In his first career NHL playoff start, Pittsburgh Penguins backup goaltender Jeff Zatkoff played lights-out hockey and helped the Penguins (1-0) nab the 5-2 win against the New York Rangers (0-1) at Consol Energy Center in the first game of the series. Zatkoff finished the game with 37 saves. The Rangers were able to keep the game close heading into the final period, tightening the score to a 2-1 Penguins lead. But goals by rightwingers Tom Kuhnhackl and Patric Hornqvist further separated the ... Read More
Game 1 Preview: Penguins eye payback in opening series game
Pittsburgh Penguins (0-0) The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the last three meetings against the New York Rangers and will look to begin redeeming themselves after being eliminated by New York for the last two years. The goaltending situation is still unknown as Coach Mike Sullivan said that it will be a game-time decision. Beau Bennett, Olli Maatta, and Marc-Andre Fleury all are suffering from injuries and it is unknown who will be in the starting lineup for Game 1. With Pittsburgh ... 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 goaltending challenges in opening playoff series
"Every team has injuries. Fortunately we have depth. It provides opportunities. That's what makes teams great," Coach Mike Sullivan said following practice this morning, a day before his Pittsburgh Penguins play host to the New York Rangers. The Penguins have been fortunate enough to have depth in many positions, but their goaltending situation is being stretched to capacity. Marc-Andre Fleury is now day-to-day and will be evaluated daily following a concussion that has kept him out since his ... 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
Crosby’s OT game winner keeps Penguins hot in D.C.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are now finding many different ways to win. After the Penguins gave up a 3-0 lead, captain Sidney Crosby silenced the relentless Capitals with a game-winning goal in overtime to give Pittsburgh a 4-3 win in the nation’s capital on Thursday night. Ever since their bland loss to the New Jersey Devils two weeks ago, the Penguins have won eight straight games. Thursday’s win also secured second place in the Metropolitan Division for Pittsburgh, which means the Penguins ... Read More
Pens Preview: Murray looks to continue win streak, strong play
Pittsburgh Penguins (46-25-8) In his first chance with an NHL team, goalie Matt Murray looks to have the confidence of a veteran, starting his third-straight game tonight. Marc-Andre Fleury still has no timetable for when he will return to the net after his second concussion of the season. Jeff Zatkoff will back up Murray in tonight's game. With his recent play, Murray has helped solidify the depth in between the pipes. In the last 13 games, Pittsburgh is 12-1-0. The Penguins have gotten a ... Read More
Matt Murray named NHL’s Third Star of the Week
It was announced on Monday that Matt Murray is the NHL’s Third Star of the Week after earning the Penguins a 3-0 record just last week. Murray is currently filling in for Marc-Andre Fleury who is out due to a concussion suffered during a game against the Nashville Predators. This season, Murray has a 1.88 goal-against average, a .933 save percentage, is 7-2-1 and has one shutout in 10 NHL starts. During this short time filling in for Fleury, Murray has managed to stop 52 of 54 shots, as ... Read More
Penguins recall Matt Murray
It was announced this morning that goaltender Matt Murray has been recalled from American Hockey League’s (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team. Current rookie of the year, Murray has the best save percentage in the AHL as well as the third-best goals-against average. Currently this season Murray has played in 30 AHL games, winning 19 of those games played. In the beginning of this month the goaltender was leading the AHL league with a .938 save percentage, as well as maintaining four shutouts so ... Read More