The Penguins have a few needs heading into the playoffs; Evgeni Malkin dominating isn't one of them. Does Malkin need to play better? Absolutely. He has more penalty minutes than points, and is averaging barely over a point per game. That is not the level of play everyone expects from a two-time MVP. But Evgeni Malkin dominating games in Sid's absence wont matter if the rest of the team doesn't improve in the process. We saw Geno dominate most of last season while Crosby dealt with ... Read More
One more strike could mean Ta’amu is out
Back in October, Steelers’ rookie defensive tackle Alameda Ta’amu was arrested in the Southside of Pittsburgh for driving under the influence. That was really just the major offense that he was charged with, but he was also charged with attempting to flee, resisting arrest, and driving the wrong way down a way one street. So you’d think after that, that he would never even think of driving with alcohol around him let alone under the influence. Well think again. Just yesterday, Ta’amu ... Read More
Mercyhurst looking to build off strong 2012 season this spring
The Mercyhurst football team had a spectacular 2012 campaign. After being projected to finish 5th in the PSAC West, the Lakers finished second behind IUP with a 9-2 record. With that in mind, Mercyhurst is looking to build off of that strong season as they hit the field for spring practice. Their spring practice schedule started over the weekend on Saturday. The team will be on the field up until May 4th, when they have their annual spring game. The 15 scheduled practices are open to the ... Read More
Yinzer of the Week: Wandy Rodriguez
Things haven't started out the way the Pittsburgh Pirates would've liked them to. They've only picked up one win on four trips out. And who picked up that one win for them? Wandy Rodriguez. In his first start this season, Rodriguez pitched 6.2 scoreless innings, and only allowed two hits over that span. While he did have two hit batsmen, Rodriguez only allowed one walk in his time of work. He held the Chicago Cubs' hitters to a .095 batting average and struck out six batters. His WHIP was an ... Read More
Pirates offense struggles again; shutout by Dodgers
The Pirates dropped their third game of the season Friday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and once again the offense was nonexistent. Jonathan Sanchez was given the ball for his first start as a Pirate. He actually did pretty well. For a guy whose ERA was over eight last season, Sanchez looked decent for a fourth starter. He pitched five innings and allowed three runs. One of the runs was an absolute bomb given up to Andre Ethier, and the other two were driven in by Matt Kemp and ... Read More
Fleury, Jokinen lead the charge in 2-1 win over Rangers
A player gained, a player lost, and a game won. That has been the theme for the Pittsburgh Penguins over the past week. The Penguins rebounded from back to back losses to win in a shootout against the New York Rangers, Friday night. Jussi Jokinen, acquired at the trade deadline for a conditional pick from Carolina, scored the Penguins' lone goal in regulation, then scored the lone goal in the shootout to give the Penguins their 29th win of the season. After playing the first two periods ... Read More
Pitt reportedly blocks Rushel Shell’s transfer to Arizona State
Anyone that thought the Pitt Panthers wouldn't hold a grudge against former head coach Todd Graham, they can think again. Rightfully so, Pitt wasn't happy with the way Graham left to be the coach at Arizona State, less than a year after the Panthers hired him. The Panthers did not give permission for Graham to talk to Arizona State, so he resigned to take that job. Then in classy Graham style, he sent a text message to players on his way out instead of meeting with them. That action made ... Read More
IUP set to start spring practice
After losing in the NCAA quarterfinals last season, the IUP Crimson Hawks are looking to make an even farther run this upcoming football season. The Hawks know that hard work and preparation in the spring will go a long ways, and that starts today. For the Hawks, a big part of the upcoming season will have to do with forgetting about last season and focusing on the new. It's hard to forget about a 12-2 season that brought a national ranking with it, but head coach Curt Cignetti believes ... Read More
Pirates Notebook: Martin uses MMA to train; McCutchen keeps running
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- In a recent Men's Fitness magazine article, Pirates Russell Martin discussed how he stays in shape and trains in the offseason. Being a catcher is a demanding position. It requires flexibility and quick reactions. In order to stay strong and to endure a full season behind the plate, Martin does MMA, or mixed martial arts during the winter months to gear up for a new year. But wait, MMA? The full contact combat sport that involves striking and grappling techniques and ... Read More
Steelers 2013 preseason schedule announced
A new league year is upon us and Steeler Nation is hoping for a better outcome this season. Today the preseason schedule was announced, and now the Steelers know who they'll get to take a crack at before the season starts. The Steelers will play at home during week 1 and week 3 of the preseason against the New York Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs. Their road games will be against the Washington Redskins and the Carolina Panthers. The game against the Redskins on week 2 of the ... Read More