Pittsburgh Penguins Game Six of this series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals is crucial if the Penguins want to keep their lead; currently, the series is at 3-2. There is a possibility defenseman Olli Maatta will return to the lineup tonight after being out with an injury, which will add some much-needed padding to the Penguins’ defense — as long as Maatta continues to play as he has all season. The Capitals have been doing a good job of getting around the ... Read More
Penguins can’t close series as Capitals force Game 6
This evening Game 5 of the Round 2 series against the Washington Capitals (6-5), the Pittsburgh Penguins (7-2) saw a desperate team get the best of them. Alex Ovechkin scored the game's first goal on a power-play after a hooking penalty was called against Bryan Rust. Chris Kunitz scored Pittsburgh's first power-play goal not too far long after and brought the Penguins back at a draw with the Capitals. However, Washington took control in the second period with a goal by T.J. Oshie and Justin ... Read More
Sidney Crosby named 2016 Hart Memorial Trophy finalist
Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby has been named a finalist for the 2016 Hart Memorial Trophy, the MVP award of the NHL. He won the trophy in 2007 and in 2014, but it's the first nomination for the other two finalists, the Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane and the Dallas Stars' Jamie Benn. While Crosby had a tough start to the season, he picked up steam in the second half, leading the Penguins to a playoff berth many deemed out-of-reach. He finished the season with 85 points (36 G, 49 ... Read More
Hornqvist’s overtime goal puts Penguins in the driver seat
After a tight and intense game, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals went into overtime, where Pittsburgh forward Patric Hornqvist scored the game winner to make it a 3-2 final. The Penguins now hold a 3-1 series lead over the Capitals and have three chances to eliminate the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Even without the support of defenseman Kris Letang, who was suspended for the game after a high hit on a Capital in Game 3, Pittsburgh's defense was able to clamp down ... Read More
Game 4 Preview: The Penguins must continue to pressure Capitals without Letang
Pittsburgh Penguins (6-2) In Game 4, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ defense will be under a lot of stress following the news that defenseman Kris Letang was suspended one game for his hit on the Washington Capitals’ Marcus Johansson. Pittsburgh’s Olli Maata has also been ruled out of Game 4 and will miss his second-straight game. Playing without two of their best defensemen will be a big test for the Penguins. Washington has made each of its last two losses close, so a weaker Pittsburgh defense ... Read More
Three reasons why series against Capitals is far from being over
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
Pouliot or Schultz: Who should Pens turn to?
Monday night’s game against the Washington Capitals proved to be interesting for both the Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins with Brooks Orpik suspended for three games and Olli Maatta out indefinitely with an upper-body injury. The Penguins filled their empty defensive spot with Derrick Pouliot, who was recalled from Wilkes Barre/Scranton earlier this season. There was a chance, however, for the Penguins to play defenseman Justin Schultz instead of Pouliot. Was Pouliot the right decision? ... 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
Game 3 Preview: Can the Penguins claim series lead on home ice?
Pittsburgh Penguins (5-2) The Pittsburgh Penguins played their toughest game on Saturday and will continue to be challenged as the series goes on. Matt Murray played incredibly well and made big stops to keep their team within range of tying the series. Coach Mike Sullivan knows these challenges will continue to be seen, but he has the utmost confidence in his team to come away with the series win. Pittsburgh must continue to play a speedy style of hockey and protect Murray and the net ... Read More