't been playing for a few games, and Dan Bylsma was very vague on what was wrong with Kennedy. I'm not sure if it's an injury, a flu-like illness, or something else all together. Both teams played and won last night, but the Pens were acting like they were the only ones who has played. The Wild had four shots on goal in the first period, and scored on two of them. Pascal Dupuis scored one for the Pens so they were only one goal behind when the second period started, but neither scored into the third period. Sidney Crosby also got into a fight with Marek Zidlicky. Crosby got some good punches in and pulled Zidlicky's jersey over his head. There was also some antagonism between Sykora and Kris Letang. Both wound up in the box after high sticking each other in the third. Even though the Pens put up a valiant fight in the end of the third period, there were no more goals, and the Wild won with a final score of 2-1.

Fourteenth Game of the season

Goals

Wild

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Wild

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	12:11	MIN	K.BRODZIAK(2)	C.KOBASEW(2)	B.BURNS(4)	EV
2	1	14:48	PIT	P.DUPUIS(2)	M.SKOULA(2)	C.ADAMS(4)	EV
3	1	19:59	MIN	E.BELANGER(4)	M.HAVLAT(6)	G.ZANON(2)	EV

Friday, October 30, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Blue Jackets

The Pens were in Columbus tonight to play the Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets haven't been playing well after a good start in their first six games, but they do have a good record against the Atlantic division teams. Marc-Andre Fleury wasn't playing this evening because he will be playing tomorrow night when the Pens come home for the Minnesota Wild. Brent Johnson has been getting a workout in goal for the Pens. The Blue Jackets lived up to the statistics. Rick Nash got two goals for the Blue Jackets before Chris Kunitz got one for the Pens. The Pens seemed to really have some trouble jelling. Part of it is probably due to the injuries, and the call-ups, like Connor James. With Evgeni Malkin out, the lines needed to be shuffled. Things got exciting in the last three minutes of regulation when Ruslan Fedotenko scored for the Pens to bring them within one point. Then Alex Goligoski tied things up 29 seconds later. The turn around was amazing because the games wasn't really going very well. The game went into overtime. No goal in overtime, although both sides tried hard, so it came down to a shootout! The Blue Jackets went first with Antoine Vermette, but Johnson stopped him. Then Steve Mason stopped Kris Letang. Next up was Rick Nash, and he missed the net by a mile. Mason wasn't able to stop Sidney Crosby. He stopped the puck, but waited too long, and the puck trickled across the net. Johnson gloved Kristian Huselius' shot to give the Pens a win. Pens win with a final score of 4-3.

Thirteenth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Blue Jackets

1st

2nd

3rd

1 (1-2)

0 (0-3)

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Blue Jackets

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	18:13	CBJ	R.NASH(7)	D.BRASSARD(5)	R.UMBERGER(5)	PP
2	2	5:37	CBJ	R.NASH(8)	A.VERMETTE(8)	M.COMMODORE(3)	EV
3	2	11:55	PIT	C.KUNITZ(2)	S.CROSBY(6)		SH
4	2	17:50	CBJ	D.DORSETT(1)	S.PAHLSSON(4)	A.VERMETTE(9)	EV
5	3	17:04	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(3)	M.SKOULA(1)	B.ORPIK(3)	EV
6	3	17:43	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(5)	S.CROSBY(7)	C.KUNITZ(9)	EV
SO			PIT	S.CROSBY

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Canadiens

The Pens played the Montreal Canadiens this evening. Hal Gill, who now plays for the Canadiens, got his Stanley Cup ring this evening, and got to chat to some of his former teammates. Sidney Crosby was the first to score with a beautiful shot that went right past Jaroslav Halak. It was Crosby's seventh goal of the season. In the second period, the Pens were attacking the net. Alex Goligosky hit the goalpost, and then it rebounded around Crosby, who lifted the puck up into the net for his second goal of the game (eighth of the season). Mike Rupp scored goal number three for the Pens. Less than three minutes later, Crosby got his hat trick by just sticking to the puck in front of the net. Unfortunately, during a Canadiens power play in the third period, Marc-Andre Fleury knocked the puck over the glass and got a delay of game penalty. The Pens had to kill 53 seconds of a 5 on 3, and unfortunately, the Canadiens scored. No shutout for Fleury. Goligoski scored a power play goal, and Chris Kunitz, who had assists on all three Crosby goals, scored his own goal to have a four point night.

Twelfth Game of the season

Goals

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Canadiens

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	8:33	PIT	S.CROSBY(7)	B.GUERIN(4)	C.KUNITZ(6)	EV
2	2	5:08	PIT	S.CROSBY(8)	C.KUNITZ(7)	A.GOLIGOSKI(7)	EV
3	2	12:58	PIT	M.RUPP(3)	C.ADAMS(3)	M.EATON(3)	EV
4	2	15:33	PIT	S.CROSBY(9)	C.KUNITZ(8)		EV
5	3	5:39	MTL	T.PLEKANEC(3)	B.GIONTA(3)	S.GOMEZ(6)	PP
6	3	10:50	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(4)	E.MALKIN(10)	B.GUERIN(6)	PP
7	3	16:31	PIT	C.KUNITZ(1)	C.BOURQUE(1)		PP

Saturday, October 24, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

The Pens were back in action tonight against the New Jersey Devils. The Pens seemed to have more energy and synergy at the start of this game in comparison to last night, so it really sucked when Marc-Andre Fleury went to toss the puck behind the net and got it into his own goal. It sucks to score an own goal, especially when Martin Brodeur is in the opposite net. The Devils have been undefeated on the road so far this season, and tonight's game against the Pens was another win for them. The Pens were only able to get one goal in the third period, which unfortunately couldn't compete with the four Devil goals. The final score: Pens 1 - Devils 4.

Eleventh Game of the season

Goals

Devils

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Devils

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	9:50	NJ	M.FRASER(1)	N.BERGFORS(3)	D.ZUBRUS(4)	EV
2	2	14:31	NJ	N.BERGFORS(2)	R.PELLEY(1)	J.LANGENBRUNNER(4)	PP
3	3	0:26	NJ	T.ZAJAC(5)	Z.PARISE(6)		EV
4	3	9:36	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(3)	P.DUPUIS(2)		EV
5	3	16:32	NJ	Z.PARISE(6)	T.ZAJAC(5)		EV

Friday, October 23, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Panthers

The Pens played the Florida Panthers this evening here in Pittsburgh. Brent Johnson was in goal because the Pens are playing the New Jersey Devils tomorrow, and Marc-Andre Fleury needs a break with from the heavy schedule. Unfortunately, Johnson is not the best of goalies and, as the only backup we have, is sub-par. The Panthers got two unanswered goals in the first period. It looked like Jordan Staal hurt his leg in the middle of the second period. He left the ice and didn't return for the rest of the period. He did come back towards the start of the third period. Sidney Crosby celebrated his 300th game in the NHL by scoring two goals in the third period to tie things up. The game went into overtime. However, there were no goals in OT, so we had a shootout. First up for the Pens was Kris Letang, but Tomas Vokoun stopped him. Next up was Steve Reinprecht, but Johnson pushed the puck away. It was Sidney Crosby's turn. He shot, and he scored with a really nice misdirection move. Then it was Ville Koistinen who didn't score. Vokoun stopped Billy Guerin, and it came down to Johnson stopping Nathan Horton. Johnson gloved it and won the game for the Pens. Johnson made some really nice saves in the game and deserved a first star in the game. The goaltending was amazing in this game. It was basically a goalie battle. The pens won with a final score of 3-2. This was the first time in the Pens' history that the team won nine games in October.

Tenth Game of the season

Goals

Panthers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

0 (0-3)

1 (1-3)

Final

Shots on goal

Panthers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	12:39	FLA	S.REINPRECHT(3)	C.STILLMAN(2)	B.MCCABE(3)	PP
2	1	15:16	FLA	S.REINPRECHT(4)	N.HORTON(1)	C.STILLMAN(3)	EV
3	3	2:14	PIT	S.CROSBY(5)	C.KUNITZ(6)	A.GOLIGOSKI(6)	PP
4	3	16:41	PIT	S.CROSBY(6)	E.MALKIN(9)		SH
5	SO		PIT	S.CROSBY

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Blue Jackets

The Pens played the St. Louis Blues this evening. The first period was an encapsulated view of the entire game. The Blues were even having problems getting a shot on goal, finally getting one in the second half of the first period. The Pens took advantage and got two quick goals from Tyler Kennedy and Evgeni Malkin. The Blues picked things up a tad in the second period, getting eight shots on goal and a getting one behind Marc-Andre Fleury. At that point though, the Pens already were up 4-1. Alex Goligoski got another goal in the third period to give the Pens a 5-1 win. Fleury becomes the first goalie in Pens' history to win eight games in October.

Ninth Game of the season

Goals

Blue Jackets

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Blue Jackets

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	11:19	PIT	T.KENNEDY(5)	J.MCKEE(2)	M.COOKE(3)	EV
2	1	12:28	PIT	E.MALKIN(4)	B.GUERIN(3)	S.CROSBY(4)	PP
3	2	7:29	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(2)	K.LETANG(4)	M.EATON(2)	PP
4	2	8:05	PIT	M.COOKE(2)	K.LETANG(5)	J.STAAL(2)	EV
5	2	12:54	STL	P.KARIYA(4)	E.JOHNSON(7)	P.BERGLUND(1)	EV
6	3	9:44	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(2)	S.CROSBY(4)	C.KUNITZ(5)	EV

Saturday, October 17, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Lightning

The Pens were back in town this evening, playing the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Pens scored first with two goals in the first period. Billy Guerin got the first one, and Sergei Gonchar. In the second period, the Lightning stormed Marc-Andre Fleury during a power play, and got a goal, but two minutes later, Gonchar got the point back for the Pens. The Lightning weren't able to score again, and the Pens went on to win with a final score of 4-1. Fleury is now 7-0 for the season.

Eighth Game of the season

Goals

Lightning

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Lightning

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	4:57	PIT	B.GUERIN(3)	E.MALKIN(7)	A.GOLIGOSKI(5)	PP
2	1	17:10	PIT	S.GONCHAR(2)	B.ORPIK(1)	S.CROSBY(2)	EV
3	2	6:18	TB	S.STAMKOS(4)	M.ST. LOUIS(8)	V.LECAVALIER(6)	PP
4	2	8:15	PIT	S.GONCHAR(3)	R.FEDOTENKO(3)	E.MALKIN(8)	EV
5	3	11:21	PIT	M.RUPP(2)	S.CROSBY(3)		EV

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Hurricanes

It's only been seven games so far, but it seems as if there is a Pens game every day. Of course, there isn't, but there have been quite a few games scheduled this month. Tonight the Pens were in Carolina, playing the Hurricanes. Evgeni Malkin got an assist on a Bill Rupp goal in the first period and a goal in the second. The first two periods of the game were extremely boring. But the Hurricanes made things interesting in the third period by tying things up. The game went into overtime. No goals in overtime, so we had a shootout. First up for the 'Canes was Sergei Samsonov, who didn't score. Then it was Kris Letang for the Pens, but he didn't score. Next was Jussi Jokinen, and he scored. Then it was Sidney Crosby's turn. He scored with a roofer! Then it was Tuomo Ruutu, who was stopped by Marc-Andre Fleury. It came down to Billy Guerin, but he was stopped by Cam Ward. Next up for the 'Canes was Matt Cullen, but his shot hit the goal post. Next was Alex Goligoski, who was also stopped. Then the other Whitney, Ray Whitney took a shot, and missed. Evgeni Malkin took a slow spin to the goal and missed. Next was Eric Staal, but he was easily stopped by Fleury. Chris Kunitz was next, which was surprising because he has been cold in the regular games, but he beat Cam Ward, and the Pens won! Final score was Pens 3 - Hurricanes 2.

Seventh Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Hurricanes

1st

2nd

3rd

1 (2-6)

0 (1-6)

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Hurricanes

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	14:24	PIT	M.RUPP(1)	E.MALKIN(6)	A.GOLIGOSKI(4)	EV
2	2	4:27	PIT	E.MALKIN(3)	P.DUPUIS(1)	C.KUNITZ(4)	EV
3	3	4:45	CAR	R.WHITNEY(2)	T.RUUTU(2)	J.CORVO(2)	EV
4	3	10:04	CAR	R.WHITNEY(3)	T.GLEASON(2)	T.RUUTU(3)	EV
5	SO		PIT	C.KUNITZ

Monday, October 12, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Senators

The Pens were still in Canada this evening. This time, they were playing the Ottawa Senators. The Senators were the first to score, but Billy Guerin came right back to tie things for the Pens. This has been an ongoing theme for the Pens this season. The other team scores, and the Pens answer with a goal right away. The Pens were far superior to the Senators this evening. Marc-Andre Fleury and the rest of the team are playing with a confidence that I haven't seen in years. They seem comfortable and aren't easily flustered. I wonder how much of that is due to the fact that they are young players, and they have the onus of winning the Stanley Cup behind them. Tyler Kennedy got two goals in the game, and Jordan Staal got his third goal of the season. They have been very impressive. Now let's see how they are at the end of the season. I know that I'm expecting big things from them again this season after seeing their performance over the past few of games. Final score: Pens 4 - Senators 1.

Sixth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Senators

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	15:59	OTT	M.MICHALEK(1)	J.CHEECHOO(2)	J.SPEZZA(2)	EV
2	1	16:38	PIT	B.GUERIN(2)	C.KUNITZ(3)	M.EATON(1)	EV
3	2	6:16	PIT	T.KENNEDY(3)	J.MCKEE(1)	C.ADAMS(1)	EV
4	3	18:02	PIT	T.KENNEDY(4)	M.COOKE(2)	C.ADAMS(2)	EV
5	3	9:54	PIT	J.STAAL(3)	M.RUPP(1)		EV

Saturday, October 10, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Maple Leafs

The Pens were in Toronto to play the Maple Leafs for a Hockey Night in Canada game. Matt Cooke got the 100th goal of his career when he scored the first goal of the game. The Leafs have been struggling so far this season, and Vesa Toskala seemed to have trouble keeping the puck out of the Maple Leafs net. In the first period, the Pens had 14 shots on goal to the Leafs 2. In the second period, the Leafs got a goal, but then Sidney Crosby got one right back for the Pens. The Pens went on a scoring run, and when the Leafs got a second goal in the third period, Evgeni Malkin got the goal right back. Typical of a Leafs and Pens game, there were fights. I think that a good deal of it was caused by the frustration that the Leafs were feeling. The Pens won easily with a final score of 5 - 2.

Fifth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Maple Leafs

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Maple Leafs

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	3:20	PIT	M.COOKE(1)	T.KENNEDY(1)		EV
2	1	10:23	PIT	S.GONCHAR(1)	C.KUNITZ(2)	R.FEDOTENKO(2)	PP
3	2	2:01	TOR	J.ROSEHILL(1)	J.MAYERS(1)	R.WALLIN(1)	EV
4	2	2:32	PIT	S.CROSBY(3)	E.MALKIN(3)	B.GUERIN(2)	PP
5	2	14:31	PIT	S.CROSBY(4)	E.MALKIN(4)	S.GONCHAR(4)	PP
6	3	1:01	TOR	N.HAGMAN(2)	R.WALLIN(2)	L.SCHENN(2)	EV
7	3	2:08	PIT	J.STAAL(2)	E.MALKIN(5)		EV

Thursday, October 8, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Flyers

Tonight's game between the Pens and Flyers started out much different than last night's game. The Flyers took a penalty in the opening seconds of the game. In the ensuing power play, Evgeni Malkin scored a goal for the Pens. The Flyers got a goal midway through the first period, but Jordan Staal scored one right back less than 30 seconds later to keep the lead for the Pens. The game was basically a goal exchange. The best goal, though, was when Braydon Coburn chucked the puck out of the corner, and it caught Ray Emery's left skate and went into the goal. Ruslan Fedotenko, who was battling with Coburn, didn't know what was going on, and didn't realize there was an own goal. The Pens continued to be bothered by penalties in this game. Malkin was a huge culprit in taking penalties. The crowd seemed to have trouble getting into the game, and would only get energized to periodically chant "Crosby sucks." With just a little over one second left in the game, Mike Richards barreled right into Marc-Andre Fleury, knocking him down. Then Kris Letang got off the ice in a hurry. They called the refs over to look at his hand, and it seemed that Dan Byslema was saying that Scott Hartnell might have bitten Letang's finger. They don't call the Flyers the Broadstreet Bullies for no reason. But the Pens hold on to win by a goal in a high scoring game. Final score: Pens 5 - Flyers 4.

Fourth Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Flyers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Flyers

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	0:48	PIT	E.MALKIN(2)	S.GONCHAR(3)	K.LETANG(3)	PP
2	1	11:53	PHI	D.BRIERE(2)	B.COBURN(2)	J.CARTER(2)	EV
3	1	12:21	PHI	J.STAAL(1)	E.MALKIN(2)		EV
4	2	2:37	PHI	D.BRIERE(3)	J.CARTER(3)	K.TIMONEN(4)	PP
5	2	5:26	PIT	B.GUERIN(1)			EV
6	2	8:08	PIT	A.GOLIGOSKI(1)	unaasisted		EV
7	2	16:59	PHI	J.CARTER(3)	M.RICHARDS(1)	C.PRONGER(4)	PP
8	3	8:37	PIT	T.KENNEDY(2)	unassisted		EV
9	3	19:19	PHI	J.CARTER(4)	M.RICHARDS(2)	M.CARLE(6)	EV

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Coyotes

The Phoenix Coyotes were in town to play against the Pens. Because there are back to back games, Brent Johnson started in goal with the Pens. Tomorrow, the Pens are in Philly to play the Flyers. Then on Saturday, they play the Toronto Maple Leafs. Over the next eight days, there will be five games. That is a heavy schedule. The Pens were having a problem making penalties in the game. They paid for it when the Coyotes scored a power play goal in both the first and second period. The Pens played as if they were tired, and the game was an exceptionally boring one to watch. The Coyotes sealed the deal with an empty net goal, shutting out the Pens with a final score of 3-0.

Third Game of the season

Goals

Coyotes

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Coyotes

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	9:07	PHX	E.JOVANOVSKI(1)	S.DOAN(1)	A.AUCOIN(1)	PP
2	2	10:47	PHX	P.PRUCHA(1)	R.VRBATA(1)	R.LANG(1)	PP
3	3	19:06	PHX	R.VRBATA(3)	M.HANZAL(1)		EV-EN

Saturday, October 3, 2009 -- Evening

Pens versus Islanders

The Pens were back in action tonight, playing the New York Islanders. Marc-Andre Fleury was back in goal for this game. The first period had a great deal of antagonism and fights, and a very nice goal by Sidney Crosby. Unfortunately, Ruslan Fedotenko got hit by Brandon Witt in the first, and he left the period early, and didn't come back for the second period. That hit caused some controversy because Witt targeted Fedotenko because Fedotenko had his head down. Evgeni Malkin and Jay McKee came to Fedotenko's defense, but McKee wound up with an instigator and 10 minute misconduct penalty. Both Dwayne Roloson and Fleury were doing their best at stopping the puck. The Islanders took a 2-1 lead in the second, and the Pens made a valiant attempt to tie things, finally succeeding in the third period with a goal by Mark Eaton. Sidney Crosby had an assist on the goal for his 400the point. Unfortunately, the Islanders came right back again to take the lead again. Fedotenko was back in the third and scored the tying goal with just a little over three minutes left in the game. Bill Guerin took a stupid slashing penalty with just a little over two minutes left in the game. It was really stupid of Guerin, and it was such an obvious slash, the refs had to call it. Fortunately, the Islanders weren't able to score and the game went into over time. Neither team was able to score in overtime, so it went to a shootout. Jeff Tambellini went first for the Islanders and didn't score. Kris Letang then went for the Pens, and he scored. John Tavares was next, and he was wide of the net. Then it was Sidney Crosby's turn, and he shot and scored to give the Pens a win. Final score was 4-3. Crosby went to get the puck after the shot because he wanted a memento of his 400 point night, as the sixth fastest person to make the mark. Kris Letang has also been playing well for these first two games. The Pens are looking impressive so far.

Second Game of the season

Goals

Pens

Islanders

1st

2nd

3rd

1 (2-2)

0 (0-2)

Final

Shots on goal

Pens

Islanders

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	8:50	PIT	S.CROSBY(2)	R.FEDOTENKO(1)		EV
2	1	12:40	NYI	M.STREIT(1)	K.OKPOSO(1)	J.TAVARES(1)	PP
3	2	7:09	NYI	J.TAVARES(1)	M.MOULSON(1)	T.HUNTER(1)	PP
4	3	7:19	PIT	M.EATON(1)	K.LETANG(2)	S.CROSBY(1)	EV
5	3	7:36	NYI	T.HUNTER(1)	J.BAILEY(1)	M.STREIT(1)	EV
6	3	16:11	PIT	R.FEDOTENKO(1)	S.GONCHAR(2)	E.MALKIN(1)	PP
7	SO		PIT	K.LETANG

Friday, October 2, 2009 -- Evening

First Hockey Night of the Season in Pittsburgh

The Pens opened their 2009-2010 season against the New York Rangers this evening. This was the last home opener game in Mellon Arena, since the new arena opens next season, and it was Stanley Cup banner raising night. The opening ceremony was a tad long. There was a video recap of the past season. Nice, but the detail wasn't necessary. The video was shown on a white cloth that was draped from the jumbotron. That dropped at the end to show the Stanley Cup at center ice. The Cup was brought over to stand by the other trophies: the Prince of Wales, Conn Smythe, and Art Ross. The 2008-2009 Stanley Cup banner was raised at center ice. Finally the game started, and the Pens were the first to score with a power play goal by Evgeni Malkin. The Rangers also scored in the first period, but the Pens scored two more goals in the second. The Rangers got a second goal in the third, but no more. The Pens won with a final score of 3-2. Marc-Andre Fleury did a great job in goal, and he got a ton of help from the guys in front of him, including Kris Letang who covered for Fleury when Fleury made a save out of the crease. Check out my pictures and video from the game.

First Game of the season

Goals

Rangers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Shots on goal

Rangers

Pens

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

SCORING SUMMARY
G	Per	Time	Team	Goal Scorer	Assist	Assist	STR
1	1	7:48	PIT	E.MALKIN(1)	S.GONCHAR(1)	A.GOLIGOSKI(1)	PP
2	1	16:01	NYR	C.DRURY(1)	C.HIGGINS(1)		EV
3	2	12:25	PIT	S.CROSBY(1)	K.LETANG(1)	B.GUERIN(1)	EV
4	2	13:33	PIT	T.KENNEDY(1)	A.GOLIGOSKI(2)	J.STAAL(1)	EV
5	3	5:56	NYR	M.GABORIK(1)	B.DUBINSKY(1)	M.STAAL(1)	EV

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Game Recaps for the 2009-2010 Pens Season

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 -- Evening

The End of the Road

Monday, May 10, 2010 -- Evening

Do or Die

Saturday, May 8, 2010 -- Evening

Pens Stay Alive

Thursday, May 6, 2010 -- Evening

Stall Outdoes Chuck Norris and Gary Roberts

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 -- Evening

Back on Track

Sunday, May 2, 2010 -- Evening

Canadiens Turn Up the Heat

Friday, April 30, 2010 -- Evening

Second Round

Saturday, April 24, 2010 -- Evening

Pens Move on to Next Round!

Thursday, April 22, 2010 -- Evening

Endless Night

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 -- Evening

How High Can You Go?

Sunday, April 18, 2010 -- Evening

Game Three

Friday, April 16, 2010 -- Evening

Redemption

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 -- Evening

Playoff Hockey

Sunday, April 11, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Islanders

Saturday, April 10, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Thrashers

Thursday, April 8, 2010 -- Evening

Pens' Last Regular Season Game at Mellon Arena

Tuesday, April 6, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Capitals

Saturday, April 3, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Thrashers

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Lightning

Sunday, March 28, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Maple Leafs

Saturday, March 27, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Flyers

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Capitals

Monday, March 22, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Red Wings

Saturday, March 20, 2010 -- Afternoon

Pens versus Hurricanes

Thursday, March 18, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Bruins

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

Sunday, March 14, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus LIghtning

Friday, March 12, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Devils

Thursday, March 11, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Hurricanes

Sunday, March 7, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Bruins

Saturday, March 6, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Stars

Thursday, March 4, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Rangers

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Sabres

Sunday, February 14, 2010 -- Afternoon

Pens versus Predators

Friday, February 12, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Rangers

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 -- Evening

Pens versus Islanders