SB Nation - Brent Johnson

It's still Always Sidney in Philadelphia: Pens win 3-2 in shootout

Hooks Orpik — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:02:04 -0000

Boucher was better in this game than last, but he couldn't stop Sidney Crosby from scoring in regulation or the shootout.

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Penguins vs Flyers coverage - Broad Street Hockey

Two night after getting blown out of the water, it was definitely a bounce back night for the Philadelphia Flyers. They went back home and came out with a much better performance. But the Pittsburgh Penguins were there at every corner and matched the intensity and goals all the way through the night.

For all the talk about the Pens power-play, they score 2 goals and really are starting to look better. Moving Evgeni Malkin back to the point has increased puck movement and Chris Kunitz (2 primary assists) and Bill Guerin (1 goal) are playing a simple "go-to-the-net" type game. It's been effective.
Marc-Andre Fleury was stellar with a 31 save on 33 shot effort, including several great saves. The robbery on Daniel Briere is one that'll make highlight films for the rest of the year. At the other end Brian Boucher was great too; a worthy bounce-back performance from his last game.
Two pretty careless stick fouls on Malkin in a span of just over 4 minutes. I'm not gonna job him, he was getting his chances and played well on the power-play, but he's got to buckle down a little with HHT (holding, hooking, tripping).
The three headed monster combined for 16 shots on goal and almost 69 minutes of combined ice-time. That they roll all three out one after another after another gives the opposition no let up.
After coincidental penalties in OT, they played things 3-on-3 for a two minutes which kind of looked like a middle school dance. Neither side really looked comfortable with that much open ice to work with, in fact the Pens kind of circled in their own zone a lot. Easy to tell neither team gets much practice at it.
How deep are the Penguins? Consider this: in the current four game winning streak, they haven't repeated a player in "3 Stars of the night". They go Pascal Dupuis (3rd star 12/10), Sergei Gonchar (1st star); Malkin (3rd star 12/12), Ruslan Fedotenko (1st star); Brooks Orpik (3rd star 12/15), Jordan Staal (2nd star), Crosby (1st star); Fleury (2nd star 12/17), Letang (1st star).

A shame the game was decided with the gimmicky shootout, but Penguin fans almost know what happens when it gets that far: Pittsburgh is now 5-0 in the shootout. Fleury improves to 9 of 10 in stops (backup Brent Johnson is perfect 6 for 6), Crosby's a perfect 5 for 5 in scoring and Letang's a pretty fair 2 for 5. Those three specialists give Pittsburgh a huge leg up if it gets to the skills competition.

Two wins in two games in which they outscored Philly 9-3 on the aggregate is a good showing. The Pens move on to three games in six days before the brief Christmas break; starting Saturday in Buffalo before going home to meet New Jersey and Ottawa. All three of those opponents are in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference's standings, and with goalies like Ryan Miller and Martin Brodeur on the horizion, the road doesn't get any easier.

Malkin nets PP goal in OT, Penguins down scrappy Panthers 3-2

Whale4ever — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:07:44 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Steven Reinprecht's 11th goal - his first since ~~2006~~ November 21st - kept the Cats in contention.

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In the end the Panthers indeed gained a point in the standings. And for that we are happy.

Right?

There really wasn't much to complain about with the Cats' effort against a team many figured would roll over them, but Florida-Pittsburgh games are always grudgematches, and tonight was no different. Peter DeBoer - heavily criticized recently for his club's perceived lack of preparation - had his boys ready for just about anything. Except overtime penalty kills...

Shawn Matthias appeared to have lost a couple of teeth after a brutal cross check to the face by Evgeny Malkin (who received a double minor on the play), but came back for more, only to wind up taking the butt-end of yet another stick to the face late in the third (no call on that one).

But that was the extent of tonight's "controversies", which really amounted to nothing. The Penguins, not playing to their traditional strengths, were a bit outside of their comfort zone, allowing numerous odd-man chances to break through the defensive zone. Backup goaltender Brent Johnson - in his first start since November 27th - looked to be channeling Lyndon Johnson at times, displaying the rust inherent from a long layoff, but coming up large when it mattered. He stopped 29 shots in what could have been a bloodbath for a lesser Number Two. That's what good clubs do. Malkin was the hero this time around, burying a Sergei Gonchar pass to end it - quickly - in the overtime period.

Steve Reinprecht and Stephen Weiss (grabbing his 14th of the year) scored for the Panthers, keeping it more than mildly interesting for fans in South Florida.

Tomas Vokoun was phenomenally outstanding at times, especially in the first frame, when he may have represented the entire Cats' defense. Embarrassing though it may be, we're used to it, and presumably so is "T-Vo".

Bottom line: the Pens caught up with themselves and did what they do: win. They are truly a fabulous club which can dig deep to close the deal, late power plays notwithstanding. The Panthers were not humiliated in any sense, and leaving The Igloo with a point is a major positive.

Off to Long Island...

Evgeni Malkin is the boss of the league: Pens beat Panthers 3-2 in OT

Hooks Orpik — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:51:04 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Fedotenko is a streaky scorer, seeing him net one might be a sign of things to come in the immediate future.

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Panthers vs Penguins coverage - Panthers vs Penguins boxscore - SB Nation blog Litter Box Cats

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers have already matched up three times this season and every game has ended the same: in a 3-2 win for the Penguins, all going to OT (one ended in a shootout). The Panthers must feel they're this close to getting over the hump and beating good teams around the league like the defending champs, but "this close" has only resulted in two out of a possible six points, which isn't going to cut it.

Steven Reinprecht started the scoring in the first for Florida off on a nifty hand-eye coordination goal to bat a puck baseball style out of the air and in the net. Under three minutes later, Pascal Dupuis took advantage of 18 year old defenseman Dmitri Kulikov making a play an 18 year old sometime makes, when he tripped. Dupuis made a nifty shoulder shake to his backhand which froze Tomas Vokoun and quickly moved back to his fore-hand and unleashed a perfect top shelf wrister.

Noted goal scorer Mike Rupp made a great play in the second period for the second Penguins' goal. Rupp softly dumped the puck in, and as both defensemen (Dennis Seidenberg and Bryan McCabe) went into the corner to retrive it. Noted laid a hit that disrupted both defenseman and Evgeni Malkin ended up with the puck. Malkin walked out of the corner, and found Ruslan Fedotenko all alone in front for an easy,slam dunk goal.

Florida would tie the game early in the third when McCabe jumped out of the penalty box and got a break. Brent Johnson made a stop but the puck eluded him, Johnny sprawled out for it but Stephen Weiss was able to curl and drag just in time and finish on the abanon net to tie the game.

No score until the overtime session, the Pens earned a powerplay when Jordan Staal bulled to the net and was tackled by Jordan Leopold. The ensuing faceoff was won cleanly by Sidney Crosby to Malkin, who passed to Sergei Gonchar. Gonchar and Malkin closed in, Bill Guerin got in a screening position and the puck was passed back to Malkin who quickly unleashed a heavy slapshot to the top corner. Game.

FSN unleashed a great stat, the Penguins are now 22-0-0 when they score 3+ goals in a game. And with the talent they have, it's not terribly difficult to get 3 goals a night.
The Pens are also 5-1 when they where their alternate third jerseys, which some fans consider cursed or bad luck. A couple more wins and that sentiment will fade.
It was a two-headed monster night. The big boys combined for 13 shots on goal (7 by Crosby, 6 by Malkin), 22:09 of ice-time for Geno, 21:54 for Sid, and Crosby dominated in the faceoff circle winning 18 of his 24 draws.
Chris Kunitz eased back into the lineup with 14:14 played and 2 shots on goal (5 total attempts). In fact, tonight was the first game that the Penguins got to use every one of their regulars (no one injured).
With Eric Godard a healthy scratch, Mike Rupp was the low-man with just 9 shifts and 6:09 of icetime, even though he made a great play to setup a goal. In close games with a lot of PP and PK time, the Noted one probable isn't going to get a lot of ice, but it was good to see him do well with what he got.
Pittsburgh officially out-hit Florida 34-13. Home town scoring advantage? The statisticans did charge the Pens with 12 giveaways (double the number of Florida's 6), so they can't be considered totally one-sided.
The much maligned PP went 0 for 5 before Malkin drove home the G-Dub. 1 for 6 isn't great, but in a one goal game, we'll take it.

A hard fought game, but the cream rose to the top with the OT winner. The Pens keep pace with New Jersey at the top of the Atlantic Division, and now we get to look forward to the full lineup getting a home and home series against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday and Thursday. The Flyers have a new coach and are a desperate team that's currently outside of the playoff bubble. You just know it's going to be an intense, playoff-like atmosphere in December.

Frolik, Clemmensen propel Panthers over Devils; no record yet for Brodeur

Whale4ever — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:39:18 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

8 days ago: Florida Panthers' Stephen Weiss, left, of Germany, checks New Jersey Devils' Johnny Oduya, of Sweden, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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On a night tailor-made for a longstanding record to fall, the Florida Panthers slammed the door on any such thoughts for a home crowd thirsty to get the hype behind behind them.

Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur was denied his 104th shutout on defenseman Jordan Leopold's fourth of the year with a beautiful read, blasting the puck past an astonished New Jersey club at 3:53 of the first period. For all the times Florida keeps fans guessing, tonight was a happy exception.

Shots ended up 28 to 22 in the Devils' favor, but Michael Frolik's two goals - the second a spectacular one-on-none against Brodeur - proved to be the difference. The guy was determined and displaying the effort we've seen repeatedly but seldom witnessed a payoff. Frolik also led the Panthers with seven shots on goal.

Shawn Matthias scored his second of the season as Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss climbed back on to the train with two assists each.

Dean McAmmond and Brian Rolston scored for New Jersey.

Scott Clemmensen was imperfect but more than solid in net for the Cats; it was quite obvious where his heart resided on this night, downing a club which many claimed slighted him late in 2009.

More to come tomorrow...and keep in mind the Cats are headlining in Pittsburgh Saturday against Craig Adams, Brent Johnson, and the rest of the Penguins. Open thread goes live at 6pm.

Saturday Caps Clips: Caps @ Flyers Game Day

J.P. — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:00:15 -0000

More photos » by Michael Perez - AP

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Your savory breakfast links:

Previews of Game 1 of the Peter Laviolette era in Philly from Vogs, NHL.com, Peerless, CSN Washington and CSN Philly, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Broad Street Hockey for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
Taking joy in Philly's turmoil. [OFB]
It continues not to suck to be Alex Ovechkin... [D.C. Sports Bog, NHL Network Online (video)]
... Even if some blowhard thinks it "would be fun to see" him "meet a couple of fourth-line enforcers down the road." [CBC]
Speaking of idiocy, a nice collection of responses to a prime example of it... [D.C. Sports Bog, Ted's Take, FanPost]
... But we should be fair and let the author defend himself. Here's Jim Kelley on The Mike Wise Show... [106.7 The Fan... at least it should be here soon]
... And we'll give Caps Senior Director of Media Relations Nate Ewell the last word on the matter: "All lies. This interview is making him look even more deceitful, dishonest, biased and wrong." Game. Set. Match. [@nateewell]
Several Caps have stepped it up in AO's absence... [Washington Times]
... As the team rallies around it's superstar. [NHL.com]
The sore wrist that sidelined Alexander Semin for seven games "may ultimately require surgery." That's the first I've heard the "s" word used, which likely means it came from the player (or more likely his agent), which seems an odd thing to be putting out there in a contract year. [Globe and Mail]
Speaking of Semin, "He's a great guy in the locker room, a supportive guy to everyone. He's a big part of the team, and I hope he stays here." So says someone whose opinion probably matters. [Washington Post]
Some (inter)national attention for what Brendan Morrison has done for the team so far. [NHL.com]
One for the ladies... and those who appreciate fine photography. [TTT Hockey]
Btw, TTT Hockey photos would make for truly special holiday gifts. [TTT Hockey]
Several Caps talk about their first times... scoring an NHL goal, that is. [CSN Washington]
You thought you'd seen all the "Free Alex" pictures that were out there? Think again. [Peerless]
Mike Knuble goes toy shoppin' for charity. [Hockey Mom]
Elliot in the Morning tells Florida's Mike Duco he's number one. [TwitPic (via @OnFrozenBlog)]
A preview of Junior Seau's day as shooting target/equipment manager for the Caps. [NHL Network Online (video)]
FiOS subscribers will want to read this. [Mike Holden's blog]
"Hall of Famer Olaf Kolzig" has a nice ring to it, even if we're just talking ECHL. [CSN Washington]
In case you missed it, the Penguins waived Chris Bourque yesterday. [@TSNBobMcKenzie]
Sticking with Pittsburgh, Brent Johnson's worst Civic Arena memory? This game. [Empty Netters]
The juxtaposition of an Habs fan reaction to Eric Fehr's late game-tying goal from last weekend and Led Zep's chill "Going to California" is fantastic, but certainly NSFW for language. [YouTube (h/t YNC)]
Finally, per the HHoF, on this date back in 1997 "Jeff Toms scored at 3:32 of OT to give the Capitals a 3-2 win over the Panthers, in the first NHL game played at the MCI Center in Washington D.C."

November grades and Player of the Month

Hooks Orpik — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:23 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Alex Goligoski (getting mobbed here by teammates) was the overwhelming choice of Pensburgh voters to be named Pensburgh player of the month for October...Who will take the honor for November? Vote below!

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To see the report card from October, click here. You voted Alex Goligoski the player of the month, garning 50% of the vote to easily out-pace the other finalists of Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury, Tyler Kennedy and Jay McKee.

While the training staff and doctors probably deserve MVP status for all their hard work, let's look at the players performances for the month of November.

Overall the Penguins were 8-6-0 on the month, but it was a month of stretches. They lost five of seven games from Nov. 5th to the 19th. Then they won five of seven from Nov 20th to month's end.

Goalies	Grade	Comments
Marc-Andre Fleury	C+	(7-5-0, .891 save percentage on the month) A rocky month for Fleury, who got pulled twice. Considering the makeshift defense in front of him, it was about holding on and winning games; which he did reasonably well by month's end. The bar is set high, so allowing three or more goals 6 out of 12 outings is not ideal.
Brent Johnson	B-	(1-1-0, .887 save %) Again Johnson's save % almost exactly matches the starter, and Johnny has done well to stay sharp, despite not getting into many games.

Defensemen
Mark Eaton	B+	(2 goals, 1 assist, -1, 6 penalty minutes) Who would have thought Mark Eaton would be the Penguins' defensive ironman? Eaton picked up a lot of slack in terms of ice-time, being the lone defensive constant.
Alex Goligoski	I	(1g, 3a, -1, 0 PIM in seven games) Battled illness and then eventually missed seven games. Continues to play well when he's been in the lineup, but gets an I for Incomplete since he missed half the games and is back on the shelf.
Sergei Gonchar	B	(1g, 4a, -3, 4 PIMs in seven games) Points in four straight games, fair to say he's rounding back into game shape. Now it's time to get those PP numbers up. We'll give him a grade, since he's been back for a while.
Kris Letang	I	(1g, 3a, +2, 0 PIM in five games) Barely played due to a shoulder injury, but played very well when he was in. His puck moving ability was sorely missed. We'll give Letang an Incomplete, since he missed so much of the month.
Jay McKee	B	(1g, 2a, -2, 21 PIM in eight games) Before the shot blocking master somehow got a finger infection, the highlight of his month may have been getting 19 PIMs in San Jose, or maybe that awesome deke against Boston resulting in a goal.
Brooks Orpik	B+	(0g, 6a, even, 2 PIM in ten games) Since his return from injury the Penguins have won four of five games and Orpik had his most proflific scoring month ever in the NHL even missing time.
Martin Skoula	B+	(3g, 3a, -1, 0 PIM) Skoula proved himself to be a viable NHL defensemen still with his fill in duty. The two goals he chipped in against Atlanta (Nov 20th) were critical in a 3-2 win.
Deryk Engelland	B+	(0g, 2a, -2, 17 PIMs) Engelland was protected (he only played 16:08 a night) but he was good and physical when he was out there. Plus three fights helped keep some sandpaper around.
Nate Guenin	B-	(0g, 0a, -2, 0 PIM) The Pittsburgh product appeared briefly in two games (13:32 per night). He didn't make any glaring mistakes, but wasn't put in many situations in where he could.
Ben Lovejoy	A-	(0g, 3a, +5, 2 PIM in eight games) Lovejoy got the most responsibility of the callups, in terms of minutes and PK time and also faired the best. He had a great plus/minus and generally didn't look out of place in the NHL.

Forwards
Craig Adams	C	(0g, 2a, -2, 10 PIMs) Hardly generating any offensive, and his faceoff percentage is still hovering around 45%. Adams is forechecking hard (lots of hits) and playing well positionally, but that's par for the course for him.
Chris Bourque	D	(0g, 2a, -3, 6 PIMs in 13 games) Has looked like a placeholder for the injured. And the injured are on the mend, so Bourque's time may be running short. November was a great chance for him to prove himself, and it wasn't a smashing success to say the least.
Chris Conner	D	(0g, 1a, -1, 0 PIMs in four games) Made two turnovers that resulted in goals against on Nov 12th, was shipped back to the minors on Nov. 13th.
Matt Cooke	B+	(3g, 4a, +2, 34 PIMs) The good: Cooke supplying some offense, hitting and penalty killing. The bad: Cooke crossing the line with hits on Shean Donovan and Artem Anisimov, drawing a two game suspension on the latter. Gotta take the good with the bad with Cooke.
Sidney Crosby	A-	(8g, 9a, -2, 12 PIMs) Much like the team, Crosby had a tough beginning of the month (only 1 point in first five games) but closed strong, highlighted by the eight points in two games the Rangers to end the month.
Pascal Dupuis	A-	(5g, 1a, -3, 0 PIM) Dupuis' perhaps the surprise player of the month with his offensive output. The Penguins were 4-0-0 when he scored a goal in November.
Ruslan Fedotenko	C-	(1g, 3a, -4, 0 PIM) Not much production for a guy getting top-six minutes, even worse he only recorded more than one more shot on goal in just three games. He needs to get the puck on the net more, so he can get the puck in the net.
Eric Godard	C-	(0g, 1a, even, 16 PIMs) The big guy is only playing 4:56 per game on the year, but he's really trying. He had 4 shots on goal on Nov 25th, his center drive created a goal on Nov 28th. He's lugging around out there with a purpose, even if many of us aren't sure just what it is.
BIll Guerin	B-	(3g, 5a, -2, 13 PIMs) Like Crosby, only one point in the first five games and then a better production in the final two weeks of the month. The goal with 0.4 seconds he scored against Boston on Nov 14th is the stuff of legends.
Tyler Kennedy	I	(1g, 2a, +2, 0 PIM in three games) Kennedy is having a great year and really making things happen with the puck when he's been healthy, which hopefully he is now. He earns an Incomplete this month, since he only got into a few games.
Chris Kunitz	I	(1g, 0a, -6, 4 PIMs) Thought to be nursing injury, Kunitz only played five games before leaving the lineup after Nov 12. Let's give him an Incomplete as well.
Evgeni Malkin	A	(4g, 7a, +8, 4 PIMs) It's probably no coincidence Pittsburgh's won seven of nine games since Malkin returned to the lineup on Nov 14th, and Malkin's registered at least a point in seven of those games. He didn't look himself in October, but he certainly is back to his dominant ways now that he's healthy and rested.
Mike Rupp	A-	(5g, 1a, +2, 10 PIMs) Some [noted] timely goal scoring, a physical presence and no mistakes have made Rupp a cult favorite here at Pensburgh. His hat trick on November 30th gave him a career high in goals, and he's on a 23 goal pace. Can the big guy keep it up?
Jordan Staal	B	(3g, 7a, +1, 19 PIMs) Staal found the scoresheet on 9 of 14 games this month, an important step towards his consistency in generating points.
Maxime Talbot	C	(1g, 1a, +1, 2 PIMs in seven games) Understandably, it's been a little rough for Talbot to shake off the rust and catch up to everyone else in mid-season form. He does have two points in his last three games and is getting his timing back.
Mark Letestu	C+	(0g, 0a, even, 0 PIMs in two games) Didn't look out of place in his brief first taste of NHL action, but didn't stand out either.

Again I think it's a fairly wide-open debate for player of the month: Crosby had the most points and was in all the games. He was also named the NHL's #1 star of the week last week. Malkin came back strong and is looking like he did last season when he won the scoring title. Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp are lighting the lamp like no one expected. Defensemen Mark Eaton and Martin Skoula literally held the fort down while the rest of the defensemen were dropping like flies. Jordan Staal shouldered more of the load, and played well.

I'll cast my vote for Crosby, but it's certainly understandable that there will be a lot of different opinions on this one. Feel free to cast your vote and share 'em!

Poll

Who should be the Pensburgh Player of the Month for November

Sidney Crosby (8 goals, 9 assists, played in all the games)

323 votes

Evgeni Malkin (4 goals, 7 assists)

29 votes

Mark Eaton (only defensemen to play in all games of season)

47 votes

Mike Rupp (5 goals this month)

142 votes

Pascal Dupuis (5 goals)

28 votes

569 votes | Poll has closed

Turkey Day: Pens blow a third period lead in Long Island

Hooks Orpik — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:42:59 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Kmonicek - AP

The kid over Brent Johnson's left shoulder is really excited about this goal by Josh Bailey.

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Penguins vs Islanders coverage - Penguins vs Islanders recap - Penguins vs Islanders boxscore - SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey

The Pittsburgh Penguins trudged through a game against a feisty divisional opponent in the New York Islanders who had no problem sending the Pens away with no points (or turkey) in a day-after-Thanksgiving matinee.

The Pens were outshot 37-21 over the course of the game, and didn't seem to generate a lot of chances.

Scoring was opened in the first period by the Islanders when Josh Bailey scored his seventh goal of the season when he found a Mark Streit rebound and put it by Brent Johnson. Pittsburgh would get an equalizer before intermission when Evgeni Malkin swooped in the offensive zone and, from an angle almost AT the goal line, whipped a backhander that somehow found a hole in Dwayne Roloson's defense.

Pittsburgh would stake a claim to their only lead in the second period when Jordan Staal put a shot on goal that Roloson saved but the rebounded kicked right out to Matt Cooke who slammed it home for a 2-1 Penguin lead.

The Pens had a nasty third period -- credit the Islanders for playing well and taking over the game, but it wasn't pretty from the Pittsburgh perspective. Just 1:24 into the final period, Sean Bergenheim took a heavy wrist shot that caught Johnson too deep in his crease to tie the game. NYI would buzz the whole period, outshooting the Pens 18-5 in the 3rd, and John Tavares got his first career game winner from right in front when he found Freddy Meyer's rebound.

The game seemed to turn in the middle of the second period when the Penguins had an extended 5 on 3 power-play, one infraction was a double minor so they had plenty of time with the advantage. The stagnant PP couldn't make much happen and the Islanders seemed to rally and draw a lot of strength from that point on.
Good on Jordan Staal for his fight against Nate Thompson (it's the thought that counts) two minutes into the third period. Thompson boarded Pens defenseman Martin Skoula in an awkward and ugly looking hit. Staal was the closest player to it and stood up for his teammate. Was it worth the instigator penalty he was assessed and basically took him out of the game? In the big scheme of things, I think it was.
Dwayne Roloson was really good, several big time saves. And while Johnson was the busier of the goalies, he didn't look as poised or as solid as "Roly the Goalie" was on this afternoon. It's tough to blame the goalie too much, but I think Johnny would have liked to have the game-tying goal back.
A giveaway, a hit and no shots on goal in 9:15 of ice-time for Chris Bourque. Ray's kid only mustered a single shift of ice-time in the third period. As the Pens inch closer towards health the opportunities for him to create a niche for himself are running out.
Max Talbot ended up as a -2 on this game and is a -4 in his first five games of the season. Granted it's tough working yourself back into the swing of things when the other guys have been at it for two months, and even tougher when you're on the first line, but how much longer should this be the case?
Freddy Meyer ended up on the game with two assists, a +2, 4 hits and a takeaway. I took note of several good plays he made on Malkin. He was impressive today for the Isles.
In addition to the 37 shots on goal, New York also had 36 more that the Pens blocked or that missed the net. Pittsburgh only had 48 total shot attempts, so that NYI had 73 really demonstrates how much they had the puck (and were firing it). So congrats to them on the effort.

The early start of the game doubtlessly through off the normal rhythm and routines for the players today. More than a turkey hangover, that's the reason Pittsburgh didn't much look like themselves, though they certainly did look like maybe they imbibed too much at a holiday feast. There's little time to recover, as they'll travel back to Pittsburgh to face another division opponent, when the Rangers come to town for a Saturday night showdown.

Ranking Pittsburgh's offseason signings - who do you feel makes the Penguins a better team?

FrankD — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:15:08 -0000

More photos » by Jerry S. Mendoza - AP

Jay McKee, just one of the players who came on board with the Pens this offseason.

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There are times when any fan base witnesses a signing during the offseason that leaves the collective group of die hards scratching heads, punching walls and crashing message boards with usernames like "KrisBeechStillSucks" and "WhyMikeRupp?" But there also comes a time when that same fan base realizes, "Hey, uh, that wasn't a bad signing after all."

Now there was a healthy degree of doubt and a plethora of questions making way around the interwebs when the Pens announced the signing of a guy like Mike Rupp. And there was even a little doubt with a guy like Brent Johnson. Come to think of it, the Jay McKee signing got a little criticism as well. Oh wait, even Skoula...

You see my point, right?

Whenever a new guy comes on board, it's my firm belief that the fan base wants immediate results. Hockey fans are labeled a lot of things - crazed, loyal, neurotic, insistent, to name a few - but patient certainly isn't one of the labels at the forefront. So I decided now would be as good a time as any to give these guys there due. On a team riddled with injuries that is still finding ways to get it done, sometimes you have to look past the 100-point scorers, third line agitators, starting goaltender and offensive defensemen to really give credit to the guys who consistently get it done.

Take the jump before voting and speak your piece.

Jay McKee

#74 / Defenseman / Pittsburgh Penguins

Height: 6-4

Weight: 203

Born: Sep 08, 1977

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Jay McKee	1	4	5	5	42

For a guy who makes his living as a shot-blocking defenseman, one would've thought it was just a matter of time before Jay McKee went down with some sort of injury. But how many of you actually predicted it would be a finger infection? Up until his injury report from a little over a week ago, McKee was leading all Pens in blocked shots and found himself right atop the league in the same category. When he came on board during the offseason he did so at a discounted rate. Granted it's only a one-year deal AND he had his last contract bought out by the Blues, but the guy is committed to winning. He proves that every time he throws his body down on the ice to block a shot.

Michael Rupp

#17 / Left Wing / Pittsburgh Penguins

Height: 6-5

Weight: 230

Born: Jan 13, 1980

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Michael Rupp	5	2	7	3	34

It nauseates me to no end that the stock photo we have for Mike Rupp still shows him in a Devils jersey, but I'll let it slide for now. The man known around these parts as "Noted," as in "Noted goal scorer Mike Rupp," was on the receiving end of a fair share of criticism before even stepping foot at Penguins camp. "Why?" "Who?" and exasperated "Whats?" all fueled fans to criticize this signing. Reasoning included, but was not limited to, the followng:

Why? - They have Eric Godard for that.

Who? - I've never heard of him.

What?! - What?!

But make no mistake about it. Rupp belongs on this team and this team is better with him. He's everywhere you want him to be and he's doing everything that's asked of him. When you need a guy in front of the net to chip away at rebounds you'll find Mike Rupp. When you need a guy to dig into the corner and knock loose the puck, you'll find Mike Rupp. And more recently exemplified, when you need a guy to stand up for your star forward, you'll find Mike Rupp.

Brent Johnson

#1 / Goalie / Pittsburgh Penguins

Height: 6-3

Weight: 199

Born: Mar 12, 1977

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Brent Johnson	6	300	3	1			15	3.00	146	131	.897	0

Admittedly a back-up goaltender will hardly get as much attention as, say, a forward. But for a team like the Penguins that have had Marc-Andre Fleury out of the lineup for at least three weeks over the past two seasons, it's nice to know there is a formidable talent ready to jump between the pipes when needed. The Pens got that with Brent Johnson. Many (including myself) thought this season was the ideal opportunity for the Pens to call upon WBS goaltender John Curry to fill the second string role. However, Ray Shero once again showed his market expertise and signed on former Capital netminder Brent Johnson to the Number Two spot. So far this season it's been anything but easy for Johnson. Of his three wins not a single one has come in regulation. The first two, Florida on October 23 and Columbus on October 30, ended in a shootout. win His most recent, against Boston on November 14, came within .4 seconds of registering as a loss before Bill Guerin forced OT and the Pens took it down in extra time. So really, the guy's had to work out there for each 'W,' but he's getting it done despite keeping us all on the edge of our seats. It also doesn't hurt that he's a huge Zeppelin fan.

Martin Skoula

#41 / Defenseman / Pittsburgh Penguins

Height: 6-3

Weight: 226

Born: Oct 28, 1979

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Martin Skoula	3	3	6	-2	2

Martin Skoula played 81 games with the Wild last season, scoring 4 goals and picking up 12 assists. This season, with only 15 games on record with the Pens, Skoula is only one goal short of last season's total with still a lot of time to play. While Skoula may be limping around the ice a bit right now with a supposed foot injury, whatever downside or pain he's experiencing is not showing up on the scoreboard. If not for Skoula's two goals the Pens would've fallen short against the Thrashers Saturday night. When you can't get big scoring going from guys like Malkin or Crosby, it's nice to see a defenseman, specifically one not known for scoring, picking up a goal or two to help the cause. The former 1998 first round pick has found his place with the Pens and has really stepped up in the wake of all these injuries.

Video evidence:

Christopher Bourque

#12 / Left Wing / Pittsburgh Penguins

Height: 5-8

Weight: 178

Born: Jan 29, 1986

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2009 - Christopher Bourque	0	3	3	-4	10

In all fairness I had to include him. Bourque was claimed off waivers on September 30 and has since been struggling a bit in the Pens' lineup. Or is it just another example of high expectations? FSN seems hung up on producing countless videos and features for the kid, but when his shots go right across the goal mouth or directly into an out-of-position goalie's logo, you tend to consider the reality of root of the animosity. Bourque has three assists over 16 games and is even getting some quality time on the first power-play unit. To his credit the hustle is there and he can, at times, play a strong game that doesn't register on the score sheet. But until (if) he cracks that first goal I feel the criticism will continue.

There is no right or wrong way to register your vote in this poll. It's merely a matter of one's own perception. Who do YOU feel is standing out the most? Who do YOU feel makes the Pens a better team? And just for posterity's sake, I know Ryan Bayda also signed in the offseason but he has yet to play for the parent club.

Now, get on with the voting and debating.

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Poll

Which offseason signing is standing out the most?

Jay McKee

282 votes

Mike Rupp

257 votes

Brent Johnson

11 votes

Martin Skoula

47 votes

Chris Bourque

7 votes

604 votes | Poll has closed

Checking up on the kiddos: Part 2 (Defensemen and Goalies)

Hooks Orpik — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:13:56 -0000

Yesterday we took a look at the forward prospects of the Pittsburgh Penguins and how they're fairing in far flung placs and leagues from colleges to junior teams to lower level professional leagues. Today it's time to turn our attention to the goalie and defensemen and how the early part of their season is going in their quest to make it to the NHL.

Goaltenders

John Curry [undrafted] - Curry is now in his third season with the Baby Pens and so far he's putting up personal highs in save percentage and goals against. While it must have been disappointing to see Pittsburgh go out and sign a veteran in Brent Johnson, Curry's been nothing but solid and reliable whenever he's been called on. Johnson only has a contract for this season, so perhaps this season will be Curry's last at the AHL level.

John Curry	Lge	GP	MIN	W	L	OTL	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton	AHL	8	490	5	2	1	18	2.20	242	224	.926	1

Patrick Killeen [6th round pick, 2008] - Killeen has been the workhorse for Brampton (playing in 15 of the 16 games so far). The team is in last place in their division, but that's probably because they are last in the entire OHL in goals scored. Killeen's not getting much support, but it seems he's doing a decent job keeping them in games.

Patrick Killeen	Lge	GP	MIN	W	L	T/OTL	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Brampton Battalion	OHL	15	913	6	7	2	44	2.89	431	387	.898	0

The rest of the prospects after the jump..

Alexander Pechurski [5th round pick, 2008] - All the stat lines I've seen have suprisingly shown Pechurski appearing in 0 games for the KHL leading team, Magnitogorsk Metallurg (Evgeni Malkin's old team). However he is just 19 playing in a top league like the KHL (where Sergei Fedorov is among his teammates) so he has to at least be practicing with the team, right?

Alexander Pechurski	Lge	GP	MIN	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Magnitogorsk Metallurg	KHL	0	0	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	-	-

Brad Thiessen [undrafted] - Thiessen has been brought along slowly as he transitions to the professional game. He's appeared in just two games this season with Wilkes-Barre, in part due to how well Curry's played.

Brad Thiessen	Lge	GP	MIN	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton	AHL	2	121	0	2	0	5	2.48	56	51	.911	0

Defensemen

Robert Bortuzzo [3rd round pick, 2007] - One of the surprising stories from training camp was the strong play of Bortuzzo. By all accounts he's continued to play well in his rookie season, highlighted by getting sucker-punched by AHL tough guy Trevor Gillies. Welcome to the pros, kid.

Robert Botuzzo	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton	AHL	9	0	1	1	-1	19	0	0	0	11	0.0

Simon Despres [1st round pick, 2009] - St. John is currently the top team in "the Q", riding a current nine game winning streak. Despres' been a big part of that. Despres told Pensburgh at the draft he wanted to shoot more and become more of an offensive force and he's got 5 goals this young season already. Compare that to the three goals he scored in his first 130 games in the Q and the strides are noticable.

Simon Despres	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Saint John Sea Dogs	QMJHL	17	5	6	11	4	30	4	1	2	46	10.86

Alex Grant [4th round pick, 2007] - Grant, along with Joey Haddad was a recent healthy scratch in order to get his mind right for the professional game. The Penguins organization is fairly deep defensively so Grant is going to need to get it together, and quickly, if he wants to be a part of it for the future.

Alex Grant	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Wheeling	ECHL	8	2	1	3	+1	6	-	-	-	-	-

Ben Lovejoy [undrafted] - Lovejoy had a rough training camp, possibly because he had a shoulder injury that knocked him out of about the first month of the season. Now he's back and back in the AHL, probably waiting for an injury before he gets a chance back in the NHL.

Ben Lovejoy	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton	AHL	5	1	1	2	1	4	0	0	0	19	5.6

Philip Samuelsson [2nd round pick, 2009] - Samuelsson is of course the son of former Penguin bad boy (and fan favorite) Ulf Samuelsson. Young Philip is playing at Boston College and has jumped right onto their blueline.

Philip Samuelsson	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Boston College	HE	4	0	1	1	+1	2	-	-	-	1	0.00

Carl Sneep [2nd round pick, 2006] - Sneep is now a senior at BC, a teammate to Samuelsson and a leader of that team. Though he's got a lot of college experience, Sneep is only now about to turn 22, which means he will join the professional ranks as a seasoned but still somewhat young player.

Carl Sneep	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Boston College	HE	4	1	2	3	+2	2	-	-	-	9	11.11

Brian Strait [3rd round pick, 2006] - Strait was set to be the captain of the defending national champion BU Terriers before he jumped to the pros by signing with Pittsburgh. Strait's role is the steady partner, and by all accounts he's had a geat start to his rookie year, leading WB/S defensemen in plus/minus.

Brian Strait	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton	AHL	10	0	2	2	4	6	-	-	-	5	0.00

Alex Velischek [5th round pick, 2009] - Velischek has hit the ground running for the Friars, he's second on the team in assists and plus/minus.

Alex Velischek	Lge	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Providence College	HE	7	0	4	4	+5	14	-	-	-	7	0.00

Grading October, and the Player of the Month

Hooks Orpik — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:26 -0000

The Pens close the book on October 2009 with an Eastern Conference high 22 points in the standings and boasting an impressive 11-3-0 record. They're a perfect 6-0-0 away from Mellon Arena. If you want a bittersweet moment think of this: there'll never be October hockey in Mellon again. Kind of staggering to think of it like that, isn't it?

We turn the calendar to November, the players keep trudging on, no real big deal for them. But it makes a nice, clean break to grade them. All grades are given based off of player expectations relatively to their role. So, hypothetically, if a guy like Mike Rupp gets a better grade than a Sidney Crosby it doesn't mean Rupp is necessarily better, just better based off of what he's supposed to do.

Goalies	Grade	Comments
Marc-Andre Fleury	A-	9-2-0 record, strong .918 save percentage and a sterling 2.07 goals against average. Even better, Fleury deserves praise for the improvement he's shown playing the puck.
Brent Johnson	A-	Johnson has an identical save percentage (.918) to Fleury. Ideally the backup isn't a dropoff from the starter, so far so good for the veteran.

Defensemen
Mark Eaton	B-	Eaton hasn't stood out much, but given his style of play, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Alex Goligoski	A+	Highest praise for the guy currently leading the league in plus/minus. 12 points in 14 games for Goligoski, who played as well as any defenseman in the entire league.
Sergei Gonchar	A-	8 points in 9 games and his customary spot as team leader in ice-time before breaking a bone in his wrist. Get well soon, Sarge.
Kris Letang	C+	Zero goals, five assists this month. Letang hasn't been bad, but the Pens need him to be productive, especially in Gonchar's absence.
Jay McKee	A	Brought in as a shot-blocking defenseman, McKee leads the NHL with 44 blocked shots. That earns an A this marking period.
Brooks Orpik	B+	Tied for first amongst NHL defensemen in hits (43), and a fair amount of blocked shots (26). Has taken seven minor penalties, could do a little better of not taking stick penalties.
Martin Skoula	C+	Skoula had to jump into the lineup on a new team, always tough, and he's done reasonably well. Hasn't made any major gaffes in his five games, but hasn't made many plays either.

Forwards
Craig Adams	B-	He does a little bit of everything and generally does it well. Could stand to bump up that faceoff percentage though (45.9%)
Chris Bourque	C-	Has gotten into six games, hasn't created very much, despite seeing some minutes with the reigning scoring champion.
Chris Conner	C	Only played these last two games in limited minutes. He's shown nice speed but has been contained by bigger defensemen.
Matt Cooke	B+	Decent numbers with 2 goals and 3 assists and the usual good PK work. Cooke draws an extra bonus for being 5th in the league amongst forwards in hits. He's not taking shifts off, he's forechecking and finishing checks every time.
Sidney Crosby	A-	At the top of the league in faceoffs, 4 for 4 in shootouts, team leader in goals (9) and points (16). Just another month for the fabled captain.
Pascal Dupuis	C+	Two goals this month for Dupuis, who's mainly seeing bottom six even strength minutes. His penalty kill work has been good.
Ruslan Fedotenko	B-	Quietly a decent month for Rusty with six points. His 29 shots is a slightly higher per game average over his past two seasons, hopefully he keeps shooting.
Eric Godard	D	Godard's point-less in 11 games -- and maybe pointless too, he only has two staged fights and a measely 4:34 per game in ice-time. When he's been out there though he's made a good effort at actually playing hockey though.
BIll Guerin	B	The graybeard had 9 points in the month, but only three goals (none of which Crosby assisted on). We know enough to know Guerin will be there when it counts, hopefully he's pacing himself to have enough in the tank for the long season.
Tyler Kennedy	A	Kennedy's been on a scoring upswing, with 5 goals in 11 games, three of which ended up as game-winners. Nice to see his hard work was being quantified with points, hopefully that doesn't change when he returns from his undisclosed injury.
Chris Kunitz	B+	More assists than Sidney Crosby so far. Kunitz has broken out of his goal slump, with 2 in the last three games of the month. He's distributed the puck well, and needs to keep driving the net (and hopefully lighting the lamp).
Evgeni Malkin	B+	Soldiering through a shoulder issue for part of the month, Geno still put up 14 points in 12 games. When he returns, at full strength, the team will be better for it.
Mike Rupp	B+	Rupp's been impressive: despite only playing 8:40 a night, he's already matched his 2008-09 season total in goals (3) in one month. His play has been a pleasant surprise.
Jordan Staal	C+	Staal's played very well at times, but in the last eight games he's got zero goals (and only has one assist). Now, more than ever with Malkin's injury, Pittsburgh needs Staal to produce points.

The Honor roll (finalists for player of the month) is pretty big, given the great month the team had. Make your choice for Pensburgh player of the month and feel free to lobby for a different grade if you see something that doesn't quite look right.

Poll

Honor roll: who should be the Pensburgh player of the month?

Marc-Andre Fleury

188 votes

Alex Goligoski

374 votes

Jay McKee

9 votes

Sidney Crosby

140 votes

Tyler Kennedy

24 votes

Other (specify in comments)

2 votes

737 votes | Poll has closed