SBNation.com User Blog: TonyAndrock

A Look At The Penguins Development Camp Prospects

TonyAndrock — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 20:25:30 -0000

I made my first trip to the Consol Energy Center back on July 14th for the annual prospect scrimmage, and after taking in the event and analyzing all of the participants I decided to go ahead and jot down some insights on what I saw from what could be future AHL and NHL Penguins stars.

After the jump, I'll have all of the big name prospects that attended the camp along with some quick scouting-report type comments. Over at Highland Park Hockey, a website I started in 2010 to cover the AHL Penguins after being inspired by PensBurgh, I have the full list of prospects split amongst two articles:

The goalies and defensemen: Pens Development Camp Scrimmage Part 1

The forwards: Pens Development Camp Scrimmage Part 2

16 Prospects that caught my eye after the jump.

16 Prospects that caught my eye at the scrimmage below:

#4 D Simon Despres - One of the main attractions for fans to watch. He looked very comfortable out there. Probably helps that this wasnt his first prospect camp with the Pens. I think he's NHL ready but the amount of defensemen on one-way contracts in Pittsburgh will probably force Despres to at least start the 2012-13 season in the AHL.

#5 D Philip Samuelsson - After an up and down rookie season in the AHL, Samuelsson needs to come back strong and prove he was worth the 2nd round selection in 2009. He looked better in camp, but will still be fighting for a spot on the third pairing in Wilkes-Barre in 2012-13 as the organization is currently still stacked on the blue line.

#7 D Joe Morrow - There's no doubting Morrow's pro potential and his abilities on the ice. Don't call me a critic, but I wasn't overly impressed with him during Saturday's scrimmage. It could have been the hype surrounding last year's 1st round pick, but he's young and certainly needs a year of AHL hockey before I'd consider him NHL-ready.

#8 D Scott Harrington - Morrow's defensive partner in the scrimmage showed good skating ability and a heck of a shot from the point. He'll be heading back to Canada for another year of junior hockey with London (OHL) but could end up with the WBS Penguins for 2013-14.

#9 F Brian Gibbons - "Gibby" looked like the same speedy forward he was last season in the scrimmage this past weekend. I was hoping to see him bulk up over the off-season but I guess I will have to wait until he goes up against AHL competition to see if he has improved on his strength with the puck.

#10 D Olli Maatta - Paired with Samuelsson for the scrimmage. One of two Penguins 1st round draft picks from the 2012 Draft, Maata played well in Saturday's event. His breakout passes were crisp and he could develop into a good blue liner in the future. Maata turns 18 in August and will not be making the NHL club, so he'll join Scott Harrington in London (OHL) for the 2012-13 season.

#12 F Matia Marcantuoni - Heard his speed and skating ability was unparalleled but glad I got to see it in person for myself. The 4th round pick of 2012 was all over the ice and really intrigued me. He's only 18 so he won't crack the professional ranks this season, but certainly a forward prospect to keep an eye on this year in the OHL.

#13 F Anton Zlobin - The smallish right winger was a 40 goal scorer in the QMJHL last season and might have been able to better showcase his skills if paired with a better playmaker. No offense to Zach Sill in that regard, but Zlobin still impressed me. He got an assist on Sill's goal and the 6th round pick from the 2012 Draft could turn heads in Wilkes-Barre in 2013-14.

#17 F Paul Thompson - I'm expecting big things from Thompson with the AHL Penguins this season after a 25 point (10G-15A) rookie campaign. Clearly a man amongst boys at the scrimmage as he's 23. Could be a top-six forward for the WBS Penguins this year.

#19 F Beau Bennett - Probably the one you skipped down to read first. The Pens 1st round pick has a lot of hype surrounding him with some writers claiming he could make a push to join the NHL club this season. I tend to disagree after seeing him in the scrimmage. Yes, he's very good. He wowed the crowd many times at the Consol Energy Center during the scrimmage and has shown flashes of brilliance at times. To me, he tends to make one too many moves or seems to be trying too hard. I think a year adjusting to the pro level in the AHL will do wonders for his development and WBS Penguins fans should start getting excited to see Bennett in 2012-13.

#20 D Derrick Pouliot - The 8th overall pick in the 2012 Draft, the pick acquired by the Penguins in the Jordan Staal trade, looked a little raw and certainly needs some more time in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks. He's only 18 and with the depth on the blue line Pouliot needed to do more in my opinion to make the Pens make moves to clear space to give him an NHL spot.

#22 D Brian Dumoulin - Also acquired by the Penguins in the trade that sent Jordan Staal to Carolina. Was paired with Pouliot in the scrimmage. Dumoulin was one of the most impressive guys at the scrimmage in my opinion. He's a big guy who can be physical and his reliable in his own zone and can put the puck in the net at the other end as well. He scored the overtime goal in the scrimmage Saturday and did a great job against opposing forwards, taking away time and space. WBS Penguins fans should be excited to see him play in the AHL in 2012-13.

#25 F Adam Payerl - Payerl joined the AHL Penguins at the end of last season and could fill in quite nicely in a grinder-type role in the bottom six this season. Really liked his ability to be physical on the forecheck and play a solid two-way game. He should continue to develop more in 2012-13 and its never a bad thing to have a 6-3, 218 pound forward on your checking line.

#26 F Dominik Uher - Like Payerl, Uher also joined the AHL Penguins last season for the playoff run. And like Payerl, Uher also plays with a chip on his shoulder. He seems to have more offensive scoring touch to his game as he recorded 68 points (33G-35A) in 63 games last season with Spokane (WHL). One play in particular I remember from the scrimmage was Uher making a nice move and getting around Joe Morrow on his way to a nice shot on goal.

#34 D Harrison Ruopp - Acquired in the trade that sent Zbynek Michalek to Phoenix. Received a high hit in the scrimmage but was able to play the rest of the way. He was very physical and should continue to develop more next season with Prince Albert (WHL)

#37 F Teddy Blueger - The Pens 2nd round pick from 2012 is coming off an 88 point season (24G-64A) at Shattuck St. Mary's High School in Minnesota. Has some growing to do as well but really impressed me at the scrimmage with his offensive abilities.

Can the Penguins Sign Shane Doan?

TonyAndrock — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:40:05 -0000

I thought it would be important to bring back the discussion of big free agent forward Shane Doan, who his agent says, has received an offer from Pittsburgh and has shown interest in playing with the Pens.

According to capgeek.com, the Penguins have plenty of cap space to make a sizeable offer to Doan. Even with Steve MacIntyre listed on the NHL roster the Pens still have just under $10 million in free space.

Money isn't the issue, however, there is one major problem that could prevent them from signing that big name winger to play with Sidney Crosby.

By my count the Penguins are nipping at the heels of the 50-man NHL contract limit. If you include the three restricted free agents (RFA's) yet to re-sign with the team, defensemen Robert Bortuzzo and Alex Grant and forward Eric Tangradi, and discard defenseman Scott Harrington's contract since he will be heading back to junior hockey in Canada, the Pens have 49 guys under NHL contract for the 2012-13 season. The RFA's re-signing appears to be a formality type thing. The deadline has passed for RFA's to sign but GM Ray Shero is on vacation so no official news has been released yet.

Simply put, adding Doan without moving someone else will give the Penguins no wiggle room for mid-season acquisitions. In years past, Shero has gone into the season with at least 1-2 spots open on the 50-man limit.

This leads me to believe that in order for the Penguins to add Doan, they will need to make a trade to move some guys out of the organization or lose someone on waivers.

To end with a AHL perspective, guys like Bortuzzo, Brian Strait, Benn Ferriero and some other "tweener" players would need to clear waivers to play in the AHL next season and could easily be claimed by another team, which would effectively give the Penguins some more roster space.

I'm in the thinking that the Penguins would rather get something, such as a late round draft pick, for a guy like Strait or Bortuzzo than lose them for nothing to another NHL club. Time will tell but it's certainly safe to say that the WBS Penguins are done in free agency, outside of adding a guy or two on an AHL-only contract.

Thoughts on Shane Doan?

Could this be the end for Brad Thiessen?

TonyAndrock — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:44:39 -0000

Could this be the end for Brad Thiessen?

This most certainly means that Brent Johnson's stay in Pittsburgh is coming to an end. But what about Brad Thiessen?

Thiessen is an unrestricted free agent that the Pens have until July 1st to make a decision on before he is free to sign with another team

WBS Penguins Fall Short in Game Seven, Season Over

TonyAndrock — Sun, 13 May 2012 01:37:42 -0000

WBS Penguins Fall Short in Game Seven, Season Over

A tough way to end the season, but coming back from a 3-1 deficit to send this series the distance can't be overlooked.

A lot of promise and potential in these WBS Penguins that fans in Pittsburgh should pay attention to over the summer and into next season!

Nothing Beats Playoff Hockey, Game Seven!

TonyAndrock — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:00:07 -0000

Down 3-1 in the best of seven series, the Penguins top minor league affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) has battled back and forced a Game Seven tonight at 6 p.m. EST against the St. John's IceCaps in Newfoundland, Canada. The winner moves onto the Eastern Conference Finals and will travel to Norfolk for Game One Thursday night in Virginia.

This has just been an incredible series. The Penguins and IceCaps split the first two games in St. John's before playing three straight overtime games in Wilkes-Barre. The IceCaps won Games Three and Four, pushing the AHL Penguins on the brink. But after a double overtime winner from Simon Despres in Game Five and an impressive 4-2 win in St. John's last night in Game Six, this series gets decided on one game. Game Seven.

Follow @H_P_Hockey on Twitter for updates all night, including a post game recap of all the action. I'll post it to the fanshots section on the right side column (off the main page).

Looks like you can watch for free here. Have heard mixed reviews on the free stream. You can buy a stream for 10 bucks on the AHL Live if it doesn't work.

Penguins/IceCaps Needs Seventh Game

TonyAndrock — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:55:45 -0000

Penguins/IceCaps Needs Seventh Game

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have forced a winner-take-all Game Seven tomorrow night at 6 p.m. EST after a 4-2 win over the St. John's IceCaps. Only fitting the series comes down to just one game. A truly Grade A series.

After the teams came out for the third period tied at two, the Penguins got a greasy goal from Zach Sill, tipping a puck past Eddie Pasquale early in the third period, giving the Pens a 3-2 lead. Paul Thompson beat Pasquale with 3:30 to play on a nifty backhander to make the 4-2 final.

Penguins Force Game Seven with 4-2 Win Tonight

TonyAndrock — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:51:52 -0000

Penguins Force Game Seven with 4-2 Win Tonight

UPDATE: Highlights of tonight's game attached to recap!

WBS Penguins @ STJ IceCaps - Game Six

TonyAndrock — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:39:36 -0000

WBS Penguins @ STJ IceCaps - Game Six

Penguins take on the IceCaps in Newfoundland tonight for Game Six. Puck drops at 6 p.m. ET

Looks like you can watch for free here.

For live updates on Twitter, follow @H_P_Hockey.

Pens are down 3-2 in the series. Penguins win tonight and Game Seven is tomorrow night at 6 p.m. ET. Lose and it's season over.

WBS Penguins @ STJ IceCaps - Game Six

TonyAndrock — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:36:48 -0000

WBS Penguins @ STJ IceCaps - Game Six

Penguins take on the IceCaps in Newfoundland tonight for Game Six. Puck drops at 6 p.m. ET

Looks like you can watch for free here.

For live updates on Twitter, follow @H_P_Hockey.

Pens are down 3-2 in the series. Win tonight and Game Seven is tomorrow night at 6 p.m. ET. Lose and it's season over.

Penguins Prevail in 2OT, Force Game Six

TonyAndrock — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:02:44 -0000

Penguins Prevail in 2OT, Force Game Six

For the third straight game, the Penguins and IceCaps were deadlocked after 60 minutes. This time, it was the Penguins hopping over the boards and celebrating.

After 92:08 of exhilarating playoff hockey, Simon Despres played hero tonight.

WBS Penguins Game Five Highlights

TonyAndrock — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:03:06 -0000

For those Penguins fans in hockey withdrawal:

Watch some highlights of tonight's thrilling double overtime game from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins courtesy of the team.

Simon Despres & The WBS Penguins Force Game Six

TonyAndrock — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:13:18 -0000

Simon Despres & The WBS Penguins Force Game Six

After 92:08 of exhilarating playoff hockey, Simon Despres played hero tonight. It was his first of the playoffs but none bigger for Despres. Ben Street and Eric Tangradi got the assists on the double overtime goal.

A huge goal for Despres. He caught up with reporters after the game and had this to say:

"This one is very big because we’re on the brink of elimination. Biggest goal of my career, definitely."

So it's on to "the Rock" in St. John's, Newfoundland. The Penguins will get on a charter flight with the IceCaps and fly up to Canada together tomorrow. Game Six is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. EST. The Penguins still trail the series, now at a 3-2 deficit, and will need to keep that do-or-die mentality Friday night in hopes of forcing the decisive Game Seven.

STJ @ WBS - Game Five

TonyAndrock — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:04:29 -0000

STJ @ WBS - Game Five

IceCaps look to end the series tonight but the Penguins certainly have plans to fly back to St. John's for two more games at "The Rock".

Series much closer than the 3-1 shows.

WBS Penguins On The Brink, Game Five Tonight

TonyAndrock — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:47:30 -0000

I'll have live in-game updates as well as a post game recap over at Highland Park Hockey.

Follow @H_P_Hockey for in-game updates.

Looks like you can watch the game for free right here.

The Penguins come into Game Five down three games to one in the best-of-seven series after dropping two straight overtime games to the IceCaps over the weekend. The good news is that they can start the comeback tonight on home ice in front of the hometown fans.

All time, the Penguins are 15-10 when facing elimination. Let's hope after tonight that is pushed to 16-10.

The series has been much closer than the three to one deficit shows, however.

In the opening game of the series, the IceCaps held a 2-1 lead until a puck handling gaffe by Brad Thiessen with under two minutes to play ended the game in a 3-1 loss. Essentially a one goal game.

In Game Two, the Penguins evened up the series with a 3-1 win of their own, thanks to one shorthanded and one power play goal in the first five minutes of the third period. The Penguins really dominated the play and held a 28-11 shot advantage after two periods before pulling away in the third.

The series shifted to Wilkes-Barre for Games Three and Four. Both ended in overtime losses for the Penguins. Two more one goal games.

In Game Three, the IceCaps held onto a 1-0 lead until an extra attacker goal by Eric Tangradi with 1:02 left to play sent the game into overtime. Unfortunately Brock Trotter notched his second of the night 10:02 into the first overtime for the IceCaps win.

The Penguins came out firing in Game Four, scoring goals on their first two shots and taking a 2-0 lead into the second period. But credit to the IceCaps for not giving up as they tied up the game with two second period goals of their own and after a scoreless third period, ended the game 27 seconds into overtime when Ben Maxwell cleaned up a rebound loose in Thiessen's crease.

By no means is this series over heading into Game Five tonight. A couple bounces the other way and it's a 3-1 series for the Penguins and fans would have their eyes on the Conference Finals.

Instead, the Penguins need to start with one game. Win this game and head back to St. John's for Game Six.

LETS GO PENGUINS!

STJ @ WBS - Game Three

TonyAndrock — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:04:55 -0000

STJ @ WBS - Game Three

A preview of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. Also, some good photos sent to me by a fan in attendance at Game Two in Newfoundland.

IceCaps vs. Penguins - Game Three (Series Tied 1-1)

TonyAndrock — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:56:24 -0000

The Penguins are looking to use the home ice to their advantage starting with tonight's Game Three at the Mohegan Sun Arena. With the series tied at one after a split up in Newfoundland, the Pens will enjoy the home ice for Games Three, Four and Five.

PensBurgh should be represented well tonight as PENSRYOURDADDY and I will both be in attendance. Also, the NHL Penguins biggest fan, Malkamania, will be at the game.

Don't expect any lineup changes for the Penguins as Brian Strait didn't practice and is still day-to-day.

The IceCaps have two changes to their lineup. Marco Rosa and Jason DeSantis OUT. Maxime Macenauer and Zach Redmond IN.

For live updates follow @H_P_Hockey on Twitter.

Looks like the free stream is here.

LETS GO PENS!

Penguins Even Series With IceCaps

TonyAndrock — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:48:00 -0000

Penguins Even Series With IceCaps

For those looking for coverage of the IceCaps/Penguins series follow @H_P_Hockey on Twitter or go to Highland Park Hockey. I write over at Pensburgh and have been covering the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins all season long.

The Penguins dominate the IceCaps tonight and win Game Two 3-1, sending the series back to Wilkes-Barre for three straight home games starting Saturday. The best of seven series is evened up at one apiece and is now essentially a best of five.

WBS Penguins vs. IceCaps - Game Two

TonyAndrock — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:36:11 -0000

Penguins trail the best of seven series 1-0 and look to even up the series before three straight games at home. Follow @H_P_Hockey for live updates of tonight's game. Puck drops at 6 p.m. EST

Last night, the Penguins took an early lead despite being heavily out shot 20-4 in the first period. But the IceCaps stormed back with two breakaway goals from Brock Trotter and a puck handling gaffe by Thiessen with 1:54 left led to the 3-1 final score.

Cal O'Reilly scored the lone WBS goal, his fourth of the playoffs.

Free stream of tonight's game right here.

Live in-game updates on Twitter right here.

LETS GO PENS!

Penguins trail the best of seven series 1-0 and look to even up the series before three straight games at home. Follow @H_P_Hockey for live updates of tonight's game. Puck drops at 6 p.m. EST

Cal O'Reilly scored the lone WBS goal, his fourth of the playoffs.

Free stream of tonight's game right here.

Live in-game updates on Twitter right here.

LETS GO PENS!

AHL Penguins Start Second Round

TonyAndrock — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:10:28 -0000

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL), top minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, begin second round action tonight against the St. John's IceCaps. Here's the schedule for those interested in listening/watching:

Eastern Conference Semifinals - Series "J" (best-of-7)
2-St. John's IceCaps vs. 4-Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Game 1 - Tue., May 1 - W-B/Scranton at St. John's, 6:00 ET
Game 2 - Wed., May 2 - W-B/Scranton at St. John's, 6:00 ET
Game 3 - Sat., May 5 - St. John's at W-B/Scranton, 7:05 ET
Game 4 - Sun., May 6 - St. John's at W-B/Scranton, 4:05 ET
*Game 5 - Tue., May 8 - St. John's at W-B/Scranton, 7:05 ET
*Game 6 - Fri., May 11 - W-B/Scranton at St. John's, 6:00 ET
*Game 7 - Sat., May 12 - W-B/Scranton at St. John's, 6:00 ET

UPDATE: You can watch tonight's game for free here. Game starts at 6 p.m. EST so if it says there's no video yet, you might be a little early. Let me know if it works! I'll have live tweets @H_P_Hockey

After the jump, a quick glance at the series breakdown I posted yesterday at Highland Park Hockey.

On paper these two teams are pretty even in basically every statistical category. Looking more closely at each position with my thoughts and a prediction.

Goaltending
Pretty much even here. Brad Thiessen and Eddie Paquale both started all of their teams playoff games in Round One. Thiessen allowed 11 goals in five games. Pasquale surrendered 10 in four. Thiessen definitely has the edge in AHL playoff experience as this is Pasquale's first taste of playoff hockey at this level. Pasquale has a better save percentage but has faced many more shots than Thiessen.

ADVANTAGE: Pens. But only slightly. Thiessen's been in this position before. His experience can't go unnoticed.

Defense

Former WBS Penguin Jason DeSantis is on the blue line for the IceCaps this season and has played quite well as you saw above as one of the leading scorers of the team. Paul Potsma is also dangerous offensively for the IceCaps as well. The Pens counter with Alexandre Picard, Simon Despres and Alex Grant as the offensive minded blue liners.

Derek Meech missed most of the regular season but has proved to be a leader as well as a solid two-way defenseman for the IceCaps. Two knee injuries prevented him from playing, but is tied for the team lead in goals (3) and points (5) through the first round.

Defensively the IceCaps have Arturs Kulda, who was a part of Chicago's 2008 Calder Cup Champion run (they beat the WBS Penguins) and Brett Festerling, who brings five seasons of AHL experience to the rink. The Penguins shutdown guys have been Brian Strait, Robert Bortuzzo and Joey Mormina.

ADVANTAGE: I'll go with St. John's but it's pretty dead even. St. John's has better offensive defensemen in Meech/Potsma but the IceCaps defense allowed Syracuse to average 37 shots a game in the first round. Bortuzzo, Strait and Mormina have blocked a ton of shots as the Pens allowed an average of about 20 per game.

Forwards

Both teams had a group effort offensively as the IceCaps leading scorer Spencer Machacek finished the regular season with 50 points. Their leading goal scorer Jason King, potted 22 in the regular season. For the Penguins, Ben Street led with 57 points. He and Bryan Lerg tied for the team lead in goals with 27 apiece.

The IceCaps forward core took a big hit when it lost captain Jason Jaffray for the rest of the season due to a neck injury. Adversely, the Penguins front 12 improved when power forward Eric Tangradi was re-assigned after Pittsburgh was eliminated in the NHL Playoffs. The IceCaps did get a boost at the end of the season from atrade deadline acquisition as Brock Trotter has been on the score sheet often in the first round. I have to admit I haven't watched a ton of IceCaps hockey this year but they don't seem to have those big name, star forwards like a Bourque or Potulny that the Pens saw in the first round.

ADVANTAGE: Penguins. Only one of the 13 regular forwards for WBS hasn't netted at least ten goals this season and that's Cal O'Reilly who has three in the last five games. The Penguins just have better matchups as they have the two 27 goal scorers Lerg and Street on different lines as well as Tangradi and O'Reilly on a separate third line. Too much depth for the IceCaps to defend.

Other Thoughts (OT):

These two teams are pretty evenly matched and are very similar in style and on paper. The IceCaps have the home ice advantage and have sold out every playoff game this season. The Penguins will need to win at least one game at the Mile One Centre in St. John's if they want to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against the winner of the Norfolk/Connecticut series.

In the regular season meetings between these two teams, the road team actually won all four games. The Penguins won a pair in St. John's in back-to-back nights in January. Both goalies picked up a win. In Wilkes-Barre, the IceCaps beat the Penguins twice by scores of 5-2 and 2-0. Pasquale won both of those games, while Scott Munroe was tagged with the loss in both home meetings during the regular season.

If the Penguins are going to win, they will need the Brad Thiessen from Game Five and a solid defensive effort every shift. Offensively the Penguins will need to capitalize on their opportunities and ware down the IceCaps defense with an attacking fore check and relentless attack from all three of the scoring lines.

There are no bad teams in the playoffs in the second round. There are no easy outs. Both teams believe they can make a deep run into June. The IceCaps haven't played since Friday and never had their backs against the wall in Round One, beating what most called the dark horse team in the Syracuse Crunch. The Penguins just played a winner take all Game Five on Saturday, beating the 11-time champion Hershey Bears and their high flying offensive forwards.

Was the layover for the IceCaps significant enough that they might not be fully invested into Game One or show some signs of not playing playoff hockey? Have the Penguins, coming off a bug Game Five win in front of their home fans, peaked emotionally or have less in the tank for tomorrow night's game than a rested IceCaps squad?

If the Penguins can come back from St John's after Game Two with the home ice advantage, I like their chances. I just don't see the IceCaps shutting down all four forward lines.

Prediction: Penguins in six. Here's to hoping my predictions continue to prove true. I had the Pens in five last round.

All Even: Special Teams Haunt Penguins

TonyAndrock — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:46:21 -0000

All Even: Special Teams Haunt Penguins

The Penguins go 0 for 9 on the power play and the Bears go 3 for 4 with the man advantage.

That's your game in a nutshell. The Penguins couldn't convert on their opportunities and the Bears did tonight, which is why they will play the winner-take-all Game Five tomorrow night in Wilkes-Barre.

Here's to hoping I was right all along about this series. I predicted the Penguins in five before the series started. Game Five is Saturday night at 7 p.m. EST at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.

Pens Look to Finish Off Bears Tonight in Game Four

TonyAndrock — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:56:56 -0000

The Bears avoided the sweep on Wednesday night, winning 4-3 in overtime. Tonight, the Penguins need to end this series in Giant Center to avoid coming back home tomorrow night for a winner take all Game Five.

The Penguins look to be without defenseman Brian Strait, who left Wednesday's game Three during the second period and never returned. For what it's worth, beat writer Jonathan Bombulie saw Strait after the game and noted no signs of a limp, sling or cast. Here's to hoping the elbow he received to the face didn't give him concussion-like symptoms.

If Strait can't go, then WBS will either slot in Philip Samuelsson or Cody Wild into the lineup. Both played well in Games One and Two. Brad Thiessen was just OK in net last time out, so coach Hynes has a decision to make in net.

For the Bears, defenseman Patrick McNeill has been ruled out of tonight's contest. Another defenseman, Patrick Wellar, served his one game suspension and is eligible to play. Bears coach Mark French said we would take the seven able defenseman to warmups and make a decision on the six he wants in. The Bears will live or die with former Penguin Dany Sabourin in net.

Lastly, you can follow tonight's game with live updates on Twitter over at my WBS blog Highland Park Hockey as the blog's Twitter feed is set up much like on here on the right hand column. Obviously you can follow along on Twitter using @H_P_Hockey

You can buy a video feed of the game on the AHL's website here or listen for free here.

Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. EST and the live updates will begin when the two teams first step onto the ice for warmups.

LETS GO PENS!

AHL Penguins Look For First Round Sweep

TonyAndrock — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:46:47 -0000

There is still Penguins playoff hockey being played in the state of Pennsylvania and it continues tonight with the AHL's Calder Cup Playoffs.

Pittsburgh's top minor league affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins, currently lead their first round best-of-five series with the Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals) and look to finish them off tonight at 7:05 p.m. EST in Game Three. For live in-game updates, follow @H_P_Hockey on Twitter!

For those of you who don't know me, I'm the PensBurgh writer whose focus is on the Penguins' prospects and NHL stars to be. I'll be providing coverage of the WBS Penguins and their 2012 Calder Cup Playoff run for hopefully the next month and a half or so.

After the jump, a little bit of catch up to set the stage for tonight's Game Three as well as a look at some guys Penguins fans should be watching closely this postseason.

Why this series is 2-0?

Sure, Bears fans can argue that this series is where it is because the Capitals are still in the NHL playoffs and currently have three guys in Washington playing. But until yesterday, so did the Pens.

Eric Tangradi, Simon Despres and Brian Strait were just recently returned to the WBS Penguins and will suit up for their AHL playoff game of the series tonight in Game Three.

The real reasons why the Pens are one win away from the second round are as follows:

The Pens ability to be able to roll four lines on a regular basis through the first two games has simply worn down their opponent. All but five skaters who have dressed a game for the Pens have gotten on the scoresheet. That kind of depth scoring is proving to be the difference.
The Pens defense has been stellar thus far in the series. The PK is a perfect 7 for 7 and goaltender Brad Thiessen hasn't seen a lot of second or third chances because the defense has been able to get the puck out of the danger areas.
First period starts are crucial in the playoffs. The Pens have outscored the Bears 5-0 in the first period this series. Colin McDonald set the tone in Game Two scoring just 1:19 into the contest. The Bears have never led in the series and have trailed for all but 15:59.

If those three bullet points above continue in Game Three tonight, then we should be seeing the handshake line after tonight's game. The series is by no means over yet, though. The Bears are an elite AHL team and an 11-time AHL Calder Cup Champion. They know what they need to do to overcome the 2-0 deficit and have to take it one game at a time.

Now onto some guys Pens fans should be watching closely this postseason, starting with the big names you all know and more importantly ending with some guys you probably haven't heard of.

LW ERIC TANGRADI

Many have been saying for quite some time that Tangradi's future with the organization is in doubt. Here's to hoping he tears it up in the AHL Playoffs and rises his stock for next season. Could be matched with the Pens best playmaker Cal O'Reilly.

D SIMON DESPRES

Despres continues to impress the Pittsburgh faithful and could be in the NHL full-time as early as next season. What you're looking for out of Despres in the AHL playoff run is solid two-way play. Might be on the second power play unit as well.

G BRAD THIESSEN

After a mediocre performance with the NHL Penguins, Thiessen has come back to Wilkes-Barre and has been pretty good, to say the least. Last year's AHL goalie of the year needs to prove he's ready to be Marc-Andre Fleury's backup next season.

LW/RW COLIN MCDONALD

Not the season most were expecting out McDonald, who led the AHL with 42 goals last year. But in two games this postseason he has four goals and has been explosive at times. Plays with a physical edge too. His hard work could pay off with a bottom six role in Pittsburgh next season?

C BEN STREET

I think this guy gets an NHL contract by the Penguins next season. Led the team in points (27G-30A) in the regular season and tied for the team lead in goals. Probably the go-to goal scorer in the AHL Penguins lineup. Scored 11 power play goals this season. Also very good on the PK as well. An all-around good hockey player that Shero should consider signing this offseason.

C BRYAN LERG

Another guy not on an NHL contract that probably deserves one. Another good two-way hockey player who led the team with four shorthanded goals in the regular season. Also scored 27 goals this season and finished second on the team with 53 points (27G-26A).

Pens/Devils 3-17-12

TonyAndrock — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 02:34:08 -0000

It's been too long since I have posted something on PensBurgh so I figured I should get back into it after a long layoff, much like #87 did the other night!

I'm making my first trip to the Prudential Center tomorrow for the game and was lucky enough to be asked to be interviewed before the game by what I think is a Pittsburgh Area newspaper chain (Allegheny Times, Ellwood City Ledger, and Beaver Times?).

Anyway, I'll be at the game tomorrow with live tweets from my usually AHL-Penguins blog Highland Park Hockey (@H_P_Hockey) with hopefully pictures both during and after the game although they probably won't be professional quality like the one from PensRYourDaddy.

I also plan on bringing back some weekly AHL Penguins updates with details on the big name prospects (i.e. Despres, Samuelsson, McDonald, etc.)

It's been too long since I have posted something on PensBurgh so I figured I should get back into it after a long layoff, much like #87 did the other night!

I also plan on bringing back some weekly AHL Penguins updates with details on the big name prospects (i.e. Despres, Samuelsson, McDonald, etc.)

Williams, McDonald Re-assigned to AHL

TonyAndrock — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:02:11 -0000

Williams, McDonald Re-assigned to AHL

The move to bring McDonald and Williams back gives the NHL Penguins 11 healthy forwards.

I have a feeling that Jordan Staal and Simon Despres, who were given a 5 to 10 day timeline by Dan Bylsma might be ready to return to action this weekend.

Either way, no need to pay McDonald and Williams their NHL salaries when they could be practicing in the AHL this week.

McDonald Re-Assigned, MacIntyre Clears Waivers

TonyAndrock — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:01:26 -0000

McDonald Re-Assigned, MacIntyre Clears Waivers

Colin McDonald went scoreless in two games, and should play this weekend in Newfoundland.

Steve MacIntyre won't report to Wilkes-Barre Scranton (AHL) until Monday.

AHL Senators Fall 1-0 in Carkner's Last Rehab Game

TonyAndrock — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:56:16 -0000

AHL Senators Fall 1-0 in Carkner's Last Rehab Game

The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins held on to an early goal from Matt Rust to secure the win tonight. Bad weather caused many fans to not make the trip, especially those from the Wilkes-Barre area.

AHL Penguins add defenseman Dan Henningson

TonyAndrock — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:50:57 -0000

AHL Penguins add defenseman Dan Henningson

This was a required move after Deryk Engelland was banged up the against the Bruins. Alexandre Picard was called up to Pittsburgh to join Robert Bortuzzo and Simon Despres as a part of the NHL Penguins' top six, leaving Wilkes-Barre with only five healthy defenseman: Joey Mormina, Carl Sneep, Philip Samuelsson, Cody Wild and Alex Grant.

WBS Penguins Lose in Shootout, But A Celebration Makes Tempers Flare

TonyAndrock — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:27:01 -0000

This game perfectly describes what a rivalry between two teams is. The WBS Penguins and Hershey Bears do not like each other. And now Braden Holtby is at the center of attention for his celebration at center ice after the Bears beat the Penguins 3-2 in a shootout.

Here's the clip of the celebration and center ice meeting.

Hopefully this sparks a fire for the AHL Penguins because they voiced their displeasure with Holtby's post game antics.

Here's what Zach Sill said in a post-game interview:

"We were just upset, just the showboating," Sill said . "We showed we weren’t happy with it. In our own barn, you don’t want that happening."

Ryan Craig also had some words for Penguins beat writer Jonathan Bombulie:

"I don’t think our guys would react like that, but everyone reacts differently to winning," Craig said. "We just want to go about our business and take care of our own business."

Not suspension worthy as he was given a ten minute misconduct at the conclusion of the shootout. These two teams just don't like each other. What are everyone's thoughts on the celebration after the shootout win on the road?

WBS Penguins @ Senators 11/26

TonyAndrock — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:19:42 -0000

WBS Penguins @ Senators 11/26

After a tough shootout loss last night and frustration showing, the WBS Penguins travel to Binghamton tonight in need of a win to end a five game winless streak (0-2-0-3). The Senators lost 4-1 to the Syracuse Crunch so they will also be looking to bounce back.

Full game coverage with live in-game updates on Twitter @H_P_Hockey and a recap shortly after the game.

WBS Penguins @ Senators 11/26

TonyAndrock — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:17:36 -0000

WBS Penguins @ Senators 11/26

Full game coverage with live in-game updates on Twitter @H_P_Hockey and a recap shortly after the game.