Sports Talk: NHL

Showing posts with label NHL. Show all posts

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Pens Fight For Playoff Birth

Hey All,

Today the Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Philadelphia Flyers in Philly, and boy was this a game for the ages. These two teams don't like one another, and that's no secret to anyone who's ever watched a hockey game. As we are use to seeing with these two it was a very physical game, and very entertaining from the first drop of the puck.

It seemed to be going the Pens way from the get go, as they controlled most of the first period. They were stretching the puck, and stretching the defense of the Flyers. The Pens seemed to have the game plan to finally beat the Flyer, as they have lost the last 7 meetings between the two clubs. Not wanting to make it 8-0 in the last 8 meetings, the Pens had high energy and were flying around on the ice. The Pens were able to take the lead 1-0 at the 16:21 mark with the assist from Perron and Cole. It looked good for the Pens at this point, but the Flyers weren't going down without a fight. They were able to answer back with a goal of their own by Voracek at the 19:18 mark. The assist were by Streit and Schenn. It would be a power play goal, as the Pengins took a dumb retaliatory penalty.

It would be all Philly from here on out. The second period there was only one goal scored by the Flyers. It was a lucky goal as it bounces over the head of Thomas Greiss, and trickled into the goal. This was also on the power play, scored by Schenn with the assist by Voracek and Streit at the 12:20 mark. I think this took the Pens out of their game from here on out. As they seemed deflated. Skating flat, no speed and urgency.

The 3rd period wasn't any better for Pittsburgh as they gave up 2 more goals and had a ton of penatlies. Goals were scored by Whtie and Del Zotto at the15:05 and 19:50 marks. With assists from Couturier, Raffl, Schenn, and Giroux. This is not to say that the Penguins didn't have their chances to score. The Pens were firing everything at goaltender Mason, he just had their number today. The Pens took over 40 shots, and were only able to get 1 past the net minder.

This keeps the Pens in the wild card spot, but by a very slim margin. They have 95 points and only have a 3 point lead for a wild card spot. There's only one week left in the season and the Pens are in a need of a win. They are going to need a win and fast to stay in the hunt, and have a chance for a run at Lord Stanley's Cup.

As always comments are welcome and be sure to follow me for all your sports needs.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Pens Loss Close One

Hey All,

Last night, Thursday March 27th, the Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Los Angeles Kings, and this game had a lot riding on it. The game was nicknamed the battle for 8. If Pittsburgh won, they would have cliched a spot in the playoffs for the 8th straight year. If the Kings won, they would have won their 8th straight road game. This game didn't disappoint.

Neither team started their starting goaltender, Jeff Zatkoff for the Pens and Martin Jones for the Kings. Both goaltenders have been playing very well as of late. Zatkoff actually has the same save percentage as starting goaltender Marc Andre Fleury at .915, and giving up 2.58 goals per game.

Now I know everyone has been down on Zatkoff as of late, but what you fail to know is he's a rookie. Not only is he a rookie, he is playing just as well as any starting goaltender in the league. Most people would kill for a goaltender with a .915 save percentage. Not only that he is 11-4-2 in his last 17 games, and in that has recorded a shutout. Now all that doesn't sound like a guy "playing bad".

Okay enough of that rant, let's get to how this game went down. Unfortunately, for the Pens anyways, the Los Angeles Kings extended their winning streak to 5 games, and won their 8th straight road game. They were also able to keep the Pens for clinching a Playoff berth. Kings defenseman Drew Doughty scored the game-winner in the third to give the Kings a 3-2 win. Doughty's goal wouldn't have been possible without the assist from Dustin Brown.

Now this game had a lot of controversy, and it didn't end well for the Pens. Forward Brandon Sutter should have had the tying goal, but was called off due to "goaltender interference". All he did was cash the net after a shot, to get the rebound, he did so and was able to push the puck into the net, and then the net came off the pegs. Now by rule if you disallow the goaltender room to make the save and or get in the way of his progress it is goaltender interference. Non of that happened on this play. Sutter crashed the net and got all puck and pushed it into the net, like every player does. What the refs missed was Doughty cross checking Sutter 3 times which caused the "goaltender interference". Therefore the goal should have been allowed, the game should have been tied, and went into overtime.

Non of the above happened, and the Pens lost the game. They weren't able to clinch a playoff spot last night, but have all the opportunity to do so tonight when they play the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets aren't best team in the league, but they still will give the Pens a run for the Playoff spot. Not that they will take the spot away from the Pens, but they could stop them from not clinching again. I don't think that will happen. Then Pens are playing mad now with the events that went down last night. It showed in the last few minutes of the game after the "goaltender interference" call. They played well last night, and had a lot of speed to there game in the beginning of the game. Near the end of the game they got physical, and I expect that physical play to continue until they have the spot clinched, and well after and into the playoffs. They have something to prove. All good teams go though a phase where they struggle to make playoffs and contend for a Stanley Cup. Everyone is starting to say that about the Pens, and I don't think they like that very much. They are one of the best teams in the league, and they are slumping right now, but will get back to Stanley Cup form starting tonight.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Pens-Hawks to Be Postponed

Hey All,

As most of you would know, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to play an outdoor game at Solider Field Saturday, but weather may play a factor in if it's played or postponed. There is suppose to be a huge snow storm coming through the East Coast over the weekend. A storm that could bring up to 6-12 inches of snow. Also with the snow, it could bring winds and cold temperatures, but everyone is in high hopes that the game will go off as scheduled.

"It would have to make it unsafe, either too cold in terms of medical concerns or if it was such that the ice wasn't able to be kept appropriately so that it would be safe for the players," Bettman said.

If the game is moved, however, it wouldn't be moved far. Neither team has a game until Tuesday, therefore the game just as well could be played on Sunday or even Monday. Bettman says there's lots of plan B's but would really not want to go to them.

To read more, click the link below.

League could postpone Hawks-Pens http://espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/story/_/id/10533941/commissioner-gary-bettman-says-blackhawks-penguins-outdoor-game-postponed-weather-makes-game-unsafe?ex_cid=null -via SportsCenter http://bit.ly/zzSpRY

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Bylsma Extended

Hey All,

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything on here, but I've been working on a video blog as well as this one. You can catch it at mbonaventura83 on YouTube.

Now let's get down to business.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have extended the contract of Dan Bylsma by two years. This will take the coach through the 2016 season, and from there who knows. Now I would be lying if i said I saw this coming, because I have no idea this was going to happen. I thought for sure that the coach would be gone after what happened in the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Bylsma is the second-winningest coach in franchise history, and to some it's not that much of a surprise that he was extended by 2 years. A lot of people were questioning Ray Shero's decision to keep the coach around after this years fall out in the Playoffs, including myself. When asked about it, he had this to say: "I have a very good coach moving forward that I want to lead this team. I want to reward him with an extension that shows him and shows people that he's my coach and I believe in him."

Shero did have to meet with owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle, and Shero was going to go to bat to keep Bylsma a member of the Penguins. One argument that he would have in his back pocket, would have been that Dan is 201-92-25 since taking over the team in 2009 for Michael Therrien. Well it turns out that he wouldn't have to fight very hard for Dan to stay on the team as both Lemieux and Burkle were fully on board with keeping that coach around.

If this were my team, I wouldn't have given him his extension just yet. I would have given him one more year to prove himself, then if and only if he did, I would have extended his contract. Now most would say that that's not a good way to run a team, but I think otherwise. If you make him work for his job, I could only imagine what he would do with this team, and the talent that they have on it. They would be even more unstoppable then they were in the regular season this past year. They would have made an even better Stanley Cup run in the following year, and I would have signed him to a very nice long contract.

I know this is out of my hands, and that Bylsma is on the team for the next two years. I'm very interested in see what he will do and the moves that Pittsburgh makes in the offseason, as they are wanted to move some players around. I don't think it's a good idea to move anyone, they should just keep the team as is, and try to make another run for Lord Stanley's Cup.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Eastern Conference Finals

Hey All,

Below is a video blog of my take of the Eastern Conference Finals. I go over the stats and my take on how the finals will play our.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfsRaaYSYCc&feature=youtube_gdata

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Penguins Injury Update

New Video Blog,
You can also find it with more on my YouTube Channel so subscribe at Mbonaventura83

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Pens V. Lightning

Hey All,

Tonight, April 11th 2013, the Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Tampa Bay Lightning, and boy what a game it was. The Penguins won this game 6-3, but really it wasn't even a contest.

The scoring got started in the first period with new comer to the Pen J. Jokinen beats goaltender B. Bishop off of his skate. This came after, yet another new comer. B. Marrow took a wrist shot off the pad of B. Bishop. The Lightning would answer back after going down 2-0 on a tip in by T. Purcell beating Thomas Vokoun. This would end the First Period.

The Pens came out firing in the second as Chris Kunitz beats Bishop on a slap shot just 1:48 into the Second Period. This would be quickly answered by the Bolts just under 4 minutes later as Connolly beats Vokoun on a Wrist Shot. Other than these two goals the only other action would be the amount of Penalties that were commited in this period. There were 3 Penalties against the Lightning as Malone gets a high sticking call against Iginla, St Louis gets a hooking call against Letang, and finally a roughing call on Gudas against Engelland. The Pens would have Penalties against Niskanen for roughing Labrie, Bennett had a hooking call against Stamkos, and Engelland would return the roughing call against Gudas.

The Third Period would continue the scoring as Malkin takes a Wrist Shot past Bishop. The new comer Jokinen would score again on another tip in. Tanner Glass would add the final score the Pens would get beating Bishop on another Wrist Shot. Purcell would try and find a glimmer of hope, as he added one more goal for the Lightning, making the final score 6-3 in favor of the Pens.

When you take a look at the box scores, it's really not that surprising that the Pens won this game. The Penguins out shot the Lightning 41 - 19 and the Lightning had 11 to the Pens 7 the Pens also blocked more though it was only by one. The one outstanding thing to me was the amount of Penalty Minutes that Tampa Bay had this game. They had 37 Penalty Minutes, IN ONE GAME! There is no possible way to win games when for almost 2 out of the 3 periods in the game, you go on the PK.

I can't believe that the Lightning were so undisciplined in this game, which really gave the Penguins the game. Now I'm a huge Pens fan, and they are killing it this year, and are my pick for the Stanley Cup. But with how easy Tampa Bay made it for them, it wasn't that much of a challenge for them. Can't wait to see how the rest of the Pens season goes.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

15 Straight

Hey All,

An amazing feat has been accomplished in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Penguins have won their 15 straight game in a row, coming two games shy of the record for conviction games won.

The record is 17 which the Pens can tie that record Wednesday April 3rd in New York, as they will face the Rangers. This is a very reachable record for the Pens to break as the Sabres and Rangers are very beatable teams. Pittsburgh has beaten both these teams already this season, and since then they had add 3 more captions to their team.

With the talent that Pittsburgh has on their team this season, there is no reason they shouldn't make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. There's only one little wrinkle at this point in the season, and that is caption and NHL leading scoring Sydney Crosby is out for who knows how long. Crosby was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital yesterday afternoon, after taking a slap shot off of Brookes Oprik was deflected off a stick and hit him right in the mouth.

Word from Dan Bylsma, Penguins head coach, is that Crosby had oral surgery yesterday when taken to the hospital. The other word on the street is that Crosby is missing some teeth now after taking that shot to the mouth. Now me personally, I would love to see Sid the Kid with missing teeth and start to look like a hockey player. But knowing how he is and how he's perceived, he probably had those teeth replaced during the surgery.

Normally I would say that the Pens are in big trouble without Crosby in the line up, but with the talent they've acquired I think he can take a few games rest.

I can't wait to see if the Pens are able to break the record and keep this winning streak going for as long as possible.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Pens v Panthers

Hey All,

The Pittsburgh Penguins were in action against the Florida Panthers tonight in Florida. The Pens are 8-2 on the road, and have scored first in the last 5 road games. Pittsburgh has some unfinished business against the Panthers, because the Panthers are the reason that Geno is out with a concussion.

This game would be physical from the drop of the puck, more so from the Pens. Pittsburgh was wanting to come out and hit, seeing what the Panthers did to their star when in Pittsburgh. The first period was played at a very fast passé, with both teams flying around attacking the puck. However, the Panthers were able to get on the board first, breaking that 5 road games with scoring the first goal for the Pens. The goal came on the power-play on Tyler Kenndy for roughing. Now I have a problem with this call because neither player knew it was an icing call, and kept the play going. Pittsburgh was just unable to clear the puck from their zone.

That's not to say that the Pens didn't have any chances to score, because they were able to mustard up 8 scoring chances. Now there is one problem that I have right now with the way the Pens have played without Malkin. They just aren't taking any shots. They are getting too cute, trying to pass the puck around, and wait for the "perfect" shot. They need to star throwing pucks at this goaltender, because he gives up a lot of rebounds.

The Pens were able score within the first min of the second period, but would be give up 2 quick penalties and have to kill a 5 on 3. They were able to kill the one penalty, but were not able to kill both, giving up yet another power-play goal. Then there was a scrum in front of goaltender of Thomas Vokoun. This would give the Pens a power-play of their own to try and tie the game back up. They weren't able to do so, as Florida was able to kill the penalty. Shortly after that the Penguins would go a man down yet again, and give up yet another power-play goal, only to go a man down and give up 4 total power-play goals in the first two periods.

That would do it for goaltender Thomas Vokoun, and the flower would get into the net for the rest of the game. Pittsburgh would come up with another goal in the second period at the 10 min mar, from Dustin Jeffreys, after a monster hit from Derrick Engaland, which would give the Pens new life in this game. They would however, have to try and kill another penalty. They would do just that, and would come back and get another goal off of a turn over. Paul Martin would take a rocket shot and beat Theodore top shelf and off the cross bar. The sore would be 4-3 in favor of the Panthers with just under 5 mins to go in the second period. Pittsburgh would get yet another power-play chance to tie this game up, and Sydney Crosby would capitalize on that and tie the game at 4 goals a piece.

This had to be the craziest second period I've ever seen. There were so many power-plays, so many goals, and so much intensity from both teams. Now a lot of times there's not 7 goals scored in an entire game, and there were 7 total goals scored in the second period alone.

This game had everything that hockey fans know and love. The Pens lost this game 6-4, but they have nothing to hang their heads about. They played a good game, they were very physical, and showed drive to coming back after being down 4-1. One major thing that the Pens do need to work on is taking less penalties. They played a man down 7 times in this game, and 4 of the 6 goals came when the Pens were down a man or two.

My take from this game is that the Pens played a sloppy first period, should have taken less penalties, could have taken a lot more shots, and last but not least they need Malkin back. Malkin adds a certain spark to the Pens offense, and they just seem to play with a different type of intensity. The Pens need to change the way they play without Geno, until they can get him back on the ice.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Blackhawks Set A Record

Hey All,

Last night the Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record for points in consecutive games. They were able to do something that only 4 other teams were able to accomplish. The only difference with the Blackhawks record is no team has been able to do this at the start of a season.

Chicago has been one of those teams, in my eyes, that just couldn't figure it out. This season on the other hand, they have been on fire since the season got underway. This is the Blackhawks 17th straight game with scoring a point in each of those 17 games. They achieved this record by defeating the San Jose Sharks 2-1 in a barn burner.

The only other teams to accomplish a feat like this are: 20 games by Detroit in 05-06 season and San Jose in 07-08 with 18 games, other 18 game point streak by Tampa Bay in 03-04 and 17 games by Vancouver in 2010-2011.

You can now add the Chicago Blackhawks to that list of very good teams. All these teams went deep into the playoffs, and most won lord Stanley's Cup. I can't wait to see how long the Blackhawks keep this points streak going.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Pens Battle For Road Win

Hey All,

This afternoon there was a battle in Buffalo, as the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabers took to the ice. Both teams looking for a bug win, especially the Pens. The Penguins could take the lead in the east, over the New Jersey Devils, with a win over Buffalo.

These two teams were looking to take advantage of the shortened season with a big time win, and the Pens did just that. The Pens were able to score within the first 90 seconds of the game, putting the momentum on their side. Quickly after that the Sabers would commit a costly penalty, and give the Penguins a man advantage. Crosby took full advantage of the power play scoring on a bad bounce off the back boards. This gave the Pens a quick 2-0 lead within the first two minutes of the game.

The Sabers would answer back though, getting a goal of their own late in the first after the Penguins committed their own penalty. This would be your score at the end of the first, 2-1 in favor of the Penguins.

Buffalo would come out with all the momentum on their side, and the Penguins would come out flat, as they have in the second period this season. Buffalo would get a quick goal in the second, just as the Pens did in the first. This would tie up the game, and keep the momentum on the side of the Sabers, but that would be it for the scoring for both teams. The score would be 2-2 at the end of the second period.

This is where the game would get more physical for both teams. At the start of the third both teams were amped up and ready to play. After a fight broke out both teams pick up the intensity and started hitting. Buffalo would get a goal mid way through the third period, and it looked as if it was going to be it for the Pens. They were able to tie the game back up at 3-3 and things were looking like this game was going to overtime.

Defenseman Paul Martin scored with 2:04 left to go in the game, to lift the Penguins to a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabers. The score from Martin was just his second of the season. His only other goal came On opening day.

A few notes about this game: the Penguins elected to go with 6-foot-4 inch, 215 pound defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to add some size to his roster. He replaced D Simon Despres, and Bortuzzo would be playing in his eight game of the season, after sitting two.

For the Sabres, rookie C Mikhail Grigorenko was a healthy scratch for just the second time this season, and the second time in 4 games. Not to sure why they made the decision to scratch Grigorenko, but they made the decision and he sat.

This game was physical from the drop of the puck, and the fans got a good show. This was a big time win for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who take the lead of the division in the Eastern Conference over the New Jersey Devils.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Pens V. Devils

Hey All,

It was the second meeting n two days for the Pens and Devils, and this game was vintage Penguins Devils. Both teams came out and were ready to play a physical game.

The Pens were playing with a little bit of a chip on their shoulders after a big loss to the Devils in the previous meeting, and it showed early in the game.

Both starting goaltenders got the night off, and getting some much needed rest in the short season. Both the Pens and Devils were playing tired and looked a little sluggish. But the Devils had more energy, enthusiasm, and drive in this game and it showed in their play. They were out skating the Pens, who were a little flat footed, and it really effected their game.

The Pens went down early 1-0 in the game, and never got back into the swing of things. That was the score after one period of play. In the second which, hasn't bode well for the Penguins this season being and scored 16-3 in second periods. Thomas Vokoun gave up two quick goals in the second to give the Devils a 3-0, lead going into the second intermission.

The the third of to quick start for the Penguins, getting a quick goal just 15 seconds into the third, from James Neal with assist from Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin. It looked like the Pens would get some momentum and get back into this game, but it never went anywhere from that point on. The Devils went back to playing their game, which is physical and getting the puck down the ice and get as many shots as they could on Thomas Vokoun. They also like to get the puck behind the goal, battle, and just beat up on the opposing team.

This game comes down to a few things: the Devils are a rough and tough team that likes to play a physical game, and the Penguings were getting frustrated with all the missed opportunities. If the Penguings would have been able to keep their cool, play their game, and not let the play of the Devils get under their skin, they may have had a better shot at winning this game.

Another thing is, the Pens are starting to take too many dumb penalties. Evgeni Malkin is the team leader in penalty minutes (24). This almost never happens to Geno. Sydney Crosby is leading the team in points (17) and assists (12), while James Neal leads the team in goals (7). Another interesting stat is that Thomas Vokoun leads the team in goals against average (2.09), and Fleury is giving up 2.46 goals against average.

The Pens need to step it up and start playing their game. This is a short season and there is no room for error. Until next time, You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Pens Trade Lovejoy

Hey All,

Today it was announced that the Pittsburgh Penguings have traded defensemen Ben Lovejoy to the Anaheim Ducks. The only thing they are getting for him, is a 5th round draft pick in 2014.

Now I have a huge problem with this, because the Pens have enough prospects, they need a young superstar. I hate to say it, but the Pens are starting to get a little bit on the old side with their superstars.

They Pens do have some young talent, but in my opinion, they haven't progressed like Pittsburgh had hoped. This could have something to do with this slow start, but then again that always start off the season slow. That seems to be the Achilles heel of the Penguings, and this season they really can't afford to have that slow of a start. With a short season, every game matters.

Each game is like a playoff game, there's no room for error. You have to come out hard, and play every game like it's your last game. Pretty much it's win, or go home.

That's why I don't really understand this move. I can understand trading Lovejoy, that's not my issue. My issue is what they got in return, a draft pick in 2014, are you kidding me!

Now the Pens have to recall Dylan Reese from the baby Pens. Reese is another defenseman, who is leading the AHL in points scored by a defenseman. Reese had 15 points (3 goals and 12 assists) in 39 games played. He's also played every game in the AHL this season. Reese was originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the 2003 draft, and has played a grand total of 74 games in the NHL, all with the Islanders. In those 74 games, Reese has a 17 points (3 goals and 14 assists)but last season established career high in games played (28), assists (6), and goals (7).

I really want too see how this move works out for the Pens. Hopefully this move doesn't backfire, and they end up missing the playoffs. They really need a good year out of Reese, otherwise this was a waste of a move.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep this up to date with everything sports.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Pens Win On The Road

Hey All,

The Pittsburgh Penguins win big on the road in New York, against the Rangers. The Pens played like they had everything to lose, and looked like the Penguins of old.

Pittsburgh won the game 3-0, and I think they were letting off a little bit of the frustration after a very tough loss against the Islanders just a game ago. The Penguins were hitting, shooting, and playing with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder.

One thing I noticed that the Pens did in this game, that they didn't do in the last game: THEY SHOT THE PUCK! They had more shots and chances in this game than in the previous game.

Speaking of shots, the Pens had more shots on the power-play. They had 6 power-play chances and capitalized on one of them. Now that might not sound like much to most, but their scoring on power-plays this season has not been the Penguins strong suit. They were able to get off 10 shots in those 6 power-plays, and the goal was on a deflection from Sydney Crosby to James Neal. The deflection wasn't the easiest either. Neal deflected the puck through his legs, behind him, and was still able to flip it over the goaltender's shoulder. This was not an easy shot.

One more thing, this was goaltender Vokoun's first shut out as a member of the Penguins. He's averaged about 4 shut outs per start, but he had yet to do it this season with the Pens.

This was a good solid win for the Pens, and hopefully will give them the momentum they need to move on through the season. The Pens will take on the New Jersey Devils at home Saturday, February 2. I'm very nervous for this game seeing how the Devils put up 4 goals against the Islanders tonight, who beat the Pens already this season.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Pens Lose Again

Hey All,

The Pittsburgh Penguins have lost again at home, and looked very slow and out of sync. They had no speed, weren't able to hold the puck in the offensive zone, and had no special teams play.

The special teams play is what bothers me the most. They had a total of 21 minutes of power-play time during the game against the New York Islanders, and still lost the game 4-1. The Pens had 3 power-play chances, and came up empty on all three chances. They only took a grand total of four shots on those chances.

If you get rid of the power-play chances, and didn't show anyone the score, most would say that the Pens won in a land slide. Yet that was not the case, it was the exact opposite. Pens had more shots, hits, power-plays, and less penalty minutes. All of which should add up to a win, but somehow they find a way to lose.

Pittsburgh has not won a game at home this season. All I'd their wins have come when on the road, which is unlike how the Pens usually play. They have been unstoppable when on home ice for the last three years. They just haven't found a way to repeat that success this year. Part of this, I think, has to do with all the youth on their team. Pittsburgh is a very young team, and it's starting to show in their play.

The Islanders are not that good of a team, they are mediocre at best. Since the 2006-2007 season, The Islanders have had a losing record, and been under .500. Now that's not to say that they aren't improving, but looking at the history of the records between these two teams, this loss should never have happened..

The Pens will now travel to New York to take on the other team from New York, The Rangers, who again are a very beatable team. It's sad to say that the Pens may be more of a favorite in this game, because they're on the road, the only place where they are able to win a game.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Crosby's New Contract

Hey All,

I know hockey ended this month, but that doesn't mean there isn't any news going on in the world of the NHL. Some players becoming free agents as of the summer of 2013, and one player in particular I want to talk about is the great Sidney Crosby. He has been with the Pens since joining the league and will look to stay in the burgh.

Crosby becomes an unrestricted free agent in Summer 2013, but one imagines he'll finalize a new contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins before the rules change for player compensation and contract duration under the next CBA.

The question is how large the Penguins and Crosby want to go in keeping the captain in the Steel City.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports revealed some details on the Crosby contract picture during the Hot Stove report on Saturday night.

He's coming into the last year of a five-year, $8.7 million a year contract. When they made that deal, his agent Pat Brisson and the Penguins discussed a longer term but decided not to do it. Now there's an appetite for it. I think we're going to have a pretty good idea by July 1, which is the earliest they can even sign him to a deal, if it's going to get done. It might even be done by then.

His new contact won't cover concussions, but it's Sidney Crosby, wouldn't you do it? I know I would. But it's not up to me, it's up to the Pittsburgh Penguins. I'm sure they will make a deal and it would be a long one to keep Crosby a Penguin. I will keep you up to date as soon as I know anything.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Kings Win First Stanley Cup

Hey All,

Last night the LA Kings won their first ever Stanley Cup. They did so by knocking off the New Jersey Devils, at home in 6 games. The Kings took a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, only to let the Devils try and mount a comeback after winning the next two games. Now the series would move back to LA where the Kings had another chance to win the Cup on their home ice, in front of family and friends. And every hockey player will tell you, there is no better filling then winning in front of family and friends.

For the next 10-plus years they spend countless hours in cars and buses, riding from town to town and to game to game, their parents and friends always there when they need them. So when that moment finally comes for the lucky few out there, those players are quick to revel in the joy with their families.

The emotion is incredible. Want proof? Trevor Lewis, who had two goals in the Kings' 6-1 win to clinch their first Stanley Cup in team history, with his guests on the ice after the game.

Just in case you are wondering, Lewis informed me exactly who the hugs were coming from. "It's my mom, my dad and my two buddies. It's unbelievable, they are such a huge part of this. It's awesome to share it with them." And pretty awesome to watch, too. What a moment. "He's the best son a mother could have!" his mom gushed.

Next for Lewis will come a day with the Cup down the line. It's the best title celebrating tradition in sports, so everybody wants to know what the plans for it are.

"Bring it back to Salt Lake City, I don't think it's ever been there before," Lewis said. That surely will be an emotional day too.

Now I may have been rooting for the Devils to pull out an amazing comeback in this series and bring it to a game 7, but I am happy for the Kings to win their first every Title. It's great when a team who shouldn't have even made the playoffs, can pull off something no one thought they could do. It's a real inspiration for kids out there who play the sports. The Kings showed the world that no matter what the case is, don't ever give up, give it your all, and leave everything on the playing surface and you can come out on top.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

New Saints Controversial Allegations

Hey All,

I know I've been posting a lot, but there has been a lot going on, and I just want to make sure I keep you up to date with everything that is going on. Today we will be talking about the new Controversy going on with the New Orleans Saints. If it's not one thing it's something else that they are trying to dig up, and tear this organization apart. This has to be the crazies story that they could have ever made up about the Saints.

If it's not Bounty Gate scandal, it's ear pieces in the GM's ear listening to the other teams play calls. ESPN has got an anonymous tip that in 2002 through 2004, the Saints GM was suppose to have an ear piece so that he could eavesdrop on the opponents while at the Superdome.

Now before I even get into what both parties have said to this I have to say, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! Isn't it time that the NFL stop focusing on what they Saints did or did not do in the past, and what is going on with the draft coming up on Thursday. I know this is a much bigger thing then the draft, but it is so far fetched that I don't even know what to say to that. If I were the Saints, I'm not to sure how I would react to this. To think that this is believable, you would have to be a pretty dumb individual. I'm sorry to those that the previous statement just offended, but it's the truth and you can't tell me otherwise. In order for this to be true, and to help out the Saints the GM would have to know the language of every other team in the NFL, get the call, decode what it means, radio it down to the coaches on the sidelines, and hope and pray that they get it to the players in time to change the call on the field so that it could work to their advantage. Now, I just don't see there being enough time for all that to happen and it be effective. Now that I got that off my chest, let's hear what the Saints and others had to say about this.

The New Orleans Saints denied an anonymously sourced ESPN report on Monday which alleges that general manager Mickey Loomis' booth in the Superdome was wired so he could listen to opposing coaches' radio communications during games. ESPN could not determine if the system was ever used. The report on Monday's "Outside the Lines" said Loomis would have been able to eavesdrop on opponents from 2002 to 2004. The report also said the system was disabled in 2005, when the Superdome was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Saints spokesman Greg Bensel called the report "1,000 percent false."

"We asked ESPN to provide us evidence to support their allegations and they refused," Bensel said. "The team and Mickey are seeking all legal recourse regarding these false allegations."Loomis explained his use of an earpiece and described his game-day setup in the Superdome booth in an emailed statement.
"I have a monitor in front of me in my booth that provides the league issued stats for the game," Loomis stated. "I have a small TV with the network broadcast and I have an earpiece to listen to the WWL-AM radio game broadcast. To think I am sitting in there listening and actually ... doing something with the offensive and defensive play calls of the opposing teams makes this story and the unnamed sources that provided the false information that much more less credible," Loomis' statement continued. "It just didn't happen."

Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett was the Saints' head coach from 2000 through 2005. In a comment the Saints forwarded to the AP by email, Haslett denied knowledge of any system that would have allowed for eavesdropping on opponents.
"At no time during my tenure as head coach with the New Orleans Saints did Mickey and I discuss monitoring opposing team coaches communication, nor did I have any knowledge of this," Haslett said. "To my knowledge this concept was never discussed or utilized."

If the Saints had installed a system allowing them to listen in on their opponents it would have violated NFL rules and also could have infringed on federal wire-tapping laws.
"We were not aware of it," league spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We have no knowledge of the allegations."
FBI spokeswoman Sheila Thorne said the agency's New Orleans office was aware of the situation, but wouldn't comment further.

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten in New Orleans also said his office had been told about "general allegations" involving the Saints and possible wiretapping, but he did not elaborate. Letten declined to discuss who made the allegations, and whether they involved Loomis or any other Saints officials.

For the Saints, the report in itself added to a slew of recent bad publicity, which began in early March when the NFL released a report describing a crunch-for-cash bounty system that provided improper cash bonuses to defensive players who delivered hits that hobbled targeted opponents.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended head coach Sean Payton for the entire 2012 season in connection with the bounty probe. Loomis was suspended for the first half of the regular season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt was suspended six games.

The team also lost its second-round pick in this week's NFL draft and was fined $500,000. Goodell took away the Saints' second-round pick in 2013 as well, but has said he may lessen that punishment if he is satisfied with the club's cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

The NFL still has yet to hand down punishment to between 22 and 27 current and former Saints defensive players whom the league has said participated in the bounty program.

Until Next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Pens Fall to Philly

Hey All,

Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins played a critical game 6 in Philadelphia. The Pens didn't look like they were all there in today's game. The Pens would lose this game by the score of 5-1.

From the drop of the puck, the Flyers just seemed to want this game more then the Pens. The game started with a big hit to Crosby and followed by Flyers goal within the first 32 seconds of the game. The game would go down hill from there.

The Pens are officially out of the 2012 playoffs. Eliminated in the first round, which no one really saw coming. Pittsburgh was one of the power house teams that no one saw going out on the first round. The way these playoffs are going, there might not be any power houses left in the playoffs after the first round, which could make it a very interesting playoffs.

I can't wait to see who makes it to the finals and will be keeping you up to date with everything that goes on in the playoffs: who's still in, who's on the brink of losing their series, and who is making a strong run to the finals.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Pens Down 3-0

Hey All,

As I'm sure most of you know, it's playoff hockey time, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking on the Philadelphia Flyers. This afternoon, April 15 2012, was game three of the best of seven series. The Penguins dropped the first two game is pretty bad fashion.

The Flyers have had the Pens number in most of the regular season, and now carrying it over to the playoffs. This game was no different, as sparks flew in this game, along with punches and possible suspensions.

The Flyers won the game tonight 8-4 and things couldn't be looking any worse for Pittsburgh. There has been almost no Defense, the goal-tending is terrible, and the Offense isn't playing their game. Pittsburgh was rolling through the regular season because they are playing their game, and skating the puck in deep, getting it behind the goal-tender, and throwing pucks to the net, and trying to get rebounds. Now that it's the playoffs they are not doing the basics and they are playing like crap to be honest. If they don't get back to what they do best, this is going to be the end as of Wednesday in game four in Philly. It's very simple, if they play like they did today the season will be over.

Now the next thing I am going to talk about with this game is all the penalties. There was a grand total of 145 total penalties in a 60 minute game. The goals might be hard to find on a highlight reel. This one was all about the brawls more suitable for a UFC card. Three players were tossed in the first period. There was a rare fight between superstars when Crosby squared off against Giroux. No one got the better end of that scrap. But by the end, Flyers fans serenaded the Penguins with booming chants of "You can't beat us!"Each team had their top defenseman -- Pittsburgh's Kris Letang and Philadelphia's Kimmo Timonen -- tossed. So was Penguins forward Arron Asham.

But the scene ripped straight out of the pages of Ripley's came when Giroux and Crosby went at it against the backboard.

"In the end, that's really playoff hockey," Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said. "A couple of the best players in the world dropping the gloves going at it. Would I rather have G keep his gloves on? Sure. But when he's fighting Sidney Crosby, that's playoff hockey. That's this series."Flyers forward Brayden Schenn rammed Paul Martin into the boards, turned around and was crosschecked in the upper body by Asham. Asham jumped a defenseless Schenn and connected with a vicious right to earn the match penalty -- a penalty imposed on a player who deliberately attempts to injure or who deliberately injures an opponent in any manner. Asham could get suspended for the punch.As the game wound down, Crosby yanked the back of Scott Hartnell's jersey and the fireworks went off again. Simmonds, Neal and Pittsburgh's Craig Adams also were socked with penalties.The slugfest on the ice overshadowed the one on the scoreboard.

All in all this can't happen next game on Wednesday otherwise the Penguins Stanley Cup run will be over. They need to calm down, play their game and play better Defense. This series should not be this lopsided these are two very good teams but right now they Flyers are showing they want it more. The Pens better get hungry and get hungry fast otherwise this is going to go by and they won't even notice they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports