Pens 5, Devils 4; Flirting with Disaster....

On behalf of all Pens fans, let me exclaim, "we'll take it".

Another game, another game with a big lead, another game with a blow....

Not so fast.

The Pens combined some fortunate deflections with a less-than-Brodeur-ish effort, and then held on for dear life in defeating the Devils 5-4 in front of thousands of empty seats at the Meadowlands. The official attendance was 15,404, but obviously the weather played a part in many of those paid ticket holders staying home.

MAF let his share of bad goals in tonight. The shot from the blue line from Zajak that went in the net off of MAF's glove was really bad.

Sid finally got off of the schnide tonight with his 26th goal of the season when he beat Brodeur by the 5-hole.

Next up are Ovechkin and the Caps on Sunday afternoon on NBC.

Pens Gameday; Another mediocre effort won't do tonight...

You'll have to excuse me, I've been feeling like dog shit for a few days, so this may be short-winded.

The Pens roll into the Jersey swamp tonight on that amazing 14 point game streak.

But one thing's for sure, if the Pens play a sloppily as they have recently, they won't get close to overtime against Marty Brodeur and the Devils.

The Devils are gonna be without a couple of their starters in Colin White and Brian Gionta. In addition, defensive forward John Madden took a nasty hit to the face with a puck the other day. Madden is expected to play, but his face was awfully swollen recently.

With the Devils usual boring defensive style of play, it's gonna be difficult to get a win (or at least a point) without Sid having a good game. Sure, you can have Sid go pointless and win vs. the Caps, but you won't be able to do it vs. the Devils.

Looks like MAF will be in goal again tonight, with Thibault getting a start either Sunday against the Caps, or Monday vs. the Isles.

LET'S GO PENS !!!

Pens 5, Blackhawks 4 (SO); By the skin of their teeth...

Statistics can be a deceiving thing, ya know ?

Certainly, the Penguins' 14 game point streak is a remarkable feat for such a young team. They've earned points in those 14 games in just about every way possible.

They've had their share of blowouts and comebacks. They've had games in which their special teams were outstanding, as well as games in which their special teams were absolutely lousy.

But one common demoninator remains; They've earned points in all 14 games.

But there's one more demoninator, and this is really the reason why the Pens' streak is so remarkable;

This team is not playing good hockey at all right now.

Their power play is in complete "cutesy mode" right now, wanting to make the pretty pass for the one-timer.

Which, of course, leads to 2 on 1's the other way, because the Pens don't seem to want to backcheck in their own end.

They've completely sat back on their heels after getting 2 and 3 goal leads lately.

Sid is starting to show a resemblence to Jan Hrdina, he's not shooting on some absolutely great scoring opportunities.

If it weren't for the muckers, this team, instead of having home ice advantage in the 1st round of the playoffs, would still be fighting for the 8th spot.

But, they ARE contributing, and that's a great thing.

And let's not forget, MAF has made some incredible saves to save games late in the last several games for the Pens. That save he made on Havlat in OT was amazing.

So I really can't believe how they're surviving playing this mediocre and not only getting points, but winning most of the games.

Well, one thing's for sure, this type of effort won't do against Marty Brodeur and the Devils on Friday night.

Isles 5, Pens 3; Where's Hee Haw when you need it ??

Gloom, despair, and agony on me

Deep, dark depression, excessive misery

If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all

Gloom, despair, and agony on me

If that doesn't describe the Pens performance last night vs. the Isles, I don't know what does.

After missing about 3 completely open nets, hitting about 3 posts, and just missing about 3 tap-ins, the Isles converted those missed opportunities into goals, quite often directly in transition from the Pens' misfortunes.

I really thought the Pens had quite a bit of jump in them last night, there were several times that they sped through the D-men with little effort.

The problem was that several times during those rushes, their centering passes were nowhere near their target, thus resulting in 3-on-2's the other way.

I read a lot of quotes this morning describing the Pens offensive performance as "too cute", and boy is that an accurate statement. How many games will it take for the Pens to not make that last pass before they attempt to put the puck on net ??

The officiating was terribly inconsistent. How about the Isles player covering the puck with his hand in the crease ?? What the hell was that ??

So now, the Pens have all of a sudden forced themselves into a crucial point of the season. Not only did the Pens get zero points the last two games against divisional opponents Jersey and NYI, but the Devils got four points (winning in OT vs. the Flyers last night), the Rangers got one in a shootout loss to Buffalo Friday night, and of course the Isles got two last night. They are 3 points behind the Isles, and 4 behind the Rangers and the Devils, as well as only 6 points ahead of Philly. The Pens cannot afford to get too far behind, if they have any aspirations at all for a playoff run.

The Pens host Florida on Tuesday, then embark on a 3 game road trip to the Rangers, Thrashers, and the 1st trip of the year to visit Ovechkin and the Caps.

Devils 5, Pens 2; Fleury flops...

It happens to the best of 'em.

All goalies have those types of nights. Doesn't matter who you are, there are just some nights that nothing is going right.

However, one thing is for sure, you CANNOT have one of those games against Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils.

And that is exactly what happened to Marc-Andre Fleury tonight.

In a game completely filled with soft goals, the Pens turned out to be no match for Brodeur and the Devils, and lost 5-2.

The Pens got the quick fluke goal by Christensen, but quickly gave up that lead on what else, a bad clearing pass by Talbot, resulting in a soft goal that knuckled through Fleury's pads. Then the defensive enigma known as Joe Melichar did what he does best, that being get in the way, to deflect the puck into his own net, and the Devils had a 2-1 lead after one perioid. The Pens had several good scoring opportunities in the first period, but Brodeur made some fantastic saves to preserve the Devils lead.

The second period quickly deteriorated, and Fleury gave up yet another squibbler that got through him for another soft goal to make it 3-1, then a rebound off of Fleury resulted in a tap-in to make it 4-1, and was the end of the road for MAF.

Thibault came in and gave up one goal, which really can't be faulted to him, rather the porous defense in front of him.

And once again, the power play, even with Malkin and Crosby together, was non-existent. Let's put it this way, if you were to get points for passing it around the perimeter, the Pens would be excelling. But you have to put pucks on net, and once again they were being too cautious, which resulted in very few scoring opportunities.

No time for the Pens to hang their heads, they've got to fly back to the 'Burgh and face the Isles tomorrow night (although I heard on the post-game that the Pens' flight may have to be postponed because of high winds in the NYC area).

Pens gameday; Beware of the hungry Devils

Tonight's game at the Meadowlands is one of those that is supposed to fall into one of hockey's categorical scenarios; That being it's difficult to win in the first home game after a West Coast trip. That scenario sure applied for the Pens, who lost to Tampa Bay 4-3 in OT after their recent trip out to the left coast.

I don't know if any of those traditional thoughts would ever apply to the Devils, who are going to play their boring-ass system until the cows come home.

The lines have been shaken up again, only this time it's on the 2nd line, where Geno gets two more different linemates, being Ekman and Christensen.

Johnny Vermont has passed through waivers. From what was reported on FSN 'Burgh last night by Rob King, the most likely scenario now is that Johnny must physically drive to WBS, report there, and then go back on re-entry waivers, where most likely he will get plucked by another team.

Andre Roy is reportedly already on re-entry waivers. Unsure whether anyone will grab him or not. While Leclair does have a little offensive ability left in the tank, Roy's repertoire is basically fighting, or nothing.

Hopefully, Sid's groin has mostly healed, 'cause you just know that Madden and the rest of the boys will be targeting him as usual.

Lots of talk in the NY/NJ papers concerning the lack of offense being generated by the Devils lately. Let's just hope that continues tonight.

LET'S GO PENS !!!!

Pens gameday; Sid returns tonight

You can't keep these kids off the ice for too long, you just knew it.

Sid makes his return tonight (with the 7PM start time, by the way) as the redundant NHL schedule has the Pens facing the Islanders again tonight.

Of course, after the Pens play in the Jersey swamp Friday night, then guess who comes to the Igloo on Saturday night ??

That's right, it's the Islanders once again. And this is supposed to be good for the NHL ??

It's not too much of a bold prediction that the Pens will have some extra giddyup tonight with Sid coming back, but most especially in the power play. Of course, that doesn't mean that they'll have 3 or 4 power play goals, you still have to put the puck in the net, but at least their scoring chances should increase.

Christensen gets his chance on wing tonight. I really like this move. Therrien needs all of the snipers he can get on his wings, and Erik is definitely one of those.

Forgive me if I don't shed a tear that Yashin will be out from 2-4 weeks.

Latest All-Star voting is in, and that line of Malkin/Crosby/Ovechkin is looking REAL good, in fact those three youngin's are 1-2-3 in voting. In addition, MAF is leading the way for Eastern Conference goalies. This looks to be a special night in Dallas later on this year.

Latest from the Rumor Mill; Eklund reports that the Pens are among the teams that are making offers for former Penguin Markus Naslund. Wow, that brings a lot of questions rushing up into my old head. Just how much would the Pens have to give up ?? How many draft picks ? Who would be the obligatory throw-ins ??? I'd love for the Pens to get Naslund back, as one of those trades that we all wish never would have happened in the first place.

Let me say this about Eklund, it's obvious the man has a lot of good connections around the NHL, that's certainly enviable. I just think that people get kinda turned off by the whole anonymity thing. I mean come on, this is not Paul and Gene from KISS walking around Hollywood with bandanas to hide from the photographers. Or maybe it's just that I'm jaded because he never returns my emails (I'm waiting, Ek).

Supposedly, good 'ol Gary Bettman is in the 'Burgh tonight. Wonder what he's there for. Anyone else think he just wanted a couple of sandwiches at Primanti Bros. ??

Remember, early 7PM start tonight.

LET'S GO PENS !!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing your 1st place Pittsburgh Penguins

OK, OK, so it may only last a day or two.

This may only last until the Devils host Florida on Thursday night.

But dammit Pens fans, let's gloat while we have a chance, whatcha say ??

In another complete team effort, the Pens defeated the Devils 4-2 and overtook the Devils for 1st place in the Atlantic (I almost called it the Patrick) Division and because of that, 3rd place in the Eastern Conference.

And, as if that weren't enough, if anyone has happened to check out the various hockey websites and talk radio stations today, the talk of the NHL without a doubt is the absolutely SICK goal by Geno in the 3rd period against Brodeur.

I've watched it about 30 times since last night, and I'm still shaking my head. The moves against the D-men were outstanding enough, but it was pulling the puck back to the backhand and somehow getting it past Marty was the incredible part in my mind.

Also, I just have to keep mentioning this, the chemistry factor between Crosby and Malkin is just uncanny. The pass from Malkin to Crosby for the one-timer, the two-line pass from Crosby to Malkin for the aforementioned undressing of the Devils, it's getting to be a regular occurence, isn't it ??

But I would be remiss if I didn't give props as well to the 2nd line, who contributed 2 big goals as well. Staal didn't look out of place at all centering that 2nd line. The big decisions on Staal and Letang should be made sometime after the Philly game, and before the Pens head out West for their 3 game road trip. My guess, and it's no shocker, Staal stays, Letang goes home.

Good to see the Pens getting some love around the hockey world. It's not '91-'92 revisited just yet, but the Igloo is starting to get that electric atmosphere, at least it seems that way to me.

Pens 4, Devils 2; Wow, just wow....

If you watched the game tonight, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Until tomorrow.

Hey, that kid's not bad !!

Well, it was the start of a new Penguins regime, and I sure as hell liked what I saw last night.

Except for that damn Brodeur, that is.

As was said several times during last night's broadcast and post-game shows, there was no doubt about it, for at least last night's game, Evgeni Malkin was the best player on the ice.

And I see that as a GREAT thing for the Penguins as a team. Sid's competitive juices will not tolerate him to be outdone, and the combination of Sid and Geno pushing each other will quickly make the Pens a lethal team, offensively at least.

Malkin did nothing to disappoint the 17,000 plus standing room only crowd, who most of which originally bought tickets for the Crosby bobblehead night.

Amazing stickhandling, pinpoint passes, and great speed highlighted the otherwise-disappointing night for the Pens in their 2-1 loss.

And the best part of the night ?? Well, to me anyway, was when Devils winger Cam Janssens "tried" to throw a check into Malkin. Janssens quickly found out that it's easier said than done to put Malkin on his butt. In fact, Malkin dropped Janssens on HIS butt, and did it with his injured shoulder !!

The few times that he and Crosby were on the ice together were downright magical. Somehow, the refs only called one penalty against the Devils, but that one power play created some great scoring chances. That power play will only get better, and should eventually become one of the best in the league.

Tough to start his career vs. the Devils, with great defenders like John Madden, and of course Martin Brodeur, but as the Pens have done just about every minute of the season so far, they could most definitely have won it. They couldn't say that for most of the year last year.

Also have to give props to Patrick Elias, who gave some friendly advice in the 2nd intermission that he'd "better keep his head up", because he likes to go over the middle so much.

So it's off to Long Island tonight. As a side note, if Direct TV intends to show the Isles' feed (no idea), let's hope that Deb Kaufman and her Eddie Money-ish side-mouth talking are out there.

Let's Go Pens !!!!!

Malkin gets 1st NHL goal, but Devils nip Pens, 2-1

Someone remind me next time not to bet against Brodeur.

More on Malkin's debut tomorrow.

Malkin debut is here; Props to XM 204; Rooskies file lawsuit

Plenty of kind words coming from Jersey mouths on the eve of tonight's game;

"No question," Elias said after Tuesday's practice at South Mountain Arena. "For his size, he's got unbelievable hands. He has great hockey sense. I was playing with him and [Sykora] and every time the other team started getting more physical, he was right in there. He never backed off. That was a good sign for him. He has a great scoring touch. He's a great playmaker, a great skater. He's got talent." "He loves the game. You can see that in him," Elias said. "He's sometimes too hard on himself, but that's OK. Every good player does that. That pushes you, I think."

Of he and Crosby, "It's going to be exciting having those two players on that team," Elias said.

And Marty Brodeur says "He's just an exciting player who wants to be successful like Ovechkin," Brodeur said. "For a long time Russians had that perception that they just played to play. These guys want to be successful. I think he's going to be great."

By the way, gotta give a thumbs up to Home Ice, XM 204. They did a funny skit this afternoon on Malkin. The XM receiver showed "Welcome to Evgeni Malkin from XM 204". Then they had a woman speak some Russian and broken English, "Evgeni, shoot de puck, shoot de puck".

And finally, the expected finally happened today, as Malkin's Russian team filed suit in U.S. Court.

Should be an exciting night. May be a foolish thing for me to do, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict a win for the Pens tonight, yes even against Brodeur.

It's official; Malkin to return Wednesday vs. Devils

Well, we've known now for about a week that it was imminent, but now that it's official, it still feels real good.

Fellow Pens fans, the day is finally here.

Evgeni Malkin will make his NHL debut on Wednesday at home vs. Marty Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils.

Just happens to be Sidney Crosby bobblehead night as well.

The place will be packed, and sure to be energized.

Look for that crowd energy to translate to a pumped-up Pens team, especially after that ultra-flat home performance against the Canes on Saturday.

And as I've been saying for a while now, the addition of Malkin specifically doesn't make the Pens so much better, it's the shuffling of the lines due to Malkin's addition that makes them better.

Putting Malkin at 2nd line center gets Ryan Malone the hell out of there, and over to wing where he is much more of an asset to the team.

And, at least according to Black and Gold Insider, the line shuffle will put the quickly aging John Leclair down to the 4th line. According to BGI, the lines will look like this;

1st Line: Ekman - Crosby - Armstrong
2nd Line: Recchi - Malkin - Malone
3rd Line: Ruutu - Moore - Ouellet
4th Line: Thorburn - Staal - LeClair

Awestruck Pens blanked by Red Wings, 2-0

OK, so the Pens won't go 82-0.

But as I was afraid of, the Pens had absolutely zero intensity, at least for the first two periods, during their loss last night.

It was painfully obvious that they were on their heels most of the night.

MAF played well again, although this time he couldn't prevent the tap-in due to the defensive enigma that is Rob Scuderi, who along with his compadre Joe Melichar, just stump the hell out of me why they still have jobs. The second goal, with just over a minute left to play, was a laser to the top shelf.

The most pressing concern to me is the lack of offense generated, with 24 shots on goal, that's a total for both games so far. That's an average total for one game, much less two games.

I just hope that they aren't getting Jan Hrdina disease, 'cause they damn sure ain't shooting the puck.

I think the Pens will rebound Thursday in New York vs. the Rangers, another hated rival who they won't feel awestruck by. Follow that up with games against the Canes and Erik Cole, and the Devils, and I think the Pens will be alright.