Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Update 11/6/12

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins had a successful weekend road trip. Before the road trip, the Penguins were 2-5-0. Now, the Penguins were able to defeat the Manchester Monarchs and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
The Manchester Monarchs are currently the best team in the Atlantic Division. The Penguins had a difficult game ahead of them, but they were able to blank the Monarchs 3-0. After a scoreless first period, Eric Tangradi scored a power play goal in the second period to put the Penguins ahead 1-0, while extending his goal scoring streak to 5 games. The Penguins scored a power play goal later in the period off of a slap shot from defenseman Dylan Reese. The Penguins would end the game with an empty net goal by Paul Thompson with 40.1 seconds remaining in the third period.
The Penguins went on to play the Bridgeport Sound Tigers ranked 2nd in the Northeast Division. The Penguins were tied halfway through the second period, when Paul Thompson began his scoring stretch. He scored with a wrist shot from the far circle with about 12 minutes remaining in the period. Thompson later scored from the slot with an assist from Brian Gibbons 5 minutes later to put the Penguins up 3-1. Thompson completed the Natural Hat Trick with a goal that went five hole to beat the goaltender with 37 seconds remaining in the second. The Penguins were able to defeat the Tigers 5-3.
The Penguins are going to play the Binghamton Senators tomorrow night at home. Games can be watched at the Penguin's website.
That is it for this week. Check back next time for another AHL/NHL update.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Update

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite the NHL's lockout, the AHL continues to play games.  The Penguins have started out this season pretty rough, dropping the first four games of the season. After two wins against Rochester and Syracuse last week, the Penguins are at a 2-5-0 record. Each contest has been down to one or two goals, so the Penguins are not doing as bad as their record shows. Currently, Eric Tangradi is leading the team with five goals and zero assists, with five points on the season. Goaltender Jeff Zatkoff has struggled in his five games started. He has a save percentage of .894. His backup, Brad Thiessian, has played two games, won one game, and has let by 7 goals.
The Penguins are hoping for a much needed win tonight at Manchester before going to Bridgeport. Manchester has started out a solid team winning 5 out of their 6 competitions so far this season. In this situation, every game is a must win for the Penguins. Because they are 3 games under .500, the team needs to step up their game. Despite a few stars, such as Tangradi, stepping up and scoring for the team, many of the players are struggling, especially the goaltenders.
While I look at this situation as a must win, I still must remember that it is early in the season. But, every game is crucial during the year.
By the way, for those of you who are going to comment "This is a Pittsburgh Penguins blog! Who cares about the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins?!?" Many players from the WBS Penguins come up to the NHL to play when players are injured.. Brad Thiessian played a few games last year for the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Eric Tangradi, Philippe Dupuis, and Simon Despres. The development of these players are crucial so they can hopefully play in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins when they are needed.
That is it for this week. Check back next time!

Penguins NHL Winter Classic History

The NHL Winter Classic is one of the premier events held during the regular season. Every year since 2008, the NHL chooses two American based teams to compete in this popular sporting event. What sets the Winter Classic apart from all other games is that it is played outdoors, and teams wear retro jerseys from the team's jersey.
The first Winter Classic took place at Ralph Wilson Stadium near Buffalo, New York. This game was the highest attended NHL game with about 71,000 attending. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2 to 1 in a shootout. This game was especially special because a blizzard went through New York right around game time, making it a beautiful sight to see. While it looked cool, the ice surface was difficult to play on, and caused many irregular bounces of the puck and an increased difficulty in skating for the players. The main highlight of this game was seen in the shootout when Sidney Crosby scored the game winning goal.

The fourth NHL Winter Classic took place in Pittsburgh at Heinz Field. This Winter Classic took place between the Penguins and the dreaded Washington Capitals. The Penguins would go on to lose the game 3 to 1 with the lone Penguin goal coming on a breakaway from Evgeni Malkin. This game was the first Winter Classic to be played in primetime due to the unseasonably warm weather and predicted rainstorm in Pittsburgh. During the game, Sidney Crosby received a cheap shot to the head by David Steckel which was considered to help lead to Crosby's concussion issues during the late 2011 and most of 2012 seasons.

NHL Lockout Update 10/19/12

Welcome back hockey fans to another Penguins/NHL/anything hockey update. This week, the NHL's owners proposed a plan to solve the debate over the Collective Bargaining Agreement that would offer a 50/50 split for the players and a full 82 game season that would be likely to start in the middle of November. While this sounds like an excellent deal at first, you have to look at the offer from the player's perspective. "The Player's Association proposes that owners pay what they have promised to pay." tweeted former Penguin and current New York Ranger Mike Rupp. After debates over the current contract ensued, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the debates "a step backward". In response, many players are demanding to see how getting paid what was promised is seen as a step backward. Many players and sports analysts view the 50/50 deal as a publicity stunt to try to get opinion on the side of the owners.
"The owners' most current proposal was to reduce players salaries 12.3 percent," said Winnipeg Jets Right Winger Eric Fehr on Thursday. "Players asked me, 'How could that be fair?'"
Currently, I am starting to debate my viewpoint on this whole issue. I originally saw both sides to blame for the lockout, seeing everyone as being greedy. Now, I am beginning to see more of the player's perspective.  A 12.3% pay cut is significant. Many hockey players make less than a million dollars. This makes the NHL one of the lowest paying professional sports leagues in the country. Even as the NHL is making a huge revenue climb over the past decade, the owners are proposing that player's salaries to be cut. Also, many players suffer injuries during their career, and often find themselves unable to work after their hockey career, therefore making their salaries crucial. Because of these reasons, I have now decided to favor the players in this debate, as they are only asking for what they are promised.
Well, that is it for this week. Check in next week for more NHL news!  

NHL Lockout Update 10/2/12

Welcome back fans! As you might have guessed, the NHL lockout still isn't over. But, players continued negotiations with the NHL this afternoon in New York City for another two hours. At least we know that things are starting to head in the right direction.
While discussions continue, the NHL prospects had their annual game this week at the First Niagara Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres. Team McClanahan ended up winning this contest 5-2 against Team Housley with three major goals in the second period. This game gave many young players the ability to experience playing in an NHL atmosphere while not quite being on a professional hockey team yet.
"It was amazing, a great experience," Team Housley forward J.T. Compher said. "I've had so much fun being here. The Buffalo Sabres have been great, USA Hockey has been amazing. It means a lot knowing that young kids are going to look at this game and say, 'I want to play in the [All-American] Prospect Game, I want to be here for USA Hockey.'"
During the lockout, the coaches have managed to keep busy. Many of the Penguins' coaching staff, including head coach Dan Bylsma.
“You anticipate hockey for a long time in the summertime, getting ready for the season,” Bylsma said. “A chance to get on the ice, see these guys on the ice, work with players in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization – I get excited about that opportunity. I get excited about getting on the ice and I get excited about being a part of coaching our players.”
Finally, the Penguins organization is planning a new tournament to begin this year at the Consol Energy Center. The "Three Rivers Classic" college hockey tournament is set to take place on December 28 and 29th. The four competing teams are set to be Penn State, Ohio State, Miami of Ohio, and Robert Morris. Robert Morris, a nationally ranked hockey team, is easily a favorite for this tournament. I see them winning mainly because of their definite drive to win and overall skill on their lineup. Other teams, such as Penn State, are simply not as experienced in tournaments as this dominant Robert Morris team.
That is it for this week. Check back next week!

    

NHL Lockout 9/28/12

Well, another week has gone by, and still, the NHL remains locked out. The NHL released a report this week on Thursday morning that the remainder of the NHL's preseason has been cancelled. This means that if the NHL and the NHLPA reaches a decision soon, the earliest that the NHL season would begin is by October 8th. But, there is good news out of this. The NHL and the NHLPA have decided to continue negotiations. While both sides are still far away from reaching any agreements, this is a step in the right direction. Hopefully they can create a new Collective Bargaining Agreement and end the Lockout.

While things continue in the United States, Evgeni Malkin continues his career in the KHL. Right now, he has one goal and four assists in three games, which is outstanding.

While the NHL remains the dominant hockey league, they are not in charge of everything hockey. In fact, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is in charge of everything hockey. This week, in Tokyo, the IIHF held their elections for offices. Returning as President of the IIHF is René Fasel. He will remain in office until 2016. The IIHF make executive decisions about the rules of the sport, and also hold tournaments in Europe every year for countries to compete in.

That is it for this week. Enjoy your weekend, and check back next week for more hockey news. 

NHL Lockout Update 9/24

Well, another weekend passes, and still the lockout has yet to be resolved by the NHL. Both sides are still standing by what they want, and not much progress has been made to reach a solution. While talks continue between the NHL and the NHLPA, it sure seems like this might take a while to resolve the lockout.
All I have been able to think about today is that the Penguins would have their first preseason game scheduled for this evening against the Columbus Blue Jackets. But, as we all know, there will be no hockey until October 3rd at the earliest for the Penguins, when they are scheduled to play the Detroit Red Wings. But, experts expect this lockout to continue well throughout the fall, and could even lead to a cancellation of the season. I typically like to be optimistic in bad situations, but I still have trouble seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel" in this debate. But, all we can do is wait, and hope for the best for this lockout end before they are forced to cancel the season.

While things in the United States continue to happen, Evgeni Malkin is continuing his career in the KHL. In fact, his game is about to wrap up right now. Unfortunately, there is no access to a live stream of the game, so we will have to wait until later to see how well he did today.
For full lockout and Evgeni Malkin updates, checkout http://www.thepensblog.com/. These guys are professional bloggers who update several times a day about the Penguins.
Thanks for checking in, and check back next time for another update. Lets all hope for the best!

NHL Lockout Update September 20th

 

Well, day 5 of the NHL Lockout continues, and the NHL has made some radical moves. The NHL announced yesterday that the Preseason schedule through September 30th has been cancelled. In addition, the 2012 Kraft Hockeyville preseason game, scheduled for Oct. 3 in Belleville, Ontario, has been postponed to 2013. This cancellation is in relation to the absence of the Collective Bargaining Agreement which has led to the lockout.

Because of this lockout, many players are beginning to play in other hockey leagues such as the KHL (the Russian Hockey League). Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin signed with Mettalurg along with ex-Penguin Sergei Gonchar. In Evgeni's KHL debut, Evgeni got two assists, including a tying goal to send the game into overtime with seconds left in the third period. Despite losing in overtime, Evgeni went +1 and had two total points.

Other players, such as half of the Edmonton Oilers team, have joined the American Hockey League. Other younger players, such as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have joined the Junior Hockey League. This just shows how the professionals are trying to keep in shape while this lockout ensues.

Hopefully within the next week or so we will be back to some NHL action that the world can enjoy! See you next week!   

Lockout Update September 18th

Well, the time has come. The NHL owners have locked out the players. We all have been hoping that this time would not come, but it is upon us. What really makes me angry when it comes to this lockout is that the NHLPA and the NHL consistently say that it is all about the fans. Well, let me break some bad news on you: IT IS NOT ABOUT US!!! That is right! This whole lockout is about the one and only thing that matters in this world: the almighty dollar. Many people blame the owners for being so selfish in wanting to give pay cuts to the players in a time of prosperity for the NHL. In fact, the NHL is more popular now than it ever has been. But what people fail to realize is that both sides are to blame. The players are demanding too much from their owners while the owners are demanding too much from their players. This all needs to stop before it is too late. Winter already goes slow enough! Taking away hockey, well, time will stand still!
Well there is little other news, other than the NHL releasing the top 10 greatest play makers in NHL history. While we all saw Wayne Gretzky coming in first place, a shocking upset as Bobby Orr and Adam Oates place 2nd and 3rd respectively. Next is Mario Lemieux at 4th and Sidney Crosby at 5th. Not bad to have two Penguins in the top 5.]
Finally, we go to international hockey news, where the KHL (Russian Hockey League) hosted an outdoor hockey game inside of a 2000 year old Gladiator arena. Yes, an ancient Roman Gladiator arena. Tickets were priced at about 500,000 euro.  Below are pictures of the ice surface.

Check back later this week for an update. Until then, hopefully some greedy people can get their act together and end this lockout! 

Pittsburgh Penguins Update 9/11/12

Well, there is still no end to the NHL's near lockout here in the States. But, as some of the players have put it: at least there is video game hockey! That is right! NHL 13 comes out today. For only $60 you can purchase this game that will help you get through the upcoming lockout. But have no fear. Hopefully the lockout will end shortly, and the players will get back to what they do best at: PLAYING!
This week, NHL preseason tickets went on sale. The Penguins will be playing the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks at home for the NHL preseason. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.
In addition to this, Penguins forward Craig Adams participated in the Walk to Defeat ALS at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, raising funds in the drive to find a cure for this disease. Also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease that dissolves the body's ability walk and speak. After diagnosis, the typical life expectancy of a patient is only two to five years. Adams' father is currently battling this disease. Donations online have exceeded $3,300, with many amounts being $27, in honor of Craig Adams' sweater number.
“Too bad I didn’t have a higher number,” Adams said with a smile. “Even small amounts help and you’re talking about this walk and then nationwide as well, so we’re really raising a lot of money.”
Finally, forward Joe Vitale had his high school hockey jersey #16 retired from Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis.
“It took a while for it to kind of sink in,” Vitale said of getting the news that his jersey would be retired. “At first I was like oh, that’s cool. Then I got some calls from people and they told me that it was a big deal. Then when I went there at halftime with the full crowd, it was a really nice ceremony and it kind of hit me then like ‘oh, this is really cool.’”
Vitale scored 172 points (61G-111A) in his four years at Christian Brothers College High School, was named MVP of the title game his junior year and was awarded team MVP honors his senior season. Vitale's impact on the school was great, with coaches telling about how he treated everyone the same, and was obviously brought up by good parents.
That is it for this week. Look forward to another post next week!

Penguins Off-Season Update 9/7/2012

Well, another week has gone by, and still no decisions have been made by the NHL and the NHLPA. Reports say that both sides are far apart from making a deal. Experts predict that the lockout will last weeks, even possibly longer than a month. We continue to hope that the hockey season will not be canceled.
In other news, Evgeni Malkin has made Penguins headlines this week. One year ago, on September 7th, a plane carrying coaches and players of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team in Malkin's home country of Russia crashed, killing all 44 on board.
“I knew a lot of guys who played in Russia for Lokomotiv,” said Malkin. “When I heard the news I can’t explain how I felt after. It’s tough to say what I felt. I wanted to help support their families.”
After the crash, the game the players were headed to had a dramatic change. The deceased player's and coach's names and pictures were put on boards and laid across the ice. The crowd and opposing team joined in for a memorial in honor of the deceased players, as seen in the picture below.

Evgeni Malkin held a benefit for the families of the victims last week. In addition to Malkin, several teammates, including Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby, attended the benefit in Pittsburgh.
“’Geno’ knew some guys and family members that were involved with that, so we’re aware of what he’s doing and we’re behind him 100 percent,” Crosby said. “That’s a great thing they’re doing. We were all pretty saddened by that.”
As shown in the ice sclupture above, the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team will never be forgotten.
That is it for this week. Keep your fingers crossed in hope of the lockout ending!

August 31 Update

As a Penguins fan, I have decided to post updates on one of the best NHL teams around the league. I plan to update on future news, and game recaps. That being said, I will only post if there is not a lockout. So let us hope that the NHL and the NHLPA reach an agreement by September 15th. If not, then this will lead to the beginning of the school year going a lot slower.
As (hopefully) the season comes closer to us, we see some action by the Penguins organization. Forward Eric Tangradi and defensemen Brian Strait, Robert Bortuzzo, and Alex Grant. Tangradi spent part of his season with the Penguins and the other part with the Penguin's minor league team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League. Tangradi was signed to $726,000 two way deal.
Strait played nine regular season games with the Penguins, earning one assist. Strait played most of his season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, earning 4 goals, 12 assists, and 16 points. Strait was signed to a two way, $605,000 deal.
Robert Bortuzzo has only played six NHL games with the LA Kings, earning a plus/minus 1 throughout his short time. He played most of his year with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, earning 10 goals, 27 assists, and 37 points. Bortuzzo was signed to a two way, $525,000 deal.
Alex Grant has split his career between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and its ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers. He earned 13 goals, 29 assists, 42 points in 79 AHL games. Grant was signed to a two way, $525,000 deal.
In other news, the Penguins were voted the 6th most money efficient out of 122 sports franchises by Bloomberg business week. Also, the back to back Stanley Cup Champions from 1991 and 1992 held their 20th anniversary by holding a Penguins Alumni Charity Golf Classic. Many former players and coaches appeared, such as Mario Lemieux, Joe Mullen, Kevin Stevens, Bryan Trottier, Larry Murphy, Phil Bourque, Bob Errey, Jim Paek, Peter Taglianetti and Jiri Hrdina, who managed to fly from the Czech Republic to Pittsburgh to attend this reunion.
That is all for now. Check back, and hope that the NHL and the NHLPA can reach an agreement in the meantime.