The Penguins started last night’s game in sluggish fashion, but fought back to secure the victory along with two very important Eastern Conference points. Your Flightless Birds weren’t the only ones who were in the middle of completing an improbable comeback though…the Montreal Canadiens were facing tougher odds, as they found themselves down 5-0 to the New York Rangers. A handful of players on each team seemed to will their respective squads to victory…in Pittsburgh it was Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Malone. For Montreal it was Alex Kovalev and Michael Ryder.
These four players and two teams will lock horns tomorrow night in what should be one for the ages. The Penguins do not fare very well in Montreal, but hopefully the chance to pull closer to the pinnacle of the Eastern Conference is enough to spur the boys to victory.
There is a bit of a logjam at the top of the East right now, with the Penguins, Devils, Senators, and Habs playing leapfrog on what seems like a nightly basis. This week could really alter how things shape up in the Conference race, as the Penguins meet Montreal and Ottawa over the next few days. In fact, they face the Senators in two out of their next six games.
It almost doesn’t seem fair that these four teams cannot fill the top seeds in the conference, as all of them will most likely finish with more points than the Southeast Division Champion, who will fill the number three seed. This race is going to be one of the most entertaining stretches in recent league history, especially as we all sit back to watch what happens to alter it over the next week as the trade market heats up.
More on the Pens/Les Habitants (no offense meant to the Montreal Canadiens or farmers anywhere, just throwing it out as it is where he Habs nick derived from) match up tomorrow…
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Sidney Crosby did not participate in the Penguins 11:30 am practice at Mellon Arena this morning. There has been no word of a setback, but will keep you informed if something breaks. There was some talk that 87 could be making his return to the line-up as soon as tomorrow evening in Montreal, but I do not think that will be the case. It would be a media circus and I don’t think that they team wants to do that to the Kid on his first day back. Phil Bourque, Penguins Radio Color man, appeared on a local radio show this morning and said that he could see the return occurring during one of the weekend afternoon games, as there would be no morning skate and he could sort of ease back into the line-up. I still think he will be back before the end of the month, if not sooner.
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Ryan Malone’s name continues to come up in trade rumor, however at this point I really believe it to wishful thinking in other cities. He is quickly becoming part of the heart and soul of this organization. The Pittsburgh Kid has asserted himself this season and seems to be rounding into the player the Penguins always hoped he would become. In fact, if not for the presence of Sidney Crosby, I think he could be this team’s captain. He is well liked by his teammates, and has become an emotional leader on and off of the ice. Malone provides that leadership with actions as well as words and he does it every night.
He has scored huge goals for the Penguins and has been one of the team’s best players during Sidney Crosby’s recovery. I believe that Shero probably has Bugsy on his list of players to extend, not to trade come next Tuesday.
Shero’s patience last season is beginning to pay off, as he came close to moving Malone on several occasions. I am sure that Malone’s recent play is going to solicit some nice offers, but it would have to be truly jaw dropping for RS to pull that trigger.
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Today’s Playlist:
1. Poison – Look What The Cat Dragged In
2. Kiss - Beth
3. Three Bad Jacks – Run Johnny Run
4. The Cure – Burn (From the Crow Soundtrack)
5. White Lion – You’re All I Need
6. Public Enemy – Lost At Birth
7. Rob Zombie – Pussy Liquor
8. The Cars – My Best Friend’s Girlfriend
9. Necromantix – A Stone With Your/My Name On It
10. Ozzy Osbourne – I Just Want You
11. Emperor – He Who Sought the Fire
12. Elvis Presley – (You’re The) Devil In Disguise
13. Drowning Pool - Sinner
14. Lacuna Coil – The Prophet Said
15. Fretblanket - Twisted
16. AC/DC – Back In Black
17. Beastie Boys – Brass Monkey
18. Helmet – In The Meantime
19. Pantera – Cemetery Gates
20. The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby
21. Fuel - Innocent
22. Buffalo Tom - Sundress
23. System Of A Down - Know
24. Nightwish – Devil in the Deep Dark Ocean
25. Mike Ness – Don’t Think Twice
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Keep an eye on the Edmonton Oilers come deadline time…I have a sneaky suspicion that they have interest in a Penguin player or two…quite possibly Erik Christensen. They have been scouting the Pens a good bit lately…could be nothing, could be something…you never know this time of year.
My wish list from the Oil would include: Ales Hemsky (RW), Robert Nilsson (LW) (fell hard for him while watching his play at Wilkes Barre-Scranton last season), Denis Grebeshkov (D), Tom Gilbert (D) ( another known commodity for the Penguins, was impressive last season in WBS and plays a good two way game)…
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Don’t forget the Penguins Hockey Buzzcast goes live tonight at 9:00 pm.
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Youtube find of the day...King of Kings - Motorhead Crosby Tribute...
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The Penguins are holding a cell phone drive to help local Women's Shelters...here is the official release:
Penguins Support Womansplace Shelters
With Game-Day Cell Phone Drive
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have teamed up with Verizon Wireless to support Womansplace shelters with a cell phone drive on Saturday, February 23 prior to the Pens vs. Ottawa game.
Every fan that donates a used cell phone, cell phone accessory or makes a cash donation will be eligible to win Penguins prizes.
All donations will directly benefit Womansplace, local shelters that assist victims of domestic violence.
Collection sites will be set up at Mellon Arena gates 1, 3 and 10 prior to the game through the middle of the first period.
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