While Game 3's victory over the Washington Capitals was a step in the right direction for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the series is far from over. Yes, optimism is running as fast as Pittsburgh's offense, but do not forget the havoc Washington caused in the NHL during the regular season. Of course, there is reason to have a positive mindset going into Game 4, but with the news of Kris Letang's suspension, the weakest part of the Penguins just got weaker. The defense has already had a tough task ... Read More
Kris Letang suspended one game for hit on Marcus Johansson
The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday afternoon that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang will serve a one-game suspension for a hit on Washington Capital Marcus Johansson in Game 3. While it was known this second-round series would get testy and physical, no one could predict there would be three hits in as many games that would require discipline by the league. Washington's Tom Wilson was fined $2,403.67 for his hit on Conor Sheary in Game 1. Capital defenseman ... Read More
Penguins secure series lead at home; Murray continues to shine in net
With a stellar performance in Game 3 of the 2016 NHL Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins took it to the Washington Capitals, winning 3-2. The Penguins got off to a quick start with two goals in the first period — one of a nice tip from Patric Hornqvist and then another, a minute later, off a rush that ended with an attempted pass ricocheting off Tom Kuhnhackl's back into the net. Pittsburgh then extended its lead after Nick Bonino made a nice play, dragging the puck across the mouth of the ... Read More
Three up, three down: Pens beat Caps, have a long road ahead
Game 2 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals exemplified why there was so much hype headed into round two. After T.J. Oshie barley nudged in a goal under Matt Murray's right leg pad, Eric Fehr and the Pittsburgh Penguins stormed back to tie up the series. A win is a win, especially against one of the league's most challenging opponents, but here are the takeaways from Saturday night's game. Three Up: One and Only One The Penguins ... Read More
Penguins’ regular-season grades for 2015-16
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2015-16 NHL regular season was a tale of two different teams. The first: a team that struggled and couldn’t find the magic needed to be regarded as one of the league's best teams. The other: a formidable and dangerous team with an offense that had the spark and speed of a top-tier team, which was complemented by a fast-paced defense. Now, with the regular season over and done with, it’s time to assign the final grades of the season. Offense: A- Overall, this ... Read More
Penguins face tough playoff test vs. Rangers for third-straight year
For the third time in as many years, the Pittsburgh Penguins (48-26-8) will play the New York Rangers (46-27-9) in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Penguins won the regular season series three games to one, with Pittsburgh scoring a combined 12 goals. Although Pittsburgh has crushed its competition as of late, this series will be the team’s biggest challenge since head coach Mike Sullivan took the reins in December. There is a sizable chance Sullivan's team will begin the playoffs with ... Read More
Penguins fall in season finale to Flyers
Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins (48-25-8) went on the road for their final game of the season against the Philadelphia Flyers (39-27-14), with a chance to knock the Flyers out of the playoffs. Pittsburgh’s offense couldn’t get the job done and was unable to cap off the season with a win, losing 3-1. The Flyers’ win now puts them in the playoffs where they will face the Washington Capitals in the first round. The Penguins struggled on offense, mustering only 19 shots, and were clearly a ... Read More
Malkin and Letang represent Penguins in All-Star game
Today, the NHL released their 2016 All-Star selections that included two Pittsburgh Penguins. Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin have put together a solid resume to give them the nod to participate in this year’s All-Star festivities. Although only playing 30 games thus far, Letang is still pulling his weight as he is fourth among defensemen with 0.80 points per game. A vast majority of his points have come from his 20 assists, and the rest from his four goals scored on the season. This is Letang’s ... Read More
Kris Letang named NHL’s Third Star of the Week
What a difference one player makes, at least this has been the case in just the two games Kris Letang has played since an undisclosed ailment kept him out for several games. In the few games since returning to the ice Letang has recorded back-to-back three-point games against the Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders. This performance earned the 28-year-old offensive minded defensemen the NHL’s third star of the week. Letang has made a major impact on the team, helping set the offensive ... Read More
Maatta not answer to Pens defensive woes
As the Pittsburgh Penguins 2015-16 season continues it has become even more readily apparent that Ian Cole is not suited to skating top pairing defensive minutes and has not clicked as a partner for Kris Letang. Their defensive struggles have led many to call for a change and find a new partner to skate with Letang, and of course Olli Maatta is the name on most everybody’s lips. Over the summer, most people had penciled Maatta in to open the season skating alongside Letang. They had spent time ... Read More