The Pens rode the momentum of a huge victory into the game against Washington last night, hoping to pull off two big back-to-back wins against teams from the East for the first time in a while. The only thing we could come up with was a couple additions to the injury list and more hate toward a couple of kakáshkas named Alex.

Rob Scuderi was the first to leave the game for the duration after taking a wrist shot to the forehead and spilling some fruit punch on the ice. Crosby is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, after a leg problem halfway through the game and being slide tackled by David Steckel later in the third period. He didn't skate during the optional practice on Thursday and should have a better idea of whats going on tomorrow. Max Talbot also left the game after Alex Ovechkin had an opportunity to sever a couple of fingers, stomping on his hand.

Things are looking bright for the defense with Sergei Gonchar dawning the red "no contact" jersey and joining the team practice for the first time since his shoulder injury. Pascal Dupuis is another notible mention. He missed the past four games and skated with strength coach Mike Kadar before practice.

The Pens re-signed Max Talbot for two more years. Talbot is a hard worker with a decent offensive touch. He brings a lot of character to the game on and off the ice that percolates throughout the team. It helps to have guys like him around who can switch between a center and wing position and he definitely keeps the team loose at home and on the road. Talbot was in the draft class with Crosby and I have a feeling they will be playing together for a long time.

Talbot is expected to return to the line-up for the game against an average Toronto team where they will dawn the well-recieved third jersey. There is some bad news for the Pens though, forwards Mike Zigomanis and Pascal Dupuis are scratches for tonight's game. Dupuis is listed day-to-day after an injury against the Thrashers on Thursday night.

Ryan Whitney is also getting ready to make a return. Saturday night he is scheduled to play with the WBS Penguins and he is expected to return on December 23 against Tampa Bay. Our defense is effective, but ready for some help with the impending return of Gonchar and Whitney coming very soon.

Check out the new Max Talbot compilation video. Thanks to materializze for putting this gem together.

The Pens are becoming stars both on the ice and big screen. Who doesn't love the commercials these guys are pumping out?! A&L Motors started it off and greatness has only followed. Max Talbot is jumping out to an early lead in local appearances...




But you had better watch out Max, Geno has lost the translator and his English is coming along nicely...




Hopefully all the stardom off the ice doesn't become too great a distraction. If not, keep these things coming!

The second edition to one of the best Pens commercials of all time has finally been distributed to the web.

Pittsburghers, hockey fans and online video audiences alike have all enjoyed the local commercials for A&L Motors.

Here is part two, Maxime's superstar solo in the spotlight (tiki tiki):




HAHA. "Hey Alex, Superstar treatment again for me?!?"

A&L Motors has done it again. Now, we can only await the next installment. If anyone knows the agency producing these, please let us know.

Also, just as a reminder, this was what got it all started. A&L Motors cast Colby Armstrong, Maxime Talbot, Sergei Gonchar and Evgeni Malkin in this first spot. See for yourself why you can't go wrong buying a vehicle from A&L.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOrvdvczpEA