Jon Pennline — The Penguins are currently eight points ahead of the Boston Bruins for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.  Even more impressive, they are seventeen points ahead of the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers in the race to claim the first Metropolitan Division championship in league history. And yet, that all means diddly squat. Why?  Because this team has nearly reverted back to the 2012 Penguins, a team that filled the net but often hung their goaltender out to ... Read More

At this point of the regular season, only six members of the Pittsburgh Penguins have played in all 47 possible games this season.  The Penguins lead the NHL in man-games lost to injury with 279.  A number substantially higher than that of the second-place Anaheim Ducks with 228. At the beginning of the season, it was the defensive core that was plagued by the injury bug.  Present day, Pittsburgh's forwards are getting caught up in the injury woes that has this team headed straight for 300 ... Read More

Post game analysis and notes   --Olli Maatta is the real thing. His set up of Taylor Pyatt for the Penguins second goal was smooth. His fake shot and ability to skate down low showed patience, instinct and skill. Pyatt returned the favor, in his own way, on the game-winner by firmly screening Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth. The Penguins could use a lot more of both. --The Washington Capitals third and fourth lines were noticeably better than the Penguins counterparts. Brooks ... Read More

If the Washington Capitals can't beat a Pittsburgh Penguins team that was missing half of their top six forwards and relied on their third line center to play wing, they may never beat them in a seven game season when everyone is healthy. The Penguins constantly climbed back from a one goal deficit then won the game on Olli Maatta's wrist shot with 1:54 remaining in the game to edge the Capitals, 4-3 on Wednesday night. In a game that featured nine players that will represent their country ... Read More

The Pittsburgh Penguins have long been known as the “Country Club” organization. Along with offensive hockey, comfortability is the standard from the fourth line up to the ownership box. In that context, recent critical comments from Rob Scuderi followed by Brooks Orpik should be seen as a seismic blast across the generally obtuse nature of the organization, which also includes the coaching staff. Scuderi categorized the Penguins lust for offense as “globetrotter” hockey. Orpik correctly cited ... Read More

Sid the Cardiac Kid, The Next Great One, Captain Canada and Little Magnifique these are just a few names Penguins captain has been called in the nine years he’s been in the NHL and the Steel City. This season Crosby has shown why he’s a four time All Star, two time Ted Lindsay Award Winner and a perennial contender for the Hart Memorial Trophy (NHL MVP), The Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy and the Art Ross Trophy, given to the league’s top goal scorer and points leader respectively. Through ... Read More

An enforcer or a noted "tough guy" is known for his fighting skills. Enforcers or goons are usually fourth line players that are limited in skill who see limited action during a game and usually do not play on special teams. While the Pens have had their share of players who could fight and score: Rick Tocchet, Gary Roberts, Bill Guerin, Kevin Stevens, etc. This list is comprised of players who were acquired for protection and intimidation. These players can also be considered as "energy ... Read More

The Pittsburgh Penguins had issues protecting leads on their trip to western Canada, but we're finally able to do so Saturday night in Calgary. In Vancouver, the Penguins lost a 2-0 lead and were down 4-2 before coming back to win in overtime.  On Friday, the Edmonton Oilers completed a two goal deficit to win in overtime with a power play goal by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Chris Kunitz and Matt Niskanen scored as the Penguins narrowly escaped with a 2-1 victory over the struggling ... Read More