When Sidney Crosby was named the winner of the Conn Smythe trophy moments after the Pittsburgh Penguins had secured their fourth Stanley Cup victory last night over the San Jose Sharks, it was the name most people expected. Understandable, considering Crosby's effort throughout the playoffs and, in particular, his dazzling performance in Sunday's Cup-clinching victory in San Jose. It could be argued that Crosby's effort in that Game 6 against the Sharks alone was enough to secure the award ... Read More
Penguins win Stanley Cup, beat Sharks 3-1 in chaotic Game 6
On the sport's biggest stage, it was the Pittsburgh Penguins' stars who shone brightest. In an epic Game 6 against the San Jose Sharks, the Penguins won, 3-1, and hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup at SAP Center. Captain Sidney Crosby was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy as the MVP of the playoffs. Sure, the Penguins were unable to win the series at home in front of their fans, but over 16,000 people gathered at Consol Energy Center to watch and cheer for Pittsburgh. And they got to see quite the ... Read More
Penguins, Sharks set for crucial Stanley Cup Final Game 6 at SAP Center
Pittsburgh Penguins After a tough loss on Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins have another chance to put themselves on top of the NHL with a Game 6 win over the San Jose Sharks. And while they've played well in the series, there are a couple of areas where the team needs to tighten up. Penguins goaltender Matt Murray needs to play better in net and prevent soft goals from getting past him (he gave up a couple in that crucial Game 5 in Pittsburgh.) Pittsburgh also needs to do a ... Read More
Penguins can’t get past Sharks’ Martin Jones in Game 5 loss
Thursday night, the Penguins had the chance to clinch a major sport trophy at home for the first time since 1960. But, the San Jose Sharks scored three goals in the first period and escaped Game 5 with a 4-2 win to take the series back to San Jose for Game 6. Penguins goaltender Matt Murray and the defense surrounding him struggled quite a bit in the beginning of the game — the Sharks got on the board with two redirected shots and a goal squeezed in by defenseman Brent Burns. Martin Jones, ... Read More
In Game 4, Penguins hoping to rebound from Game 3 overtime loss
Pittsburgh Penguins Last time out, the Pittsburgh Penguins were defeated 3-2 in overtime, and they now look to redeem themselves after a disappointing Game 3. Pittsburgh goaltender Matt Murray allowed a goal he surely wishes he could get back: a top-shelf game-winner to Joonas Donskoi. Murray, however, is 4-0 in games following a loss this playoff season, which spells good news for the Penguins entering Game 4. However, Pittsburgh's power play has yet to score a goal this series, going ... Read More
Penguins drop Game 3 to Sharks in overtime, 3-2
Two overtime games in a row, two overtime goals by rookies. But this time, it was San Jose Sharks rookie Joonas Donskoi — not the Pittsburgh Penguins' Conor Sheary — who played hero, winning the game for the Sharks, 3-2, 12 minutes and 18 seconds into overtime in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. On his home ice, the Finnish rookie delivered San Jose its first-ever Stanley Cup game win and cut the series deficit in half. (The Penguins lead, 2-1). Donskoi made a nice move around the back of ... Read More
Penguins, Sharks ready for pivotal Game 3
Pittsburgh Penguins Last time out, Conor Sheary and the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the San Jose Sharks quickly in overtime. Now, entering Game 3 on the road and up 2-0 in the series, the Penguins are just two wins away from hoisting the Cup. The Penguins have seen a mix of both veteran and rookie presence in this series, which has been devastating for the Sharks. While not scoring a ton, Sidney Crosby has been stellar for the Penguins, and Evgeni Malkin has been his superstar self, as ... Read More
Penguins, Sharks ready for important Game 2
Pittsburgh Penguins Young players and established stars alike have given the Pittsburgh Penguins hope of hoisting the trophy after taking Game 1 against the San Jose Sharks. In a game dominated by speed and athleticism, the Penguins were able to damper the Sharks' excitement in their first-ever game in the Stanley Cup Finals. Although Pittsburgh was out-played in the second period, the team dominated for most of the game and controlled the pace. If they want to win again, the Penguins ... Read More
Stanley Cup Preview: It’s cup time
What a ride it has been thus far. The ups and downs of an 82-game season with the addition of 18 more games in the playoffs can take a toll on any team. The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown resiliency in the last few months and deserve to be in the position they are in. San Jose equally deserves the opportunity heading to their first ever Stanley Cup Final. In many respects, the Sharks play similarly to the Penguins. One major commonality is that San Jose wants their defense involved in the ... Read More
Penguins edge out Lightning to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals
The stage is now set for what should be one of the best Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory. Following last night's win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be tasked with playing the San Jose Sharks, a team that has features of each opponent Pittsburgh has played in these playoffs. Matt Murray and Bryan Rust were the Penguins two biggest contributors last night. This isn't to say that the work of Chris Kunitz, Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby went unnoticed, but the ... Read More