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Posts Tagged ‘Mike Rupp’

PensHead Daily Links 06-09-2011

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Rupp, Pens have a “gap” to bridge on base salary Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Apparently there’s been some rumors since Sunday that the Penguins have a deal in place with Mike Rupp on a 2 year deal worth $875,000. Those rumors are not accurate at all. Negotiations between agent Allan Walsh and GM Ray Shero have been off and on for a few weeks now but the two sides … See more here

NHL Free Agency: Pittsburgh Penguins Make Priority Move, Re-Sign Craig Adams Source: Bleacher Report
After tidying up the front office, the Penguins have addressed a major free-agency uncertainty and re-signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year contract extension worth $675,000 per year. The deal will likely take the 34-year-old forward to the end of his playing career, and at a raise of $125,000 per year over his expiring contract. The deal works well for a player who was claimed off of waivers in 2009 and for a team which has almost no cap space to speak of … Read the rest here

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Pens sign penalty-killing specialist to deal Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins have many other unrestricted free agents that could depart in July, including forwards Max Talbot and Pascal Dupuis. … Read the rest here

Snyder could be done for the season Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Starting catcher Chris Snyder could be lost for the season Snyder is scheduled to have back surgery on Friday and his status for rest of the season is up in the air. Snyder is hitting .271 and has been a great influence with the pitching staff, most notably Charlie Morton. Ryan Doumit is expected to … Continue reading here

Craig Adams Signs Two-Year Extension with Pittsburgh Penguins Source: Bleacher Report
Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reports: The Penguins today signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year, $1.35 million contract that runs through the 2012-13 season. Adams, 34, would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency if not re-signed by July 1. A physical fourth-liner and penalty-killer, Adams was claimed off waivers by the Penguins in March 2009 and was part of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup team that spring … More

Gibsons Have Look of Franchise Cornerstones Source: penguins.nhl.com
Any NHL general manager in the market for a future franchise goalie would be hard-pressed not to consider one of the two Gibsons at the 2011 Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., on June 24-25. The two marquee names between the … … More

Penguins ink Adams to two-year deal Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins today signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year, $1.35 million contract that runs through the 2012-13 season. … Continue reading here

Penguins resign Craig Adams to a two year deal Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins have finalized a two year deal with veteran forward Craig Adams today. … Read more

Pens Re-Sign Forward Craig Adams Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero. … See more here

Puck Headlines: GQ on Bruins fans; Bryzgalov’s agent speaks (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. … Read more

Penguins re-sign Adams – 06-09-11 Source: Empty Netters
One piece of the Penguins’ free agency puzzle has been solved. The team re-signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year contract worth a total of 1.35 million . … Read this article

National Football Post: Patriots owner Robert Kraft encouraged by recent talks Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Via the National Football Post, Patriots owner Robert Kraft indicated today that he his encouraged by the recent talks between the NFL and the NFL Trade Association (NFLPA). … Read more

Video: Craig Adams Highlights (6/9/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Penguins signed Craig Adams to a two-year contract through the the 2012-13 season … See this video

NCAA: Pryor not interested in UFL or CFL? Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Pryor focused on NFL Terrelle Pryor is not interested in playing in the Canadian Football League and is focused on the opportunity to be included in the NFL’s supplemental draft, Larry James, his attorney, said Thursday. The Saskatchewan Roughriders own the CFL negotiating rights to Pryor and had extended him a tentative offer. … The rest is here

Pens draft picks Rust, Agostino invited to 2011 USA Hockey Evaluation Camp Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
A pair of 2010 Pittsburgh Penguins draft picks forwards Bryan Rust (3rd round, 80th overall) and Kenneth Agostino (5th round, 140th overall) were among 40 skaters selected to attend the 2011 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp this August in Lake Placid, N.Y. Additionally, four players with ties to the Pittsburgh amateur hockey … Go here to read the rest

Penguins Prospects Rust and Agostino Invited to USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share A pair of 2010 Pittsburgh Penguins draft picks – forwards Bryan Rust (3rd round, 80th overall) and Kenneth Agostino (5th round, 140th overall) – were among 40 skaters selected to attend the 2011… … Go here to read the rest

“Overrated” talk following Troy Polamalu this off-season Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Is the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year, the most over-rated player in the NFL? According to some National Football writers, Polamalu is. … Read this article

Hockey Night in Canada Help Fund recipients revealed (CBC.ca) Source: Yahoo Sports
The recipients of this year’s Hockey Night in Canada Help Fund are announced, with four organizations from across the country sharing a total of $20,000 to assist in their local efforts to develop the sport of hockey and make it accessible for all Canadians. … Read more

Getting nasty – 06-09-11 Source: Empty Netters
If you like chippiness, this Stanley Cup Final has been up your alley. They’re not quite on pace to set the all-time record for penalty minutes in a Stanley Cup final (The Canadiens and Flames managed to rack up a combined 511 penalty minutes in just five games during the 1987 Final), but the Bruins and Canucks are on track to set a new standard in the 30-team NHL … Read the rest here

Leafs goalie Reimer gets new deal: report (CBC.ca) Source: Yahoo Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer has been given a new three-year deal, according to a published report. … Read this article

Pittsburgh Penguins: Should They Bargain or Go Bold in Free Agency? Source: Bleacher Report
NHL free agency begins July 1, and the Pittsburgh Penguins have a clear idea of where they need to spend money this year: forwards, most notably on the wings. … View post

Draper hopes for Detroit return Source: Tribune-Review
Kris Draper is doing all he can to stay in shape, hoping Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland will want him back for an 18th season. … Read this article

GMs seek harsher head-hit penalties Source: Tribune-Review
The NHL’s general managers agreed Wednesday with a recommendation to broaden the league’s definition of illegal hits to the head, likely expanding the scope of a rule enacted last year to outlaw blindside head shots. … Continued here

Bruins hammer Vancouver, even Stanley Cup finals Source: Tribune-Review
Just three days after the Bruins staggered back to Boston, they’ve barged right back into the Stanley Cup finals with two brilliant blowout wins. … The rest is here

Guerin accepts player development job with Penguins Source: Post Gazette
There have been times that Bill Guerin quickly figured out exactly what he wanted, such as an extended relationship with the Penguins. “I knew this was the team I wanted to be with probably two days after I was traded here. It’s a good fit,” Guerin said Wednesday. … Read more

Pittsburgh Penguins Appoint Bill Guerin Player as Their New Development Coach Source: Bleacher Report
Bill Guerin spent less than two full seasons in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform. However it seems both he and the team are happy to keep him in the Pittsburgh family during the front-office phase of his NHL career … Read this article

Empty Netter Assists – 06-09-11 Source: Empty Netters
Penguins -Welcome back Bill Guerin (above). Playoff Stuff Canucks – Bruins -Tim Thomas made 38 saves for the Bruins in a 4-0 shutout of the Canucks in Game 4 . Rich Peverly scored two goals for Boston while teammate David Krejci recor … … Read the rest here

Feisty Thomas continues success against Canucks (AP) Source: Yahoo Sports
Tim Thomas is tough for the Canucks to beat — and beat up. Less than 2 minutes before completing his third shutout in his seven career games against Vancouver, the Boston Bruins' feisty goalie scuffled with Alexander Burrows … See the rest here

Oh yeah… Gameday. Source: The Pensblog
Sorry. Image via: Pension Plan Puppets In other news, Bill Guerin is now the Penguins' Player Development Coach . Go Something … Follow this link

Bruins rout Canucks, even Stanley Cup finals Source: Post Gazette
… See the article here

Ex-NHL star Guerin rejoins Penguins as coach (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Former NHL star Bill Guerin retired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2010. Wednesday, Guerin returned to the team that he played the last two seasons of his 18-year NHL career, joining the Penguins as a player development coach. … Go here to read the rest

Sons of legendary Edmonton Oilers bring double draft dilemma (The Edmonton Journal) Source: Yahoo Sports
Keegan Lowe and Dillon Simpson are best friends, sons of fathers who fought the good fight through the Edmonton Oilers glory days when the Stanley Cup was a rite of spring here. Neither defenceman was born when Kevin Lowe and Craig Simpson carried the last of the Oilers five Cups around the ice in 1990, but both of the 18-year-olds have been around hockey rinks their entire lives. … See the article here

GMs support broader penalties for head hits (PA SportsTicker) Source: Yahoo Sports
By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer … Visit link

Tags: Bill Guerin, Craig Adams, Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis, Ray Shero, usbzoso
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 05-27-2011

Friday, May 27th, 2011

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Pittsburgh’s Fab Five Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share The NHL Entry Draft has historically been dominated by Canadian-born players. And usually, the American-born players that do end up being selected in the draft hail from hockey hotbeds like Minnesota, Ma… … Visit link

Video: Pittsburgh Draft Prospects Tour Source: penguins.nhl.com
Local Pittsburgh NHL Draft Prospects arrived at CONSOL Energy Center for a tour of the Penguins Facility. … To see video click here

Game 7 – Prince Of Wales – Right To Play For All The Marbles Source: The Pensblog
Prince Charles's nutsac will be awarded tonight. Biggest night in the New England area since the 1775. … The rest is here

Kennedy talks still in preliminary stages Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Latest on Tyler Kennedy talks Contract talks between Penguins GM Ray Shero and Steve Bartlett, the agent for Tyler Kennedy are underway but a deal between the two sides is not imminent. Sources involved in the talks indicate that talks are still in the preliminary stages and that the two sides have yet to push … Link

NHL Free Agency: Roster Vacancies, Pittsburgh Penguins’ Prospects Ready for NHL Source: Bleacher Report
In the post-lockout era, the Pittsburgh Penguins have become perennial cap spenders. … Visit link

Lightning – Bruins – Game 7 – Live chat – 05-27-11 Source: Empty Netters
It’s the “first” unofficial Friday of the summer. So naturally you’ll want to sit on your couch with your laptop right? If you feel like joining in, we’ll be conducing a live chat for tonight’s Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final between the Lightning and Bruins. … Read more

Season Review: Mike Rupp Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share Over the past two seasons forward Mike Rupp has been a familiar face in the Penguins lineup, appearing in 162 of a possible 164 games for Pittsburgh. … More here

Video: Season Review: Mike Rupp (5/27/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
A look back at all the on ice accomplishments of Mike Rupp. … See this video

Sharks looking to take big step next season Source: Tribune-Review
The task next year for San Jose will be to use experience from this season to make it to the Stanley Cup final and win it all. … More here

Bruins, Lightning eye Game 7 for shot at Cup Source: Tribune-Review
The Bruins play the Lightning in Game 7 of the conference finals, with the winner earning a chance to play the Canucks for the Stanley Cup. … See the rest here

District Auto Racing: Busy holiday weekend Source: Post Gazette
With all the rain this spring, tracks are looking to the Memorial Day weekend to jump-start the remainder of the season. Special events dot the racing landscape beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday with the BRP Modified Tour making its first appearance of the season at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway near Imperial … Continue reading here

Empty Netter Assists – 05-27-11 Source: Empty Netters
Penguins -Happy 35th birthday to former Penguins forward Richard Park (right) . The second native of South Korea to play for the Penguins as well as in the NHL (Jim Paek being the first), Park was a seco … … See more here

Bruins, Lightning to play Game 7 for chance at Cup Source: Post Gazette
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Penguins Team Report (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
The Penguins’ plans for the summer are quite simple: Get healthy. Had star centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin been healthy during this spring’s postseason, the Penguins have every reason to believe they could have made a legitimate run at the Stanley Cup. … Link

Tags: Evgeni Malkin, Mike Rupp, Ray Shero, Sidney Crosby, Tyler Kennedy, usbzoso
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 05-25-2011

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Talks “breakoff” for the time being between Pens, Craig Adams Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Pittsburgh wants Craig Adams back and Craig Adams wants to return to Pittsburgh. Negotiations between GM Ray Shero and agent Neil Sheehy resumed today after preliminary discussions began over the weekend. … Link

Bruins/Lightning – 8:00pm – Game 6 – Prince Of Wales Trophy In Attendance Source: The Pensblog
Prince Charles should have to give out the Prince of Wales trophy. This needs to happen next year. Bruins on the brink, Lightning trying to force a Game 7 … See the rest here

Puck Headlines: Thrashers/Winnipeg deal done? NHL talks Seattle (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. That is what you think it is: Winnipeg Jets Dustin … Continue reading → … Read more

Pens Foundation, UPMC Sports Medicine to Host Informational Seminar on Youth Hockey Concussions May 31 at CCAC Boyce Campus Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and UPMC Sports Medicine will host an informational seminar regarding youth hockey concussions and the baseline testing process on Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. … Read this article

More leverage for Kennedy’s camp? Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
New changes to the NHL’s compensation system for restricted free agents could make RFA’ more attractive this summer, according to the SportingNews. The adjusted numbers and compensation are tied to the average league salary, which is $2.3 million. … More

Lightning coach ‘very, very aware’ of ref Furlatt’s lopsided calls (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
In their regular-season finale against the Carolina Hurricanes and in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Tampa Bay Lightning needed to kill a combined 13 power plays. How many were they given? Two. … The rest is here

Ten NHL Pittsburgh Penguins Father’s Day gifts (Associated Content) Source: Yahoo Sports
With Father's Day approaching, you are probably stressing about what to get dad this year. If your father is a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, don't worry. … Link

Talbot’s reps assume they won’t hear from Pens until after scouting meetings Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Latest on Max Talbot Some reports earlier in the month that the Penguins would open contract talks with Max Talbot “fairly soon” has not come to fruition. While GM Ray Shero has reached out to the agents for Mike Rupp, Tyler Kennedy and Craig Adams, reps for Max Talbot have yet to hear from the … Continued here

Ray Shero: Five Years on the Job Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share Five years ago today, Ray Shero was struggling with a huge decision. … See the article here

Lightning face playoff desperation, power-play issues in Game 6 (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
The most oft-quoted stat for the Tampa Bay Lightning heading into Wednesday night's Game 6 against the Boston Bruins: 6-0. That's starter Dwayne Roloson's record in elimination games during his NHL career, including a Game 7 win back in the … Continue reading → … Excerpt from

President’s Trophy winners in Stanley Cup Finals (Associated Content) Source: Yahoo Sports
The Vancouver Canucks defeated the San Jose Sharks in Game 5 to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Canucks also won the President's Trophy with the best record in the NHL. … See the article here

Twenty Years Later – Penguins 8, North Stars 0 – 05-25-11 Source: Empty Netters
“Twenty Years Later” is a segment with a highly unimaginative name which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season is appearing for the final time this season. … Link

1991 Stanley Cup Champions – 20th Anniversary Source: penguins.nhl.com
On May 25, 1991 the Penguins defeated the Minnesota North Stars 8-0 to capture the first Stanley Cup championship in team history. On the 20th anniversary of the milestone achievement, we take a look back at the team’s exciting playoff run and Sta… … Follow this link

Video: 20th Anniversary: First Stanley Cup Source: penguins.nhl.com
A look back at the Penguins historic run through the 1991 Stanley Cup Playoffs en route to the team’s first Stanley Cup. … View video here

Bieksa scores in OT to send Canucks to Cup finals Source: Tribune-Review
The Vancouver Canucks’ Ryan Kesler tied the game with 13.2 seconds left in regulation, and Roberto Luongo made 54 saves before Kevin Bieksa scored a strange and lucky goal 10:18 into the second overtime to send the Canucks to the finals for the first time since 1994 with a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. … See the article here

It was 20 years ago today. Sgt. Badger… Source: The Pensblog
Goosebumpville at 7:33 … More

The 1990-91 Penguins – Where are they now? Source: Post Gazette
What are the members of the Penguins’ 1991 Stanley Cup championship team doing these days? … Continue reading here

Impact of Penguins’ first Stanley Cup title still felt 20 years later Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time 20 years ago today. Many on that 1991 championship team are still involved in hockey, including Mark Recchi, who is chasing another Cup as a 43-year-old winger for Boston in the Eastern Conference final. … Link

Roloson returns in net for Lightning Source: Tribune-Review
The Tampa Bay Lightning are once again hitching their hopes of blocking Boston’s path to the Stanley Cup finals on goaltender Dwayne Roloson. … The rest is here

1990-91 Penguins: In their own words Source: Tribune-Review
It’s been 20 years since the Penguins won their first Stanley Cup on May 25, 1991. … More here

Hockey seemed to change after the Penguins’ 1991 Stanley Cup title run Source: Tribune-Review
When the Penguins raised the Stanley Cup in Minnesota 20 years ago tonight, they lowered the curtain on freewheeling hockey. … Read more

Empty Netter Assists – 05-25-11 Source: Empty Netters
Penguins -Two decades ago today, this became a hockey ‘tahn .’ -Where are the 1991 Stanley Cup champions (right) these days ? -Note: We’ll have much more on this coming up around 10 a.m. Please tune in … Continued here

Canucks/Sharks – Game 5 – 9:00 – Clarence S. Campbell Bowl In Attendance Source: The Pensblog
Rule 233 of Pensblog. Anytime the Clarence S. … Read the rest here

Tags: Craig Adams, Mike Rupp, Ray Shero, Roberto Luongo, Tyler Kennedy
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 05-24-2011

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Morton has posted a 1.74 ERA in 3 home starts Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
A good pitching matchup tonight between Pittsburgh’s Charlie Morton (5-1, 2.62 ERA) and Atlanta’s Jair Jurrjens (5-1, 1.80 ERA). Morton is 3-0 in the month of May and is 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA at home this season. … Read more

Bourne Blog: In Game 5, it’s all about the stars for Sharks, Canucks (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Occasionally we're caught off-guard in a playoff series with a surprise hero — Max Talbot springs to mind, scoring two goals in Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings, successfully redeeming the Pittsburgh Penguins … Continue reading → … Read more here

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Boston and Vancouver in the finals would be best for the NHL: Fan’s view (Associated Content) Source: Yahoo Sports
The Boston Bruins dropped the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. … Read more here

What, no Jagr? Agent says Jaromir only talking to KHL teams (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Jaroslav Zidek, the agent for former Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers star Jaromir Jagr, spoke with Sovetsky Sport's Pavel Lysenkov about Jagr's future. And it looks like Jagr is not considering any offers from the NHL at this point. … Continue reading → … Read more

San Jose Sharks have no choice but to believe (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
A loss to Vancouver in Game 5 of the West final would result in a reality that’s too painful for the Sharks to contemplate. … Continue reading here

Twenty Years Later – Bryan Trottier – 05-24-11 Source: Empty Netters
“Twenty Years Later” is a segment, with a highly unimaginative name, which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season. We will examine the Penguins’ 1990-91 season which led to the first Stanley Cup title in franchise history. We will look back on games on a particular date and catch up with for … … Read this article

NHL Free Agent Rumors: 5 Reasons Signing Jaromir Jagr Is Smart for the Penguins Source: Bleacher Report
In 1990, the Pittsburgh Penguins used their fifth overall pick to draft a kid from Czechoslovakia. … Continued here

@: – http://twitpic.com/51s8fv

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Season Review: Pascal Dupuis Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share While there are many ways to describe Pascal Dupuis’ play last season, the first adjective that comes to mind is “versatile.” “I think I can play any role,” Dupuis said. &… … Read the rest here

Asham not among Penguins early priorities Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Keep in mind that it’s very early in the process but the Penguins priorities on the free agent front are coming to the forefront this week. While the Penguins have reached out to the agents of 5 pending free agents, one a restricted free agent in Tyler Kennedy, and are engaged in contract talks with … Excerpt from

You might need a three-prong outlet for this – 05-24-11 Source: Empty Netters
Among the latest items from the Civic Arena now up for auction is this “little” thing: If you have a spare $3,050 burning a hole in your pocket (and Clark Griswoldian energy capablities), the scoreboard at the Civic Arena is all yours to do as you wish. Click here for the … … Excerpt from

Video: Youth Hockey Int: JT Miller (5/24/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
JT MIller of the US National Development Team sits down to talk about his hockey career so far. … Click here to view video

Video: Season Review: Pascal Dupuis (5/24/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
A look back at all the on ice accomplishments of Pascal Dupuis … Click here to view video

wooo Source: The Pensblog
… See the article here

Bruins win away from returning to Cup Final Source: Tribune-Review
Tim Thomas stopped 33 shots after allowing another early goal, and Brad Marchand scored the game-winner to lead Boston to a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night and put the Bruins one win away from the Stanley Cup finals. … Excerpt from

Talks begin with Dupuis, Rupp Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins have opened contract talks with at least two of their impending unrestricted free agents. … Continued here

Empty Netter Assists – 05-24-11 Source: Empty Netters
Penguins -Contract talks with unrestricted free agents Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp (above) have begun . … Continue reading here

Source: Penguins engaged in talks with Craig Adams Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Contract talks between Penguins GM Ray Shero and the agent for Craig Adams are underway, a source confirmed late Monday night. The Penguins have shown an “expression of interest” in resigning Adams and while “nothing is imminent”, a deal being worked out as early as this week is possible, a source under the condition of … Go here to read the rest

Preliminary talks with Mike Rupp underway Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Contract talks between Penguins GM Ray Shero and agent Allan Walsh are under-way in regards to a new contract for winger Mike Rupp. Preliminary discussions “officially began” today between the two sides … Continue reading here

MLB: Rendon projected as a second baseman by several teams? Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Questions about “build” and “body type” continue for Rendon” As i mentioned a few weeks ago, there is believed to be more questions about Anthony Rendon’s build from scouts than the injury history. … Link

Tags: Craig Adams, Jaromir Jagr, Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis, Ray Shero, Tyler Kennedy, usbzoso
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 05-22-2011

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011

Empty Netter Assists – 05-22-11 Source: Empty Netters
Penguins A DVD set of “24/7″ is now available through HBO’s Web site . … View post

Rally supports Thrashers in Atlanta (CBC.ca) Source: Yahoo Sports
About 200 fans of the Atlanta Thrashers showed up for a rally Saturday in the face of expectations the team will move to Winnipeg. … More here

Tampa Bay storms back to even series with Boston Source: Tribune-Review
Mike Smith was perfect in relief of goalie Dwayne Roloson, and Simon Gagne snapped a tie in the third period for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who erased an early three-goal deficit and evened the Eastern Conference finals with a 5-3 win in Game 4 over the Bruins on Saturday. … See the rest here

Cup Chronicles: Bryan Trottier Source: Tribune-Review
Injuries limited Bryan Trottier to 52 regular-season games in 1990-91, but he contributed in other ways, serving as a mentor to rookie Jaromir Jagr and helping the team raise its standards. … More here

1990-91 Penguins: Where are they now? Source: Tribune-Review
Twenty-seven players had their names engraved on the Stanley Cup. … Read the rest here

Cook: Is change in store for NHL? Source: Post Gazette
Penguins forward Mike Rupp was on vacation with his wife and three kids in Magic Kingdom at Disney World when he got the news. Suddenly, The Happiest Place On Earth seemed a lot less happy. “It’s awful,” Rupp said of the death of New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard … See the article here

Lightning use big rally, get even with Bruins 2-2 Source: Post Gazette
… Excerpt from

Game 3 loss takes physical toll on Canucks Source: Post Gazette
… Follow this link

Tags: Jaromir Jagr, Mike Rupp
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 04-27-2011

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Puck Daddy Game 7′s Live Chat: Habs/Bruins, Bolts/Penguins (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Another night, another pair of Game 7's. … Read this article

@pghpenguins: A look inside @CONSOLEnergyCtr before #Pens take on Lightning in Game 7 at 8pm! – http://twitpic.com/4qa7vw

Penguins reach record-length new TV deal with Root Sports Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins and Root Sports (formerly FSN Pittsburgh) have reworked an exclusive regional rights deal that places TV broadcasts on the local cable network through the 2028-29 NHL season. … Continue reading here

Penguins agree to new 18-year TV contract (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
There are long-term contracts and then there are long, long, long-term contracts. The latter was announced Wednesday when the Pittsburgh Penguins and Root Sports that they've reached agreement on a new TV rights deal for not three or even five years. … Continued here

Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Seven – Lightning Source: The Pensblog
CONSOL Energy Center – 8:00PM TV: Root Sports, NHLN-US, TSN, RIS, Versus (JIP) For more on TV coverage of tonight's game, click here . … See the rest here

Root Sports to carry Penguins through 2028-29 season Source: Post Gazette
Root Sports (formerly FSN Pittsburgh) will be carrying Penguins games and programing through the 2028-29 season under a new television rights deal announced today. … Read this article

Canucks begin against Preds on Thursday (CBC.ca) Source: Yahoo Sports
After an incredibly dramatic finish in Vancouver Tuesday night, the Western Conference semifinals are set. The Canucks wiill host Game 1 against Nashville on Thursday at 6 p.m. … Excerpt from

Root Sports to carry Penguins game through 2028-2029 season Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
ROOT SPORTS and the Pittsburgh Penguins have reached agreement on a long-term television rights deal through the 2028-29 season. Under the agreement, ROOT SPORTS will be the exclusive rightsholder for Penguins regional telecasts and will televise a minimum of 70 regular season games each season. … Read more

Tonight’s Game On TV Source: The Pensblog
There's been a bit of confusion about what channels tonight's game will be on. … Read more

ROOT SPORTS to Televise Penguins Games Through 2028-2029 Season Source: penguins.nhl.com
ROOT SPORTS and the Pittsburgh Penguins have reached agreement on a long-term television rights deal through the 2028-29 season. Under the agreement, ROOT SPORTS will be the exclusive rightsholder for Penguins’ regional telecasts and will… … Read this article

Penguins, Root Sports agree to deal through 2028-29 season – 04-27-11 Source: Empty Netters
You better get used to Root Sports. The Penguins and Root Sports, formerly FSN Pittsburgh, reached an agreement to keep local Penguins broadcasts on the all-sports channel through the 2028-29 season … Read more

Puck Headlines: No ban for Lucic; Orpik calls Boucher ‘childish’ (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. … Read more here

Game 7 on NHL Network – 04-27-11 Source: Empty Netters
With Versus picking up Game 7 of the Bruins-Canadiens series tonight, there was some confusion on how fans outside of Pittsburgh could watch tonight’s Penguins-Lightning game. The NHL Network will pick up tonight’s game 7 in Pittsburgh … See more here

Video: Inside Penguins Hockey Episode 28 Source: penguins.nhl.com
Steve Mears is in Tampa Bay and Katie O’Malley is back in the IPH Studio, as we take a look at the 1st Round of the Playoffs with Pascal Dupuis and our Experts. … Watch video here

Video: Round One Playoff Open Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Penguins’ Playoff open from Round One. This one is from Game 2 at CONSOL Energy Center. … Video here

Police prep for Montreal hockey hooliganism (The Canadian Press) Source: Yahoo Sports
MONTREAL – Police are closing off a large stretch of downtown Montreal on Wednesday night as the hometown Canadiens play their decisive Game 7 against the Bruins some 500 kilometres away in Boston. … Visit link

WBS Penguins Sign Defenseman Philip Samuelsson to Amateur Tryout Contract Source: penguins.nhl.com
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have signed defenseman Philip Samuelsson to an amateur tryout contract, it was announced on Wednesday. … More here

@pghpenguins: Kunitz & Letestu at morning skate. – http://twitpic.com/4q7j5v

Post-Morning Skate: Penguins loose, confident going into Game 7 Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Post-Morning Skate Update James Neal video from William DePaoli Despite losing two of the last three games in the series, including two straight, the Penguins were a loose and collected group this morning at the Consol Energy Center. I feel It was important for them to go through a full skate this morning after … More here

Balancing Act Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share The Penguins have been in this situation before. This is the fourth time in their last six playoff series they’ve gone to Game 7, with the most recent coming last year – a loss at home to Mon… … Read this article

NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins: Defending Sidney Crosby on Sitting Instead of Playing Source: Bleacher Report
The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight in Game 7 of the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sidney Crosby , Penguins captain, will not be in uniform, and even if the Penguins win, he may not be back for the playoffs entirely … More here

Listen To Puck Daddy Radio for Game 7 previews, Hawks/Canucks (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
It's a Wednesday edition of Puck Daddy Radio, and we're chatting about the following and much more: Note: No Puck Daddy Chat today, as we're going to have Live Chats for the Game 7s this evening. Special Guest … Continue reading → … See more here

Video: Game-Day: Dan Bylsma (4/27/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Head Coach Dan Bylsma before tonight’s Game 7 at CONSOL Energy Center. … See this video

Video: Game-Day: Marc-Andre Fleury (4/27/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Marc-Andre Fleury before tonight’s Game 7 at CONSOL Energy Center. … Watch here

Video: Game-Day: Brooks Orpik (4/27/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Brooks Orpik before tonight’s Game 7 at CONSOL Energy Center. … To see video click here

Video: Penguins Insider (4/27/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Steve Mears with tonight’s Game 7 preview of the Penguins’ versus the Lightning at CONSOL Energy Center. … See this video

Looks like no lineup changes for Pens tonight Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
PITTSBURGH — For the second straight game, The talk of Eric Tangradi getting into the lineup tonight has been a bit over blown. Two reasons for that is the team is not high on his ability in 5 on 5 situations and they won’t clear a spot for him on the power play Based off … Read this article

Counting Down The Hours Source: The Pensblog
The Pens used the following lines at the morning skate : Neal-Letestu-Kovalev Kunitz-Staal-Kennedy Dupuis-Talbot-Conner Rupp-Adams-Asham Tangradi-Comrie-Godard No idea if that means anything. Bylsma will likely keep any line-up changes to himself for as long as possible … Continued here

Penguins Report: Game Day vs. Tampa Bay (Game 7) Source: penguins.nhl.com
10:33 AM: The Pens are on the ice for their Game 7 morning skate. All the usual suspects are accounted for (Nick Johnson and Matt Cooke skated earlier this morning). The team used the following line combos during the skate: Neal-Letestu-Ko… … Read more

By the Numbers: Game 7 vs. Tampa Bay Source: penguins.nhl.com
Although Tampa Bay won Game 6 at St. Pete Times Forum to even their opening-round series with Pittsburgh at three wins apiece and force a Game 7, the Penguins battled all year to gain home-ice advantage for this very scenario – meaning CONSO… … The rest is here

Game 7 – By the numbers 04-27-11 Source: Empty Netters
Here’s a statistical look at every player on Penguins’ and Lightning’s rosters who have played in Game 7s. The Penguins: SKATERS Player GamesPlayed Record Goals-Assists-Points Alex Kovalev 6 6-0 1-5-6 Pascal Dupuis 4 3-1 3-1-4 Sidney Crosby 3 2-1 2-1-3 Mike Rupp 3 1-2 1-2-3 Evgeni Malkin 3 2-1 0-3-3 Jordan Staal 3 2-1 2-0-2 Maxime T … … Read more here

Thank you, Iceoplex Source: The Pensblog
The Lightning had an optional practice on Tuesday at the Pens Iceoplex practice facility in Southpointe. Cecil, PA. And the lights went out. Love it … Read the rest here

Chicago’s comeback falls just short (The Canadian Press) Source: Yahoo Sports
VANCOUVER – Chicago captain Jonathan Toews knew his first goal of the post-season was going to be a big one. … Read this article

Flyers survive stingy Sabres Source: Tribune-Review
Brian Boucher stopped 25 shots, and the Philadelphia Flyers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of their first-round series Tuesday night. … Link

Penguins’ current power play plan isn’t working Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins score power-play goals about as often as coach Dan Bylsma tips his hand regarding lineup changes. … Read more

Home ice hasn’t helped Penguins in past Game 7s Source: Tribune-Review
Having a Game 7 on friendly ice is, in theory, supposed to be a positive. History, however, suggests the Penguins may be at a competitive disadvantage when they skate against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Consol Energy Center for the right to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. … More here

Penguins erase recent memory, look to Game 7 Source: Tribune-Review
A series with no rhythm and little predictability will produce a defining moment tonight when the Penguins and Lightning clash at 8 p.m. … The rest is here

LINK CITY: Game is at 8, Canucks/Blackhawks Highlights, Gameday suggestions Source: The Pensblog
Three quick things… Everyone probably knows by now, but in case you missed it, the Pens game is at 8:00pm. No clue why this is, but now a whole extra hour to vomit. … See the rest here

Analysis: Seven musts for Penguins in Game 7 Source: Post Gazette
The legacy of Game 7s spanning the Penguins’ 44-year history, with the latest coming tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Consol Energy Center, would suggest a significant surprise is at hand. … Link

Bruins are to blame for Game 7 with Habs (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Another chapter in the Montreal-Boston rivalry will play out thanks to the visitors’ undisciplined play in Game 6. … Excerpt from

Empty Netter Assists – 04-27-11 Source: Empty Netters
Playoff Stuff Penguins – Lightning (Note: For those asking, Versus will join tonight’s game joined in progress.) -” We know we can beat these guys .” – Marc-Andre Fleury. -If you drafted Deryk Engelland or Eric Tangradi for your playoff pool… … Continue reading here

Philadelphia 5, Buffalo 2 (adds quotes) (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
As he shook hands with his former teammates at center ice, Danny Briere couldn't help but think about the times he went to war with the Buffalo Sabres. “Honestly, it was one of the toughest series I've had to go through,” Briere said after scoring one goal and… … Excerpt from

Penguins Notebook: Bylsma considering Engelland, Tangradi Source: Post Gazette
Coach Dan Bylsma confirmed the obvious Tuesday, saying that Sidney Crosby will not be in the Penguins lineup for Game 7 of their first-round playoff series against Tampa Bay tonight. That doesn’t mean Bylsma isn’t contemplating a few other personnel changes. … Excerpt from

Lightning’s Gagne has history of coming through in the postseason Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. … See the rest here

Cook: Letang slumping instead of rising to playoff occasion Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins didn’t do a new contract with Sergei Gonchar after last season because it wasn’t fiscally prudent to guarantee him a third year at his age, 37 at the time. They also had Kris Letang to run their power play. … Read more

2011 NHL Playoffs: Keys to a Pittsburgh Penguins Victory in Game 7 Source: Bleacher Report
Less than a week ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins had a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series with the Tampa Bay Lightning . … Read more here

Philadelphia 5, Buffalo 2 (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Danny Briere completed his onslaught against his former team Tuesday night by scoring one goal and assisting on another to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. … See the article here

Inside the Numbers: All you need to know about Game 7 Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Game 7 Notes — Everything is on the line as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning Wednesday night at the Consol Energy Center in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Game time is 8:00 p.m. … Link

PODCAST: 04.26 – Game 7 Eve Source: The Pensblog
27:29 -Podcast Blog -Subscribe to iTunes -Mobile Site … View post

Pascal Dupuis has 3 goals in 4 career Game 7′s Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
According to the Penguins, the Penguins active roster features 8 players who have scored goals in Game 7′s. … See the rest here

NHL Playoffs 2011: Top 5 Game 7s in Penguins History Source: Bleacher Report
The Penguins’ loss Monday night means that the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Tampa Bay Lightning will be decided by one fateful game on Wednesday. … See more here

Kovalev 6-0 all-time in Game 7′s Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Talk from the fan base is that Alex Kovalev should come out of the lineup tomorrow night. I don’t see it happening but here’s a notable stat for the 38 year old winger. Kovalev is 6-0 all-time in Game 7′s, collecting a goal and five assists for six points. … Continued here

Lightning prepare for ’3rd’ Game 7 against Pens (The Canadian Press) Source: Yahoo Sports
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Penguins have the edge in playoff experience. … Follow this link

Stanley Cup Playoff Gamenight: Two Game 7′s and a huge Game 6 Source: The Pensblog
Sit back and enjoy two unreal Game 7's tonight. … More

Tags: Brooks Orpik, Consol Energy Center, Dan Bylsma, Deryk Engelland, Eric Tangradi, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Jordan Staal, Katie O'Malley, Kris Letang, Matt Cooke, Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis, Sergei Gonchar, Sidney Crosby, Steve Mears
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Wilkes-Barre Scranton | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 04-25-2011

Monday, April 25th, 2011

FIRST PERIOD: PENS/LIGHTNING, End them Source: The Pensblog
We know one thing: the Pens will get chances. If they cash in, this series is over. If they don't, we move to the dreaded seventh game … More here

Pens-Bolts Game 6: In-Game Blog Source: penguins.nhl.com
6:30 PM: Today’s quote of the day is brought to you by alternate captain Jordan Staal. … More here

Penguins Expecting Fleury’s Best Source: penguins.nhl.com
TAMPA, Fla. — Goaltenders need short memories, and those who have them can recover from poor performances more quickly than others. As Penguins forward Michael Rupp pointed out Monday morning at the St … Excerpt from

Game Day Buzz: Staal on 1st power play unit as net-front player a mystery to evaluators Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Game Day Buzz Some pre-game tidbits as the Penguins look to close out the series tonight…. — Despite still being in the drivers seat, up 3-2 in the series, I believe the pressure is on the Penguins tonight. … The rest is here

Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Six – Lightning Source: The Pensblog
St. Pete Times Forum – 7:00PM TV: Versus, ROOT Sports, CBC, RDS Penguins Lead Series 3-2. Team Notes: Dan Bylsma isn't mentioning any line-up changes . … More here

Have the Tampa Bay Lightning rattled Marc-Andre Fleury? (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
After one has witnessed what the Blackhawks have done to Roberto Luongo's confidence, the notion that the Tampa Bay Lightning have somehow fractured the will of Marc-Andre Fleury seems a little flimsy. It's like comparing a sinus headache with a … Continue reading → … Link

Game Notes: 5-on-5 play a key for the Penguins tonight Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Game 6 Pre-Game Notes — The Penguins look to close out the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight and advance to the second round for the fourth straight year. … View post

Puck Headlines: Sharks/Kings previews; Luongo song parody (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. Decimated by injuries, the German national team had no choice but … Continue reading → … More here

2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Minus Crosby, Penguins Cannot Hang with East Elite Source: Bleacher Report
Without their big two centers in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins have still managed to open up a 3-2 series lead over the high-scoring Tampa Bay Lightning. Before the postseason, many selected the Penguins to move at least into the second round on the strength of their goaltending, defense and coaching … See the rest here

Word out of Malkin’s Camp: “Hopefully Pens Keep Winning” Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
If the Penguins advance to the second round and beyond, will Evgeni Malkin not Sidney Crosby become the story to watch for the Penguins? … Link

NHL playoffs: How top seeds have fared against eight seeds in Game 7s (Associated Content) Source: Yahoo Sports
The top seeded Vancouver Canucks looked like they would roll to the second round. The took a 3-0 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks, a team that limped to the playoffs after the Dallas Stars lost their final game. However, Chicago has rallied to force a Game 7. … Follow this link

Colbert and Tomlin talk 2011 NFL Draft Pool Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
By Dale Grdnic PITTSBURGH — Thanks to the current collective bargaining situation and player lockout in the NFL, this week’s draft could be the most interesting in years. Veterans cannot be traded, unrestricted free agents basically don’t count toward the current rosters and undrafted college free agents cannot be signed after the draft concludes … See the rest here

@pghpenguins: B. Johnson rocking his new all-white getup on the road #Pens – http://twitpic.com/4pg0bp

Fleury’s numbers when following a loss & pulled in the playoffs Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
.Since the 2008 post-season, goaltender Marc Andre Fleury is 12-4 when following a loss. … Follow this link

Twenty Years Later – Penguins 4, Capitals 1 – 04-25-11 Source: Empty Netters
“Twenty Years Later” is a segment with a highly unimaginative name which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season. … Link

Video: Game-Day: Dan Bylsma (4/25/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Head Coach Dan Bylsma before tonight’s match-up of the Pens vs. Lightning in Tampa. … Click here to view video

Video: Game-Day: Mike Rupp (4/25/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Mike Rupp before tonight’s match-up of the Pens vs. Lightning in Tampa. … Click here to view video

Video: Game-Day: Jordan Staal (4/25/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Jordan Staal before tonight’s match-up of the Pens vs. Lightning in Tampa. … See this video

Video: Penguins Insider (4/25/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Steve Mears with today’s breakdown of Game 6 in Tampa between the Penguins and the Lightning at 7pm. … To see video click here

Crosby not skating with team for 5th straight day Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Sidney Crosby is with the team in Tampa Bay but is not skating this morning for the 5th straight day. … The rest is here

2011 NHL Playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins Trust in Marc-Andre Fleury Source: Bleacher Report
Analysts and fans always overreact to one game, especially during the playoffs. In the NBA, I watch the ESPN analysts anoint the Boston Celtics the best team in the NBA just because they swept a Knicks team without Chauncey Billups and Amare Stoudemire … More here

Crosby with team in Tampa Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Here’s your daily Crosby update: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has not skated since Wednesday as doctors have scaled down his on-ice workouts for the past 8-10 days. Crosby though did make the trip to Tampa. … Read the rest here

What We Learned: Vigneault and his Roberto Luongo problem (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Hello, this is a feature that will run through the entire season and aims to recap the weekend's events and boils those events down to one admittedly superficial fact or stupid opinion about each team. Feel free to complain about … Continue reading → … Continued here

By the Numbers: Game 6 vs. Tampa Bay Source: penguins.nhl.com
Although Tampa Bay won Game 5 to cut Pittsburgh’s series lead to 3-2, the Penguins have a chance to clinch their opening-round series against the Lightning on the road tonight at St. Pete Times Forum. Historically, the Penguins have fared well on … … Excerpt from

Empty Netter Assists – 04-25-11 Source: Empty Netters
Playoff Stuff Penguins – Lightning (Note: Our live blog begins at approximately 7 p.m. Please tune in.) -” I always felt that people here believed in me .” – Alex Kovalev (above) on returning to Pittsburgh. -” Seriously, we have noth … … Continue reading here

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011: Why the Pens Will Finish off Bolts in Tampa Source: Bleacher Report
There were many empty seats in the Console Energy Center on Saturdayafter the Tampa Bay Lightning had shocked the hometown fans by extending their lead to 7-0. Those viewing the game on television had probably switched to the NBA playoffs or even soap operas by the first intermission. The Lightning dealt the Pens the most humiliating defeat of the playoffs so far, making sure there was no need for two overtimes … Link

Questioning MAF? Seriously? Source: The Pensblog
Turned on the FAN Morning Show on Monday morning, settling in to listen to Pens talk. Instead, it was some bizarre segment where they were trying to goad Pens fans into calling into the show to say that Fleury sucks or that Brent Johnson should start tonight. What a waste of time. That's all. Talk about the NFL Draft or something. Go Pens … Link

A new flight plan: Q&A with Penguins’ Kovalev Source: Post Gazette
His name is Alexei Vyacheslavovich Kovalev, he is 38, and he is in the twilight of one of the greatest careers for a Russian player in NHL history. … Go here to read the rest

Lightning wary of home-ice hex Source: Tribune-Review
Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher doesn’t believe there’s much of an advantage to playing on home ice in the playoffs, and the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs is an indication that he might be on to something. … Continue reading here

Taking flight: Clinching on the road in game 6 Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins have clinched their first-round series on the road in Game 6 each of the past two seasons, roaring back from 3-0 deficits to defeat Philadelphia in 2009 and Ottawa last year. … Read this article

Penguins seek return to normalcy Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins have shown mental toughness all season, which largely explains their success amid constant adversity. … See more here

Rob Rossi’s article on Malkin/Crosby from this weekend Source: The Pensblog
After a 8-2 drubbing the last thing anyone wanted to do was read about hockey for the next 24 hours. At least that is why we missed this bombshell Rob Rossi from the weekend. [ TRIB ] From the article : At this point, anybody who claims to know how to read these daily developments of the Penguins’ injured superstar centers ( Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin ) is jerking you around … Follow this link

We’ve been here before Source: The Pensblog
No need to go into the details. You all remember … Read this article

Penguins Notebook: Forgetting Game 5 the plan Source: Post Gazette
When the Penguins boarded their charter plane Sunday for Florida, they packed all the requisite sticks, gloves, helmets, laptops, enough clothing for a couple days and, well, just about everything except the memories of that 8-2 annihilation by the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5. … More

Lightning wants more bodies, pucks at the net Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA. Fla. … See more here

Cook: Forget about there being no place like home Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins have the Tampa Bay Lightning players right where they want ‘em. … Excerpt from

Baby Pens set to face Charlotte in second round Source: The Pensblog
The Charlotte Checkers eliminated the Hershey Bears from the Calder Cup Playoffs tonight, with a 2-1 overtime win in Hershey. Hershey won the Calder Cup the past two season … Link

Local Trio Helps Team USA Capture Third Straight World Under-18 Championship Source: penguins.nhl.com
Team USA, with the help of three local products, rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the championship game to defeat Sweden, 4-3 in overtime, to capture the 2011 World Under-18 Championship – the United States’ third straight gold medal in t… … Continued here

Tags: Brent Johnson, Dan Bylsma, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Marc Andre Fleury, Mike Rupp, Roberto Luongo, Sidney Crosby, Steve Mears
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 04-24-2011

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Penguins still confident despite blowout (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Getting blown out on home ice instead of ending a series in five games isn't generally good for a team's confidence. … The rest is here

Why not to believe ANYTHING about Sid and Geno, and not to believe in momentum. Source: Chipped Ice
While awaiting another flight to Tampa on Sunday afternoon, I figured an update was long overdue. But, before that some notes and thoughts on this series between the Penguins and Lightning, a couple of personal messages: = Happy Easter. = God speed, Dad. … The rest is here

Video: Off-Day: Coach Bylsma (4/24/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Head Coach Dan Bylsma talks to reporters following practice at the CONSOL Energy Center. … Click here to view video

Bouncing Back Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Penguins are trying to forget their 8-2 setback to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of their opening-round series. Pittsburgh, which still holds a 3-2 series advantage, is instead focusing its efforts on the Game 6 showdown Monday night at St … Read the rest here

Stat Nerd Sunday: Better measuring NHL goalie greatness (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
(Ed. Note: Welcome to Stat Nerd Sunday, where we occasionally obsess over hockey numbers like a Dungeon Master obsessing over the level of his warrior elf. Here's Matt Barr, formerly of LCS: Guide To Hockey and Trolleytracks and now blogging … Continue reading → … Visit link

Baby Penguins Banter: WBS Penguins Advance to East Division Finals Source: Bleacher Report
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins advanced to the East Division Finals last night with a 6-3 victory over the Norfolk Admirals. The Penguins, who went down two games to none to start the series, finished off the Admirals in six games. They became the 23rd team in American Hockey League history to win a series after losing the first two games. … View post

RECAP: Game Five: Not Quite Done. PENS LOSE Source: The Pensblog
Posting this for posterity's sake. … Read this article

Video: Off-Day: Mike Rupp (4/24/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Mike Rupp talks to reporters after practice at the CONSOL Energy Center. … View video here

Video: Off-Day: Arron Asham (4/24/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Arron Asham talks to reporters following practice at the CONSOL Energy Center. … To see video click here

Video: Penguins Insider (4/24/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Steve Mears brings you the latest on the Penguins’ first round match up with the Tampa Bay Lightning. … See this video

Penguins Report: 4/24/11 Source: penguins.nhl.com
Staal and Kennedy are absent from practice; Cooke and N. Johnson are skating (11:04 AM). … Follow this link

Empty Netter Assists – 04-24-11 Source: Empty Netters
Playoff Stuff Penguins – Lightning -Monday’s Game 6 will be a 7 p.m. start . … Continue reading here

@WBSPenguins: Colby Armstrong supporting the WHITEOUT! Games 1 and 2 of the East Div. Finals this Thursday and Saturday. – http://twitpic.com/4ovn0p

Capitals send Rangers home Source: Tribune-Review
Alex Ovechkin raced past and around defenseman Marc Staal to score a highlight-reel goal in the second period, as the Capitals made short work of the New York Rangers, beating them, 3-1, on Saturday to win the Eastern Conference first-round series in five games. … Go here to read the rest

Pens-Lightning, Game 5: Period by period Source: Tribune-Review
Despite spending much of the period in Tampa Bay’s end of the ice, the Penguins trailed, 2-0, after 20 minutes when Simon Gagne and Steven Stamkos scored 46 seconds apart late in the period Saturday at Consol Energy Center. … Continue reading here

Malkin beginning to test surgically repaired knee Source: Tribune-Review
Neither center Evgeni Malkin nor Penguins coach Dan Bylsma ruled out the possibility of Malkin playing in these Stanley Cup playoffs. … Go here to read the rest

Fleury flounders, but usually rebounds Source: Tribune-Review
Dan Bylsma pulled Marc-Andre Fleury for a third time in the past 21 playoff games Saturday during an 8-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at Consol Energy Center in Game 5 of a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series. … Continued here

Stamkos surfaces, scores twice Source: Tribune-Review
Tampa Bay star Steven Stamkos scored twice, added an assist and was a dominant presence in Game 5 at Consol Energy Center. … Follow this link

RECAP: Wagner For President. WB/S PENS WIN SERIES. Source: The Pensblog
The Baby Pens closed out their opening round series against the Tampa Bay affiliate Norfolk Admirals tonight, on home ice. Offensive defenseman Steve Wagner broke out, and blasted off three straight slap shot cannons from the point, all of them tickling the twine … Continued here

Saturday’s Three Stars: Quick sets record; Stamkos breaks out (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
No. 1 Star: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings The Kings are still alive in their series with the San Jose Sharks for one reason: Jonathan Quick … Continue reading here

Penguins blown out by Lightning, 8-2, in Game 5 Source: Post Gazette
It’s not just that the Penguins lost. Hey, it happens. Especially against a quality opponent such as Tampa Bay, when that team is battling for its professional survival … Excerpt from

Quick, Clifford help Kings stay alive (CBC.ca) Source: Yahoo Sports
The Los Angeles Kings scored on three of their first four shots and Jonathan Quick was sensational in net as they held off the San Jose Sharks for a 3-1 road victory to prolong their Western Conference quarter-final series. … The rest is here

Pittsburgh Penguins Need Better Defensive Play If They’re Going to Take Game 5 Source: Bleacher Report
On the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first scoring possession, two Tampa Bay players skated down the ice leisurely passing the puck back and forth between one another, while the lethargic Penguins defenders watched, as if they were at home watching the action on television. If they keep playing like that, they will be. Tampa Bay crushed Pittsburgh 8-2. … Follow this link

Play of game: Sleepy Penguins awaken Stamkos Source: Post Gazette
Let sleeping dogs lie, as the idiom goes. … The rest is here

Cook: Tampa Bay never finds a reason to quit, and Penguins are to blame Source: Post Gazette
Eddie Johnston has served the Penguins for about 100 years in every capacity from coach to general manager to wise, old adviser. … See more here

Lighting’s Stamkos finds scoring touch Source: Post Gazette
Steven Stamkos looked high. He looked low. Finally, he looked to the area around the front of the Penguins’ net. … Read more

Penguins Notebook: Wrong kind of history made Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins made history Saturday. Not the kind they liked … Read more here

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton advances to second round Source: The Pensblog
The Baby Pens complete the comeback, and take the opening series against Norfolk 4 games to 2. Steve Wagner had a hat trick from the blue line. Tim Wallace and Zach Sill sealed the deal with empty net goals. … See the rest here

Wilke-Barre/Scranton Penguins advance – 04-23-11 Source: Empty Netters
At least one portion of the Penguins organization won a playoff series today. A natural hat trick by defenseman Steve Wagner in the first period led the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to a 6-3 home win against the Norfolk Admirals. The victory clinched an Eastern Conference semifinal series for the Penguins, 4-2. … Visit link

Penguins-Lightning Game 6 scheduled for 7:08 p.m. start Monday Source: Post Gazette
Game 6 of the Penguins’ first-round playoff series against Tampa Bay will begin Monday at 7:08 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. … More here

Penguins-Lightning Game 6 will be Played Monday at 7 p.m. in Tampa Bay Source: penguins.nhl.com
The NHL announced that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning will play Game 6 of their opening round Stanley Cup playoff series on Monday, April 25, at 7 p.m. … Go here to read the rest

Tags: Arron Asham, Consol Energy Center, Dan Bylsma, Evgeni Malkin, Mike Rupp, Steve Mears
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Wilkes-Barre Scranton | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 04-23-2011

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

Source: Tumblr

Lightning convincingly stay alive, beat Pens 8-2 (The Canadian Press) Source: Yahoo Sports
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher was convinced it was just a matter of time before Steven Stamkos became a dynamic offensive force in the NHL playoffs. … View post

Lightning thumps Penguins, 8-2; series moves to Tampa Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins got drummed by Tampa Bay, 8-2, in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series with the Lightning today at Consol Energy Center. … Follow this link

Twenty Years Later – Penguins 3, Capitals 1 – 04-23-11 Source: Empty Netters
“Twenty Years Later” is a segment with a highly unimaginative name which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season. We will examine the Penguins’ 1990-91 season which led to the first Stanley Cup … … More here

Pittsburgh-Area Prospects Lead USA to Victory Over Canada in World Under-18 Tournament Source: penguins.nhl.com
Moon native J.T. … See the article here

Aftermath: Lightning 8, Penguins 2 Source: penguins.nhl.com
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Penguins implode at first sign of trouble in 8-2 loss Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Post-Game Wrapup The Pittsburgh Penguins got off to the type of start they wanted, taking an early edge in zone play but at the first sign of trouble, the Penguins imploded on home ice for the second time in the series. … Read the rest here

AHL Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Six – Admirals Source: The Pensblog
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza – 7:05 PM NHL Affiliation: TV/Radio: AHLLive.com 102.3 The Mountain Penguins lead series 3-2. Team Notes: The Penguins have a shot to close out the opening round series on home ice … Go here to read the rest

Video: Post-Game: Jordan Staal (4/23/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Jordan Staal speaks with the media following Saturday’s game. … To see video click here

Video: Post-Game: Mike Rupp (4/23/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Mike Rupp speaks with the media following Saturday’s game. … Video here

Video: Post-Game: Marc-Andre Fleury (4/23/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Marc-Andre Fleury speaks with the media following Saturday’s game. … See video here

Video: Post-Game: Paul Martin (4/23/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Paul Martin speaks with the media following Saturday’s game. … See this video

Video: Post-Game: Coach Bylsma (4/23/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Head Coach Dan Bylsma speaks with the media following Saturday’s game. … Watch here

Video: Game in a Flash: TBL-PIT (GM 5) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Watch the best highlights from Game 5 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins. … View video

Bolts take 5-0 lead after second period Source: Tribune-Review
The second period began much like the first ended with the Penguins unable to score on the power play, and the Lightning taking advantage with two quick strikes against Fleury. … Visit link

Stay the course. Pens lose 8-2. Source: The Pensblog
If Game Four was on Monday night, and the Lightning had done this in Games One, Two, and Three, then there would be cause for concern. Anyone who's lived through more than one playoff run knows the final score of this game is meaningless. It's a loss, and the Pens are still up 3-2 in the series. … Visit link

THIRD PERIOD: LIGHTNING/PENS, 5-0 Tampa. Source: The Pensblog
As bad as it feels right now, everyone is going to have a day to pull it together for Monday. The playoffs are like being at Kennywood. Today is like the time the Whip collapsed … View post

@pghpenguins: #Pens center Evgeni Malkin skating at Southpointe on Friday – http://twitpic.com/4ojk7z

SECOND PERIOD THREAD: LIGHTNING/PENS, Unlimited chances but Pens trail 2-0 Source: The Pensblog
Pens had unlimited chances in the first period. They hit a post, missed a wide open net, etc. Tampa Bay didn't do a damn thing in the first period for about 16 minutes … Visit link

@pghpenguins: Congrats to today's winners of the @GNCLiveWell Two Man Advantage – Won tickets the game inside! – http://twitpic.com/4oi4g6

2011 NHL Playoffs Live Blog: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins Game 5 Source: Bleacher Report
Good afternoon, NHL fans! I know it’s very early for a hockey game, but we have an exciting afternoon ahead of us as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Pittsburgh is currently leading the series three games to one and can eliminate Tampa Bay with a win at Consol Energy Center today. Meanwhile, the Lightning will be looking to hold off elimination and bring Game 6 back to Tampa. … The rest is here

Malkin Starts Skating Source: penguins.nhl.com
Share Evgeni Malkin is back on the ice. The Penguins star center has been doing some light skating sessions – about 20 to 30 minutes – the past few days at Southpointe, beginning on Thursday. … See the article here

Video: We Are One – Game 5 Intro (4/23/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Penguins ‘We Are One’ intro to start Game 5 against the Lightning in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs … Watch video here

Video: Evgeni Malkin Skates (4/23/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Evgeni Malkin took the ice for a light skate at Southpointe. … To see video click here

Video: Pens Break Through Source: penguins.nhl.com
Mike Rupp stashes home a rebound to put Pittsburgh on the board. … To see video click here

Video: Conner Connects Source: penguins.nhl.com
Nice stick work from Chris Conner is rewarded moments later when Max Talbot hits him for Conner’s first career playoff goal. … Video here

Game 5: Lightning @ Penguins Game Notes Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Game 5 Pre-Game Notes — The Penguins look to close out the series this afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals . Start time is 12:00 p.m.; TV: ROOT SPORTS and VERSUS Network; Radio: 105.9 the X. … The rest is here

FIRST PERIOD: LIGHTNING/PENS, Finish them. [ online feeds here ] Source: The Pensblog
“You look like you are going to a funeral.” ” Maybe I am.” If you are looking for an online feed looks like one is live here . If you have any to share please do so in cblog city. Go Pens … More

Fleury’s career numbers in Game 5′s Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Goaltender Marc Andre Fleury comes into today’s game with a 5-4 career record in Game 5s to go along with a 2.32 goals against average and .915 save percentage. Fleury is 3-2 all-time at home in Game 5. … The rest is here

Audio: Bylsma talks Game 5, Lineup, 12:00 p.m. start & More Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Bylsma Pre-Game Media Session Here are some highlights from Bylsma’s pre game media session this morning….. — A hot topic at least from the media has been the 12:00 p.m. start tme. … Excerpt from

Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Five – Lightning Source: The Pensblog
CONSOL Energy 12:00PM TV: ROOT Sports, CBC, Versus Penguins Lead Series 3-1. Team Notes: Kunitz will be back. The Penguins haven't been great at closing series at home recently … View post

Pens-Bolts Game 5: In-Game Blog Source: penguins.nhl.com
10:51 AM: It’s about that time – Quote of the Day Time! I’ve used a quote from Pascal Dupuis for Games 3 and 4, and coincidentally, we won both. … More

Lightning at Penguins – Game 5 – 04-23-11 Source: Empty Netters
PREGAMElv2Z7FQfXKE -Greetings from: -It’s a warm, somewhat muggy day in Pittsburgh. It’s been raining on and off for about 24 hours. … The rest is here

Penguins Highlight Students’ Enthusiasm and Artwork with Annual "Students for Stanley" Banner Contest Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Penguins hosted a “Students for Stanley” banner contest for students throughout Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh as the team began its quest for the Stanley Cup. … … Excerpt from

Pride, a shot at the Cup, and many jobs now on the line (The Vancouver Sun) Source: Yahoo Sports
The list of questions the Vancouver Canucks can avoid having to answer – if they manage to pull their heads out of their nether regions and find their game again in time to save a memorable season – is long and invasive. … Read more

NHL Roundup: Buffalo takes 3-2 lead over Flyers Source: Post Gazette
The Philadelphia Flyers had the stirring comeback, but the Buffalo Sabres will take the win and a shot at clinching the playoff series Sunday at home. … View post

For the Penguins, winning a playoff series at home is elusive Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins have accomplished an awful lot in Dan Bylsma’s two-plus years as coach. They have won a Stanley Cup, of course, and put up the second-highest point total in franchise history. But there also are things they haven’t done since Bylsma replaced Michel Therrien. … Follow this link

Penguins Notebook: Fleury gets no love from voters for Vezina Source: Post Gazette
Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was chosen as the Penguins’ most valuable player this season, and rightly so. He was the primary reason they made a serious run at first place in the Eastern Conference, and why they finished with the second-highest point total in franchise history despite losing 350 man-games to injury. … Read more here

Ron Cook: No Penguins forward is producing like Maximum Mike Rupp Source: Post Gazette
Penguins forward Mike Rupp should be ashamed of himself. Arron Asham is on his line. … Link

Capitals wary of another collapse Source: Tribune-Review
Game 5 was when it started to fall apart for the Washington Capitals last year. They came out sleepwalking and were down, 2-0, before the first period was 10 minutes old the start of another playoff collapse. … More here

In OT, Ennis gives Sabres 3-2 edge Source: Tribune-Review
Tyler Ennis scored off a rebound 5:31 into overtime Friday night to give the Buffalo Sabres a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers and a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. … The rest is here

NHL pleased with concussion protocol Source: Tribune-Review
The NHL’s new protocol to evaluate players who potentially have suffered a concussion is hardly perfect, but the league is pleased in the early stages. … See the rest here

Odds stacked against Tampa Source: Tribune-Review
When James Neal’s wide-angle shot eluded Dwayne Roloson late Wednesday, instant barriers were put in front of the Tampa Bay Lightning. … Continue reading here

Home ice hasn’t been nice for Penguins in playoffs Source: Tribune-Review
As successful as the Penguins have been under Dan Bylsma, he has yet to lead them to a clinching victory at home. … See the rest here

Penguins’ Asham making presence felt Source: Tribune-Review
The notion that Arron Asham has a glorious history of enhancing his game during the Stanley Cup playoffs isn’t horribly accurate. … Excerpt from

NHL dislikes Cooke more than head shots Source: Post Gazette
So, the NHL hands down a one-game suspension to the Penguins’ Chris Kunitz and Tampa Bay’s Steve Downie. And the league hands down nothing to Vancouver’s Raffi Torres for nearly decapitating Chicago’s Brent Seabrook late last week … See more here

Friday’s Three Stars: Ennis, Smithson winners; Sabres, Preds up 3-2 (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
No. 1 Star: Tyler Ennis, Buffalo Sabres It was the Ennis Show in Philadelphia as his overtime goal put the Sabres up 3-2 in their series with the Philadelphia Flyers after a 4-3 win on Friday night. Ennis opened the … Continue reading → … Continued here

Lightning: Tampa Bay goalie looks ahead after Neal’s fluky goal Source: Post Gazette
Tampa Bay goaltender Dwayne Roloson stopped 50 of the first 52 Penguins shots Wednesday night in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series. The 53rd shot was something of a fluke — a puck thrown from a bad angle by winger James Neal that found its way past Roloson’s glove. … More

Empty Netter Assists – 04-23-11 Source: Empty Netters
Playoff Stuff Penguins – Lightning (Note: Our live blog begins at approximately 11 a.m. Set your alarm, have some brunch and curse NBC for making us all wake up this early for a hockey game.) -The Penguins have not won a playoff series at home under Dan Bylsma (above) … The rest is here

RECAP: The Cardiac Kids. WB/S PENS WIN. Source: The Pensblog
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins proved themselves as the best team in the American Hockey League throughout the entire regular season. When the team dropped the first two games of the series on home ice, even the most faithful and die hard fans started to question the team in terms of winning a single game. There shouldn't be any more questions. … Read this article

WB/S takes 3-2 lead in series Source: The Pensblog
The Baby Pens have come back from trailing 2 games to none in the opening round of the AHL playoffs, and are now on top 3 games to 2. Game 6 is tomorrow night in Wilkes-Barre where the good guys have a chance to close it out on home ice … More

Timney Overwhelmed by Crowd’s Response Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Penguins admitted that they struggled to get used to their brand-new arena at the beginning of the season. After all, hockey players are a superstitious bunch, and they had to nail down new game-day routines and get situated in their new su… … Excerpt from

Woman Salutes James Neal Source: The Pensblog
We initially saw this pic in the moments immediately after Neal's goal, as our infatuation with the stunnedness consumed our minds. Reader Amy D. sat back and looked at the big picture. Literally. … Excerpt from

Tags: Arron Asham, Chris Conner, Chris Kunitz, Consol Energy Center, Dan Bylsma, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Jordan Staal, Marc Andre Fleury, Michel Therrien, Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis, Paul Martin, usbzoso
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Wilkes-Barre Scranton | 1 Comment »

PensHead Daily Links 04-22-2011

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

Future uncertain, Coyotes face waiting game (PA SportsTicker) Source: Yahoo Sports
By JOHN MARSHALL AP Sports Writer … Read more here

Bettman happy with NHL’s concussion protocol (The Canadian Press) Source: Yahoo Sports
NEW YORK, N.Y. – The NHL's new protocol to evaluate players who have potentially sustained a concussion is hardly perfect but the league is pleased in the early stages. … See more here

Bettman is pleased with NHL’s concussion protocol (AP) Source: Yahoo Sports
The NHL's new protocol to evaluate players who have potentially sustained a concussion is hardly perfect, but the league is pleased in the early stages. At the March meeting of NHL general managers, new guidelines were adopted that make it mandatory for any player showing concussion symptoms to be examined by a doctor in the locker room or a quiet room … Continued here

Penguins know better than to get overconfident (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson twice has led a team back from a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series. Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Arron Asham, even more notably, was part of a Philadelphia Flyers team that roared back from a 3-0 hole to defeat the Boston Bruins last… … Continued here

Teams that have come back from 3-0 in playoffs (Associated Content) Source: Yahoo Sports
The Stanley Cup Playoffs looked grim for the Chicago Blackhawks. The defending champions limped in to the playoffs and dropped their first three games against the top seeded Vancouver Canucks … Go here to read the rest

Lightning-Penguins notebook (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
G VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS Tampa Bay now has its back up against the wall and will try to do something only nine percent of all teams have ever accomplished — come back from down 3-1 in a playoff series. … Read the rest here

Tangradi talks about how studying the way Chris Kunitz plays has been a key to his development Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
With Chris Kunitz returning from a one game suspension and Matt Cooke scheduled to return in the second round (assuming Pens advance), there’s a good chance that Eric Tangradi might have played his last post-season game in 2011. However, Tangradi’s performance in Game 4 won’t go unnoticed and after a lost second half of the … See the article here

Puck Headlines: Kaleta explains door trick; worst playoff fans (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. Look, not to bring the room down here, but there's an … Continue reading → … The rest is here

Video: Off-Day: Dan Bylsma (4/22/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Head Coach Dan Bylsma talks to reporters following practice at Southpointe. … View video

Video: Off-Day: Brooks Orpik (4/22/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Brooks Orpik talks to reporters following practice at Southpointe. … Click here to view video

Video: Off-Day: Pascal Dupuis (4/22/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Pascal Dupuis talks to reporters following practice at Southpointe. … Watch here

Video: Penguins Insider (4/22/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Steve Mears brings you the latest on the Penguins’ first round match up with the Tampa Bay Lightning. … Video here

Locker Room Talking Points: Orpik says Pens need to play like a desperate team Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Locker Room Talking Points Mike Rupp Video from William DePaoli – Last post-season the Penguins were not good at closing out series. What is the key for the Penguins tomorrow afternoon to not go back to Tampa … Continued here

Pens Focus on Strong Start for Game 5 Source: penguins.nhl.com
A trend has emerged over the first four games of the Penguins’ first-round series against the Lightning. The team that has scored first has won every time. … See the rest here

Experience in Pens’ Favor Source: penguins.nhl.com
Over the years, the Penguins have learned the hard way how big of a role experience plays in the postseason. … See more here

Post-Practice Update: Tangradi expected to come out of the lineup Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Notes from Today’s Skate SOUTHPOINTE — The Penguins went through about a 45 minute skate today at Southpointe. The Lightning are scheduled to skate at 2:30 p.m … Link

Orpik’s Play Sets Tone for Pens Source: penguins.nhl.com
Brook Orpik is not a shouter or a screamer on the ice or in the locker room. But then again, he doesn’t have to be. … Go here to read the rest

@pghpenguins: #Pens coach Bylsma address the media after Friday's pract at Spointe – http://twitpic.com/4o2sqp

@WBSPenguins: Tux takes a ride around the square on a Zamboni during lunch on Friday. #letsdothis – http://twitpic.com/4o2pmh

Three Pittsburgh Players Lead Team USA Into World Under-18 Tournament Semifinals Source: penguins.nhl.com
John Gibson, J.T. Miller and Barrett Kaib – all products of the Pittsburgh Hornets youth hockey program – have led Team USA into the semifinals of the World Under-18 Championships in Crimmitschau, Germany. The U.S., which was … … Read more here

AHL Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Five – Admirals Source: The Pensblog
Norfolk Scope – 7:30 PM NHL Affiliation: TV/Radio: AHLLive.com 102.3 The Mountain Series tied 2-2. Team Notes: Brad Thiessen will start in net again. He stopped 28-of-29 in game 3, and 34-of-36 in game 4 … Visit link

Retro Penguins Clip: There’s A Team In The Building Source: The Pensblog
In 1988-1989, the Pittsburgh Penguins made the playoffs for the first time since 1982. … Follow this link

Penguins Report: 4/22/11 Source: penguins.nhl.com
11:10 AM: The Pens are on the ice for their 11 a.m. practce at Southpointe. The team had Thursday off, and is back in action Saturday for Game 5 of its opening round series against Tampa Bay in a noon start at CONSOL Energy Center … View post

Last Chance to See Mario Lemieux’s Personal Trophy Display at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum Source: penguins.nhl.com
PITTSBURGH, APRIL 20, 2011 – As Pittsburgh Penguins playoff fever sweeps the region, hockey fans will have one last chance to get up close and personal with rarely-seen treasures from one of the game’s all-time greats at the Western Pe… … See the rest here

Twenty Years Later – Phil Bourque – 04-21-11 Source: Empty Netters
“Twenty Years Later” is a segment, with a highly unimaginative name, which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season. We will examine the Penguins’ 1990-91 season which led to the first Stanley Cup title in franchise history … Go here to read the rest

Sgt. Bob = Tom Brady, but not a douche like Tom Brady [ Updated ] Source: The Pensblog
In a Trib article that may or may not include a quote from TPB Derek, there is tons of info regarding Sgt. Bob's rise to fame as the nation-anthem singer at CONSOL … Follow this link

Bruins rally to knot series Source: Tribune-Review
Michael Ryder scored 1:59 into overtime to give the Boston Bruins a 5-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night, tying the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at 2. … View post

Sabres coach calls Flyers whiners Source: Tribune-Review
Call ‘em the Broad Street Whiners. At least, that’s what Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff would label the Flyers after their bitter complaints about the officiating following Game 4′s 1-0 loss. … See more here

Bylsma: No significance to Crosby not skating Thursday Source: Tribune-Review
Sidney Crosby did not skate Thursday after participating in practice the previous two days, but coach Dan Bylsma attached no significance to it. … Follow this link

Penguins solving trap, role players delivering Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins know how to win hockey games, whether the format for deciding games is 4-on-4 OT, a shootout, or 5-on-5 sudden death. … Read more

Stand-in Penguins singer catches red glare Source: Tribune-Review
Bob Timney can’t skate or shoot. He plays no defense and never stops a puck … Continue reading here

Thursday’s Three Stars: Ryder knots Habs; Blackhawks blowout (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
No. 1 Star: Michael Ryder, Boston Bruins His first goal in Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens was critical: Matching the first goal of the game by Brent Sopel, just over 2 minutes into the second period … See the article here

Blackhawks blast Canucks to tighten series (CBC.ca) Source: Yahoo Sports
Duncan Keith had two goals and two assists as the Chicago Blackhawks quickly silenced an expectant crowd at Rogers Arena en route to a 5-0 drubbing of the Vancouver Canucks in playoff action on Thursday. … Continued here

Penguins dominating 5-on-5 vs. Lightning Source: Post Gazette
It is not the most eye-catching statistic to come out of the Penguins’ first-round playoff series against Tampa Bay. That likely would be Martin St … See the rest here

Crosby’s situation simpler than it appears Source: Post Gazette
The Penguins were fresh off one of their most satisfying victories in recent memory, and coach Dan Bylsma stepped to the lectern Thursday morning at Consol Energy Center to field questions. Would it be about James Neal’s double-overtime goal late Wednesday night in Tampa? … See more here

Empty Netter Assists – 04-22-11 Source: Empty Netters
Playoff Stuff Penguins – Lightning -Sidney Crosby (above)? Still sidelined . -The Penguins have dominated five on five play in the series … Continue reading here

Penguins Notebook: Game 5 to appear on national television Source: Post Gazette
With a 12:08 p.m. start Saturday for Game 5 of the Penguins-Tampa Bay first-round playoff series and no other games at that time, Versus has picked up the game for all but the Pittsburgh and Tampa markets, which will get their usual local TV broadcasts. It’s the first time the series that has drawn interest from Versus or NBC as a national game. … Read the rest here

Let’s watch Darren Dreger call for Tyler Kennedy to be suspended Source: The Pensblog
Maybe someone can burn this TSN link into a youtube so everyone can get really, really pissed off. [ TSN ] Basically if you click the link you will be welcomed to a round table of overly serious jerkoffs who are treating a supposed kick by Tyler Kennedy as if it is a Kennedy assassination remake … Follow this link

Lightning taking away time and space for Penguins’ power play Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla.– Even a team struggling to score a power-play goal was bound to get one at some point over the course of a playoff series, and the Penguins finally did Wednesday, from Tyler Kennedy in the first period of a 3-2, double-overtime victory against Tampa Bay in Game 4. The Lightning penalty-killers have been strong, successfully snuffing 17 of 18 power plays. … See more here

VIDEO: Andrew Ference does what we all would do if we scored a big goal in Montreal Source: The Pensblog
Via puck daddy: CBC is whine city. Ference said he didn't mean to do it. No question we would do the exact same thing. … Read more

Cook: Other GMs snub Shero in voting Source: Post Gazette
I called Ray Shero on Thursday to ask him what he did to tick off the NHL’s other general managers. They are the primary voters for the general manager of the year award. … View post

Five Things to Look Out For Heading Into Game 5 Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
The Penguins are in the drivers seat in their first round Stanley Cup playoff series against Tampa. But some questions still hang over Game Five as Pittsburgh enters Consol Energy Center (Saturday, 12:00pm) with a 3-1 series lead … Link

"Let’s Do This" Jumbotron Opener Source: The Pensblog
The official Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins YouTube comes through with the opening round, 2011 Calder Cup Playoffs jumbotron: “War” by Sick Puppies is the featured track. … Read the rest here

Fourth line comes through for Penguins (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins knew resourcefulness would be necessary with superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin missing for the first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. … Link

LINK CITY: Official Neal History Is Made, Finals Contest, And Bylsma Fist Pump Gif Source: The Pensblog
Sometimes the History Is Made commercial right after the moment is a little forced. But this one is def not: Thanks to Versus for the link … Continue reading here

Fan Guide vs. Tampa Bay: Game 5 Source: penguins.nhl.com
For fans that are heading to CONSOL Energy Center on Saturday, April 23 for the Penguins’ 12:00 pm playoff game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, here are some key points of information: Doors will open at 10:30 am for the 12:00 pm… … Go here to read the rest

Tags: Arron Asham, Brad Thiessen, Brooks Orpik, Chris Kunitz, Consol Energy Center, Dan Bylsma, Eric Tangradi, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Mario Lemieux, Matt Cooke, Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis, Ray Shero, Sidney Crosby, Steve Mears, Tyler Kennedy
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Wilkes-Barre Scranton | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 04-21-2011

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Red Wings earn time off before 2nd round (The Canadian Press) Source: Yahoo Sports
ROMULUS, Mich. … Visit link

Sidney Crosby: Injury Updates, Pittsburgh Penguins and the 2011 NHL Playoffs Source: Bleacher Report
The Pittsburgh Penguins have had to do without their superstar captain Sidney Crosby , who has been sidelined with post-concussion symptoms since January 5. … See the rest here

Just The Beginning Source: penguins.nhl.com
Bodies flew. Blood dripped. Slapshots were absorbed … Visit link

wiseyoda has added a photo to the pool: Sky wearing my early birthday celebration pens cap. Fantastic food and the pens won! Woo hoo. Thanks Becky!

Read this article:
Day 110 : Superstar Treatment for Sky

beaumontpete has added a photo to the pool: mini stanley cup USB drive that came in my Bud case.

See the article here:
Go Pens!

Off-Day Tidbits: Pens built for playoffs in wide open Eastern Conference Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Off-Day Tidbits – Ray Shero’s philosophy of building his team around defense and a group of forwards that are difficult to play against, is paying dividends as Pittsburgh has a 3-1 series lead against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Penguins third paring of Matt Niskanen – Ben Lovejoy is nothing to write home about but … Read more

Seabrook a Game 5 scratch for Blackhawks (CBC.ca) Source: Yahoo Sports
Brent Seabrook won’t be on the Chicago Blackhawks blue-line Thursday as they try to avoid playoff extinction in Vancouver (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 10 p.m. ET). … More here

Puck Headlines: Ruff calls Flyers ‘whiners’; Perry ‘sissy’ chant (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. … See the article here

Pittsburgh Penguins: Would Sidney Crosby’s Return Harm Team Chemistry? Source: Bleacher Report
It’s great to be a Pens fan right now. … See the article here

Video: Penguins Insider Update (4/21/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Michelle Crechiolo brings you the latest on the Penguins’ first round match up with the Tampa Bay Lightning. … Watch here

By the Numbers: the Pens’ Game 4 Double-OT Win Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Penguins battled their way to a 3-2 double-overtime Game 4 victory over Tampa Bay on Wednesday, earning a 3-1 edge in the series and a chance to clinch in Saturday’s Game 5 at CONSOL Energy Center. There’s always some big statis… … See the article here

Coach Bylsma Media Transcript: 4/21/11 Source: penguins.nhl.com
Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma met with the media at CONSOL Energy Center Thursday afternoon. … Read more here

Twenty Years Later – Penguins 3, Capitals 1 – 04-21-11 Source: Empty Netters
“Twenty Years Later” is a segment with a highly unimaginative name which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season. … The rest is here

Crosby will not skate today Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will not be on the ice today after skating the past two days. The Penguins as a team are also off … View post

Good way to start – 04-21-11 Source: Empty Netters
110138 James Neal picked a good time to start scoring (above). His overtime goal won last night’s Game 4 and it also put him in some fairly exclusive company. … See the rest here

Video: Off -Day: Dan Bylsma (4/21/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Penguins Head Coach Dan Bylsma speaks with the media on the Penguins’ off-day. … To see video click here

2011 NHL Playoffs: Comatose Lightning Bend to the Will of Veteran Penguins Source: Bleacher Report
In Game 3, the Tampa Bay Lightning came out a bit too fired up for their own good and fell behind 2-0. … Read more here

Fourth Line Shines for Penguins Source: penguins.nhl.com
TAMPA — A quick glance at the fourth-line grinders of the Pittsburgh Penguins reveals a couple of tenacious hit artists in Arron Asham and Michael Rupp and one unflappable shot blocker in Craig Adams. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however… … The rest is here

RECAP: Game Four: If God is Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise. PENS WIN. Source: The Pensblog
The playoffs, as we all know, are about the big moments. Big goals can erase bad seasons, even bad careers … Read this article

Source: Tumblr

Pens-Lightning, Game 4: Period by period Source: Tribune-Review
James Neal finally scored the big goal that was expected of him when he was acquired in February, beating Dwayne Roloson at 3:38 of the second overtime to give the Penguins a 3-2 victory. … Read this article

Neal’s goal ends frustrating drought Source: Tribune-Review
James Neal didn’t shed the label of trade-deadline bust because of a fluke shot. He did so with what teammates called a valiant effort. … Continue reading here

Penguins take command of series with win over Lightning Source: Tribune-Review
The Penguins did enough right in Game 4 to beat the Lightning, 3-2, in double overtime and take a 3-1 series lead. … See the article here

RECAP: Back to Square One. WB/S PENS WIN. Source: The Pensblog
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have battled their way back and tied the series all up at 2 games a piece. … Read this article

Sid/Geno celebrate backstage Source: The Pensblog
Some unreal fist bumps and celebratory pushes in this one. … See the article here

Happy times – 04-21-11 Source: Empty Netters
As you can imagine, the ramp leading off the Penguins’ bench was a pretty exciting place to be at last night: 110234 … More here

Sabres pull even with Flyers Source: Tribune-Review
Instead of taking command of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, the Flyers dropped a tense 1-0 decision to feisty Buffalo on Wednesday night at the HSBC Arena, and, in the process, lost the services of their leading scorer, Jeff Carter. … Continued here

Tangradi replaces Kunitz in Pens’ Game 4 lineup Source: Tribune-Review
Left wing Eric Tangradi’s second NHL game since Feb. 11 was his first Stanley Cup playoff contest. He replaced suspended left wing Chris Kunitz in the Penguins’ lineup for Game 4 on Wednesday. … Excerpt from

Stamkos’ struggles prompt questions about his health Source: Tribune-Review
Steven Stamkos’ recent performances he’s scored just five goals in his past 31 games make one wonder if he’s healthy. … See more here

Wednesday’s Three Stars: Miller blanks Flyers; Caps, Pens go 3-1 (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
No. 1 Star: Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres Two wins for the Sabres and Miller in their series with the Philadelphia Flyers and two 1-0 shutouts. Miller helped Buffalo tie the series at two with a 32-save performance as the Sabres … Continue reading → … See more here

Empty Netter Assists – 04-21-11 Source: Empty Netters
Playoff Stuff Penguins – Dave Molinari’s recap for last night’s game . “Get it off hard and get it off quick.” – James Neal on his overtime goal … More

Penguins Notebook: Tangradi makes playoff debut Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. — This has been a season of firsts for Penguins left winger Eric Tangradi. His first game in the NHL, first goal in the league, first concussion … View post

Collier: Elephant in room too big for St. Louis Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. — Late in the second period of Game 4, Martin St. … Follow this link

Lightning’s Malone an unwelcomed guest in Fleury’s ‘house’ Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla.– When you’re a goaltender patrolling your crease, two’s a crowd. The goalies in the Penguins’ 3-2 double-overtime win against Tampa Bay Wednesday night had a lot of impromptu house guests … More here

Neal’s overtime goal gives Penguins 3-2 win against Lightning, 3-1 series lead Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. … Go here to read the rest

Penguins 3, Lightning 2, 2 OT (adds quotes) (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
James Neal, of all people, scored at 3:38 of double overtime to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a dramatic 3-2 victory in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series Wednesday at the St. Pete Times Forum. The Penguins took an early lead and held on during the third period… … Read more here

Neal-ed It Source: penguins.nhl.com
TAMPA, Fla. – Finally. .roundedcornr_box { background: #e4e4e4; float: right; margin: 0 10px; width: 235px; border: 1px solid #660000; } .roundedcornr_content { margin: 0 12px; padding:top: 4px; … … Link

Penguins beat Lightning 3-2 in 2 OTs (The Canadian Press) Source: Yahoo Sports
TAMPA, Fla. – By now, no one should be surprised that the Pittsburgh Penguins know how to get the job done on the road in the playoffs. … Excerpt from

2011 NHL Playoffs: James Neal, Pittsburgh Penguins Push Lightning to Brink Source: Bleacher Report
James Neal scored in double overtime and Arron Asham scored his third goal of the postseason to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Pittsburgh now leads the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series three games to one and can eliminate the Lightning on Saturday afternoon back at Consol Energy Center. Let’s recap the rest of the game and see who played well on both sides of the puck. … Read the rest here

Aftermath: Penguins 3, Lightning 2 (2 OT) Source: penguins.nhl.com
p.smallcol{ float: left; width: 300px; } p.smallcol1{ float: left; width: 300px; } p.spacer1{ float: left; width: 10px; } p.hiddenheader{ display: none; } img.centered { style=”text-align: center;” } … … Read more

WB/S ties series up at 2-2 Source: The Pensblog
Another huge win on the road in Norfolk evens the first round series back up at 2-2. Captain Ryan Craig finally gets on board with a huge late second period bury, that would end up being the game winner. Corey Potter, Brian Strait, and Joe Vitale scored the other Pens goals. … Continued here

Penguins 3, Lightning 2, 2 OT (first lede) (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
James Neal scored at 3:38 of the second overtime to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series Wednesday at the St. Pete Times Forum. … Continue reading here

Pittsburgh 3 – Tampa Bay 2: Neal wins it for Pens in Double-OT Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Pittsburgh 3 – Tampa Bay 2 (2OT) James Neal scored 3:38 into the second overtime and the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Double-OT to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in the best-of-seven series. … More

SIGNED. NEAL. DELIVERED. PENS WIN 3-2. [ Updated video- Pens feed, Mike Lange Call ] Source: The Pensblog
History forgets. Everything that James Neal maybe didn't do in his previous games as a Pittsburgh Penguin is a mere footnote now … Read the rest here

SECOND OT: PENS/LIGHTNING, Blood and guts Source: The Pensblog
The first OT began with a fast pace. … Follow this link

OVERTIME: PENS/LIGHTNING, Hold on to your butts Source: The Pensblog
Really the sum of all fears late in the third. The Pens got caught with a bad d matchup against Marty St … The rest is here

@pghpenguins: Meanwhile back in Pittsburgh #Pens fans gather at the Big Screen for Game 4 – http://twitpic.com/4ne67q

THIRD PERIOD: PENS/MARTIN ST. LOUIS, Pens 2-1 Flashback city Source: The Pensblog
If you have watched the Penguins at all this season, the current situation is not that surprising. The Pens dominated the the entire game, until Martin St.Louis scored another big goal to make it 2-1. After that the Lightning woke up, and nearly tied it … Visit link

Video: Game in a Flash: PIT at TBL (GM4) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Watch the best highlights from Game 4 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning. … Video here

Video: Pens Win: Backstage Pass (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Pens’ win in a dramatic second OT in Tampa. … View video here

SECOND PERIOD: PENS/LIGHTNING, Pens lead 1-0 Source: The Pensblog
With unlimited Pens fans in attendance the Pens played a big time road period. … Link

FIRST PERIOD: PENS/LIGHTNING, The Big Dog gets his shot Source: The Pensblog
Pic via @fsmikey As the series gets later. … The rest is here

NHL inconsistent policing headshots (The Edmonton Journal) Source: Yahoo Sports
If I'm Pittsburgh Penguins' Matt Cooke, I'm over at teammate Chris Kunitz's stall asking, “Why was my elbow on Ryan McDonagh worth 10 games and the first round of the playoffs, and your elbow, which looked as bad as mine, on Simon Gagne, got you one game off? It's different rules for different people.” … More here

Neal leads Penguins past Lightning in overtime Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. — The Penguins beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-2, on James Neal’s goal at 3:38 of the second overtime tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the team’s best-of-seven first-round playoff series. … Go here to read the rest

Video: Foiled, by Flower Source: penguins.nhl.com
Marc-Andre Fleury makes two stops on the Lightning, robbing them of a breakaway goal. … View video

Video: Signed, Nealed, Delivered. Source: penguins.nhl.com
James Neal puts the stamp on game 4, ending it with a goal and a win for the Penguins. … Watch here

Video: Post-Game: Coach Bylsma (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Coach Bylsma talks to the media after tonight’s Game 4 victory over the Lightning in double overtime … See this video

Video: Post-Game: James Neal (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
James Neal talks to the media after tonight’s Game 4 victory over the Lightning in double overtime … Watch here

Video: Post-Game: Mike Rupp (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Mike Rupp talks to the media after tonight’s Game 4 victory over the Lightning in double overtime … Video here

Video: Post-Game: Pascal Dupuis (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Pascal Dupuis talks to the media after tonight’s Game 4 victory over the Lightning in double overtime … See this video

Video: Post-Game: Eric Tangradi (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Eric Tangradi talks to the media after tonight’s Game 4 victory over the Lightning in double overtime … View video here

Video: Post-Game: Marc-Andre Fleury (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Marc-Andre Fleury talks to the media after tonight’s Game 4 victory over the Lightning in double overtime … See video here

Tags: Arron Asham, Ben Lovejoy, Chris Kunitz, Consol Energy Center, Craig Adams, Dan Bylsma, Eric Tangradi, James Neal, Matt Cooke, Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis, Ray Shero, Sidney Crosby, usbzoso
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Wilkes-Barre Scranton | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 04-20-2011

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Pens-Bolts Game 4: In-Game Blog Source: penguins.nhl.com
6:40 PM: I’m posted up in the front row in front of the big screen, and there is a plethora of people piled in behind me (my intern Tony Jovenitti would love the alliteration I just used there). Mikey and Big Bob of 96.1 KISS FM are hosting… … See more here

Will Steven Stamkos finally break out in Game 4 for Bolts? (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
After his first Stanley Cup Playoff game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, in which he registered one shot and was knocked into next week by Brooks Orpik, Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning vowed he'd have a “stronger” performance in … Continue reading → … Visit link

Penguins at Lightning – Game 4 – 04-20-11 Source: Empty Netters
PREGAME lv2Z7FQfXKE -Hey, guess where we are: -No, not quite: ( Kudos to EN reader Dean Gething for the on-site picture .) … See more here

Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Four – Lightning Source: The Pensblog
St. Pete Times Forum – 7:00PM TV: ROOT Sports, CBC, RDS Penguins Lead Series 2-1. Team Notes: The Penguins aren't saying if Comrie or Tangradi will play in place of Kunitz . … Read more here

Talbot’s goal production per game in playoffs compared to regular season Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Widely regarded as a clutch playoff performer, Max Talbot’s 30 career postseason points (14G-16A) rank 13th in team history, one point behind Joe Mullen for 12th. … View post

The ear candy of Red Wings, Penguins NHL protest songs (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Outside of a mutual loathing of Marian Hossa, there isn't much Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins fans can agree on. Unless, of course, you're talking about simmering resentment against the NHL for its oppression and/or mismanagement. … See the article here

Game 4 Penguins @ Lightning Pre Game Tidbits Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Pre-Game Tidbits – The Penguins look to take a 3-1 advantage in their opening-round series against Tampa Bay. Start time is 7:00 p.m … Continued here

Penguins Honored with Good Luck Message from 313th Air Expeditionary Wing Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Penguins organization always strives to honor the men and women who make up our nation’s armed forces and we are happy to do so when the opportunity arises. However, today, the U.S. … Follow this link

Puck Headlines: Knuble out for Caps; Preds respond to dive claim (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. … Continued here

2011 NHL Playoffs: 3 Solutions to Fix the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Power Play Source: Bleacher Report
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 0-15 on the power play so far in the 2011 NHL Playoffs. This stat is simply a carry over from a dismal 25th-ranked regular season power play for the Penguins. Even when the Penguins had Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the power play was struggling … Go here to read the rest

Video: 313th Air Expeditionary Wing Good Luck Video Source: penguins.nhl.com
Members of the 171st Air Refueling Wing from Pittsburgh serving with the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing in W. … Click here to view video

AHL Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Four – Admirals Source: The Pensblog
Norfolk Scope – 7:15 PM NHL Affiliation: TV/Radio: AHLLive.com 102.3 The Mountain Admirals lead series 2-1. Team Notes: Chris Collins was injured in game 3, but is considered probable to dress tonight. … Continued here

Fleury 5-1 with a 2.34 GAA in his previous six Game 4′s Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
In Monday’s win, goaltender Marc Andre Fleury improved to 12-4 when following a loss and Fleury has been on the winning end of several Game 4′s in the past couple post-seasons. All-time Fleury is 6-5 with a 2.20 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage in Game 4′s. However, over his previous six Game 4s, … Go here to read the rest

Bylsma: Tonight’s Penguin lineup a ‘game-time decision’ Source: Tribune-Review
Penguins coach Dan Bylsma played coy today regarding his lineup a few hours before Game 4 of a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning at St. … Read the rest here

Listen To Puck Daddy Radio for Phil Bourque, Stanley Cup drama (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
It's a Wednesday edition of Puck Daddy Radio, and we're chatting about the following and much more: Special Guest Star: Phil Bourque, radio analyst for the Pittsburgh Penguins, on suspensions, the Pens and Tampa Bay Lightning and playoff hockey. … Continue reading → … Go here to read the rest

Pending UFA’s in final year of their contracts stepping up for Penguins Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
The Latest Penguins Buzz Who have arguably been the Penguins top performers at the forward position over the last handful of regular season games and into the playoffs? It’s been a group of pending unrestricted free agents for the Penguins, most notably role players Max Talbot, Arron Asham, Craig Adams and Mike Rupp … Read more

Video: Game-Day: Eric Tangradi (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Eric Tangradi before tonight’s game against the Lightning and who may see himself in the lineup for the game. … Watch here

Video: Game-Day: Mike Rupp (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Mike Rupp before tonight’s matchup against the Lightning. … Watch video here

Video: Game-Day: Dan Bylsma (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Head Coach Dan Bylsma before tonight’s matchup against the Lightning. … See video here

Video: Penguins Insider with Steve Mears (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Steve Mears brings you the latest on the Penguins’ first round match up with the Tampa Bay Lightning before Game 4 in Tampa. … See video here

Video: Game-Day: Mark Letestu (4/20/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Mark Letestu before tonight’s game against the Lightning. … See video here

Game 4 Morning Skate Buzz: Optional skate for Penguins Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Game 4 Morning Skate Update Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma has opted for his team to go through an optional skate for the second straight game. It’s a route Bylsma has gone of late, including the last handful of regular season games. … Link

Penguins Report: Game Day at Tampa Bay (Game 4) Source: penguins.nhl.com
11:48 AM: The Pens are holding an optional morning skate at St. Pete today. Those opting to rest for the morning are forwards Alex Kovalev, James Neal, Arron Asham, Pascal Dupuis and Jordan Staal and defensemen Zbynek Michalek, Kris Letang an… … Continued here

Morning Tidbits: Struggles on the PK in the playoffs, date back to last post-season Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Some Pre-Morning Skate Tidbits *Penguins take the ice this morning at 11:30 a.m. … Read more here

Penguins Taking Part in "Face-off Against Autism" Source: penguins.nhl.com
The NHL and NHLPA has teamed up with Autism Speaks on “Face-off Against Autism,” a unique online fundraising campaign that involves all 16 teams that qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Penguins fans will be able support the team t… … Visit link

Missing Cooke – 04-19-11 Source: Empty Netters
The special teams unit which has gotten the most attention – or grief more accurately – for the Penguins as of late has been the power play. … See the article here

By the Numbers: Game 4 vs. Tampa Bay Source: penguins.nhl.com
The Penguins gained a 2-1 series lead by earning a pivotal Game 3 win over Tampa Bay at St. … Read more

Kennedy has 4 game winning goals among his 6 career playoff tallies Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Pens winger Tyler Kennedy only has 6 career playoff goals but when he scores in the post-season, it’s often a big goal. Kennedy’s game winning goal in Game 3 gives him four game winning goals among his six career playoff goals … Read more here

Sports Business: NBC Must Redefine Versus To Make the TV Deal Work Source: Bleacher Report
The deal is in the books. 10 years and a reported $2 billion over that span will keep the NHL television rights firmly within the NBC family. By all objective measure, the NHL contract was paramount to keeping the Versus network alive. … Read this article

MORE LINK CITY: Tampa’s PP, Neal Guarantee, Pack mentalities Source: The Pensblog
Tampa's PP% against the Pens in the playoffs: 4 for 11, 36%. Their PP% against the Pens in the regular season: 8 for 21, 38% … Read more

Report: Former Penguins defenseman Zubov retires – 04-20-11 Source: Empty Netters
(Note: This an updated version of something we wrote just over two years ago .) According to Russian newspaper Sports Express , Former Penguins defenseman Sergei Zubov has decided to bring his playing career to … … Read this article

NHL concussion test: How many fingers do you see? (PA SportsTicker) Source: Yahoo Sports
By JIM LITKE AP Sports Columnist … Read this article

Blackhawks show signs of life Source: Tribune-Review
Dave Bolland returned to the Chicago lineup after missing 17 games with a concussion and had a goal and three assists Tuesday night, as the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks avoided being swept by routing the Vancouver Canucks, 7-2. … See the article here

Coyotes try to avoid sweep Source: Tribune-Review
The Phoenix Coyotes are back on their heels, the inability to get much of a speed bump in front of the Red Wing Express putting them a game from elimination. … See the rest here

NHL reaches new TV deal Source: Tribune-Review
The NHL is staying on NBC and Versus for the next 10 years with a deal commissioner Gary Bettman calls the most significant in league history. … See the article here

Game 3 scores big locally Source: Tribune-Review
Root Sports’ broadcast of Game 3 of a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Penguins and Tampa Bay Lighting drew a 16.5 rating, according to Nielsen Media Research. … Read more here

Suspensions prompt lineup changes for Penguins, Lightning Source: Tribune-Review
One-game suspensions handed down Tuesday by NHL hockey operations to wingers Chris Kunitz and Steve Downie will, if nothing else, change the look of this first-round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning. … Continued here

Lightning expose flaw in Pens’ penalty kill Source: Tribune-Review
Tampa Bay right wing Martin St. Louis, generously listed at 5-foot-9, seems to have figured out the NHL’s top penalty-killing unit. … See the rest here

Spate of illegal hits tarnishes NHL playoffs Source: Tribune-Review
The playoffs, a week old as of today, have already produced enough ugly incidents to generate nightmarish story lines for the NHL. … Read more

Penguins’ top-ranked penalty kill looks ordinary Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. — Tony Granato can find flaws when he studies tape of the Penguins’ penalty-killers. Quite a few of them, actually. … See the rest here

Penguins Notebook: Adams, Asham, Rupp taking a leading role Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. — Arron Asham probably didn’t expect to be the Penguins’ leading scorer at any point in the Stanley Cup playoffs … More here

Blackhawks’ Dave Bolland returns just in time (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
The Blackhawks’ two-way star sparked the defending champs to a much-needed win after a month on the sidelines nursing a concussion. … Go here to read the rest

LINK CITY: Game 5 early start, New NHL TV contract, Who fills Kunitz’s spot, Links & GIF Source: The Pensblog
Links that are very confused as to why a playoff game is being played at Noon on Saturday It was announced yesterday that Game 5 will be at noon on Saturday. [ pens ] For a playoff game to begin at noon is just ridiculous … Continue reading here

Penguins’ Kunitz, Lightning’s Downie each suspended for one game Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. — Although there was some grousing Tuesday about the lack of consistency in NHL sanctions, acceptance ruled for the most part when members of the Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning spoke of plays Monday night that resulted in discipline. … The rest is here

Collier: Illogical signs lead the pack Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA, Fla. — Perhaps at some highly illuminating point in Game 4, the Penguins and/or the Lightning will produce some legitimate, logical, hockey-based physical evidence that finally explains what’s going on around here. … More here

Empty Netter Assists – 04-20-11 Source: Empty Netters
Playoff Stuff Penguins – Lightning -” You don’t ever want to put your team in a bad situation by going short a man, but I usually pride myself on playing hard, and playing within the rules. That was definitely something I got away from there .” – Chris Kunitz (above) on his elbow in Game 3 on against Lightning … … More here

RECAP: Lerg, Big Game Player. WB/S PENS WIN. Source: The Pensblog
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins dropped their first two home games to the Admirals, in a major disappointment as the number one seed going into the post-season. Tonight, they picked up their first playoff win of the series and overall since May 2009. Ryan Craig's forecheck led to a bounce right to Keven Veilleux's stick, where he decided to go BeastMode and pick one over Tokarski's glove, bar down. … See the rest here

Tags: Arron Asham, Brooks Orpik, Chris Kunitz, Craig Adams, Dan Bylsma, Eric Tangradi, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Kris Letang, Marc Andre Fleury, Marian Hossa, Mark Letestu, Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis, Sidney Crosby, Steve Mears, Tony Granato, Tyler Kennedy, Zbynek Michalek
Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins, Wilkes-Barre Scranton | No Comments »

PensHead Daily Links 04-19-2011

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Rangers, Caps ready for Game 4 at MSG (PA SportsTicker) Source: Yahoo Sports
By IRA PODELL AP Hockey Writer … See the rest here

AHL Playoff Gameday – Round One, Game Three – Admirals Source: The Pensblog
Norfolk Scope – 7:15 PM NHL Affiliation: TV/Radio: AHLLive.com 102.3 The Mountain Admirals lead series 2-0. … Visit link

Twenty Years Later – 04-19-11 Source: Empty Netters
“Twenty Years Later” is a segment with a highly unimaginative name which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season. We will examine the Penguins’ 1990-91 season which led to the first Stanley Cup title in … … Read more here

NHL suspends 2 in Penguins-Lightning series (AP) Source: Yahoo Sports
Tampa Bay's Steve Downie and Pittsburgh's Chris Kunitz each have been suspended for one game for hits they delivered during Game 3 of the first-round NHL playoff series between the Lightning and Penguins. The league announced Tuesday that Downie was banned for Game 4 for leaving his feet and launching himself at the head of Pittsburgh's Ben Lovejoy during the first period of the… … View post

Pittsburgh’s Kunitz, Tampa Bay’s Downie Each Suspended One Game Source: penguins.nhl.com
TORONTO (April 19, 2011) – Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steve Downie and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Chris Kunitz have each been suspended for one game for separate incidents in Game Three of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal last night, … … Visit link

Alvarez to bat 7th in return to the lineup Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Pedro Alvarez returns to the lineup tonight against the Florida Marlins after being scratched from last night’s lineup. Alvarez will not be back in his regular No. … More here

Puck Headlines: Seabrook out for Chicago; more Boudreau blowback (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media Honestly, why bring Pat's and/or Geno's into it, Buffalo Sabres fan … Continue reading → … Link

Video: Off-Day: Tyler Kennedy (4/19/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Tyler Kennedy following today’s practice at the St. Pete Times Forum. … See this video

Video: Off-Day: Coach Bylsma (4/19/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Head Coach Dan Bylsma following today’s practice at the St. Pete Times Forum. … View video

Video: Off-Day: Chris Kunitz (4/19/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Chris Kunitz following today’s practice at the St. Pete Times Forum. … See video here

Pens’ Kunitz suspended for tomorrow’s Game 4 Source: Tribune-Review
“(H)e kind of spun towards me; I went to brush him on the shoulder and I got him in the head,” Kunitz said of Tampa Bay’s Simon Gagne. … Continued here

NHL hands Chris Kunitz, Steve Downie 1-game suspensions (Yahoo! Sports) Source: Yahoo Sports
The NHL's supplementary discipline process was at work once again this morning as the League announced (via Bob McKenzie Tweets)that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Chris Kunitz and Steve Downie of the Tampa Bay Lightning have been suspended one game each for … Continue reading → … The rest is here

Crosby back at practice; Game 5 will start at noon Source: Tribune-Review
Sidney Crosby was on the ice for a morning session today at St. Pete Times Forum. … View post

Kunitz and Downie Both Suspended for One Game Source: The Pensblog
According to TSN, Chris Kunitz and Steve Downie have both been suspended for one game . … See the article here

Kunitz receives a one game suspension Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Penguins winger Chris Kunitz has received a one game suspension for his elbow on Simon Gagne. Kunitz and Penguins management were informed of the decision immediately after today’s practice … More

Downie receives a one game suspension Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Lightning winger Steven Downie has received a one game suspension for his hit on defenseman Ben Lovejoy in last night’s game, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. Chris Kunitz is expected to learn his fate any minute now that Pens practice has concluded. … Link

Kunitz, Downie each suspended one game – 04-19-11 Source: Empty Netters
The NHL handed down justice for Penguins forward Chris Kunitz and Lightning forward Steve Downie. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie , Kunitz will be suspended one game for an elbow to the head of Lightning forward Simon Gagne in the first period of Monday’s Game 1: Bp92x9Keoww Downie will be suspended one game for charging Penguins defenseman Ben Lovejoy in the first period as well. YQIhYJk4ny8 Gagne and Lovejoy did not suffer inj … … Excerpt from

@pghpenguins: The #Pens are on the ice at St. Pete Times Forum for Tue pract – http://twitpic.com/4muzgi

NHL, NBC announce 10-year deal – 04-19-11 Source: Empty Netters
For those hoping the NHL and NBC would divorce after half a decade of sub par coverage, you’re in for a disappointment. Both entities announced a 10-year deal which will make the Peacock (and Versus) the exclusive rights holder for the NHL through the 2020-21 season . According to the Globe and Mail, the deal is worth $2 billion … Read more

Video: Off-Day: Arron Asham (4/19/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Arron Asham following today’s practice at the St. Pete Times Forum. … Video here

Video: Penguins Insider with Steve Mears (4/19/11) Source: penguins.nhl.com
Steve Mears brings you the latest on the Penguins’ first round match up with the Tampa Bay Lightning. … Click here to view video

Fleury given a day off from practice Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Penguins goaltender Marc Andre Fleury is not practicing with the team today. … Continue reading here

Crosby back at practice with teammates Source: Inside Pittsburgh Sports
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is participating in today’s practice at the St. Pete Times Forum. It is Crosby’s first practice with the team since last Friday.. … Go here to read the rest

Game 5 at Consol Energy Center will begin at noon Source: Tribune-Review
Game 5 of the first-round Stanley Cup playoff series between the Penguins and Lightning is a noon start at Consol Energy Center Saturday. … Link

NHL to Announce Award Finalists Starting Tuesday Source: penguins.nhl.com
With the 2011 NHL Awards two months away, the National Hockey League will begin announcing finalists for each of its regular-season awards over the next two weeks, beginning Tuesday, April 19 with the Calder Memorial Trophy. Nominees will be an… … Continue reading here

Tuesdays With Stoosh: 4.19 Source: The Pensblog
I’m mailing it in this week with a Game Three Liveblog and thoughts on the playoff series thus far. … Continued here

Penguins Game 5 playoff time set for Saturday Source: Post Gazette
TAMPA — Game 5 of the Penguins’ first-round playoff series will be played Saturday at 12:08 p.m. at Consol Energy Center … More here

Penguins Report: 4/19/11 Source: penguins.nhl.com
11:15 AM: It’s a great morning in Tampa Bay as the Pens are coming off of a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Lightning in Game 3 at St. Pete Times Forum to take a 2-1 series lead. The Game 3 hero was Tyler Kennedy, whose game-winning goal early … …