Six wins in six games & Geno's got a goal in each one of them
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The Penguins are 6-6 in their last 12 games. Have you enjoyed the ride?
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Kris Letang saw more than 27 minutes (27:09) of ice time Sunday against Washington. Defensive partner, Brooks Orpik, checked in with the Pens’ second-highest ice total (24:02). Letang skated four minutes on the man advantage while Orpik checked in with only seven seconds. Orpik played more on the penalty kill than Letang, 3:16 to 1:30. In the end, Letang finished with 30 shifts to Orpik’s 29. Think coach Dan Bylsma is glad to have Letang back?
Most importantly, Letang hasn’t appeared slowed by a concussion that forced him out of action for 21 games. He has points in each of his three games since returning, including two goals and two assists. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that he doesn’t suffer the same fate that Sidney Crosby did after just eight games. So far, so good.
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So does James Neal replace Jamie Benn or Mikko Koivu in the All-Star Game? He’s got to go, doesn’t he?
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Evgeni Malkin was named the NHL’s No. 1 Star for the week ending Sunday. He scored five goals and two assists in four games, all Pittsburgh wins. Interestingly, that was after he netted a natural hat trick and added two assists. Superlatives don’t do justice for Malkin, but that’s what we do here, so we’ll try.
Geno has scored 11 goals in nine games since January 7. That’s the same number of goals Henrik Sedin, Martin St. Louis, Patrick Kane, David Krecji and Eric Staal have scored, individually, for the ENTIRE season!
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Bylsma stated that Malkin and Orpik were both given maintenance days off Monday. We’d say their off days were both well-deserved. Arron Asham missed with concussion symptoms.
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The trade deadline is February 27. What do the Pens need and what can they afford to give up? I’m guessing the team moves a defenseman for a winger with size. Much can happen in five weeks, however. Stay tuned.
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Who gets a bigger suspension/fine, Alexander Ovechkin or Zbynek Michalek? I’m not sure, but I can’t say I mind the NHL Network’s Kathryn Tappen discussing the possibilities on an endless loop.
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dave Molinari writes
here that the Penguins opted against holding a moment of silence for Penn State’s Joe Paterno on Sunday. When we spoke to Mr. Molinari at Ice Castle on Dec. 28 he was wearing a Penn State jacket. If it’s news that the Penguins didn’t show respects for Mr. Paterno, shouldn’t Molinari say why the team didn’t honor him, or at least write an explanation more than simply “opted against?” What do you think?
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Alex Goligoski signed a four-year, $18.4 million extension Monday. Goligoski has five goals and 15 points in 36 games. Goligoski was traded for Neal and Matt Niskanen at the trade deadline in 2010-11.
Neal has 26 goals and 46 points in 48 games and Niskanen has two goals and 16 points in 47 contests.
Trades are never as simple as points scored, but it’s interesting that both Neal and Niskanen have more points than Goose. Health has been an issue for the former Pen.
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I’m working on a fantasy All-Star Game contest. Details to follow Tuesday or Wednesday.
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Treasure Life!
JT
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
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