A Girl's Hockey Obsession

2012-01-15T20:14:00.001-05:00

PENS top TB 6-3. GOALS: J.NEAL(23,24) R.PARK(3) E.MALKIN(20,21,22). STARS: 3)V.LECAVALIER 2)NEAL 1)MALKIN. Wear the C on Twitter: http://ow.ly/8u1sz

2011-12-20T22:38:00.001-05:00

PENS top Chicago 3-2. GOALS: C.KUNITZ(12) J.NEAL(19) T.KENNEDY(4). FLEURY: 36 saves. STARS: 3)V.STALBERG 2)M.FLEURY 1)E.MALKIN. Next game FRI @WPG.

2011-12-17T22:00:00.001-05:00

PENS top BUF 8-3. GOALS: J.WILLIAMS(1) S.DESPRES(1) E.MALKIN(13,14,15) J.NEAL(18) D.ENGELLAND(2) C.KUNITZ(11). STARS: 3)WILLIAMS 2)DESPRES 1)MALKIN.

2011-12-11T07:36:00.001-05:00

PENS top NYI 6-3. GOALS: SULLIVAN(5) NEAL(16,17) DUPUIS(9) COOKE(7) MARTIN(1). STARS: 3)OKPOSO 2)MALKIN 1)NEAL.

2011-12-03T21:42:00.001-05:00

PENS top Canes 3-2. GOALS: C.ADAMS(3) A.ASHAM(2) P.DUPUIS(8). STARS: 3)S.CROSBY 2)J.MCBAIN 1)C.ADAMS. Next game Monday vs Boston.

2011-12-02T05:34:00.001-05:00

PENS top Caps 2-1. GOALS: C.ADAMS(2) C.KUNITZ(9). STARS: 3)A.OVECHKIN 2)J.CHIMERA 1)P.MARTIN. Next game SAT @CAR.

2011-11-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

PENS top OTT 6-3. GOALS KUNITZ(8) KENNEDY(3) SULLIVAN(4) MALKIN(7) DUPUIS(5) STAAL(11). STARS 3)48 2)87 1)71

2011-11-23T22:03:00.001-05:00

PENS fall to Blues 3-2. GOALS: S.SULLIVAN(3) J.NEAL(13). STARS: 3)A.PIETRANGELO 2)E.MALKIN 1)J.LANGENBRUNNER. Next game FRI vs. Ottawa.

2011-11-21T22:16:00.001-05:00

PENS top Isles 5-0. GOALS: S.CROSBY(1,2) B.ORPIK(2) E.MALKIN(6) S.SULLIVAN(2). STARS 3)FLEURY 2)DUPUIS 1)CROSBY.

2011-11-21T16:48:00.001-05:00

PENS REMINDER: Tonight's game vs NYI will be televised locally on ROOT SPORTS at 7pm. A special "Welcome Back Sid" pregame show will begin at 6pm.

2011-11-20T21:10:00.001-05:00

PENS ALERT: Pens captain Sidney Crosby will return to the lineup Monday night vs. the New York Islanders.

2011-11-20T05:18:00.001-05:00

PENS fall to FLA 3-2. GOALS: C.KUNITZ(7) J.STAAL(10). STARS: 3)S.WEISS 2)T.FLEISCHMANN 1)K.VERSTEEG. Next game MON vs NYI.

2011-11-17T22:32:00.001-05:00

PENS fall to TB 4-1. GOAL: T.KENNEDY(2). STARS: 3)V.LECAVALIER 2)V.HEDMAN 1)D.ROLOSON. Next game SAT vs FLA.

2011-11-15T22:24:00.001-05:00

PENS top Avs 6-3. GOALS STAAL(9) DUPUIS(4) B.ORPIK(1) MALKIN(5) NEAL(12) LETANG(2). STARS 3)LETANG 2)MALKIN 1)NEAL.

2011-11-12T22:14:00.001-05:00

PENS fall to Canes 5-3. GOALS: J.STAAL(7,8) C.KUNITZ(6). STARS: 3)C.WARD 2)E.STAAL 1)J.SKINNER. Next game TUE vs Colorado.

2011-11-11T22:45:00.001-05:00

PENS beat Stars 3-1. GOALS: J.NEAL(10,11) M.COOKE(5). STARS: 3)C.KUNITZ 2)M.COOKE 1)J.NEAL. Next game @Carolina tomorrow 7pm.

2011-11-09T06:17:00.001-05:00

PENS TRADE ALERT: Pens trade winger Mark Letestu to Columbus in exchange for a 2012 fourth round draft choice.

2011-10-27T21:59:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Isles 3-2(SO). GOALS: C.KUNITZ(3) J.NEAL(9) E.MALKIN(SOW). STARS: 3)M.MARTIN 2)E.MALKIN 1)C.KUNITZ. Next game SAT @Toronto.

2011-10-26T06:04:00.001-04:00

PENS top Isles 3-0. GOALS: P.DUPUIS(3) R.PARK(2) J.STAAL(6-EN). FLEURY: 33 saves. STARS: 3)PARK 2)DUPUIS 1)FLEURY. Next game THU vsNYI.

2011-10-22T21:44:00.001-04:00

PENS top Devils 4-1. GOALS: STAAL(4,5) KUNITZ(2) NEAL(8). STARS: 3)R.PARK 2)M.FLEURY 1)J.STAAL. Next game TUE @NYI.

2011-10-20T23:25:00.001-04:00

PENS top Habs 3-1. GOALS: J.NEAL(7) J.VITALE(1) A.ASHAM(1). STARS: 3)A.ASHAM 2)D.ENGELLAND 1)M.FLEURY.

2011-10-19T03:54:00.001-04:00

PENS top Wild 4-2. GOALS: C.KUNITZ(1) J.STAAL(3) J.NEAL(6) P.DUPUIS(2). STARS: 3)J.STAAL 2)C.CLUTTERBUCK 1)B.JOHNSON. Next game THU 7pm vs Montreal.

2011-10-13T12:11:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Sidney Crosby has been cleared for full contact in practices. No timetable for a return to game action. More info: http//penguins.nhl.com

2011-10-11T22:23:00.001-04:00

PENS top Florida 4-2. GOALS: P.DUPUIS(1) M.COOKE(3) R.PARK(1) J.NEAL(2). STARS: 3)R.PARK 2)J.VITALE 1)P.DUPUIS. Next game THU vsCaps.

Home Sweet Home

2011-10-11T18:47:00.002-04:00

Sure we are already on game 4 of an 82 game season, but this is a big game, it's our first HOME game of the season!

Granted it'd be a little more exciting if we had Sid back and healthy, ready to take the lineup tonight, and same goes for Brooks Orpik. We've known those guys have not played yet, and it's to be determined exactly when they will, but it's a little disheartening that Evgeni Malkin is already playing the "ouch" card.

After looking stunning in the first game of the season against Vancouver, and pretty much the same the periods he played against Calgary, to have him already be "sore" (the coach's words, not mine) is a real downer. For a player who has had surgery and rehabed almost 7 months, and trained, and was supposedly in the best shape ever, to have him be sore is a bit hard to believe.

Of course this is all to be taken with a grain of salt. Coaches tell the media and fans what they do as a ploy of letting out too much info for opposing teams to pick at and use. This soreness is supposedly not his injured knee, which yeah, that's great, but again... what is sore? Oh, they didn't say. Let's just chalk it up to that ever popular lower body injury if you're gonna go that far.

I guess if I have to go on about this, one good thing is we're told it is not going to be a long term thing. So I'll just leave it at, get better Geno, and bring Orpik back with you!

The Penguins are taking on the Florida Panthers tonight, later in the week we have the Caps and the Sabres. It's almost time my friends...

LET'S GO PENS!!!!

2011-10-08T20:37:00.003-04:00

I tell you what, these west coast games starting off the season really stink. At least it's a Saturday night and I don't have to work in the morning.

The 2011-12 season got off to a great start in Vancouver with the Pens winning in the shoot out 4-3. Both Kris Letang's sick forehand backhand move on Louongo and Malkins own shootout attempt gave the Pens the 2 points and made staying up for the end worth while.

Let's hope the game against the Flames tonight is just as worthy.

The lines used in yesterdays practice, and possible for tonight (Sidney Crosby filled in for Jordon Staal) Marc-Andre Fleury

Steve Sullivan -Evgeni Malkin - James Neal
Chris Kunitz - Jordon Staal - Tyler Kennedy
Matt Cooke - Mark Letestu - Pascal Dupuis
Steve MacIntyre - Dustin Jeffrey - Richard Park

Kris Letang-Deryk Engelland
Paul Martin-Zbynek Michalek
Matt Niskanen-Ben Lovejoy

Puck drop is a little over an hour away. I can't tell you how excited I am that hockey is back and going strong again.

LET'S GO PENS!!!!

What's old is new again

2011-10-05T13:33:00.002-04:00

Meaning the blog. Same old product, just a slightly different look. Very slight. Heh..

Anyhow, not much to be said aside from the fact that the Pens made it through preseason with only one loss. Not bad. The talent this team has at it's disposal is downright kick ass. Even though it remains to be seen when our talented captain will join us, it's safe to say the Penguins can get the job done in his absence.

So, this is the moment we've been waiting these long months for, can you stand it??? Tomorrow... HOCKEY IS BACK ON!!!

LET'S GO PENS!!!

2011-09-30T23:11:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Blackhawks 4-2. GOALS: S.SULLIVAN, M.COOKE, J.VITALE, E.MALKIN(EN). Next game Sunday 5pm @Detroit televised on PCNC.

2011-09-28T03:08:00.001-04:00

PENS PRESEASON: Pens top Kings 3-2(SO). Game played in Kansas City. GOALS: D.ENGELLAND, C.KUNITZ, M.NISKANEN(SOW). Next game Friday 8:30pm @Chicago.

2011-09-24T22:59:00.001-04:00

PENS PRESEASON: Pens top MIN 4-1. GOALS: J.MORROW, P.DUPUIS, B.STRAIT, E.MALKIN. Next game TUE vs LA in Kansas City.

2011-09-23T00:13:00.001-04:00

PENS PRESEASON: Pens top Blackhawks 4-1. GOALS: Staal(2), Cooke, Kennedy. Pens vs Wild Saturday 3pm on ROOT Sports.

2011-09-21T22:19:00.001-04:00

PENS PRESEASON: Pens top Detroit 3-2. GOALS: Kunitz, Malkin, Niskanen. Pens vs Chicago tomorrow 7pm on ROOT Sports.

2011-09-07T11:32:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Sidney Crosby and his doctors will address the media today at 12:30pm ET. Watch live online at pittsburghpenguins.com

2011-06-28T14:40:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Pens sign winger Pascal Dupuis to 2-year deal worth 1.5M/yr. 2010-11 STATS: 17G 20A 37PTS +16 in 81 games. Read More: http://bit.ly/jideL0

2011-06-24T22:28:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Pens draft D Joe Morrow from Portland in the WHL w/ 23rd pick in 1st round. STATS: 6'0", 197lbs. Full details: http://m.penguins.nhl.com.

2011-06-22T22:23:00.001-04:00

Congrats to head coach Dan Bylsma, winner of Jack Adams Award as coach of year for 2010-11, 1st coach in Pens franchise history! http://bit.ly/laUcYL

2011-06-09T16:55:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Pens sign forward Craig Adams to 2-year contract through the 2012-13 season. Read more: http://bit.ly/lav30b

2011-06-08T12:59:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Pens hire Bill Guerin as player development coach. He will work w/ prospects in juniors, college & minors. Read more: http://bit.ly/j14H6y

Just a couple things

2011-02-13T14:26:00.004-05:00

So to say the last few days in the NHL have been interesting would be a severe understatement.

Actually I'd go so far as saying the last week.

Friday February 6th, I had the honor of getting to go to the new Consol Energy Center to see my Penguins play the Buffalo Sabres. It was Evgeni Malkin's first game back after missing some games to to a lingering knee problem and a sinus infection.

Well, that didn't last long, courtesy of the Sabres Tyler Myers. When Geno went down, you could just tell the way he was getting up it wasn't good at all. And it most certainly wasn't. Lost now to the Penguins for the rest of the season, Malkin tore both his ACL and MCL *sigh*. Thankfully he's already had his surgery to repair both tears, so all that is left now is for him to heal and rehab, and by the time next season starts he should be ready again.

It's just in the mean time that things get a bit frustrating.

Now all the speculation is about whether Sidney Crosby returns from his concussion this season. He says yes, but some of us are left to speculate if that will be the case or not. Myself, I'm almost to the point that I wish he'd just say "be done with it" and take the season off and not come back too soon, that way come October we know he's healed and 100%.

But that's not how players like Sidney, with an intense passion for the game he plays, operate. I would just hate to see him go the way of Marc Savard, come back, only to get hurt again, potentially risking his career, or even his life. And what a shame it would be for this sport if the likes of Sidney Crosby's career was cut too short. We are just starting to see his potential.

The debate of headshots can be a tiresome discussion among hockey commentators and bloggers better than myself, but one thing most people tend to agree on is that something needs to be done. Steckle's head shot on Crosby was not even called for a penalty in the game, let alone was there any discipline given by the league after the fact. You can debate favortisim, good call, bad call... whatever... but that was a blind side hit to the head, and the Crosby haters are loving it.

Whatever. But I will say this, there has never been a time that I was glad that Sid was NOT playing, any more so than this past Friday night in Long Island.

The spectacle that took place there will live long in the memory of many Pens fans as I'm sure it will the Islanders. Something that started a week earlier with the fight between Brent Johnson and Rick DiPietro, resulting in the ever fragile DiPietro breaking one of his orbital bones from the single punch Johnson laid on him, continued on Friday with the result being 346 penalty minutes, 10 ejections, 15 fighting majors, and 20 game misconducts.

Yes, it was a slug fest in the truest definition of the term. Plus it was a sad example of this great sport.

I will say that despite the Penguins lack of power players in the game, most of the team being made up of their AHL affiliate, they played the game clean for as long as they could despite the ass kicking they were getting. It was all strictly in the name of revenge for the DiPietro incident that the Islanders blatantly went after any Penguin player they could. Then when they got the chance to go after Johnson they did.

This is a black eye on an other wise noble sport. I like to think hockey players are better men than what participate in the NBA and NFL.. they just tend to conduct themselves better away from the game. Call me biased, but that's how I see it. So to see them act like barbarians playing a game that is rough enough as it is, disappoints me.

I won't go into how I hate when people find out I love hockey so much say, "oh I love it when they fight". That statement really pisses me off. Hockey is not about fighting, there is a sport for that called boxing. No way am I against fighting in the sport of hockey, it has it's time and place, but not to the extent (or even half!) as what took place on Friday.

Like I said before, I was just glad Sidney was not playing, because goon play being what it is, you know that him or Malkin would have been targets themselves. Not that they are shrinking violets in their own right, but still....

Anyhow, I'm going to step out on a limb today and ask the Buffalo Sabres to put some extra "oomph" into their game today as they take on the Islanders, while the Pens are at MSG to take on the Rangers.

Just within the hour, Mario Lemieux released the following statement:

Pittsburgh Penguins

“Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn’t hockey. It was a travesty. It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that.

“The NHL had a chance to send a clear and strong message that those kinds of actions are unacceptable and embarrassing to the sport. It failed.

“We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players. We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action.

“If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to re-think whether I want to be a part of it.”

Leave it to 66 to tell it like it is....

LET'S GO PENS!!!!

is it really an ALL star game?

2011-01-30T15:23:00.003-05:00

So you're sitting and watching the all new forum of putting together the 2011 NHL all star game, where two players, in this case Eric Stall of the Carolina Hurricanes and Nick Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings, were named captians and got to pick their team draft style.

The three forwards, two defensemen and one goalie with the most votes in their respective categories were named the first all stars, and the NHL Hockey Operations Department selected the remaining 36 players for the game.

Three of the top vote getters were from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marc Andre Fleury, with Crosby once again being the top vote getter through out the league.

My question is this. Sure Crosby and Malkin have viable reasons for not being there since they are injured (and as a side note Crosby was cleared for light workout yesterday) but do you think there are some players there that really.. and I mean seriously... belong there?

The one that stands out in my mind is Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Does it say anything to that fact that he was last picked in the draft? This guy hasn't done diddly since he left Boston for Toronto, and add to that, how does a guy stand out on a team that has such a horrible record?

Another one.. Patrik Elias. What? Did he get the sympathy vote? He's having an ok season for being 34 years old in a league full of young guys, but it goes without saying we all know how the Devils season has been going.

Guess I just can't help it, this game doesn't have a lot of draw for me without Sidney. The poor guy just can never seem to be healthy when it's all star time. But how can they have a game like this without him? Your top vote getter sitting out. He keeps this up people won't vote for him because they think he will be a no show :laughs:.

Anyhow, sure I'm gonna watch, I mean... I'm a hockey freak. Even last nights skill competition was only slightly more interesting than usual, but the same thing, no Sid, not as much fun. You can only handle seeing Ovie's toothless grin so many times, yanno?

to shake or not to shake, and other stuff

2011-01-06T17:33:00.002-05:00

So since when did playing a sport against a dreaded rival equate to being all nice and sweet to them afterwards? Guess it just depends on who all you ask. Like anyone who is a Sidney Crosby hater, or maybe someone who is a Flyer's fan, or just anyone who dislikes the Pittsburgh Penguins for whatever their warped reasons are.

And this is what is going on after New Year's day in the aftermath of the Winter Classic where the Pens lost to their nemesis the Washington Capitals. The whining that has been going on by some sports writers and fans around the league that the Penguins did not shake hands after the end of the game is almost as pathetic as what they claim Sidney Crosby to be.

Seriously? Shaking hands? Why not share a cup of tea afterwards? Geezus.

This is a sporting event, and the Winter Classic specifically a spectacle, but it in no means shaking hands is or should be required. Heck, I'm not even into for games like the playoffs or the Stanley Cup finals.

News Flash!!! These guys are not supposed to be buds, they are combatants in a contest of grit and determination, both of whom desperately want to win and get the prized 2 points. So after such a heated battle why would they even WANT to be nicey nice and shake the hands of the idiots who just beat them? Trust me... they don't. Well.. maybe Alexander Ovechkin does, he can laugh and tee hee with guys from the opposing team after losing to them.. even if that other team was the crappy New Jersey Devils.

All that aside, the time for this hand shaking thing really needs to go.

Sidney Crosby was criticized for not shaking everyone's hand after winning the Stanley Cup, despite the fact he did shake a good amount of the players and coaching staff of the Detroit Red Wings. A few of the Wings really made an issue out of it in the press... again I ask, who's the whiner?

And speaking of whiners. To the idiot Flyer fan I heard on XM radio this morning going on about Sidney Crosby being a baby, whiner (fill in your choice, they are all over used after his 5 years in the league.. move on folks), and non man type... Just listen to yourself and your fellow haters, you sound and act like what you are accusing him of. Oh... and in case you didn't notice, after 3 years of him wearing the C, like every other captain in the league, get this... all those guys wearing the C talk to the referee's. Just thought I'd point that out to you. Douche bags.

Anyhow. How 'bout that Dwayne Roloson? Kinda had to feel for the guy after he had a kick ass game against the Caps the night before after being dumped by the Islanders just days before. But he had more holes than Swiss cheese last night.

After the disappointment of losing in the Winter Classic the Pens needed a game like that. Malkins goal just 7 seconds into the game pretty much set the pace for the rest of the evening, including Chris Kunitz's first hat trick as a Penguin. All in all, fun was had by all.. well, except maybe Tampa Bay.

Tonight the Pens roll into Montreal to take on the Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge. Personally I'm hoping to see that arrogant bastard P.K. Subban get jacked up. One can only hope, yanno.

Anyhow, game time at 7:30pm...

LET'S GO PENS!!!!

Winter Classic, part 2

2011-01-01T14:28:00.002-05:00

Remember that little game in Buffalo back in 2008? Well, location isn't the only thing different this time around.

This isn't your typical Winter Classic.

Since 2008 and that wintery game, the NHL's made a yearly thing of this New Years day event. I for one am all for it, the more the NHL can be promoted all the better I say. Typically though the NHL usually gets the crumbs of whats left from all the other major sports in regards to television exposure. I mean, one of the biggest events for hockey getting stuck at 1pm?

So a little rain turns it into a prime time spectacle.

The original start time is now pushed to 8pm. To me, under the lights on Heinz field, two hated rivals, and 70 thousand plus screaming hockey fans... how can anything compare?

The original Winter Classic will always be my favorite, not only because it was the first and my Penguins were involved, but the whole scene was so perfect with the snow and winter weather.

Oh yeah... and Jordon Staal is making his season debut? Great to have Gronk back at last! I hear the penalty kill celebrating from here in NE Ohio.

There has been so much hype building up to this one game, one can only hope it lives up to it. If I had to guess, I'm betting it will. I'd like nothing more than to have Sid and company hand Ovie his hat and make him choke on it.

That's just me though, but really... yinz know how I feel by now...

Peace and Happy New Year..

LET'S GO PENS!!!

2010-12-24T07:50:00.001-05:00

PENS beat Caps 3-2(SO). GOALS: S.CROSBY(29) C.KUNITZ(9) P.DUPUIS(SOW). STARS: 3)M.KNUBLE 2)CROSBY 1)M.FLEURY. Next game SUN @OTT. Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T00:40:00.001-05:00

PENS top FLA 5-2. GOALS LETESTU(7) CROSBY(28) COOKE(7) LOVEJOY(1) DUPUIS(8). STARS 3)LETESTU 2)CROSBY 1)LOVEJOY.

2010-12-21T06:59:00.001-05:00

PENS top PHX 6-1. GOALS: K.LETANG(6) E.MALKIN(12,13) S.CROSBY(27) M.COOKE(6) C.CONNER(3). STARS: 3)FLEURY 2)CROSBY 1)MALKIN. Next game WED vs FLA.

the battle for Pennsylvania, part 4

2010-12-14T16:46:00.002-05:00

Ok, so if you're jacked up for round 4 of this slug fest of hockey, be warned it'll be on the evil empire of sports broadcasting, also known as Versus. Let it be known however, that I personally am grateful to at least be seeing this, as last years blackout of the VS channel by Directv is still fresh in my mind, let alone the fact I was -supposed- to work tonight. But here I am, and there I will be... go Pens.

Anyhow, the news if full of the Pens winning streak (12 games) and Sidney's scoring streak (18 game point streak, 20 goals, 16 assists) but this game may be bigger than all that.

As impressive as all that may be (and hey, to me it is!), the Penguins do lead the league in points with 44, and sit in first place in the Eastern conference, but Philly is close on our heels in fourth place with 43 points. So this game has a lot more riding on it than just streaking. Plus it's just too damn cold and snowy on this side of Pennsylvania to streak.. har har.

All that aside, this is definitely going to be a must see. The fact that I hate the Flyers with a passion only known by a true hockey loyalist, they just have those players that you love to hate... like Pronger, and Richards... and well, you can't hate Daniel Briere, he's just to small to hate. I just pity the poor little bugger that a man his age keeps getting called "Danny".

Dustin Jeffrey, this kid is proving why he is a leading AHL scorer. Hope he makes the best of his stay in the big league, as I'm guessing he won't be staying too long, but props to him for getting that goal Saturday night in Buffalo.

So we go into the belly of the beast tonight, 'Yinz guys burrow in and get a nice toasty warm seat and enjoy some hot hockey action, no worries... Santa (like my employer) give us a pass to be bad on the odd occasion so let me go there.... LET'S GO PENS!!! F*%K THE FLYERS!!!

2010-12-12T10:02:00.001-05:00

PENS top BUF 5-2. GOALS: D.JEFFREY(1) A.ASHAM(4) A.GOLIGOSKI(6) M.RUPP(3) M.COOKE(5). STARS: 3)JEFFREY 2)J.POMINVILLE 1)M.FLEURY. Pens @PHI TUE.

2010-12-09T00:24:00.001-05:00

PENS top Leafs 5-2. GOALS: S.CROSBY(25,26) P.DUPUIS(7) M.LETESTU(5,6). STARS: 3)LETESTU 2)CROSBY 1)KUNITZ. Next game SAT @BUF.

2010-12-06T21:50:00.001-05:00

PENS top Devils 2-1. GOALS: C.KUNITZ(8) S.CROSBY(24). STARS: 3)J.HEDBERG 2)KUNITZ 1)CROSBY. Pens vs TOR WED.

Sensational SIdney

2010-12-06T15:39:00.002-05:00

Every Monday the NHL releases their three stars of the week. Today Sidney Crosby was named the number one star of the week, oddly enough after last week when he was named the number one star for the month of November.

The masses in Pittsburgh couldn't be happier.

Though greatness isn't nothing new in regards to Sidney, scoring titles and Stanley Cup rings aside, all us Penguin fans still get a certain feeling of pride when he accomplishes something new. The fact that the rest of the hockey fans throughout the league can't follow suit probably will never change.

Anyone that has followed Sid's career as closely as I have, know that he's had his haters ever since he was a child. It's safe to assume he is so used to it that it doesn't even phase him. I can only imagine that is has made him stronger.

You could speculate as to why people say the things they do about Sidney Crosby, but in my opinion it all boils down to one thing, jealousy. Because if you ask these haters why, they never really come up with a justifiable reason for said hatred. The whole "he keeps whining/crying/talking to the refs" bit is tired and old. Especially now that he wears that "C"... folks, that's what the captain of your team does too... so uhm, think about it.

Last weeks alleged slew foot debate went on for a couple days among hockey blogs and even on NHL Live. The smart people called it what it was, the haters were the one calling for Crosby's head and suspension. Never mind that there are actual slew foots happening all the time that never seem to get called.

Suffice to say Sidney will always have his detractors, but in the same breath he'll always have us Penguins fans to support him. Be jealous all you want... he's ours and we're keeping him! Just make sure you keep that extra hat on hand, you never know when Super Sid will get another hat trick!

LET'S GO PENS!!!

2010-12-05T03:44:00.001-05:00

PENS top CBJ 7-2. GOALS P.MARTIN(2,3) M.RUPP(2) S.CROSBY(22,23) T.KENNEDY(5) D.ENGELLAND(2). STARS 3)LETANG 2)MARTIN 1)CROSBY.

2010-12-02T21:57:00.001-05:00

PENS top ATL 3-2. GOALS: S.CROSBY(19,20,21). STARS 3)N.ANTROPOV 2)B.ORPIK 1)CROSBY. Pens @CBJ SAT.

2010-11-29T22:27:00.001-05:00

PENS top NYR 3-1. GOALS M.TALBOT(5), K.LETANG(5), C.CONNER(2). STARS 3)S.CROSBY 2)M.FLEURY 1)P.DUPUIS.

2010-11-27T16:37:00.001-05:00

PENS top Flames 4-1. GOALS: S.CROSBY(16,17,18) A.ASHAM(3). STARS: 3)K.LETANG 2)B.JOHNSON 1)CROSBY - 201 career goals. Pens @NYR MON.

Afternoon Delight

2010-11-27T11:13:00.002-05:00

And no I'm not talking about that cheesy 70's song either. I'm just happy to be able to catch today's afternoon game! But to steal a line from the aforementioned song.. "My motto's always been; when it's right, it's right."

So it goes for the last few games. The Penguins have been right on the mark, at least as far as winning goes. Are things perfect, no far from it, but they have improved, and don't quite look like the train wreck they did 3 weeks ago.

Marc Andre Fleury's confidence seems to have gotten a much needed boost and the Fleury haters are seemingly at bay for now. I did read a little nugget of wisdom this morning from someone on my facebook friends list, "TEAM is the magic word. What ever happened to the good old days when fans actually liked the players on their favorite teams?????"

Truer words were never spoken. I mean if you think about it, I can remember the days when you didn't trash talk your own teams players. Of course there has always been 'that guy' or maybe two on your team you either just didn't care for or you wouldn't be upset if they got traded. But to be downright nasty or publicly denouncing a star player (or even a decent one for that matter) just never really flew with me.

It goes without saying that you are not always going to be happy with every player and their performance. Heck, me personally, I'm thinking the Mike Comrie deal has proven to be a waste (thank goodness we're not paying him much!), but I've never trashed talked Hilary's husband.

So the fact that all these people had hoped on the back of MAF and beat down on him for his poor playing is really disappointing to me. But what are they saying now? Not too much. Which just proves that as long as the star player is winning, the masses lay off. The tide will most likely turn again if he were to start losing once more.

My husband and I go round and round on the Fleury issue, and have for the last two seasons. Are goalies important? Heck yes they are. Are they responsible for every goal made against them? Certainly not. Between turnovers, bad defensive play, and other circumstances, the team in front of your goalie has it's responsibilities as well. MAF is our franchise goalie, and seemingly has always had confidence issues, but he's not going anywhere.

Thankfully the Pens are gifted with a great backup in Brent Johnson, and he did fabulous in taking over the net, but it's great to see MAF back in the playing form he is capable of. When he's good he's excellent and fun to watch. But, when he's not, it can be downright painful. As long as he is on my team, I'll keep backing him.

Since I survived black Friday at work yesterday (and missed the game damnit!) I'm excited I get to see the game this afternoon, and soooooooo glad it's not on tonight! Let's keep this winning streak rolling!

LET'S GO PENS!!!

2010-11-26T15:49:00.001-05:00

PENS top OTT 2-1. GOALS: E.MALKIN(8) A.GOLIGOSKI(5). STARS: 3)T.KENNEDY 2)P.LECLAIRE 1)M.FLEURY. Next game SAT 1pm vsCAL.

2010-11-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

PENS top BUF 1-0. GOAL: P.DUPUIS(6). FLEURY: 39 saves. STARS: 3)S.CROSBY 2)J.ENROTH 1)M.FLEURY. Pens vs OTT FRI 1pm. *All Star voting at nhl.com

2010-11-23T06:45:00.001-05:00

PENS top FLA 3-2. GOALS: K.LETANG(4) S.CROSBY(15) C.CONNER(1). STARS: 3)C.STILLMAN 2)CONNER 1)CROSBY. Pens @BUF Wed.

getting back into the groove

2010-11-22T18:30:00.003-05:00

So much for regular blog posts, eh? Like I had mentioned in a previous post, sometimes real life has a way of invading your free time, with that being your online time. And so it has for me, and in a not so good way.

Sure I have the obligation of my job, and this week that will kick in to high gear, which is what comes with working in retail. That was to be expected.

What was not expected was the loss of my beloved Tulip. I never really talked about her here on my hockey blog, but anyone of my followers that are on my facebook friends list are all to familiar with my big black doggie.

To say that her death has sucked the life out of me is an understatement. My husband and myself are lost without her constant presence in our lives. However I do have one thing that can distract me and help take my mind off missing her, and that's hockey.

Tulip stayed up with me watching games when my husband was ready to go to bed, and always got excited when I screamed, "SIDNEY SCORES!!!", or when I would do my impression of the Penguins goal horn, she'd bark along as if she were joining in. She even owned her very own Pittsburgh Penguins collar.

It's been 3 weeks since she passed, and during that time no matter how much I wanted to blog for my team, I just could not bring myself to write anything. Hopefully I can get back into doing that and it and of itself will help the healing process.

Tonight the Penguins are in Florida to take on the Panthers. Even though the spot next to me on the couch is empty I still have very fond memories of past wins and losses, and yes she was there sharing the excitement in June 2009 when we won the cup, but in her place is a scrappy cat who I've had longer than I've been married to my husband. Thankfully he's a hockey fan too. He has to be. His name? Jagr. :)

LET'S GO PENS!!!

2010-11-11T04:01:00.001-05:00

PENS fall to BOS 7-4. GOALS A.ASHAM(1) B.ORPIK(1) C.KUNITZ(4) S.CROSBY(10). STARS 3)CHARA 2)MALKIN 1)THORNTON.

2010-11-04T06:26:00.001-04:00

PENS fall to Dallas 5-2. GOALS: T.KENNEDY(3) M.COOKE(3). STARS: 3)OTT 2) ROBIDAS 1)ERIKSSON. Pens @ANA FRI 10pm.

2010-10-31T04:29:00.001-04:00

PENS top Canes 3-0. GOALS: P.DUPUIS(3,4) M.TALBOT(2). STARS: 3)S.CROSBY 2)P.DUPUIS 1)B.JOHNSON. Next game WED @DAL.

2010-10-29T21:57:00.001-04:00

PENS fall to Flyers 3-2. GOALS: K.LETANG(3) T.KENNEDY(2). STARS: 3)LETANG 2)RICHARDS 1)GIROUX. Pens vs CAR SAT. STOP PENS 2end *FREE Pens Posters: reply YES

a house of horrors, at least let's hope not

2010-10-29T18:22:00.002-04:00

With Halloween a few days away, a holiday which I do not particularly care for, the Pittsburgh Penguins play tonight against their cross state rivals, those freaky Flyers. Those dorks wear their scary faces year round, dontcha know. Take a look at Scott Hartnell.

Anyhow, to keep with the scare theme, how 'bout that Penguin goaltending? Marc Andre Fleury's performance is leaving many to scratch their head and ask, "wtf?", myself included. I've always liked MAF. When he's on his game he's a powerful goalie, but when he's off, he's way off and seems unable to get himself back on track.

Is this anything new? Not really. The year the Pens won the Stanley Cup MAF had the same horrendous start to his season. That said, he could be playing even worse now than he did that year.

Brent Johnson deserves his props, he's played outstanding in each of his starts, and has deserved that chance to get to start. However great he is currently playing, he will never be #1 goalie. Not going to happen. (no matter how hard my husband protests) Instead, will Fleury become the Pens version of Marty Turco? Oh gawd, I so hope not.

There was a reason MAF was drafted first overall in 2003 entry draft. It's not because he's a slouch. Sure there have been number one picks who didn't pan out thru their careers, but seriously I don't think he has been one of them. He'll always have his critics (and currently he he has LOTS of them), and he shut some of them up in game 7 in Detroit in June of 2009. In case you don't remember....

So yes, he is capable of greatness, currently said greatness is still on summer vacation, or something. Let's hope he's going to give us Penguins fans some tricks and treats tonight and tomorrow night... those of us who love our Pens do or die, aren't scared.

LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!

2010-10-27T22:20:00.001-04:00

PENS fall to Lightning 5-3. GOALS: C.ADAMS(1) M.COOKE(2) P.DUPUIS(2). STARS: 3)N.THOMPSON 2)D.ELLIS 1)M.ST LOUIS. Next game FRI vs Flyers.

2010-10-25T11:48:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: LW Eric Tangradi & D Andrew Hutchinson re-assigned to WB/S. RW Arron Asham expected to return to lineup soon. Pens vs TB WED 7:30.

2010-10-21T22:52:00.001-04:00

PENS top Preds 4-3(OT). GOALS: E.MALKIN(3) S.CROSBY(5,6) K.LETANG(2-OT). STARS: 3)MALKIN 2)CROSBY 1)LETANG.

2010-10-19T00:24:00.001-04:00

PENS top Sens 5-2. GOALS: M.LETESTU(4) S.CROSBY(4) E.MALKIN(2) P.DUPUIS(1) K.LETANG(1). STARS: 3)JOHNSON 2)MALKIN 1)LETESTU. Pens @Preds THU 8pm.

Who believes in curses?

2010-10-18T17:03:00.002-04:00

Not me for one. And through out sports history there have been many "proclaimed" curses. The most widely known one was of the Boston Red Sox selling Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. Some fans took it seriously, others looked at it as more of an explanation for the Red Sox lack of success.

But that's baseball, and this is hockey.

What brings all this up today is the fact that as of last week before the Penguins finally christened the new Consol Energy Center with the teams first win against the New York Islanders, some "fans" were crying that the new arena was a curse to the Pens. Seriously?

One proponent who uttered the "c" word was none other than Shawn Lavigne of XM radios Hockey This Morning. He mentioned it only in passing on his facebook page, and I was the first one to utter "NO". Then on Friday morning, during a call in to the show I made my statement in regards to my thoughts on any chances of a curse on the new building.

There isn't now, nor is there ever any kind of stupid curse.

Really, come on. We live in the digital age, not some back woods, voodoo infested area where witch doctors are making dolls out of Malkin (though this may be an explanation for Fleury's craptastic playing right now... just kidding) and sticking needles in his bum.

Superstitions are one thing, something alot of hockey players do have. Sid is known to have quite a few of pregame rituals that are more superstitions than anything else. Those I can kind of understand. Though him wearing the same cup he wore since juniors I think is a bit excessive. (In all fairness I don't know if he still wears it, but up until a couple years ago he did and the trainer had to keep repairing it, and no, I'm not going to wonder why, let's just assume he was outgrowing it or something.. ahem).

What it gets down to is that though I may think there are indeed hockey gods, and I mean that as in heaven on earth kinda thing. C'mon, you never thought Mario or Wayne was some sort of god? But in no way do I now or will I ever think there is any kind of curse on the CEC, or any other person or place.

Now cursing in an of itself... yeah, I understand that, especially when you lose.

Taking a few losses in stride, let's hope tonight's return to the home arena brings another win, and put to sleep all those talks of curses.

LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!

2010-10-16T20:44:00.001-04:00

PENS top Flyers 5-1. GOALS: C.KUNITZ(2) M.LETESTU(3) S.CROSBY(2,3) M.COOKE(1-EN). STARS: 3)B.JOHNSON 2)K.LETANG 1)S.CROSBY. Next game MON vsOTT.

2010-10-15T23:07:00.001-04:00

PENS top NYI 3-2(OT). GOALS RUPP(1) TANGRADI(1) GOLIGOSKI(3). STARS 3)COMEAU 2)TANGRADI 1)GOLIGOSKI. Pens vsPHI SAT 6pm.

2010-10-13T22:09:00.001-04:00

PENS fall to Leafs 4-3. GOALS: C.KUNITZ(1), M.TALBOT(1), S.CROSBY(1). STARS: 3)M.COOKE 2)L.SCHENN 1)C.MACARTHUR. Next game FRI 7pm vs NYI.

Tonight the Leafs

2010-10-13T17:35:00.002-04:00

It's difficult to not look at the Penguins situation going into tonight's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and think of it as a hot mess. Seeing as how it's only the fourth game into the current season, one just has to take it as it is and just go with it.

What makes it messy at this point is veteran D man Brooks Orpik, and new Pens acquisition Zbynek Michalek defenseman not playing tonight. Michalek hurt his shoulder in Mondays game against the New Jersey Devils after being hit into the boards. Orpik is dealing with an ongoing groin problem.

To fill their gap the Penguins recalled Andrew Hutchinson from Wilkes-Barre, and as such he will be making his NHL debut tonight... good luck kid.

For some unknown (yet maybe not unforseen by some) Mike Comrie has lost his position from the top lines, even after he's shared lines with both Crosby and Malkin in the preseason and the first couple games, he is listed as playing the fourth line tonight with Craig Adams and either Mike Rupp or Eric Goddard.

Who knows what is up with that... only time will tell.

These were the lines at this mornings practice...

Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Pascal Dupuis
Eric Tangradi - Mark Letestu - Evgeni Malkin
Matt Cooke - Max Talbot - Tyler Kennedy
Mike Comrie - Craig Adams - Mike Rupp/Eric Godard

Fleury is the expected starter in net, with Torontos Jonas Gustavsson listed as probable for his first start of the season in goal.

At least the Penguins won Monday 3-1 in New Jersey Monday afternoon, now let's win one at home in the new digs, whadda ya say?

LET'S GO PENS!
LET'S GO PENS!
LET'S GO PENS!

2010-10-12T08:16:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Devils 3-1. GOALS: A.GOLIGOSKI(2), M.LETESTU(2), P.MARTIN(1). STARS: 3)P.ELIAS 2)M.LETESTU 1)B.JOHNSON. Next game WED 7:30 vs Toronto.

2010-10-07T22:01:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Pens fall to Flyers 3-2. GOALS: T.KENNEDY(1), A.GOLIGOSKI(1). STARS: 3)T.KENNEDY 2)C.GIROUX 1)S.BOBROVSKY. Next game SAT vs MTL.

Game on! 2010-11 edition!

2010-10-07T14:27:00.002-04:00

And so it begins, just as all great and wonderful things begin, with much anticipation and a whole lot of waiting. Yes my friends, hockey season officially starts today! Who cares if MLB divisional playoffs are under way, baseball is for the sedentary! Hockey is for those of us who can't sit still and like our action rough with a side order of nasty!

Not only do the Penguins get to open the NHL season at home, but they get to do so in the brand spanking new Consol Energy Center, and against those freakin' Flyers. I think it goes without being said how much we all hate them. :)

Tentatively the lines are set up for tonight as follows:

Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Pascal Dupuis
Eric Tangradi - Mike Comrie - Evgeni Malkin
Matt Cooke - Mark Letestu - Tyler Kennedy
Mike Rupp Rupp CraigAdams/Maxime Talbot - Eric Godard

Brooks Orpik - Zbynek Michalek
Ben Lovejoy - Paul Martin
Alex Goligoski - Deryk Engelland

I got a little snarky yesterday when I saw the Pens sent Tangradi to (of all places!) Wheeling. My mind just whirling and totally not understanding that move, until this morning I heard a rather logical explanation.

With the health of winger Arron Asham being questionable, and all NHL teams having to have their roster set by 3pm yesterday afternoon, Pittsburgh sent "Big Dog" Tangradi to the Nailers with the thought in mind if they needed him for tonight after putting Asham on IR (which they did) Tangradi would be a whole lot closer in West Virginia than all the way over in Wilkes-Barre.

Kris Letang is going to be a game time decision due to an illness.

Not a whole lot needs to be said, game time is just a few short hours away... I can barely stand it.. I've waited all these long weeks for the madness to start all over again... Mmmmm gawd, isn't it just wonderful :) (don't ask my husband, the self described hockey widower)

LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!

When real life and hockey collide

2010-09-17T15:01:00.002-04:00

Summer has finally played it's swan song, the little darlings have skipped off to school, and all too soon the puck will be dropped on glistening sheets of ice across North America.

Am I anxious, you bet. I have been for a couple months now.

My summer off from hockey was uneventful for the most part, so the fact that I'm ready for it all to start up again goes without saying. But to be honest, what does one do when their hockey "life" interferes with their real life.

I'm guessing you just adjust, but darn... what a drag.

Within the last week I have begun working after going for the last 10 years without a job. (other than being my husbands wife, which in and of itself can be a full time job and then some!) And besides that fact we had house guests for about 10 days, and I am finally starting to catch up with things that became undone during that time.

Thankfully during all this there has been no hockey to miss! My work schedule as of yet will probably be irregular and my husband brought it to my attention a few days ago that "what if I might miss some games?".

Talk about sucking the wind out of my sails.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed my work schedule and the Penguins schedule don't collide. What horror it would be to have a late starting west coast game, and having to be at work at 6am the next morning! But working in retail, you're a slave to the consumers, and as such you're there when you're needed. Le sigh.

So, we shall see how well a hockey obsessed woman can balance her priorities... that being family, work, and hockey... For crying out loud, cross your fingers for me, would you? I do not multi task well!

<3 Penguins

pardon the interuption

2010-07-22T15:56:00.003-04:00

So I'm peeking my head up from the summer doldrums that usually fill my being during the hockey offseason. Last summer had the joys of celebrating a cup win, this summer... well, it's just boring.

A boring draft, a boring free agency ( the Kovalchuk mess was a snorefest, I mean, seriously?) and a heat wave gripping the state of Ohio wicked enough to make the biggest sun lover run for the comfort of the air conditioning.

Ah, but we have one little distraction. Introducing former Penguin, now Coyote, Paul "BizNasty" Bissonnette. Those of you not familiar with Biz, you are seriously missing out. The dude was more known for his fighting skills than his skating, but you just had to like him. I've mentioned here before a few times that I wished the Pens had held onto him, but his chances of making the big team were small, and when the Phoenix Coyotes snatched him up, it was nice as I knew he had a better chance of staying up in the NHL there than with Pittsburgh.

But Biz has gotten himself into a bit of hot water, well, at least his Twitter account. For a full run down of the story, and a hilarious recap of some of this tweet highlights... check out PuckDaddy. No one but Wysh could tell it any better.

I always enjoyed Biz's hilarious tweets, now I'm just left being a facebook friend, but at least there I get pics of him in that pocketless speedo.

2010-07-01T17:27:00.001-04:00

PENS sign D Paul Martin to 5-yr contract. 29yo, 200 lbs, 6'1. 09-10 STATS: 2G 9A 2PIM +10 in 22 gms w/ NJ.

2010-07-01T17:25:00.001-04:00

PENS sign defenseman Zbynek Michalek to 5-year contract. 27yo, 210 lbs, 6'2. Shot: R. 09-10 STATS: 3G 14A 30PIM +5 in 72 games with PHX. Stop Pens 2end

NHL Awards tonight

2010-06-23T13:41:00.004-04:00

All the glitz, all the glamor, all the... erm, ok, so it's not all that.

The NHL awards to me is sorta fun, lighthearted moment after the season ends. Something not to take too seriously, meaning the show itself. It's not like there is a lot of thought put into it, because if there were they would pick better hosts than some second rate D list comedian (that's what he's billed as, I never thought he was funny). So, Jay Mohr is gonna host this thing, and he doesn't like hockey, so what's the point?

Anyhow, rather than digging into an awards shows shortcomings, here's my picks, and a couple them are for obvious, biased reasons. I'm sure you'll figure which those are.

Hart Trophy: Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
Norris Trophy: Duncan Keith (Blackhawks)
Calder Trophy: Tyler Myers (Sabres)
Jack Adams Award: Dave Tippett (Coyotes)
Vezina Trophy: Ryan Miller (Sabres)
Selke Trophy: Jordan Staal (Penguins)
Lady Byng: Martin St. Louis (Lightning)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Jose Theodore (Capitals)
Ted Lindsay (formerly the Lester B. Pearson) award: Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
NHL Foundation Award: Ryan Miller (Sabres)
Mark Messier Leadership Award: I've no clue on this one, but it would be funny to see Sidney Crosby take one more thing from Ryan Miller lmao :P

Have fun and enjoy the show, 7:30 on Versus.

2010-06-22T23:11:00.001-04:00

FWD: PENS ALERT: Pens sign LW MATT COOKE to 3-year extension. 2009-10 STATS: 15G, 15A, 30PTS, plus-17, 183 hits. 2010-2011 Pens schedule avail online.

as the pain subsides

2010-05-25T15:35:00.002-04:00

So it's been a couple weeks now since the season ended for my beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. Even though there still are regrets and disappointment, the pain of bowing out of the post season has lessened to a (barely) tolerable level.

Or so I thought.

Hey, I knew somebody was going to the Stanley Cup finals, and as much as I hoped it was the Pens, it was going to be two other teams. In the end it's going to be the Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks, and the *gag* Philadelphia Flyers... gawd, that's just hard to say, let alone grasp any kind of reality about.

So, for a Pens fan, what is the lesser of two evils?

For me, though I have a dislike for Marian Hossa, I'd have to say it doesn't come close to the rampant hatred I keep deep within for that other team on the opposite side of Pennsylvania. So I suppose it's a no brainer, yet the media is having a lot of fun with this question.

All weirdness aside, am I going to be watching the finals, most likely not. No matter how much I love hockey, I can't watch the Flyers enjoy this, for now, minor victory. That's not to say I won't be checking box scores and hoping like heck the Blackhawks take Philly down in 4.

Will Hossa be a factor in this series? Probably not. I mean seriously, where has he been to this point? Nowhereville. There is that interesting little bit of bullshit at the end of that game with Detroit where Hossa should have gotten a game misconduct, but instead only got 2 minutes in the box, where once served he came out of the penalty box with seconds left and scored the game/series winning goal. Had he got the 10 minute penalty who knows how that game would of ended. Sure this sounds all "what if'ish", and in all actuality Chicago was going to win that series anyway... but... well... speculation can be fun.

And hey... when you don't golf, you have to do something.

No worries, my dear Penguins. I know we're not going to win the cup every year, and for whatever reason, we were not meant to have it again this year. But rest well ice warriors, I can wait (barely!) until October when we start all over again...

For now, draft day is what I'm looking forward to next.... June 25th.

2010-05-12T21:55:00.001-04:00

Pens fall to Habs 5-2. GOALS: C.KUNITZ(4), J.STAAL(3). Thanks to the Greatest Fans in Hockey for another memorable season!

a little high.. do or die...

2010-05-12T15:47:00.002-04:00

So do you think you can stand the pressure of yet one more game 7 for your Pittsburgh Penguins?

Will they win and be pushed into the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight year? Or will they crash and burn and be eliminated, to follow the fate of the Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and the Washington Capitals?

One thing is for certain, it's not going to be a boring game, and the Penguins will not go away quietly. If they are anything, they are not quitters, it's been proven before.

The question is who will stand up in this game? Or who will get the blame if we lose? Sidney Crosby has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism for his lack of scoring in this Montreal series. The whole bit that Ovie scored 5 goals in the Capitals series with the Habs being used as fodder for the argument that Sids lack of production makes him somehow a lesser superstar, and responsible for his teams losses.

At what point do you point one guy out and say, "yeah, it's his fault".

This was a minor discussion during the Puck Daddy Weds. chat, today. My comment being that there are 20+ guys on a team, sometimes the goalies are spectacular, and sometimes they just down right suck. Are they always the one to blame? Sometimes yes, other times not as much. A goalie can be playing a great game, but if his defense ahead of him hangs him out to dry and doesn't help him out, it can't all be blamed on him. Sure, sometimes a goalie gets too much credit for a games win, and other times not enough.

It just goes both ways.

So such as it goes with Sidney Crosby. He's been a proven leader for the Penguins, and his dedication cannot be put into question, they guy seemingly lives, eats, breathes hockey. Not everybody is the same, or has the same level of devotion he has, so it goes without saying, there are only so many inspiring speeches a coach can make, so many pep talks your teams captain can give you, before you step up to the plate and take matters in hand and go out there and help your team with your best 100% effort.

That said, it should not rest on one player, one goalie, one coach. This is a team sport and as such you win together, you lose together.

And for all those Penguin/Crosby haters that would just love to see Pittsburgh flame out tonight, just think, their winning will only add fuel to your love of the great NHL/Gary Bettman conspiracy theory. Don't even get me started on THAT again.

Game time is coming up in just a few short hours. I'm nervous as hell, I hate game 7's. Though the last one the Penguins went thru ended pretty good. Here's to hoping we get the same result tonight :)

LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!

and yes... have not used these guys hardly at all this season, but now's the time we need them most!!!

my voice was heard

2010-05-11T19:18:00.002-04:00

In regards to my previous post, having to do with my distaste for the XM radios Hockey This Morning show, hot hockey mom contest, I am proud to say my voice was heard.

This is proof positive my friends that lest you think you are one person, and your opinion or voice does not count, you are so wrong. The email I sent directly to XM went unanswered, however I did get noticed. My original response to this lame contest was to post this on their facebook page:

why do they have to be "hot" hockey moms? I think that's a bunch of crap... this is why us women who love hockey and actually KNOW the sport get a bad name... I rock my Pens jerseys, but I'm really disappointed in the morning show pushing this. Are we gonna have "hot" dads for Father's day? Yeah... I didn't think so...

and here is their response... I hope this opens and plays for you: CLICK HERE TO PLAY

So there you have it. It all ends pretty funny actually. I love that station, I love hockey, and it all rubbed me the wrong way, and it was just one of those things that I could not keep quiet about. All in all it turned out good :)

Now... if only those pesky Habs would just go away quietly...

Go Pens!

2010-05-11T05:59:00.001-04:00

PENS fall to Habs 4-3. GOALS: S.CROSBY(6), K.LETANG(5), B.GUERIN(4). STARS: 3)J.HALAK 2)J.SPACEK 1)M.CAMMALLERI. Game 7 WED, tix on sale TUE 2pm.

2010-05-08T21:51:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Habs 2-1, lead series 3-2. GOALS: K.LETANG(4), S.GONCHAR(2). STARS: 3)K.LETANG 2)S.GONCHAR 1)M.FLEURY. Next game Monday @MTL.

Sharing my disgust and being so hardcore

2010-05-08T18:14:00.002-04:00

To anyone who doesn't have XM radio, and cannot get to listen to some of the amazing programing on the NHL Home Ice channel, I want to share this little ditty with you.

As I've mentioned here numerous times before, my fav show/host is the War Room with Mick Kern. But I listen to most of the day time programming too on and off thru my day.

The morning show referred to as Hockey This Morning is typically pretty good. I was a bit disappointed when they moved Scott Laughlin to the afternoon, but whatever.

Anyhow, Friday they decided to hold a "hot" hockey mom contest. Excuse me??? Am I listening to the Playboy channel? Geez... So hockey moms were encouraged to send in their pictures in their jerseys, and it was stressed they be "tasteful" (I'll give them that...) and the shows hosts would vote on the best one.

So, is Home Ice now holding beauty contests?

I'm a little put off by all this as a devoted hockey fan, and specifically because I'm not some lame puck bunny that follows hockey because the guys are hot and sexy. I think I can prove my knowledge of the sport.

To stoop down and play the "only hot looking women follow sports" card is just something I never saw coming from this station. Or am I wrong that good looking = hot? I doubt it. Why could it not have just been "hockey moms"?

Some men would probably say at this point that I'm some angry feminist. Nothing could be further from the truth. I never profess to be anything other than what I am... myself. Faults and all. And I'm sure many a man will delight in painting me as "not hot". Go for it my friends. I at least know the sport that I love, and love it with a passion that can't be put into words. Can a puck bunny or hot hockey mom say that much? Who cares.

I'm just wondering if Hockey this Morning will be holding a "hot" hockey dad contest on Father's day? I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Now that I've finished my mini rant...

It seems if I'm not 'hot'... I'm at least hardcore.

Life has kept me busy and away from the blogosphere, I apologize for that. One thing that keeps me busy is my volunteer work. The one place I go to is a horse farm, that specializes in helping disabled people thru horseback riding.

Anyhow, I was there last week, sporting one of my many Penguins related shirts. Being relatively new, I don't know everyone nor have I met all the workers there. Upon meeting me for the first time, a fellow volunteer asked if just wore the Pens shirt, or if I was a "real" fan.

Rather than go into a long ass explanation of how much I love my team, I just pulled up the leg of my jeans and flashed my tattoo. Her response, "Wow! you're hardcore!"

That I am.

Then today at the check out line at the butcher, a gentleman standing behind me noticed my Penguins top, we exchanged some hockey talk, in passing I mentioned having the Center Ice package, his response, "I guess you're pretty hardcore then". Ha... twice within a week I got labeled as hardcore lol.

Me and my sweet husband were discussing this over a late lunch today, and he came to the conclusion I was actually probably beyond hardcore. Is that even possible? :)))

Who cares... it's all good. But the real question is, can a woman be hardcore and hot? Maybe I should consider sending in a jersey picture to Hockey this Morning? ..... NOT!!!!

Game time is here... It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh!!!

LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!
LET'S GO PENS!!!

2010-05-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

PENS fall to Habs 3-2; series tied 2-2. GOALS: M.TALBOT(2), C.KUNITZ(3). STARS: 3)M.TALBOT 2)J.GORGES 1)J.HALAK. Next game SAT @PIT 7pm.

2010-05-05T06:03:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Habs 2-0. GOALS: E.MALKIN(5) P.DUPUIS(2). STARS 3)GIONTA 2)MALKIN 1)FLEURY. Gm 4 THU.

2010-05-02T16:46:00.001-04:00

Pens fall to Habs 3-1. GOAL: M.COOKE(4). STARS: 3)M.COOKE 2)M.CAMMALLERI 1)J.HALAK. Next game Tuesday 7pm @Montreal

2010-04-30T22:30:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Habs 6-3. GOALS: GONCHAR(1) STAAL(2) LETANG(3) ADAMS(2) GOLIGOSKI(2) GUERIN(3). STARS: 3)GIONTA 2)LETANG 1)CROSBY. Next game Sun 2pm.

2010-04-29T12:49:00.001-04:00

Sidney Crosby a finalist for HART TROPHY as NHL MVP along with Alex Ovechkin & Henrik Sedin. Pens vs MTL Friday 7pm, big screen open!

2010-04-24T22:28:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Senators 4-3(OT), win series 4-2. GOALS: M.COOKE(2,3) GUERIN(2) P.DUPUIS(1-OT). STARS: 3)M.CULLEN 2)M.COOKE 1)P.DUPUIS. Next game TBD.

2010-04-22T23:49:00.001-04:00

PENS fall to Sens 4-3(3OT). GOALS: K.LETANG(2) C.KUNITZ(2) S.CROSBY(5). STARS: 3)S.CROSBY 2)M.CULLEN 1)P.LECLAIR.

2010-04-20T22:30:00.001-04:00

PENS top Sens 7-4. GOALS: E.MALKIN(4) S.CROSBY(3,4) M.COOKE(1) M.TALBOT(1) C.KUNITZ(1) J.STAAL(1). STARS: 3)D.ALFREDSSON 2)S.GONCHAR 1)S.CROSBY.

2010-04-20T12:24:00.001-04:00

PENS ALERT: Jordan Staal named finalist for SELKE TROPHY as NHLs top defensive forward along with Pavel Datsyuk(DET) and Ryan Kesler(VAN).

2010-04-18T22:28:00.001-04:00

PENS beat Sens 4-2. GOALS: A.PONIKAROVSKY(1) E.MALKIN(3) S.CROSBY(2) B.GUERIN(1). STARS: 3)E.MALKIN 2)P.REGIN 1)S.CROSBY. Next game TUE @Ottawa.

2010-04-16T23:41:00.001-04:00

PENS top Sens 2-1. GOALS: S.CROSBY(1), K.LETANG(1). STARS: 3)B.ELLIOTT 2)K.LETANG 1)S.CROSBY. Next game SUNDAY 6:30pm. Visit www.pensmobile.com.