Monthly Archives: October 2011

Penguins down Islanders in Malkin’s return

Posted on October 26, 2011 by joel

Down goes Zbynek Michalek and in comes Evgeni Malkin. Most would take the exchange. The Penguins, however, are just looking forward to the end of the injury carousel. Pittsburgh won their fourth consecutive game last night but the victory took a … Continue reading →

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Penalty killing again headlines Penguins victory

Posted on October 21, 2011 by joel

Three players have looked unstoppable thus far in the Penguins young season: James Neal, Matt Cooke, and Joe Vitale. Each played another exceptional game last night against the Montreal Canadiens. Not much needs to be said about Neal, as he leads the … Continue reading →

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Penguins gameday preview: Montreal struggling early

Posted on October 20, 2011 by joel

For those outside of Pittsburgh there is only one question concerning the Penguins: When will Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin return. For those of us in Pittsburgh, that list expands to include Tyler Kennedy, Brooks Orpik, and Dustin Jeffrey. Tonight, … Continue reading →

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Loss to Butler has Gibbs motivated

Posted on October 19, 2011 by joel

Ashton Gibbs has lost three NCAA Tournament games by a total of six points. He has never advanced to the Final Four and has only once been past the round of 32. Gibbs has scored 30 points in those three … Continue reading →

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Neal, Cooke continue strong play in win

Posted on October 19, 2011 by joel

Brian Strait knocked out. Joe Vitale high sticked. Brent Johnson bent backwards. None of it mattered last night as even injuries couldn’t ruin derail a Penguins victory. Johnson was stellar in his third start of the year. He stopped 24 … Continue reading →

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Penguins gameday preview: Minnesota has Pittsburgh’s number

Posted on October 18, 2011 by joel

Thanks to the Kris Letang suspension and probable Brent Johnson start, the Penguins will be without $31.65 million worth of players in the lineup tonight. A significant number considering that Pittsburgh’s total salary is $64.3 million. Luckily for Pittsburgh, the … Continue reading →

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Even with poor play some Pens being unfairly criticized

Posted on October 18, 2011 by joel

Last night’s loss can’t be blamed on a lack of stars. Many defeats over the past year can be chalked up to key absences. But not last night against the winless Jets who were playing without their top star. No, last … Continue reading →

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Penguins gameday preview: Capitals have dominated Pens recently

Posted on October 13, 2011 by joel

Semyon Varlamov and his ten career postseason wins are out. Tomas Vokoun and his three career playoff wins are in. The Capitals biggest difference may be in the net, but Washington will have some new faces not who aren’t donning … Continue reading →

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Bylsma’s new system could revolutionize defense

Posted on October 13, 2011 by joel

Ranking sixth in goals against last season allowed the Penguins to reach 106 points in the standings. With no Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to lean on, a great defense was Pittsburgh’s only hope to survive in a star-driven NHL. … Continue reading →

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Vitale, Neal lead Penguins in sloppy win over Florida

Posted on October 12, 2011 by joel

Even without Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby the Penguins are a dominant team. Pittsburgh is four games in and has earned a point in every contest. Kris Letang is looking to repeat last year’s All-Star performance while Matt Cooke is … Continue reading →

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Penguins gameday preview: Panthers an improved squad

Posted on October 11, 2011 by joel

After defeating the New York Islanders on Saturday the Florida Panthers have their sites set on their second Atlantic Division foe. The Pittsburgh Penguins will prove much tougher though, as they enter the game with the most points in the … Continue reading →

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Panthers freshmen class hopes to have immediate impact

Posted on October 10, 2011 by joel

It’s not often that a Jamie Dixon recruit earns significant playing time as a true freshman. Then again, Pitt’s freshmen rarely exhibit the talent that this year’s Khem Birch does. Birch along with Malcolm Gilbert, John Johnson, and Durand Johnson all … Continue reading →

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Penguins earn solid grade on first road trip

Posted on October 10, 2011 by joel

Last season Calgary scored more goals than any team in the NHL after Christmas. Vancouver represented the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals and Edmonton totaled five less wins than any other team in the league in 2010-11. Yet, … Continue reading →

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Atlantic Division preview: Penguins are the total package

Posted on October 7, 2011 by joel

A Stanley Cup hangover was acceptable in 2009-10. Some would even say expected. With little roster turnover and two Art Ross winners still in the lineup the Penguins would be back in the Finals in 2010-11 though—or so was thought. … Continue reading →

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Neal, Cooke impress in win over Canucks

Posted on October 7, 2011 by joel

Matt Cooke wakes up this morning as the NHL’s leading scorer. His two goals last night showed how effective he is when focusing on offensive production. The oft-suspended player has 20+ goal potential and is one of the premier defensive-forwards … Continue reading →

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