The Pens staged a furious comeback from a 4-1 deficit to tie the Leafs with 4 seconds to go in regulation, earning at least a point, but lost with 1:05 to go in the OT. The point gives them 101 points on the season, but formally eliminates them from catching Buffalo for the top spot in the conference. The 101 points also puts them back into 1st in the Atlantic, one point in front of idle New Jersey. The Devils have a game in hand (4 games left to 3 for the Pens) and control their own destiny, needing to go only 3-0-1 to win the division over the Pens should the Pens win out.
The point also means the Pens retain control of their own destiny over Ottawa - but with Ottawa's win over the Islanders tonight, giving them 102 points with 3 games left, means the head-to-head game in Ottawa has to be won by the Pens in regulation. Ottawa also plays New Jersey on Tuesday, April 3rd in a game that may well decide who is seeded where. The Pens host Buffalo on Tuesday - the Pens are 2-1-0 vs the Sabres this year, with one win coming in a shootout after Buffalo tied the Pens late in regulation.
The game at hand, at Toronto, was mostly Toronto for the better part of two periods, but the Pens started coming hard at the Leafs late in the 2nd, with a Maxime Talbot goal with three and a half minutes left in the period. The Pens had a minute of 5 on 3 time early in the third but did not convert - but got a goal from Crosby with just under 5 minutes remaining to make in 4-3, and Ryan Whitney's goal with 4 seconds left to tie it.
There was an extensive delay between regulation and overtime due to a medical emergency in the stands - a fan had a heart attack - and one can only surmise what effect the extra rest had to the teams. The overtime period was wide open, with chances at either end, before Toronto won a face-off cleanly with 1:08 remaining and scored three seconds later on a shot by Kaberle.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Pens take temporary custody of 1st in the Atlantic with 4-2 win over Bruins
Sidney Crosby had three assists, while Erik Christensen had two goals and an assist as the Penguins beat the Boston Bruins 4-2 at TD Banknorth Garden. The other two goals for were Colby Armstrong and Evgeni Malkin. Boston's Phil Kessel had two assists as Marc Savard's line was held scoreless. If not for the play of Boston's Tim Thomas in net, the game would have been much more lopsided.
The win gives the Penguins 100 points on the season, and temporary hold on 1st place in the Atlantic Division and the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. NJ still holds a game in hand and controls their own destiny. The Devils play the Flyers on Friday. The Penguins play at Toronto on Saturday. The Maple Leafs currently hold down the 9th spot with 85 points, one point behind Tampa and Montreal, who are tied for 7th.
The Pens have won the three previous meetings against Toronto, including an 8-2 drubbing in Pittsburgh on January 20th.
Crosby extended his lead in the scoring race to 12 points over San Jose's Joe Thornton, 116 to 104, although Thornton has 5 games left to Crosby's 4.
The win gives the Penguins 100 points on the season, and temporary hold on 1st place in the Atlantic Division and the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. NJ still holds a game in hand and controls their own destiny. The Devils play the Flyers on Friday. The Penguins play at Toronto on Saturday. The Maple Leafs currently hold down the 9th spot with 85 points, one point behind Tampa and Montreal, who are tied for 7th.
The Pens have won the three previous meetings against Toronto, including an 8-2 drubbing in Pittsburgh on January 20th.
Crosby extended his lead in the scoring race to 12 points over San Jose's Joe Thornton, 116 to 104, although Thornton has 5 games left to Crosby's 4.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
NJ loses to Buffalo
New Jersey lost its game in hand on the Penguins in the Atlantic Division race, in the form of a 4-3 loss at the Buffalo Sabres. Both teams are tied with 98 points with five games remaining each. As the Devils hold the wins and head-to-head tiebreakers, they still control their own destiny, with a magic number of 10. The Penguins magic number would be 11, or one more than their max possible points on their own. Should NJ fail to gain the full 2 points in any game down the stretch, control would shift to Pittsburgh (assuming Pittsburgh wins out).
Both teams have already clinched the 5th seed or better.
Both teams have already clinched the 5th seed or better.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Playoff Bound!
The magic number for a playoff spot is no more, as the Pens have clinched a playoff berth with their 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals. In addition, the can be seeded no worse than 5th by virtue of the 6-7-8 teams all losing in regulation tonight. The Pens, along with Ottawa and New Jersey, each have 98 points, to Buffalo's 103, all four of which are locked into the show.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Pens reduce MN to 3 in 5-0 win over Boston
The Pens won their 2nd in a row, and 6th in a row on home ice, this afternoon in a 5-0 win over the Boston Bruins. The win improves the Pens record to 43-23-10 for 96 points, tying them with NJ for the Atlantic Division lead, for the second time in two days, but NJ retains a game in hand over the Penguins.
The Pens jumped out to three penalty kills early in the first period, but scored on 3 of 3 powerplay chances in the 2nd half of the period, on goals by Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Gary Roberts. They scored the three on a scant 1:14 of powerplay time.
The Pens Ryan Malone scored shorthanded in the first two minutes of the 2nd period to extend the lead to 4-0. Sidney Crosby added his 2nd of the game, and 34th of the season on even strength in the 3rd, just after NBC had cut away nationally from the game. (This viewer was temporarily in territory still able to see it, having just attended the game the day before, the 2-1 win over Atlanta - although the DVR at home would have been stuck with the DC area NBC feed, which did switch over to the Rangers-Islanders feed)
For the day, Crosby was 2+1, Roberts 1+2, Gonchar 0+2, Malkin and Malone 1+0, and Armstrong, Christensen, Eaton and Whitney each 0+1. Malkin's opening goal gave him 6 game-winning goals on the season, retaking sole possession of the rookie lead from Colorado's Peter Stastny. Crosby's 3 points gives him 111 on the season, now 7 points up on San Jose's Joe Thornton with 6 games remaining each.
The win reduces the Pens magic number to clinch a playoff spot (8th or better) to 3 points with 6 games left, although the number is the same to clinch the 6th spot or better, and is but 4 points to clinch the 5th seed or better.
The Pens jumped out to three penalty kills early in the first period, but scored on 3 of 3 powerplay chances in the 2nd half of the period, on goals by Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Gary Roberts. They scored the three on a scant 1:14 of powerplay time.
The Pens Ryan Malone scored shorthanded in the first two minutes of the 2nd period to extend the lead to 4-0. Sidney Crosby added his 2nd of the game, and 34th of the season on even strength in the 3rd, just after NBC had cut away nationally from the game. (This viewer was temporarily in territory still able to see it, having just attended the game the day before, the 2-1 win over Atlanta - although the DVR at home would have been stuck with the DC area NBC feed, which did switch over to the Rangers-Islanders feed)
For the day, Crosby was 2+1, Roberts 1+2, Gonchar 0+2, Malkin and Malone 1+0, and Armstrong, Christensen, Eaton and Whitney each 0+1. Malkin's opening goal gave him 6 game-winning goals on the season, retaking sole possession of the rookie lead from Colorado's Peter Stastny. Crosby's 3 points gives him 111 on the season, now 7 points up on San Jose's Joe Thornton with 6 games remaining each.
The win reduces the Pens magic number to clinch a playoff spot (8th or better) to 3 points with 6 games left, although the number is the same to clinch the 6th spot or better, and is but 4 points to clinch the 5th seed or better.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Pens blow opportunity to tie Devils for Atlantic lead
The Devils did their part by losing 3-1 to Tampa, but the Pens could not capitalize on Long Island, falling 3-1 to the Islanders. The Pens Colby Armstrong scored first, but the Pens allowed two goals in the 2nd, and Evgeni Malkin had an unsuccessful penalty shot in the 2nd with a chance to tie. Viktor Koslov scored in the first minute of the third to make it 3-1.
In other news, Crosby's Art Ross lead shrunk to 6 points tonight, as Joe Thornton of the Sharks had his 2nd straight 3-point night, coupled with Crosby going scoreless in two straight. Thornton had a strong close to the 05-06 season to win the Ross and the Hart (MVP). He appears to be doing the same again. The question is, will Crosby step it up against Atlanta, Boston and Washington the next three games?
The Pens loss leaves their magic number at 7 points to clinch a playoff spot. They fell 4 points back of Ottawa, who won tonight. It seems it may be easier for them to catch the Devils (only 2 points back even in games) than Ottawa (4 points with a game in hand and a head-to-head matchup). The Pens would lose a wins and head-to-head tiebreakers with the Devils if tied in points, while the Pens are 3 wins behind OTT, so winning the game in hand and the head to head would leave them tied in points, but short a win. Although the win against OTT would give the Pens the season series edge, that would only come into play if the two teams were even in wins. (it would take OTT losing 2 in OT combined with the Pens catching up on a win to come to that).
NJ & Pit have 8 games left; OTT has 7. Pens have three in four nights starting on saturday (with the first two back-to-back afternoon games at the Igloo), and have 4 in 6, and from there go every other day to end the season. ATL BOS was bos tor BUF ott NYR...
Lets go Pens.
In other news, Crosby's Art Ross lead shrunk to 6 points tonight, as Joe Thornton of the Sharks had his 2nd straight 3-point night, coupled with Crosby going scoreless in two straight. Thornton had a strong close to the 05-06 season to win the Ross and the Hart (MVP). He appears to be doing the same again. The question is, will Crosby step it up against Atlanta, Boston and Washington the next three games?
The Pens loss leaves their magic number at 7 points to clinch a playoff spot. They fell 4 points back of Ottawa, who won tonight. It seems it may be easier for them to catch the Devils (only 2 points back even in games) than Ottawa (4 points with a game in hand and a head-to-head matchup). The Pens would lose a wins and head-to-head tiebreakers with the Devils if tied in points, while the Pens are 3 wins behind OTT, so winning the game in hand and the head to head would leave them tied in points, but short a win. Although the win against OTT would give the Pens the season series edge, that would only come into play if the two teams were even in wins. (it would take OTT losing 2 in OT combined with the Pens catching up on a win to come to that).
NJ & Pit have 8 games left; OTT has 7. Pens have three in four nights starting on saturday (with the first two back-to-back afternoon games at the Igloo), and have 4 in 6, and from there go every other day to end the season. ATL BOS was bos tor BUF ott NYR...
Lets go Pens.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ottawa benefits from League's incompetence
Tonight saw two obvious goals for the St. Louis Blues not awarded - and as a result, Ottawa got 2 points it would not have gotten toward the Prince of Wales Conference playoff race. Had the result been the opposite, Ottawa would still have 92 points, and would have lost the tiebreaker with the Pens on more games played, flip-flopping the 4-5 slots for a third straight night. Instead, Ottawa moves up with 94 points, although they have one fewer game left than Pittsburgh, and they play the Pens once more.
Back to the Blues-Senators game - there is absolutely no excuse in this age of DVR and the League's war-room in Toronto that they cannot get these calls right. The league claims every playoff goal is reviewed - it should be no different in the regular season, specially with these playoff races so tight. The result all but doomed the Blue's slim chances of making the playoffs - but on the heels of the call in Pittsburgh the night before, were there was no conclusive proof the puck went over the line prior to the whistle - marks at least a 3 point shift in the 4-5 race due to officiating alone, and perhaps as much as a four point shift.
Back to the Blues-Senators game - there is absolutely no excuse in this age of DVR and the League's war-room in Toronto that they cannot get these calls right. The league claims every playoff goal is reviewed - it should be no different in the regular season, specially with these playoff races so tight. The result all but doomed the Blue's slim chances of making the playoffs - but on the heels of the call in Pittsburgh the night before, were there was no conclusive proof the puck went over the line prior to the whistle - marks at least a 3 point shift in the 4-5 race due to officiating alone, and perhaps as much as a four point shift.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The streak ends on a fluke
The streak was bound to end, on a night where the Pens played their 5th game in 7 nights, having won the previous four, but not on earth did you think they would lose this way.
They did not play great tonight, save for Jocelyn Thibault in net, and yet were in the game, tied 1-1 with under a minute to go in the third period. The Rangers rush in, and on a seemingly harmless play, Jaromir Jagr throws the puck out in front from behind the net. It caroms off of Pens defenseman Rob Scuderi, and underneath Thibault. It was not over the line, and the ref (Massenhoven) could not see the puck, yet inexplicably did not blow the whistle. There is no on-ice ruling initially, the goal light was not on, and instead of going upstairs first, Massenhoven waits, waits, waits, until Thibault moved, but by that point the puck was over the line. There was no way of knowing where the puck was when the whistle did or did not blow - as there had been further contact by a Rangers player with Thibault after the initial stop.
In the end, they gave the Rangers a goal where it could not be proved it was over the line when the play was stopped. The ruling also keeps the Rangers alive in the playoff race, and kept the Pens from narrowing NJ's division lead by at least a point. The Magic Number is still 7, and they still trail the Devils by 2 points, but now the Devils have the game in hand. The loss also dropped them from the 4th slot to the 5th slot by removing the game-in-hand advantage on Ottawa (also with 92 points overall), leaving Ottawa with the tiebreaker on wins (42 to 41).
The way the team (save Thibault) played, perhaps they deserved to lose. But they did not deserve to lose on the incompetence of the officials. It is unfortunate that the officiating has become just as much a part of the game as they players themselves, where no one is happy.
They did not play great tonight, save for Jocelyn Thibault in net, and yet were in the game, tied 1-1 with under a minute to go in the third period. The Rangers rush in, and on a seemingly harmless play, Jaromir Jagr throws the puck out in front from behind the net. It caroms off of Pens defenseman Rob Scuderi, and underneath Thibault. It was not over the line, and the ref (Massenhoven) could not see the puck, yet inexplicably did not blow the whistle. There is no on-ice ruling initially, the goal light was not on, and instead of going upstairs first, Massenhoven waits, waits, waits, until Thibault moved, but by that point the puck was over the line. There was no way of knowing where the puck was when the whistle did or did not blow - as there had been further contact by a Rangers player with Thibault after the initial stop.
In the end, they gave the Rangers a goal where it could not be proved it was over the line when the play was stopped. The ruling also keeps the Rangers alive in the playoff race, and kept the Pens from narrowing NJ's division lead by at least a point. The Magic Number is still 7, and they still trail the Devils by 2 points, but now the Devils have the game in hand. The loss also dropped them from the 4th slot to the 5th slot by removing the game-in-hand advantage on Ottawa (also with 92 points overall), leaving Ottawa with the tiebreaker on wins (42 to 41).
The way the team (save Thibault) played, perhaps they deserved to lose. But they did not deserve to lose on the incompetence of the officials. It is unfortunate that the officiating has become just as much a part of the game as they players themselves, where no one is happy.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Pens edge Sens in SO again
The Pens let a 3-2 lead after two escape by way of a late PP goal against for Ottawa, but came back to win in the Shootout on a goal by Jarkko Ruutu.
Crosby was 1+1, as was Ryan Whitney, and Sergei Gonchar had two assists, and were named the three stars of the game.
The win reduced the Pens magic number to clinch a playoff spot to 7. The SOL loss also reduced Ottawa's magic number to 7, as they are tied with 92 points. The Pens have a game in hand, and as such are technically in the 4th spot in the standings.
The Pens play the Rangers at MSG tomorrow night.
Crosby was 1+1, as was Ryan Whitney, and Sergei Gonchar had two assists, and were named the three stars of the game.
The win reduced the Pens magic number to clinch a playoff spot to 7. The SOL loss also reduced Ottawa's magic number to 7, as they are tied with 92 points. The Pens have a game in hand, and as such are technically in the 4th spot in the standings.
The Pens play the Rangers at MSG tomorrow night.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Pens streak on, 6-3 over Habs to reach 90 points
The Pens scored their 40th win of the season tonight, 6-3 over the Montreal Canadiens. Sidney Crosby and Erik Christensen each had two goals, with Gary Roberts and Michel Ouellet chipping in one each, all even-strength goals. The Pens gave up 3 PP goals to Montreal, the only stain on an otherwise good night.
The win, combined with Toronto's 5-1 loss to Washington, reduces the Pens magic number to clinch a playoff spot to 10 points with 11 games remaining. They again leapfrog Ottawa for the 4th spot in the east (Ottawa won on Thursday), and are again just four points behind the Devils, even in games. (The Devils also won last night, over Carolina) Their magic number to clinch 5th seed or better is 13 on the loss by Tampa.
The win, combined with Toronto's 5-1 loss to Washington, reduces the Pens magic number to clinch a playoff spot to 10 points with 11 games remaining. They again leapfrog Ottawa for the 4th spot in the east (Ottawa won on Thursday), and are again just four points behind the Devils, even in games. (The Devils also won last night, over Carolina) Their magic number to clinch 5th seed or better is 13 on the loss by Tampa.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Pens out-Devil the Devils, 3-0 to close within 4
The Pens shut-out the New Jersey Devils at the Continental 3-0 tonight, gaining two valuable points, closing the Atlantic Division gap to 4 points, and widening the gap on 9th place to 11 points. The win also reduced the Pens magic number to 13 points with 12 games remaining.
Jarkko Ruutu was the force of the night, scoring the first goal late in the second period off of a Sidney Crosby assist. He had an assist on the Pens 2nd goal midway through the third, feeding Erik Christensen for a 2-0 lead. Alain Nasreddine had the other assist, giving him a two-game point streak. Jordan Staal scored with a little more than 2 minutes to go from Evgeni Malkin and Michel Ouellet for the final margin.
With Ottawa off tonight, the Pens leapfrog them into the 4 slot in the standings for the first time in two weeks, and evens them up in number of games played at 70.
Jarkko Ruutu was the force of the night, scoring the first goal late in the second period off of a Sidney Crosby assist. He had an assist on the Pens 2nd goal midway through the third, feeding Erik Christensen for a 2-0 lead. Alain Nasreddine had the other assist, giving him a two-game point streak. Jordan Staal scored with a little more than 2 minutes to go from Evgeni Malkin and Michel Ouellet for the final margin.
With Ottawa off tonight, the Pens leapfrog them into the 4 slot in the standings for the first time in two weeks, and evens them up in number of games played at 70.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Fred Dalton Thompson for President
Fred Thompson is what the GOP field has been missing. It seems the two-plus years since his senate term ended have refreshed him, enough so that he is talking about running.
I am not enamored by most of the current crop - the McCains and Romneys of the world. I could perhaps live with Guiliani, but he would not be a first choice. I could vote for Newt, but he carries baggage that would prevent him getting the nomination. I cannot see myself ever voting for John McCain in the primary. I would grudgingly support them in the general election over the likes of Hillary, Obama or Edwards, but I would not be happy about it.
Fred Thompson is a different story. He is a conservative, and he is a communicator. In many ways, he is the closest thing we have to Reagan's abilities today. Sure he is an actor, and has played many famous roles, including currently as the DA on NBC's Law & Order, but he is also a Lawyer by trade.
Yesterday's appearance on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace exemplified his on-camera presence. He makes no secret where he stands - pro-life, anti-Roe, pro-Iraq war, pro-America.
I would support Fred Dalton Thompson for President. And I could vote FOR him.
I am not enamored by most of the current crop - the McCains and Romneys of the world. I could perhaps live with Guiliani, but he would not be a first choice. I could vote for Newt, but he carries baggage that would prevent him getting the nomination. I cannot see myself ever voting for John McCain in the primary. I would grudgingly support them in the general election over the likes of Hillary, Obama or Edwards, but I would not be happy about it.
Fred Thompson is a different story. He is a conservative, and he is a communicator. In many ways, he is the closest thing we have to Reagan's abilities today. Sure he is an actor, and has played many famous roles, including currently as the DA on NBC's Law & Order, but he is also a Lawyer by trade.
Yesterday's appearance on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace exemplified his on-camera presence. He makes no secret where he stands - pro-life, anti-Roe, pro-Iraq war, pro-America.
I would support Fred Dalton Thompson for President. And I could vote FOR him.
EDIT: Redstate commentary suggesting a draft Fred Thompson movement can be found here.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Pens beat Rangers in OT
The Penguins gave up a goal with 43 seconds left in the first, and another just 1:11 into the 2nd period to fall behind the Rangers 2-0, but stormed back on Powerplay goals by Evgeni Malkin (31st) and Sidney Crosby (28th) to tie the game at 2-2 just after 6 minutes in. The game would stay tied until the 1:19 mark of OT, when Colby Armstrong scored to win it for the Pens.
The win gives them 84 points on the season, reducing their magic number to 18 points. The extra point over the Rangers increases their lead on 9th place to 10 points with 14 games left.
Crosby's goal gave him 100 points on the season, 28 + 72, to become the youngest player to have two 100 point seasons, and the only one to do both before the age of 20.
The win gives them 84 points on the season, reducing their magic number to 18 points. The extra point over the Rangers increases their lead on 9th place to 10 points with 14 games left.
Crosby's goal gave him 100 points on the season, 28 + 72, to become the youngest player to have two 100 point seasons, and the only one to do both before the age of 20.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Pens tie, but lose in SO to Devils
The Pens twice tied the game in the third period, once on a shorthanded goal by Sergei Gonchar, and the 2nd time by an even-strength goal by Michel Ouellet. But it was not enough, and the teams went to a shootout. Brodeur stoned EC, Geno & Crosby, while Fluery stopped the first two, but could not stop Elias on NJ's third attempt, giving NJ the extra point. Elias skirted the rules of the shootout, stopping his forward motion toward the net, but just like the game itself, the Refs overlooked much of the rulebook in this game.
The SOL, combined by the Toronto loss, reduces the Pens magic number by 3 to 20 points with 15 games to go. Toronto now has the 9th most possible points at 101. With 102 being the points necessary to stay ahead without tiebreakers, and the Pens currently having 82 points, yields the magic number. It is not the current 9th place team that matters but the 9th most max points. (The Pens max points, for example, is 112 if they would win their remaining 15 games) It does help that the Pens are 9 points up on the current 8th, 9th and 10th place teams, and they play each of them before the end of the year.
The SOL, combined by the Toronto loss, reduces the Pens magic number by 3 to 20 points with 15 games to go. Toronto now has the 9th most possible points at 101. With 102 being the points necessary to stay ahead without tiebreakers, and the Pens currently having 82 points, yields the magic number. It is not the current 9th place team that matters but the 9th most max points. (The Pens max points, for example, is 112 if they would win their remaining 15 games) It does help that the Pens are 9 points up on the current 8th, 9th and 10th place teams, and they play each of them before the end of the year.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Pens stage unthinkable comeback, win @ Ottawa
The Pens led early, but trailed 3-1 after 1, and 4-1 early in the 2nd. They looked dead, but somewhere the message didn't get through that the game was lost. Starting by killing nearly 100 seconds of 5 on 3 Ottawa power-play, and several other powerplays in the period, they survived into the 2nd intermission still down only 4-1.
Ottawa had a powerplay that began in the 8th minute of the 3rd, when Evgeni Malkin went to the box. Jordan Staal must not have been listening, either, as he scored his 27th goal of the season, and his 7th shorthanded, in the 10th minute. Staal's record-breaking goal, that being shorthanded goals by a rookie, brought the Penguins to within 4-2.
Just under two minutes later, Gary Roberts scored off of an Erik Christensen feed to make it 4-3. And a mere 68 seconds later, Ryan Malone tied it at 4-4 from Jordan Staal and Georges Laraque. Tied it would remain, through overtime to a shootout, the 2nd straight for each team. Thibault made a save on Dany Heatley, Erik Christensen scored for the Pens, Thibault made a save on Vermette, Evgeni Malkin was stopped by Emery, Dean McAmmond scored for Ottawa, leaving it up to Sidney Crosby to win it. And win it he did, scoring in his 3rd straight shootout, and sealing two points for the Pens. They were once 1-5 in shootouts this season, and now they are 8-5 in such games. Christensen is 7 of 11, and is near automatic of late.
With the win, the Pens move to within 1 point of Ottawa for the 4th seed still with a game in hand, 81 points to 82, and are 8 points up over 8th and 9th place with 16 games left. Their magic number is 23 points. They play New Jersey at home on Thursday, before hosting the Rangers for an afternoon game Saturday.
Ottawa had a powerplay that began in the 8th minute of the 3rd, when Evgeni Malkin went to the box. Jordan Staal must not have been listening, either, as he scored his 27th goal of the season, and his 7th shorthanded, in the 10th minute. Staal's record-breaking goal, that being shorthanded goals by a rookie, brought the Penguins to within 4-2.
Just under two minutes later, Gary Roberts scored off of an Erik Christensen feed to make it 4-3. And a mere 68 seconds later, Ryan Malone tied it at 4-4 from Jordan Staal and Georges Laraque. Tied it would remain, through overtime to a shootout, the 2nd straight for each team. Thibault made a save on Dany Heatley, Erik Christensen scored for the Pens, Thibault made a save on Vermette, Evgeni Malkin was stopped by Emery, Dean McAmmond scored for Ottawa, leaving it up to Sidney Crosby to win it. And win it he did, scoring in his 3rd straight shootout, and sealing two points for the Pens. They were once 1-5 in shootouts this season, and now they are 8-5 in such games. Christensen is 7 of 11, and is near automatic of late.
With the win, the Pens move to within 1 point of Ottawa for the 4th seed still with a game in hand, 81 points to 82, and are 8 points up over 8th and 9th place with 16 games left. Their magic number is 23 points. They play New Jersey at home on Thursday, before hosting the Rangers for an afternoon game Saturday.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Pens sweep flyers in SO
The Penguins fell behind early 2-0, but stormed back to tie it twice. Gary Roberts, Michel Ouellet and Erik Christensen sparked the comeback. Roberts had a goal and an assist, while Christensen had two goals in regulation and added a third in the shootout. Fleury stopped the first two Philly shooters, and Sidney Crosby scored on his attempt to end it. The 2 points lowered the Pens magic number to 25 points with 34 possible points left for the Pens to gain on their own.
In other scores, Boston won at New Jersey, 4-1, keeping New Jersey only 8 points ahead of the Pens in the Atlantic Division race. 8th place Carolina also lost, improving the Pens lead on the 8th spot to 6 points, and to 7 points on Montreal.
In other scores, Boston won at New Jersey, 4-1, keeping New Jersey only 8 points ahead of the Pens in the Atlantic Division race. 8th place Carolina also lost, improving the Pens lead on the 8th spot to 6 points, and to 7 points on Montreal.
Magic number remains 27
The results of Saturday show the magic number still 27 for the Pens. Toronto, Tampa and Montreal all lost in regulation, meaning the magic number for the 7th seed is also 27.
Max Points
Sunday's eastern conference games are:
Max Points
- Buffalo 127
- New Jersey 121
- Ottawa 114
- Pittsburgh 113
- New York Islanders 109
- Tampa Bay 108
- Atlanta 108
- Carolina 103
- Toronto 103
- New York Rangers 103
- Boston 103
- Montreal 100
- Florida 99
- Washington 92
- Philadelphia 80
Sunday's eastern conference games are:
- Carolina @ Atlanta
- Ottawa @ Chicago
- Boston @ New Jersey
- Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh
Friday, March 02, 2007
Pens blow chance to gain ground on 9th
The Pens had a chance to put 8 points between themselves and 9th place Carolina tonight, but blew an early 1-0 lead, fell behind, tied it at 2-2, and allowed a goal midway through the third after several failed clearing attempts.
Sidney Crosby broke his goal drought with his 27th of the season, and his 200th point of his career, becoming the youngest player to that mark, besting Wayne Gretzky by near 5 months (140 days - 19 207 vs 19 347) with his 1st period goal, the assists coming from Jordan Staal and Robert Scuderi. The goal also broke the Pens 5-on-5 drought of 260+ minutes.
The Magic number remained at 28 with the loss, but a later result of Montreal losing pushed the Magic number down to 27, with the 9th most max points now being NYR, BOS & CAR at 103.
Next up: The Flyers visit Mellon Arena on Sunday for their 8th and final matchup with the Pens this year. The Pens are 7-0-0 this season, and have a chance to sweep the season series for the first time.
Sidney Crosby broke his goal drought with his 27th of the season, and his 200th point of his career, becoming the youngest player to that mark, besting Wayne Gretzky by near 5 months (140 days - 19 207 vs 19 347) with his 1st period goal, the assists coming from Jordan Staal and Robert Scuderi. The goal also broke the Pens 5-on-5 drought of 260+ minutes.
The Magic number remained at 28 with the loss, but a later result of Montreal losing pushed the Magic number down to 27, with the 9th most max points now being NYR, BOS & CAR at 103.
Next up: The Flyers visit Mellon Arena on Sunday for their 8th and final matchup with the Pens this year. The Pens are 7-0-0 this season, and have a chance to sweep the season series for the first time.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Pens earn hard-fought SO win @ NYR
The Pens lost defenceman Mark Eaton very early in the 1st period to a knee injury, but kept the Rangers off the board until late in the 2nd, allowing two goals late to trail 2-0 after 2. But the Pens stormed back to a tie on two shorthanded goals by Jordan Staal and Colby Armstrong in the first four minutes of the third. Pens went down again 3-2 on the same PP that Armstrong had scored during. It would be until the 14 minute mark when Sergei Gonchar would tie the game on a 7 second powerplay - he scored with 1 second remaining.
Overtime saw chances either way, with both goaltenders keeping it tied 3-3, sending it to a shootout. The Rangers went first, with Nylander, Jagr and Prucha their three shooters. Marc-Andre Fluery stopped them all. The Pens sent out Erik Christensen, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Henrik Lundqvist stopped EC and Geno, but could not stop Crosby.
Crosby was named #1 star, even though he was kept off the regular scoresheet. The Rangers kept Crosby from getting his 200th career point, but the Pens play at Carolina tomorrow night. Jordan Staal was named third star, his goal being his 26th on the season and 6th shorthanded, tying the league record for rookies in a season.
The two points reduces the magic number from 30 to 28.
Overtime saw chances either way, with both goaltenders keeping it tied 3-3, sending it to a shootout. The Rangers went first, with Nylander, Jagr and Prucha their three shooters. Marc-Andre Fluery stopped them all. The Pens sent out Erik Christensen, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Henrik Lundqvist stopped EC and Geno, but could not stop Crosby.
Crosby was named #1 star, even though he was kept off the regular scoresheet. The Rangers kept Crosby from getting his 200th career point, but the Pens play at Carolina tomorrow night. Jordan Staal was named third star, his goal being his 26th on the season and 6th shorthanded, tying the league record for rookies in a season.
The two points reduces the magic number from 30 to 28.
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