After the Pens claimed the Stanley Cup, Southside erupts for some of the wild antics you might expect. Although tamer than the Steelers celebration, Friday night proved to be a night we'll never forget...some of us at least.

Thanks to hyperboymedia for braving the crowds!

The Pens are playing some of their best hockey of the season. What great timing. Especially given how well Cam Ward was playing coming into this series.

LETS GO PENS!

There was something that just wasn't right about yesterday's game one. I'm going to blame NBC Sports as there is still a sour taste left in all of our mouths for blacking out the big screen, aka the TribTron.

Perhaps blame isn't the best word, but it's the most appropriate at this point. When the Pens play and coverage falls upon the entire nation via NBC, there is always an extra element of wonder that makes us fans wince. Don't get me wrong, it's great to see the Pens get country-wide coverage and there is a lot of ritz and glamour to the broadcast, but as a hometown fan, the game is all that really matters.
Maybe its day games in general, but the Pens are quasi-cursed on NBC.

With games 2 and 3 scheduled to air on the Versus network, we are on our way back to hockey reality. NHL on Versus is well produced and does a good job of balancing the flash with raw sports coverage. Versus keeps NHL games true to the roots from the days of Canadian OLN. I would certainly prefer Versus coverage to NBC any day of the week. Not to mention, we steer clear of the Pen's NBC Curse and of course, Mr. Obvious, Pierre McGuire...

While FSN Pittsburgh will always be the hometown network (games 4 and on for round 2), and my personal favorite broadcast, Versus is doing some cool things to get involved with the NHL community. For instance, it was pretty cool to see that they will be sponsoring the Second Pens Tweetup during game 5.






Some recent Tweets regarding TV coverage:

@deberito - "I just think we should be able to watch the game outside the arena. Builds team spirit & community. Win, Win. Versus better."
@svanormer - "Unfortunately for me stuck in Caps land that means FSN will be blocked out. I see Pens Radio DVR sync up in my future"
@erinkpgh - "Usually if the game is on Fox Sports the Versus feed is blacked out. So don't pick that if you're in Pittsburgh."
@AxsDeny - "Game 1: NBC. The site says games 2 & 3 are Versus. I have to set my TiVo because I'll be out of town. FSN or Versus DVR?"
@Choesephine - "NBC can kiss my Korean ass"

Prior to the NHL trade deadline, Pens fans knew something had to happen. There was a vital piece missing from the puzzle inhibiting this talented young group from acheiving the one thing they set out to do, win games. We all know there were many components that aided in the revival of what looked at one point to be a wasted season. One of the main elements to the turn around can be summed up best as GRIT. This word has been thrown around quite a bit in reference to the play of Kunitz and Guerin, but what exactly does it mean?

The superstars of the Pens undoubtedly aren't affraid to step in and get their hands dirty, but it's not a trait they can keep up with constantly. Scoring masses of goals, handling the puck like velcro and passing with pinpoint precision are jobs tough enough, dealing with goons and enforcing for the team are just additional tasks they haven't got time for. Prior to the trades, Godard and Cooke were our main sources of serious brahn. But Chris Kunitz is a welcomed intermediary. With hands soft enough to score beauties yet strong enough to deliver knock out blows, he is able to establish a presence down low and hold his own in front of the cage.

The play of Kunitz has been contageous. From the time he got to Pittsburgh, along with Guerin, a noticible increase in drive and intensity has consistently presented itself. Hard hitting, rebound goals and opening up opportunities for offensive variations are all result of what we know as grit.

Playoff hockey is a beast in itself. Totally different from any regular season game, emotions are elevated and action is nonstop. Kunitz has exemplified what it means to step up in playoff situations. It seems like anytime he's close enough to deliver a hit, he does and each time it gets harder and harder. Hence the KUNITZ MISSILE CRISIS!!!

Some fun Twitter dialogue we had regarding Kunitz punishing the Flyers:

@JustinTruth - "Kunitz is building an ark with all the lumber he's throwing around."
@BleedBlacknGold - "@JustinTruth Maybe they should cast Kuntiz for next season of Ax Men ehh?"
@JustinTruth@JustinTruth - "If Kunitz can grow a beard like Talbot I think he would fit in perfectly on Ax Men."
@scatlett87 - "ditto, Kunitz and Staal hitting filthadelphia cryers every second they are on the ice!"

Since the beginning of time, Pennsylvania has proven big enough for only one true sports town. When you look at Pittsburgh fans words come to mind like admiration, life long, respect, loyalty and love. Jaunt 6 hours or so east and the tables are turned...Philadelphia fans have absolutely no understanding of what it means to be passionate and embrace players of the teams they cherish. Long story short, Philadelphia fans are shitty.

Will Leitch, founder of Deadspin, hit the nail right smack on the head in "God Save the Fan". In his book, Leitch does a series of quick summaries describing the teams he references. Across Philadelphia teams, the definition goes something like this:

"Hates everything about the team, including the fans. Does everything possible to make sure playing for the Phillies is a miserable experience, and then excoriates anyone who might deign to play for a franchise and a fan base that makes baseball fun. Like the guy who is so mean to his girlfriend that he forces her to break up with him, then calls her a bitch for leaving him."

"God Save the Fan" is an interesting read challenging the 'ESPNification' of sports as we know them. Be sure to check it out if you haven't yet.

Here in the Burgh, we've known how it is. Glad to see the rest of the world is aware of this sporting travesty also known as Philadelphia.

LET'S GO PENS!!!

After the big win last night, it's inevitable that plenty of folks surfed on over to the Official Site of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Upon arrival all looks fine and in order. Just what you would probably expect from a team coming off an exhilarating game one victory. So you continue to browse, scanning down the right rail and KAPOW! What ever is this poll question?



Is it just me or are these results going to be slightly skewed? I'm wondering if this is a joke because the lack of radio button or other voting input method. As a huge fan and avid admirer of the work over at the Pens Official Site, Are you guys messin' with us??? LET'S GO PENS!

I Bleed Black n' Gold is happy to announce that the IBBnG Pens Blog is now glad to be part of SportsBlogNet! You may or may not be familiar with SportsBlogNet and the idea behind the network. The basic principle is simple, aggregate quality sports content making it easy for users to get their fill and find new sources. IBBnG will be a part of the network, hopefully providing Pens and Pittsburgh fans the news, entertainment and insight they search for along with some of the other great Pens Blogs out in the blogosphere. In our continuing effort to interact and be a part of this great community, we are excited to expand to the SBN platform.

Another amazing game last night. The Pens upended the streaking Thrashers 6 - 2 with strong play on offense, defense and in goal. It looks like the Penguins are running on all cylinders at just the right time of the year. Now tied with the Flyers at 84 pts, we are looking at (knock on wood) a potential first round series with our state-mates. While, thats a ways off the Pens just need to stay focused and keep winning games. More scenarios to come. Congrats to Geno on surpassing 100 points on the season with his 5 point showing. Speaking of Malkin...

The legacy of Evgeni Malkin's post-game interviews has become the high point to many Pittsburgher's game day entertainment. This is for two good reasons. One, they only interview Geno when the Pens win (so far) and two, he has such a, um, er unique way of putting things. Thank you Sarge for helping him with the English. Without Sergei's aid, none of these fantastic spots would likely be possible.

The St. Patty's night game was full of just about everything you'd want to see in a game. Your team winning in a dominating fashion, the defensive pair 2 on 1 for a Mark Eaton goal, Staalsy playing like a beast and controlling the puck as if his blade were glue, Crosby continuing to tally points, MAF making some huge saves, Malkin inches away from the hat trick, the penalty shot (even though it missed the net completely) and of course and good old fashioned hockey brawl!

LETS GO PENS!!!

What the heck is going on with the Pens?!
It's certainly not a lack of talent, perhaps a bit of overzealousness? It's time for Michel Therrien and good old Mike Yeo to take a step back and re-focus. It will be important for the Pens to carry strong into the All-Star break, so lets get back on track.

First of all, this isn't the worst loss we've seen. The Bruins are an exceptional team this year and many others have fallen to their superior play. The Pens however are a team with enough skill and promise to match such a team. With the players we have, there's no reason to be fourth in the Atlantic, let alone seventh in the East overall. There is a good reason the Pens are setting records in ASG voting and leading the conference, now it's just a matter of helping it all come together...enter M.T.

The power play is dreadful, our defense is good, but gives up easy goals, the offense can score when needed but doesn't press hard enough...so what's left??? DO something about it! Fans and players can see what's up, but that's not enough power to accomplish much of anything. What is? Coaching! Look at tonight...The number of scoring chances that the Pens had against the Bruins would be plenty for any other team to capitalize on. Don't be mislead, Tim Thomas has shown this season that he is a hell of a goalie, but we have one of the most potent offenses in the league. Not being able to hold onto a lead after tallying one or two is something that will continue to haunt us. Even with starting 7 defensemen, we still give up chances that teams like Boston will continue to score on. All hope is that the "players-only" meeting following the loss to the Bruins will get everyone on the same page and ignite the fury and passion we saw in the playoff run last year.

Dear Pens:
Please get this season turned around. As if the close games to start the season weren't enough, slipping in the East is even worse. We will continue to believe and hope for another shot at the cup as it is in our blood, but give us something to work with. Kthx

Another disappointing loss for the boys of winter.

Sometimes the bounces just don't go your way and yesterday afternoon in Ottawa was no exception. Don't get me wrong, the Senators were playing hard and battling for pucks, but in all honesty, Jason Spezza's goals weren't all that impressive. Again, it appeared that the Penguins came out a little flat and waited to turn it on until the last possible moment. We have seen the potential these guys have, it's just getting frustrating that they don't play the entire game sometimes. Although we would gladly take a W coming from behind or leading throughout, this suspense has to start taking a toll on us. Heart doctors all around western PA will be over worked if this keeps up.

Eric Godard did his part to help energize the team. His boxing match that took place after Spezza's second goal with Chris Neil may have been one of his best fight wins so far this season...

Eric Godard v Chris Neil 12/06/08

It was looking promising for the Pens after Staal scored in the second. Congrats to Jordan on his 50th goal. You would have thought this was the spark that could ignite the comeback, but then the momentum was deflated when Ottawa responded right back. Geno's shorthanded goal was probably one of the best highlights from Saturday. It was good to see Malkin register a goal after what seems like a good while. Geno added to his points lead, now totaling 43 on the season with 11 goals and 32 assists. After Malkin's goal, again we were playing really hard and put up quite a few quality scoring chances toward the end. The puck just wouldn't go past Auld when we needed it to.

As a side note, did you guys hear when they were talking about skating down the canals around Ottawa? No matter how much you hate losing to the Senators, you have to muster up some respect for people can skate to work or school.

The Pens are moving forward after a heart-breaking shootout loss to divison rival and leader New York on Wednesday. Pittsburgh's conditioning will be put to the test as they face their third back-to-back game this season on the road against a Carolina team that has lost their last four out of five games.

PENGUINS
Forwards Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis left Wednesday night's game with undisclosed injuries. Kennedy is a scratch and Zigomanis is currently listed as probable. Due to the current injuries, tonight we will see the return of Janne Pesonen and Chris Minard.

Pesonen ranks third in points for the WBS Penguins with 16 assists and 5 goals.
Minard currently ranks second in the AHL with 13 assists and 17 goals.

Dany Sabourin will be in goal for his first back-to-back start this season.

HURRICANES
Maurice circa '95
In an attempt to revive their team, coach Peter Laviolette was fired and replaced by Paul Maurice. Carolina is trying to rekindle the chemestry they once had when the franchise made the move from Hartford by bringing back their former coach.

After suffering a groin injury against the Ducks, Cam Ward is expected to sit out tonight's game and will be replaced by Michael Leighton.

Wednesday night was another dreary one at Madison Square Garden. It was really exciting when some of the dirtballs from New York began cheering "Crosby sucks" then Sid turns around with a dish to Mark Eaton. While the Pens looked like they were controlling the flow and had a handle on the Rangers, again the lead slipped through the tips of their gloves. Something about that building is cursed this season when it comes to the Penguins, at least we don't have to go back until January 5.

The one point hardly makes up for the injuries which we will have to wait further details on, but at least is wasn't two, right? From the get-go something just didn't appear right at The Garden. Since when does Eric Godard have a tough time landing punches, when he has 52 seconds to work with? Ohh why didn't you just go down to the AHL Prucha?



It's looking more and more like maybe Jagr wan't carrying these guys as much as once thought...

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!

Last night was another exciting game to watch. The first period and a half were filled with frustration and disappointment. Just when we were ready to throw in the towel, trailing 3-1 at the start of the third, the young Pens turned it on again. These guys need to work at breaking this come from behind approach, but at least we are getting the needed results. The Penguins marked the tenth time this season already that we have come from behind to win the game.



Therrien again attempted to revive the dynamic-duo placing Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby on the same line. This time it was apparent that the two are meshing well. The pair teamed up to tally an amazing 4 goals in under 16, count 'em, sixteen minutes. Geno amazed us all with the natural hat trick. As a side, Ovi also racked up a hat on Tuesday night...what is it with these Russians? This was Malkin's third hat trick of his already impressive career, not to mention a 4-point night overall that adds up to his 35 point total.



After Dany Sabourin got yanked mid-second period, John Curry stepped in with a great rookie performance. This was another amazing display of how the Pens and Baby Pens have come to be an organization that continues to produce. It's hard to judge how Curry will play with a little more pressure, when the offense isn't gun slinging, but he did a good enough job stopping the 11 shots he faced.

The Penguins 29 points keeps them in second in the Atlantic Division. We trail the New York Rangers by 5 going into Friday's game at Buffalo. It would be nice to see these guys get out to an early lead and hold on. The emotional come-from-behind victory over the Islanders may be the spark these Penguins needed to start up another win streak. At least we should be able to ride it into the division match-up with the Devils on Friday.

The Islanders are riding a pretty good streak of their own, taking 5 of their last 6 games. This on top of the fact that they seem to give the Pens trouble when we play them anyways, could cause make for a tough battle. With the new and hopefully improved power play, we shall see.

Dany Sabourin will be minding net so we should be alright if it comes to a shootout.

Another player to watch is Tyler Kennedy, who has gotten into the habit of stepping his game up against the Isles.
And who could forget the post-game with Dan Potash after Kennedy's last display against these guys...




Pens vs. Isles :: 7:00pm est :: Live from the Nassau Coliseum

Michel Therrien has proven that he just might have a knack for changing things up enough to re-ignite the sparks when necessary. We've seen him work his Canadian wizardry this season already when it came to finalizing lines and yanking M.A.F. to help him find his swagger back in the crease.

Now he is at it again, trying to deliver a swift kick to the Pens power play. These guys have the ability to turn it on and the majority of these power plays just aren't approached with the urgency which they need to be. When you have guys that know they can open up a great scoring chance nearly on demand, how do you instill the fact that early and often is always better than too late?

Whatever analysis, reasoning or just plain excuses we can come up with are beside the point. The fact of the matter is we have the type of players that so many others are gunning for. When this opens the opportunities to draw penalties and take the man advantage we have to be able to convert. Having the leagues #15 power play is not Penguins hockey. Especially when they have proven they can step up and score as many goals as needed 5 on 5, a la Detroit.


Hopefully on Wednesday night, we will see the wheel turnin' seamlessly and tallies racking like we have come to expect. Maybe the fact is just that we really do miss Sergei Gonchar back at the point shotgunning blasts while the guys down deep draw attention and cause chaos with their crazy skills. For now it looks like Geno will fill that role again, which is at least exciting to watch. Good Luck.