Although the Rangers scored first, the Pens tied midway through on a goal by Sergei Gonchar. The Rangers got a late powerplay goal on the first half of a double-minor to Gary Roberts, for high sticking and roughing, for a 2-1 Rangers lead after one. The Pens PK, which had been stellar the previous 5-6 games, allowed two goals this night, going back up 3-1 after two. Both teams would add a goal in the third, including Mark Recchi's 1st goal since opening night, but Lundqvist was stellar yet again, despite the Pens dominating play in the third.
Crosby extended his point streak to 15 games, extending his career long, and Malkin extended his to 9 games, including an 8 game assist streak.
Stats update, game 16 (Only Hall, Laraque & Talbot in plus territory, but Ruutu, Kennedy and Malone are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 16 9 15 24 -2 16
Malkin 16 5 17 22 -1 14
Gonchar 16 3 11 14 -4 22
Sykora 16 7 5 12 -6 6
Talbot 16 4 4 8 +3 10
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 16 2 5 7 -2 8
Roberts 15 1 6 7 -4 8
Malone 16 4 3 7 E 21
Hall 15 2 3 5 +1 9
Christensen 14 2 1 3 -6 2
Orpik 16 0 3 3 -3 4
Staal 16 1 1 2 -6 9
Laraque 8 0 2 2 +1 7
Armstrong 13 1 0 1 -5 4
Kennedy 6 1 0 1 E 2
Scuderi 16 0 1 1 -1 4
Sydor 16 0 1 1 -5 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Eaton 16 0 1 1 -1 2
Nasreddine 4 0 0 0 -2 2
Fleury 11 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 8 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The loss dropped the Pens record to 7-8-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 4th in the Atlantic Division, still three points behind the Flyers, and only 1 point ahead of the Devils.
Showing posts with label Hockey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hockey. Show all posts
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Pens fall to Flyers 3-1
The Flyers scored 28 seconds into the first, and made it 2-0 about five minutes in en route to a 3-1 win over the Penguins. Ryan Malone redirected a Sidney Crosby shot into the net in the last minute of the first period to close within 2-1 on a delayed penalty call against the Flyers, but that was all the Pens sniffed, as goaltender Marty Biron was on his game. All four goals scored in the game featured the Pens top line of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Malone on the ice, leaving the trio each -2 for the night.
Crosby extended his point streak to 14 games, extending his career long, but the team's power-play goal scored streak ended 14 games.
Stats update, game 15 (Only Hall, Laraque & Talbot in plus territory, but Ruutu, Kennedy and Malone are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 15 9 14 23 -2 16
Malkin 15 5 16 21 -1 14
Gonchar 15 2 10 12 -4 20
Sykora 15 7 5 12 -5 6
Talbot 15 4 4 8 +3 8
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 15 1 5 6 -2 8
Roberts 14 1 5 6 -4 2
Malone 15 4 3 7 E 19
Hall 14 2 3 5 +1 9
Christensen 13 2 1 3 -6 2
Orpik 15 0 3 3 -3 4
Staal 15 1 1 2 -5 9
Laraque 7 0 2 2 +1 7
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Kennedy 6 1 0 1 E 2
Scuderi 15 0 1 1 -1 4
Sydor 15 0 1 1 -4 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Eaton 15 0 1 1 -1 2
Nasreddine 3 0 0 0 -1 2
Fleury 10 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 8 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The loss dropped the Pens record to 7-7-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 3rd in the Atlantic Division, now three points behind the Flyers.
Crosby extended his point streak to 14 games, extending his career long, but the team's power-play goal scored streak ended 14 games.
Stats update, game 15 (Only Hall, Laraque & Talbot in plus territory, but Ruutu, Kennedy and Malone are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 15 9 14 23 -2 16
Malkin 15 5 16 21 -1 14
Gonchar 15 2 10 12 -4 20
Sykora 15 7 5 12 -5 6
Talbot 15 4 4 8 +3 8
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 15 1 5 6 -2 8
Roberts 14 1 5 6 -4 2
Malone 15 4 3 7 E 19
Hall 14 2 3 5 +1 9
Christensen 13 2 1 3 -6 2
Orpik 15 0 3 3 -3 4
Staal 15 1 1 2 -5 9
Laraque 7 0 2 2 +1 7
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Kennedy 6 1 0 1 E 2
Scuderi 15 0 1 1 -1 4
Sydor 15 0 1 1 -4 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Eaton 15 0 1 1 -1 2
Nasreddine 3 0 0 0 -1 2
Fleury 10 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 8 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The loss dropped the Pens record to 7-7-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 3rd in the Atlantic Division, now three points behind the Flyers.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Pens beat Devils 5-0, Sabourin gets 1st career shutout
Sidney Crosby scored a power-play tally in the 1st, and Adam Hall had a deflection off of a Brooks Orpik shot to go up 2-0 after one. Petr Sykora and Erik Christensen added tallies in the 2nd to go up 4-0 after two periods.
Crosby extended his point streak to 13 games, extending his career long, and the team extended its power-play goal scored streak to 14 games. (At least one PPG for in each game this season - NHL record is apparently 21 games).
Stats update, game 14 (Only Hall, Laraque, Malkin, Malone & Talbot in plus territory, but Ruutu, Kennedy, Scuderi, Nasreddine and Crosby are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 14 9 13 22 E 16
Malkin 14 5 15 20 +1 14
Gonchar 14 2 10 12 -3 20
Sykora 14 7 5 12 -5 6
Talbot 14 4 4 8 +3 8
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 14 1 5 6 -2 8
Roberts 13 1 5 6 -4 2
Malone 14 3 3 6 +2 19
Hall 13 2 3 5 +1 9
Christensen 12 2 1 3 -6 2
Orpik 14 0 3 3 -2 4
Staal 14 1 1 2 -5 9
Laraque 6 0 2 2 +1 7
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Kennedy 5 1 0 1 E 2
Scuderi 14 0 1 1 E 4
Sydor 14 0 1 1 -4 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Eaton 14 0 1 1 -1 2
Nasreddine 2 0 0 0 E 2
Fleury 10 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 7 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The win improved the Pens record to 7-6-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 2nd in the Atlantic Division, one point behind the Flyers.
Crosby extended his point streak to 13 games, extending his career long, and the team extended its power-play goal scored streak to 14 games. (At least one PPG for in each game this season - NHL record is apparently 21 games).
Stats update, game 14 (Only Hall, Laraque, Malkin, Malone & Talbot in plus territory, but Ruutu, Kennedy, Scuderi, Nasreddine and Crosby are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 14 9 13 22 E 16
Malkin 14 5 15 20 +1 14
Gonchar 14 2 10 12 -3 20
Sykora 14 7 5 12 -5 6
Talbot 14 4 4 8 +3 8
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 14 1 5 6 -2 8
Roberts 13 1 5 6 -4 2
Malone 14 3 3 6 +2 19
Hall 13 2 3 5 +1 9
Christensen 12 2 1 3 -6 2
Orpik 14 0 3 3 -2 4
Staal 14 1 1 2 -5 9
Laraque 6 0 2 2 +1 7
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Kennedy 5 1 0 1 E 2
Scuderi 14 0 1 1 E 4
Sydor 14 0 1 1 -4 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Eaton 14 0 1 1 -1 2
Nasreddine 2 0 0 0 E 2
Fleury 10 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 7 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The win improved the Pens record to 7-6-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 2nd in the Atlantic Division, one point behind the Flyers.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Pens blow 2nd 2-0 lead in a row, lose to Isles 3-2
Ryan Malone scored a power-play tally in the 1st, and Tyler Kennedy scored is first career goal 1:48 into the 2nd period, but it would not be enough, as the Pens allowed a goal midway through the 2nd, and two more in the third as the Pens dropped a 3-2 contest at the Islanders.
Crosby extended his point streak to 12 games, extending his career long, and the team extended its power-play goal scored streak to 13 games. (At least one PPG for in each game this season - NHL record is apparently 21 games - it was errantly reported here as 14 in last game's summary). The Pens went 1 for 2 on the night, but got few chances compared to the 6 the Islanders got.
Kennedy's goal required a video review near two minutes later at the next whistle, as the referee initially waved it off thinking it hit the crossbar. His goal secured points for all position players except for Alain Nasreddine, who played his first game of the season tonight.
Stats update, game 13 (Only Malone & Talbot in plus territory, but Ruutu, Kennedy & Hall are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 13 7 13 20 -2 16
Malkin 13 5 14 19 -1 14
Gonchar 13 2 9 11 -4 18
Sykora 13 6 4 10 -6 6
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 13 1 5 6 -2 8
Roberts 12 1 5 6 -4 2
Talbot 13 4 2 6 +1 6
Malone 13 3 3 6 +1 19
Hall 12 1 3 4 E 9
Staal 13 1 1 2 -5 9
Christensen 11 1 1 2 -7 0
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Kennedy 4 1 0 1 E 2
Laraque 5 0 1 1 -1 5
Scuderi 13 0 1 1 -1 4
Sydor 13 0 1 1 -5 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Orpik 13 0 1 1 -6 4
Eaton 13 0 1 1 -1 2
Nasreddine 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Fleury 10 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 6 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The loss dropped the Pens record to 6-6-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 2nd in the Atlantic Division, one point behind the Flyers.
Crosby extended his point streak to 12 games, extending his career long, and the team extended its power-play goal scored streak to 13 games. (At least one PPG for in each game this season - NHL record is apparently 21 games - it was errantly reported here as 14 in last game's summary). The Pens went 1 for 2 on the night, but got few chances compared to the 6 the Islanders got.
Kennedy's goal required a video review near two minutes later at the next whistle, as the referee initially waved it off thinking it hit the crossbar. His goal secured points for all position players except for Alain Nasreddine, who played his first game of the season tonight.
Stats update, game 13 (Only Malone & Talbot in plus territory, but Ruutu, Kennedy & Hall are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 13 7 13 20 -2 16
Malkin 13 5 14 19 -1 14
Gonchar 13 2 9 11 -4 18
Sykora 13 6 4 10 -6 6
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 13 1 5 6 -2 8
Roberts 12 1 5 6 -4 2
Talbot 13 4 2 6 +1 6
Malone 13 3 3 6 +1 19
Hall 12 1 3 4 E 9
Staal 13 1 1 2 -5 9
Christensen 11 1 1 2 -7 0
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Kennedy 4 1 0 1 E 2
Laraque 5 0 1 1 -1 5
Scuderi 13 0 1 1 -1 4
Sydor 13 0 1 1 -5 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Orpik 13 0 1 1 -6 4
Eaton 13 0 1 1 -1 2
Nasreddine 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Fleury 10 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 6 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The loss dropped the Pens record to 6-6-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 2nd in the Atlantic Division, one point behind the Flyers.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Pens blow 2-0 lead @ Colorado, lose 3-2
Crosby had two goals as the Pens stormed out to a 2-0 lead after 1, but surrendered 3 goals in a span of 3:30 in midway through the 2nd, as the Pens dropped a 3-2 contest at Colorado.
Crosby extended his point streak to 11 games, besting his career long, and the team extended its power-play goal scored streak to 12 games. (At least one PPG for in each game this season - NHL record is apparently 14 games)
Stats update, game 11 (Only Malone, Talbot, & Hall in plus territory, but Ruutu, Laraque, Kennedy & Scuderi are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 12 7 12 19 -2 12
Malkin 11 5 13 18 -1 10
Sykora 12 6 4 10 -5 6
Gonchar 12 2 9 11 -3 18
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 12 1 5 6 -1 8
Roberts 11 1 4 5 -4 2
Talbot 12 4 1 5 +1 6
Malone 12 2 3 5 +1 17
Hall 11 1 3 4 +1 9
Staal 12 1 1 2 -4 9
Christensen 10 1 1 2 -6 0
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Laraque 4 0 1 1 E 5
Scuderi 12 0 1 1 E 4
Sydor 12 0 1 1 -4 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Orpik 12 0 1 1 -6 4
Eaton 12 0 1 1 -1 2
Kennedy 3 0 0 0 E 2
Fleury 9 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 6 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The loss dropped the Pens record to 6-5-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 2nd in the Atlantic Division, one point behind the Flyers.
Crosby extended his point streak to 11 games, besting his career long, and the team extended its power-play goal scored streak to 12 games. (At least one PPG for in each game this season - NHL record is apparently 14 games)
Stats update, game 11 (Only Malone, Talbot, & Hall in plus territory, but Ruutu, Laraque, Kennedy & Scuderi are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 12 7 12 19 -2 12
Malkin 11 5 13 18 -1 10
Sykora 12 6 4 10 -5 6
Gonchar 12 2 9 11 -3 18
Whitney 12 3 3 6 -3 2
Recchi 12 1 5 6 -1 8
Roberts 11 1 4 5 -4 2
Talbot 12 4 1 5 +1 6
Malone 12 2 3 5 +1 17
Hall 11 1 3 4 +1 9
Staal 12 1 1 2 -4 9
Christensen 10 1 1 2 -6 0
Armstrong 12 1 0 1 -4 2
Laraque 4 0 1 1 E 5
Scuderi 12 0 1 1 E 4
Sydor 12 0 1 1 -4 4
Ruutu 9 0 1 1 E 10
Orpik 12 0 1 1 -6 4
Eaton 12 0 1 1 -1 2
Kennedy 3 0 0 0 E 2
Fleury 9 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 6 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The loss dropped the Pens record to 6-5-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and leaves them 2nd in the Atlantic Division, one point behind the Flyers.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Pens beat wild, 4-2
Crosby had a four-point night, while Malkin added two goals and an assist in a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. It was a strong peformance by the line of Crosby-Malkin-Malone, netting three even strength goals, while the Pens added a power-play goal in their lone opportunity to do so, while killing off the two opportunities the Wild had. Crosby extended his point streak to 10 games, tying his career long, and the team extended its power-play goal scored streak to 11 games. (At least one PPG for in each game this season)
Stats update, game 11 (Only Malone, Talbot, Hall, & Scuderi in plus territory, but Malkin, Ruutu, Laraque and Kennedy are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Malkin 11 5 12 17 E 10
Crosby 11 5 12 17 -2 10
Sykora 11 6 4 10 -5 6
Gonchar 11 2 7 9 -4 18
Whitney 11 3 3 6 -2 2
Recchi 11 1 5 6 -1 8
Roberts 10 1 4 5 -4 2
Talbot 11 4 1 5 +1 6
Malone 11 2 3 5 +2 17
Hall 10 1 3 4 +2 9
Staal 11 1 1 2 -4 7
Christensen 10 1 1 2 -6 0
Armstrong 11 1 0 1 -4 2
Laraque 4 0 1 1 E 5
Scuderi 11 0 1 1 +1 4
Sydor 11 0 1 1 -3 4
Ruutu 8 0 1 1 E 10
Orpik 11 0 1 1 -5 4
Kennedy 2 0 0 0 E 2
Eaton 11 0 0 0 -2 0
Fleury 9 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 5 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The win improved the Pens record to 6-4-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and ensured they finished October above .500 for the month, finishing with 13 points in 11 games. Crosby and Malkin each have 17 points on the season, good for 4th on the league list with a game or two in hand on those in front of them. Zetterberg of Detroit leads with 22 in 13 games.
Stats update, game 11 (Only Malone, Talbot, Hall, & Scuderi in plus territory, but Malkin, Ruutu, Laraque and Kennedy are now Even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Malkin 11 5 12 17 E 10
Crosby 11 5 12 17 -2 10
Sykora 11 6 4 10 -5 6
Gonchar 11 2 7 9 -4 18
Whitney 11 3 3 6 -2 2
Recchi 11 1 5 6 -1 8
Roberts 10 1 4 5 -4 2
Talbot 11 4 1 5 +1 6
Malone 11 2 3 5 +2 17
Hall 10 1 3 4 +2 9
Staal 11 1 1 2 -4 7
Christensen 10 1 1 2 -6 0
Armstrong 11 1 0 1 -4 2
Laraque 4 0 1 1 E 5
Scuderi 11 0 1 1 +1 4
Sydor 11 0 1 1 -3 4
Ruutu 8 0 1 1 E 10
Orpik 11 0 1 1 -5 4
Kennedy 2 0 0 0 E 2
Eaton 11 0 0 0 -2 0
Fleury 9 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 5 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered. As of October 31, 2007, this error has still not been corrected.
The win improved the Pens record to 6-4-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) on the season, and ensured they finished October above .500 for the month, finishing with 13 points in 11 games. Crosby and Malkin each have 17 points on the season, good for 4th on the league list with a game or two in hand on those in front of them. Zetterberg of Detroit leads with 22 in 13 games.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Pens shut out Rangers 1-0
Marc-Andre Fleury of the Penguins pitched his first shutout of the season, 1-0, over the visiting Rangers in the first of eight meetings this season. The Pens lone goal came on the powerplay in the 2nd, by Evgeni Malkin off of a sick pass from Ryan Whitney (Note to Versus: his name is not Brian), following a cross-ice pass from Sidney Crosby. That would be all they would need this night as they shut down Jaromir Jagr once again. Fleury stopped 36 shots, and was named number 1 star.
Stats update, game 8 (Only Talbot, Hall, Scuderi & Ruutu in plus territory)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 8 2 8 10 -4 6
Malkin 8 3 6 9 -3 4
Sykora 8 4 3 7 -1 8
Gonchar 8 1 5 6 -4 12
Roberts 8 1 4 5 -1 2
Talbot 8 4 1 5 +2 2
Recchi 8 1 4 5 -1 8
Whitney 8 2 2 4 -4 2
Hall 7 1 2 3 +2 0
Malone 8 2 1 3 E 15
Staal 8 1 1 2 -3 0
Christensen 7 1 1 2 -1 0
Armstrong 8 1 0 1 -2 2
Laraque 4 0 1 1 E 5
Scuderi 8 0 1 1 +1 2
Sydor 8 0 1 1 -1 4
Ruutu 6 0 1 1 +1 8
Orpik 8 0 1 1 -2 4
Eaton 8 0 0 0 E 0
Fleury 7 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 3 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered.
The win was the Pens third straight, and improved the Pens record to 5-3-0-0 for 10 points, and dropped the Rangers to 2-5-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL)
Stats update, game 8 (Only Talbot, Hall, Scuderi & Ruutu in plus territory)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Crosby 8 2 8 10 -4 6
Malkin 8 3 6 9 -3 4
Sykora 8 4 3 7 -1 8
Gonchar 8 1 5 6 -4 12
Roberts 8 1 4 5 -1 2
Talbot 8 4 1 5 +2 2
Recchi 8 1 4 5 -1 8
Whitney 8 2 2 4 -4 2
Hall 7 1 2 3 +2 0
Malone 8 2 1 3 E 15
Staal 8 1 1 2 -3 0
Christensen 7 1 1 2 -1 0
Armstrong 8 1 0 1 -2 2
Laraque 4 0 1 1 E 5
Scuderi 8 0 1 1 +1 2
Sydor 8 0 1 1 -1 4
Ruutu 6 0 1 1 +1 8
Orpik 8 0 1 1 -2 4
Eaton 8 0 0 0 E 0
Fleury 7 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 3 0 0 0 -- 0
It should be noted that the stats above reflect the correct scoring from the first Toronto game, where Recchi was given a phantom assist at the expense of Malkin. This scoring change was made after the game, and the official NHL stats have not been corrected. Emails to the NHL and ESPN.com that same night have not been answered.
The win was the Pens third straight, and improved the Pens record to 5-3-0-0 for 10 points, and dropped the Rangers to 2-5-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Pens storm back from 3-1 deficit at Leafs, win 6-4
Although the Pens scored first, they found themselves down to the Maple Leafs 3-1 before they stormed back in the 2nd period to take a 4-3 lead, and added two more in the third period en route to a 6-4 win at the Air Canada Centre. The goals were from Erik Christensen (1st), Sidney Crosby (1st-2nd), Maxime Talbot (2nd-3rd) and Ryan Malone (2nd). Adam Hall and Evgeni Malkin each had two assists, while Sergei Gonchar, Darryl Sydor, Petr Sykora, Jordan Staal and Gary Roberts.
The NHL game stats inexplicably have credited Mark Recchi with the 2nd assist on the 5th Penguins goal, when the play went from Sidney Crosby to Evgeni Malkin, to Darryl Sydor, who shot it on goal, with Crosby with the tap in for the goal. While Recchi was on the ice, and was stationed in front of the net, he did not touch the puck, and even if he did, he would have had to have been the primary assist, not the 2nd assist. The NHL page took more than an hour after final buzzer to be marked "Final"; the play was originally correctly credited to Malkin, to which TSN followed for most of the night. But ESPN went with Recchi initially, and TSN later followed suit to the NHL page. Emails noting the error to NHL.com and ESPN.com have not been returned. At least the Penguins official recap by Joe Sager correctly has the assist assigned to Malkin.
Stats update, game 4 (Only Malone, Talbot & Hall in plus territory, at +1)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Malkin 4 1 5 6 E 4
Sykora 4 2 2 4 E 0
Crosby 4 2 2 4 -3 4
Talbot 4 3 0 3 +1 2
Recchi 4 1 2 3 -1 2
Roberts 4 0 3 3 -2 0
Malone 4 2 0 2 +1 6
Christensen 4 1 1 2 -1 0
Hall 3 0 2 2 +1 0
Gonchar 4 0 2 2 -2 4
Armstrong 4 1 0 1 -2 2
Whitney 4 1 0 1 -2 2
Laraque 3 0 1 1 E 0
Scuderi 4 0 1 1 E 2
Staal 4 0 1 1 -1 0
Sydor 4 0 1 1 E 2
Orpik 4 0 0 0 E 2
Ruutu 2 0 0 0 E 2
Eaton 4 0 0 0 E 0
Fleury 4 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 2 0 0 0 -- 0
The startling stats of the game: The Pens won 57% of the faceoffs, and the Pens had 52 shots.
The NHL game stats inexplicably have credited Mark Recchi with the 2nd assist on the 5th Penguins goal, when the play went from Sidney Crosby to Evgeni Malkin, to Darryl Sydor, who shot it on goal, with Crosby with the tap in for the goal. While Recchi was on the ice, and was stationed in front of the net, he did not touch the puck, and even if he did, he would have had to have been the primary assist, not the 2nd assist. The NHL page took more than an hour after final buzzer to be marked "Final"; the play was originally correctly credited to Malkin, to which TSN followed for most of the night. But ESPN went with Recchi initially, and TSN later followed suit to the NHL page. Emails noting the error to NHL.com and ESPN.com have not been returned. At least the Penguins official recap by Joe Sager correctly has the assist assigned to Malkin.
Stats update, game 4 (Only Malone, Talbot & Hall in plus territory, at +1)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Malkin 4 1 5 6 E 4
Sykora 4 2 2 4 E 0
Crosby 4 2 2 4 -3 4
Talbot 4 3 0 3 +1 2
Recchi 4 1 2 3 -1 2
Roberts 4 0 3 3 -2 0
Malone 4 2 0 2 +1 6
Christensen 4 1 1 2 -1 0
Hall 3 0 2 2 +1 0
Gonchar 4 0 2 2 -2 4
Armstrong 4 1 0 1 -2 2
Whitney 4 1 0 1 -2 2
Laraque 3 0 1 1 E 0
Scuderi 4 0 1 1 E 2
Staal 4 0 1 1 -1 0
Sydor 4 0 1 1 E 2
Orpik 4 0 0 0 E 2
Ruutu 2 0 0 0 E 2
Eaton 4 0 0 0 E 0
Fleury 4 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 2 0 0 0 -- 0
The startling stats of the game: The Pens won 57% of the faceoffs, and the Pens had 52 shots.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Pens win home opener over Ducks, 5-4
The Pens rebounded from their season opening loss at Carolina by defeating the defending Cup Champ Anaheim Ducks tonight by a score of 5-4. The Pens had goals by Petr Sykora (2), Colby Armstrong, Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Malone. Gary Roberts had two assists, and Malkin, Sykora, Sidney Crosby, Georges Laraque, Robert Scuderi and Erik Christensen each had assists.
Anaheim came out strong, and scored the first goal on an early power play. The Pens would return the favor, with the 2nd unit scoring on the powerplay. The game would be tied at 1 at the first break. Anaheim would score early in the 2nd to take a 2-1 lead, but Armstrong and Malkin scored 20 seconds apart to put the Pens up 3-2 just over 4 minutes in, a score that would hold up at the 2nd break. A little over 6 minutes into the third, Anaheim tied it at 3, where it would remain for 7 minutes until Sykora and Malone scored 19 seconds apart to put the Pens up 5-3. Anaheim would score with 22 seconds left to pull within one while their goaltender was pulled, but it was too little too late, with the Pens winning 5-4.
Stats update, game 2 (several minus players after game 1 broke even; only Sykora is in plus territory after 2 games)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Sykora 2 2 1 3 +1 0
Malkin 2 1 2 3 E 2
Roberts 2 0 2 2 -1 0
Armstrong 2 1 0 1 E 0
Recchi 2 1 0 1 -1 2
Malone 2 1 0 1 E 6
Gonchar 2 0 1 1 -2 4
Crosby 2 0 1 1 -2 2
Laraque 2 0 1 1 E 0
Christensen 2 0 1 1 E 0
Scuderi 2 0 1 1 -1 0
Orpik 2 0 0 0 E 0
Ruutu 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Talbot 2 0 0 0 -1 0
Whitney 2 0 0 0 E 0
Staal 2 0 0 0 -1 0
Sydor 2 0 0 0 E 0
Eaton 2 0 0 0 -1 0
Hall 1 0 0 0 E 0
Fleury 2 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 1 0 0 0 -- 0
The Pens next play on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at home vs. the Montreal Canadiens. Crosby will attempt to increase the pace of his slow start, with only one assist to show for two games.
Anaheim came out strong, and scored the first goal on an early power play. The Pens would return the favor, with the 2nd unit scoring on the powerplay. The game would be tied at 1 at the first break. Anaheim would score early in the 2nd to take a 2-1 lead, but Armstrong and Malkin scored 20 seconds apart to put the Pens up 3-2 just over 4 minutes in, a score that would hold up at the 2nd break. A little over 6 minutes into the third, Anaheim tied it at 3, where it would remain for 7 minutes until Sykora and Malone scored 19 seconds apart to put the Pens up 5-3. Anaheim would score with 22 seconds left to pull within one while their goaltender was pulled, but it was too little too late, with the Pens winning 5-4.
Stats update, game 2 (several minus players after game 1 broke even; only Sykora is in plus territory after 2 games)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Sykora 2 2 1 3 +1 0
Malkin 2 1 2 3 E 2
Roberts 2 0 2 2 -1 0
Armstrong 2 1 0 1 E 0
Recchi 2 1 0 1 -1 2
Malone 2 1 0 1 E 6
Gonchar 2 0 1 1 -2 4
Crosby 2 0 1 1 -2 2
Laraque 2 0 1 1 E 0
Christensen 2 0 1 1 E 0
Scuderi 2 0 1 1 -1 0
Orpik 2 0 0 0 E 0
Ruutu 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Talbot 2 0 0 0 -1 0
Whitney 2 0 0 0 E 0
Staal 2 0 0 0 -1 0
Sydor 2 0 0 0 E 0
Eaton 2 0 0 0 -1 0
Hall 1 0 0 0 E 0
Fleury 2 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 1 0 0 0 -- 0
The Pens next play on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at home vs. the Montreal Canadiens. Crosby will attempt to increase the pace of his slow start, with only one assist to show for two games.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Pens lose season opener
The Pens opened the 2007-2008 season with two poor periods, falling behind 4-0 by the 2nd intermission. Only a late powerplay goal by Mark Recchi avoided the shutout, with the final score 4-1. Carolina had lost their opener on Wednesday to Montreal, and they clearly seemed to want it more. Cam Ward was sensational in goal - continuing the theory that the Pens seem to find a hot goaltender more often than most teams.
Stats update, game 1 (most minus, a few even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Recchi 1 1 0 1 -1 0
Malkin 1 0 1 1 -1 0
Gonchar 1 0 1 1 -1 2
Crosby 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Orpik 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Ruutu 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Laraque 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Talbot 1 0 0 0 E 0
Armstrong 1 0 0 0 E 0
Whitney 1 0 0 0 E 0
Sykora 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Christensen 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Malone 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Staal 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Roberts 1 0 0 0 E 0
Sydor 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Scuderi 1 0 0 0 -2 0
Eaton 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Fleury 1 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 1 0 0 0 -- 0
The Pens return home tomorrow to face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks, fresh off a loss to Columbus tonight.
Stats update, game 1 (most minus, a few even)
Name GP G A P +- PIM
Recchi 1 1 0 1 -1 0
Malkin 1 0 1 1 -1 0
Gonchar 1 0 1 1 -1 2
Crosby 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Orpik 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Ruutu 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Laraque 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Talbot 1 0 0 0 E 0
Armstrong 1 0 0 0 E 0
Whitney 1 0 0 0 E 0
Sykora 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Christensen 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Malone 1 0 0 0 -1 2
Staal 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Roberts 1 0 0 0 E 0
Sydor 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Scuderi 1 0 0 0 -2 0
Eaton 1 0 0 0 -1 0
Fleury 1 0 0 0 -- 0
Sabourin 1 0 0 0 -- 0
The Pens return home tomorrow to face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks, fresh off a loss to Columbus tonight.
Monday, April 16, 2007
First round ruminations, OTT/PIT
After three games, the Pens are down 2 games to 1 to the Sens. The Officiating has stayed as bad as the regular season, even worse at times. Through three games, Sidney Crosby has three goals and two assists, but has had two goals disallowed on top of that. One would have closed game 1's deficit to 4-2 early in the third, and the Pens later scored twice more. In Game three, it would have tied the game - only to have been blown dead on a whistle just before the puck crossed the line due to a roughing scrum in the neutral zone. Instead of tied 2-2, Ottawa scores shortly thereafter to go up 3-1, and all but clinch the game.
One wonders why Kerry Fraser is sitting out these playoffs, as one of the most senior referees. He could do no worse than the inconsistent product that is being trotted out - and it cuts both ways. Serious infractions such as high sticks, punches to faces, blatant interference and boarding go uncalled, while ticky-tack hooks and holds are being called (at times). And by in large the poor calling is across the board, but players don't know what will be called and what won't.
For Pittsburgh, it means they have to win 3 out of 4, and win a second game on Ottawa ice while holding serve at home. Not impossible - but it is near critical they win Game 4 on Tuesday to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Then it becomes a best two out of three.
One wonders why Kerry Fraser is sitting out these playoffs, as one of the most senior referees. He could do no worse than the inconsistent product that is being trotted out - and it cuts both ways. Serious infractions such as high sticks, punches to faces, blatant interference and boarding go uncalled, while ticky-tack hooks and holds are being called (at times). And by in large the poor calling is across the board, but players don't know what will be called and what won't.
For Pittsburgh, it means they have to win 3 out of 4, and win a second game on Ottawa ice while holding serve at home. Not impossible - but it is near critical they win Game 4 on Tuesday to tie the series at 2 games apiece. Then it becomes a best two out of three.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Pens close out season with a 2-1 win over Rags
It looked early on that the game might mean the difference for home ice in the first round, but that was crushed by a huge Ottawa burst vs Boston. The Pens held on for a 2-1 win, giving up the goal just under 2 minutes into the third. The Pens scored on two powerplay goals in the 2nd, Roberts from Crosby and Gonchar 53 seconds into the period, and Recchi from Crosby and Christensen at 15:54.
The two assists gave Crosby 120 points on the season, finishing with 36-84-120, 18 more points than last year but 3 fewer goals. His closest chaser, San Jose's Joe Thornton, had three points today to reach 114, but it was also his last game of the year. Crosby took the lead four months ago in a 6-point night vs the Flyers, and has never looked back. For a while, it looked like he might get 140, but the stretch games where they all got tighter, and the obstruction crackdown ebbed, Crosby battled through it. He becomes the youngest to win the scoring title, and the 12th time a Penguin has won the Art Ross Award as the league's leading scorer. The previous 11 were split between Jaromir Jagr (5 - 95, 98, 99, 00, 01) and Mario Lemiuex (6 - 88, 89, 92, 93, 96, 97), with a run of 7 straight between 95 and 01 between the two. The 12th Art Ross extends the Penguins lead over the Montreal Canadiens (9) for most Art Ross trophies won since its inception in 1948. (It should be noted that a Montreal player led the league 7 other times prior to its inception, and its last winner was Guy Lafleur in 76-77-78, 10 years before the Pens first trophy) The Pens had 11 in 14 years, and now have 12 in 20, perhaps the first of many for young Sidney Crosby.
It was disappointing that Jordan Staal did not get goal number 30 - it would have marked the first time that three players under 21 would have had 30+. As for the team awards before the game:
The two assists gave Crosby 120 points on the season, finishing with 36-84-120, 18 more points than last year but 3 fewer goals. His closest chaser, San Jose's Joe Thornton, had three points today to reach 114, but it was also his last game of the year. Crosby took the lead four months ago in a 6-point night vs the Flyers, and has never looked back. For a while, it looked like he might get 140, but the stretch games where they all got tighter, and the obstruction crackdown ebbed, Crosby battled through it. He becomes the youngest to win the scoring title, and the 12th time a Penguin has won the Art Ross Award as the league's leading scorer. The previous 11 were split between Jaromir Jagr (5 - 95, 98, 99, 00, 01) and Mario Lemiuex (6 - 88, 89, 92, 93, 96, 97), with a run of 7 straight between 95 and 01 between the two. The 12th Art Ross extends the Penguins lead over the Montreal Canadiens (9) for most Art Ross trophies won since its inception in 1948. (It should be noted that a Montreal player led the league 7 other times prior to its inception, and its last winner was Guy Lafleur in 76-77-78, 10 years before the Pens first trophy) The Pens had 11 in 14 years, and now have 12 in 20, perhaps the first of many for young Sidney Crosby.
It was disappointing that Jordan Staal did not get goal number 30 - it would have marked the first time that three players under 21 would have had 30+. As for the team awards before the game:
- Baz Bastien Good Guy award: entire team for press cooperation (Presented to 20,29 on behalf of team)
- Masterton Nominee: 32 Alain Nasreddine
- Caggiano Award: 87 Sidney Crosby
- Edward J. DeBartolo Award: 8 Mark Recchi
- Briere Rookie of the Year Award: tie: 71 Evgeni Malkin and 11 Jordan Staal
- Player's Player Award: 8 Mark Recchi
- MVP (overall contribution to team): 87 Sidney Crosby
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Maxime Talbot scores winner over Ottawa with 9.8 seconds left
The improbable even-strength goal (the only one of the night, coming 4 on 4) by Maxime Talbot with 9.8 seconds left in Regulation propelled the Pens to a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, leaving both teams tied at 103 in the standings with one game left each. Earlier in the evening, New Jersey had beaten Philadelphia to clinch the Atlantic Division title and 2 seed. That leaves the Pens and Senators locked into a first round playoff matchup, with the only question left as to which team will have home ice.
Aside from Talbot's winner, all of the other goals were on the powerplay, two for each team. Ottawa scored first, the Pens got two during a major penalty to Ottawa's Jason Spezza for elbowing Jarkko Ruutu to take a 2-1 lead into the 1st intermission. Ottawa scored during the last seconds of a 5 on 3, after a delay of game call against Rob Scuderi, combined with an unusual 6 minutes assessed to Joe Melichar, two for crosschecking and 4 for high-sticking. The Pens would go on to kill the rest of Joe's penalties.
Aside from Talbot's winner, all of the other goals were on the powerplay, two for each team. Ottawa scored first, the Pens got two during a major penalty to Ottawa's Jason Spezza for elbowing Jarkko Ruutu to take a 2-1 lead into the 1st intermission. Ottawa scored during the last seconds of a 5 on 3, after a delay of game call against Rob Scuderi, combined with an unusual 6 minutes assessed to Joe Melichar, two for crosschecking and 4 for high-sticking. The Pens would go on to kill the rest of Joe's penalties.
Scoring Race with 2 games to go
Scoring race with two games left:
Rookie Race:
Crosby: 117
Thornton: 109
Lecavalier: 107
Heatley 101
St Louis 101
Hossa 97
Briere 95
Sakic 95
Jagr 94
Savard 93
Ovechkin 92 *one game left
Selanne 91
Iginla 91
Datsuk 86
Jokinen 86
Malkin 85 (rookie leader)
Rookie Race:
Malkin 85 (leads in goals, assists and points)
Stastny 73 (3 games left)
Kopitar 59
Wolski 48
Penner 44
Staal 42 (leads in SHGs with 7 - a rookie record for a single season)
Zajac 42
Carle 41
Radulov 36
Clowe 34
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Another night temporarily in 2nd seed
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.
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.
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.
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