On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

December 5, 1989

Craig Patrick is named general manager / head coach of the Penguins replacing Tony Esposito and Gene Ubriaco. His reign as coach ends a few months later on June 12, 1990 while his tenure as GM lasted through April 26, 2006.

The Penguins Keep Canes at Bay and Win

Penguins - 5, Hurricanes - 2

Sidney Crosby

Petr Sykora

Dany Sabourin

(Pens win 5-2)
SHOTS ON GOAL: Pittsburgh - 8, Carolina - 14

• no goals scored

(Penguins keep the lead 5-2)
SHOTS ON GOAL: Pittsburgh - 9, Carolina - 11
SYKORA SCORES HIS 100TH POWERPLAY GOAL @ 1:53!!

• 1:53 - PITTSBURGH GOAL (PP)!! Petr Sykora; assisted by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin
• 2:12 - CAROLINA GOAL - Tuomo Ruutu; assisted by Sergei Samsonov and Josef Melichar
• 6:51 - PITTSBURGH GOAL!! Miroslav Satan; assisted by Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang
• 15:54 - CAROLINA GOAL (PP) - Matt Cullen; assisted by Ray Whitney and Rod Brind'Amour
• 18:27 - PITTSBURGH GOAL!! Ruslan Fedotenko; assisted by Evgeni Malkin
  

(Penguins lead 2-0)
SHOTS ON GOAL: Pittsburgh - 5, Carolina - 11

• 10:53 - PITTSBURGH GOAL (PP)!! Petr Sykora; assisted by Sidney Crosby and Alex Goligoski
• 12:30 - PITTSBURGH GOAL!! Pascal Dupuis; assisted by Sidney Crosby

PRE-GAME Notes: Sabourin will start in goal tonight against the Canes; Kennedy and Zigomanis are out of the lineup (due to "undisclosed injuries") and have been replaced by Chris Minard and Janne Pesonen who were called-up from the AHL today.

Saturday, December 6th @ 2:00 PM (Ottawa Senators)

Pesonen and Minard Called Up

[SPECULATION UPDATE]
It's been confirmed by Savran on Sportsbeat that Zigomanis will not be in the lineup in tonight's game and that Kennedy has flown back to Pittsburgh to be checked out (word is it's a leg and TIOPS reporting an ankle); both Minard and Pesonen will play tonight against the Canes!

[LATEST SPECULATION]
TIOPS is reporting that sources have said that Zigomanis is now OUT for tonight's game (no longer probable) and should play on Saturday; Kennedy suffered an ankle injury.

[UPDATE] From the Pittsburgh Penguins webpage:

Forwards Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis left Wednesday's game at New York with undisclosed injuries. Kennedy will not be in the lineup tonight for Pittsburgh's matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. Zigomanis' playing status is currently listed as probable.

I guess that answers any questions!

The Penguins announced that they've recalled both Janne Pesonen and Chris Minard from the AHL Baby Pens today to fill in spots left in the lineup made by injuries suffered by both Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis in last night's game against the New York Rangers.

However, nothing further has been mentioned about these injuries or whether or not they will indeed be out of tonight's lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes.

But it's looking more likely they won't be playing. Anything further and I will be sure to update the blog.

Could Pesonen Get Another Call-Up?

[UPDATE] This information was taken straight from Rob Rossi and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

The Penguins played most of the final period without center Mike Zigomanis and right wing Tyler Kennedy.

Zigomanis did not return after leaving in the second period, but he said after the game he "should be fine" to play tonight at Carolina.

Kennedy (undisclosed injury) is questionable to play against the
Hurricanes.

With both Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis injured in last night's game unable to return, does that mean they're unlikely to be in the lineup tonight?

There's no official word, but of course, they left the game last night with "undisclosed injuries" and did not return for the remainder of the game (it makes you wonder whether having Ziggy take a face-off in the final minutes would've given us a different outcome!).

If they're not ready for tonight's game I would assume that would mean the Penguins will be calling up AHLer's. With the track record Janne Pesonen has been having while on their NHL roster, my bet would be on him as one of those players. I suppose that would leave Taffe and Minard if both Pens are out of the lineup, but I guess we'll see soon enough.

Rotating the "A" Suits the Penguins

With the recent anointing of the alternate captains this month for the third time this season, alot have questioned whether or not rotating the responsibility is an ideal situation. I will admit that I wasn't too keen on the idea when they first announced that this was their plan from the start, but since then I got to thinking -- this procedure is really fitting of the Pittsburgh Penguins as a team when you think about it.

Although the Penguins aren't short on talent, you can't deny that they rise and fall together (everything is a joint effort) and when you talk to the players individually about the positives, they will credit each other and the team as a whole without thought.

Each player has stepped up at one time or another to lead the team to victory. There's the ultimate in Sidney Crosby, but there's more making up the Penguins -- like Evgeni Malkin, Brooks Orpik -- they're all a piece of the puzzle that makes contributions to being a successful team. Look at Tyler Kennedy. He was brought up from the AHL and made an impression from the start and has earned his spot on the Penguins roster.

My point in all of this? Each player accepts their role. They're all different but it makes the team what it is, so why shouldn't they share the responsibility of alternate captaincy? Its a well-rounded team absent of any egos so it works for them and is very fitting to the team. Just as each player steps up in their role when they're needed, they are willing to accept the responsibility of the "A" when that time comes and none of them are resentful of one another. They all understand that each of them plays a vital role in the entire team's success so why not share the benefits and responsibilities?

It's very fitting if you ask me.

Max Talbot Interview

The Hockey Show's Carrie Milbank interviewed Max Talbot yesterday before the game against the New York Rangers.

Pre-Game News

*FREE*

LIVE STREAM of tonight's game

(CLICK HERE!)

[PROJECTED] LINES
Coach Therrien is sticking with what we've been seeing the past few games (at least for the first few minutes of the game!); here are the combination to start tonight against the New York Rangers:
TALBOT - CROSBY - SATAN
FEDOTENKO - MALKIN - SYKORA
COOKE ("A") - STAAL ("A") - KENNEDY
DUPUIS - ZIGOMANIS - GODARD

It appears that Dany Sabourin will start in goal tonight for the Pens.

MARK EATON
Eaton looks to reach a career milestone with tonight's game against the Rangers - it will be his 400th career game since his rookie year in 1999.

“It seems like it’s been forever ago,” Eaton said of his rookie season. “I feel very fortunate to be able to make it this far and play this long. I’m very blessed. Hopefully, I’m not even halfway there. It’s the old cliché, but I take it one game at a time.”

KRIS LETANG
Letang will be using a new stick during tonight's game. Actually, he'll be going back to his "old" stick which was suggested to him by the Penguins coaching staff since he's hit a goal-scoring dry spell and hasn't scored a goal since March 12, 2008 (49 games including the team's playoff run)!

“We strongly suggested that he change his stick,” Therrien said with a smile. “Maybe sometimes it’s a matter of confidence.”

RYAN WHITNEY
Whitney is once again practicing with the Penguins for the first time this morning in New York since missing the last two practices to be fitted for special-made skates.

MARC-ANDRE FLEURY
Fleury has still not participated in practice with the team, but continued with strength and conditioning following the team's morning skate.

PHILIPPE BOUCHER
Boucher did not travel with the Penguins for this three-game road trip. He remains "week-to-week" with an undisclosed injury.

Four Pens Absent from Practice Tuesday

Evgeni Malkin was not present during practice at Southpointe yesterday; he was given the day off to rest.

Marc-Andre Fleury continues to work with the strength and conditioning coach while the Penguins webpage reports the Ryan Whitney is still away getting skates fitted.

Philippe Boucher is still recovering from an undisclosed injury and coach Michel Therrien says that his status is now "week-to-week."

Evgeni Malkin NHL's 2nd Star Tribute Video

Not meaning to overlook Evgeni Malkin and his earning NHL's second star of November, his "tribute" video was not up / working when I posted to the blog, so here it is -- GOOD STUFF (awesome month for Geno!)!!

That's So MAF (the musings of a Penguins goalie)!

Fleury Injury Speculation

According to Brian Metzer over at HockeyBuzz, it's more than just a groin injury or hamstring pull that has been sidelining Marc Andre Fleury these past few weeks. A source has told him that it's more severe of an injury and that the "word" is he has been recovering from a tear in his groin muscle. His source is also saying that Fleury will join the team on their road trip to New York but nothing has been said as to whether or not he will actually play.

Inside Penguins Hockey 2008-2009 Schedule

The Penguins webpage recently posted a complete schedule of this season's Inside Penguins Hockey episodes which will run for a total of 20 weeks taking through April 2009. The first of this season's episodes began last Saturday with guests Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill.

The next episode will air this coming Saturday, December 6th @ 1:00 PM and scheduled guests will be Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko.

The schedule includes original air dates and times as well as the dates and times that each episode will be re-broadcast so you can be sure to catch each episode in case you happen to miss one - it looks like each of them will air a total of four times (or in case you just want to watch it more than once like I do sometimes)!!

Fans also have an opportunity to submit questions to the Igloo if they can't be present during a live taping of one of the shows for the chance to be asked during an upcoming episode. CLICK HERE to submit your question.

Inside Penguins Hockey 2008-2009 Schedule
Inside Penguins Hockey Episodes Archive

2009 NHL All-Star Game Boycott

I mentioned in a previous post that the Penguins Experience blog was forming a boycott of the 2009 NHL All-Star Game due to the recent controversy with the fraudulent voting "procedures" of some Canadien fans. Since that time, the movement has gained quite a following and they have decided to create an entire "subsite" dedicated to the boycott which they launched yesterday at Boycott.PenguinsExperience.com.

Also, the best way to influence the NHL regarding this situation is to get the word out. Negative PR is the last thing the NHL needs right now, so spreading the word about the boycott could cause the league to take another look at this situation to avoid looking bad. Please continue to invite others to join this group and support the boycott. Together we really can make a difference.

Thank you.
[Boycott.PenguinsExperience.com]

They've included some neat buttons / banners you can use on your own webpage, blog, Facebook, etc., so be sure to check it out and support the cause!!

Bid Now on Penguins Holiday Hockey Ticket Auctions

The Pittsburgh Penguins have three auctions up for bid on a holiday hockey ticket pack which would make a great present for any hockey fan (*hint, hint - JOHN)!!

You can choose to bid on one or more of three different Hockey Holidays Ticket packages that include:

• (2) on-the-glass Igloo seats
• (2) Penguins baseball caps
• (2) sets of Penguins coasters
• (1) Penguins bag and
• either (1) autographed replica hockey stick OR (1) autographed puck*
  * You can choose from Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik for your autographed replica stick and you can choose from Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar, Ryan Whitney or Marc-Andre Fleury, Tyler Kennedy, Brooks Orpik for your autographed replica puck. No other players will be available.

These auctions will end December 15th and the difference between all three of the packages is the date of the game (and the type of autographed item):

Saturday, December 27th @ 7:00 PM (Montreal Canadiens) - replica hockey stick

Sunday, January 18th @ 12:30 PM (New York Rangers ) - puck

Sunday, February 8th @ 3:00 PM (Detroit Redwings) - puck

Staal and Cooke Named Alternate Captains for December

The Penguins webpage recently reported that the team's alternate captains for December will be linemates Jordan Staal and Matt Cooke. Head coach Michel Therrien named them at today's practice at Southpointe.

"I think it's important for our young group to try to extend the leadership group," Therrien said. "I feel good about this."

"It's a great feeling," Staal said. "Especially with all the talented players we have on this team. It's nice to have a part of the leadership. I want to help lead this team and be a part of it. On the ice, I try to lead as an example. I might not be screaming at guys but I’ll help them out if I see a problem."Once you’ve been with the guys in the dressing room you feel more comfortable speaking up or doing different things in the leadership role. I’m starting to feel more comfortable there."

"This is a guy that we are counting on for the future," Therrien said. "I like the way that Jordan is playing. He’s responsible defensively, good at penalty killing. You can see that he’s got more confidence that he used to have in the past, offensively."

Sidney Crosby Answers Questions During NHL Conference Call

Yesterday, the NHL conducted a conference call with Sidney Crosby who answered callers questions and The Confluence has the transcript (THANKS to Lauren for the "heads-up"); here is a portion of it:

Q. When you’re looking at the scoring leaders and you see you and Malkin up there, to have a teammate up there, what does that mean to you?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Well, it’s fun. I mean, we want to make sure that individually we’re doing our best to contribute. But it’s really nice to share that with someone. Hopefully we can continue to produce and help our team.

Q. I guess in the first 14 games you only had three goals. You’ve been scoring a lot more goals recently. What do you attribute that to?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Well, capitalizing on chances, probably getting a few more. I played with Gino a few times, too, so that never hurts. Probably a few different things. But, you know, sometimes that’s just the way it goes. Sometimes you get some bounces and some breaks and they go in. There’s other times where you’ve got to fight a little more to get them. You know, you just try to do the same things and hopefully the results eventually come.

Q. You talked about playing with Gino. What is it like playing with him? Obviously they don’t want to keep you together all the time, to spread out the scoring. But what do you like when you do play with him?
SIDNEY CROSBY: Yeah, it’s a lot of fun. I think we’ve gotten used to each other. We’ve played together for a while now. But I think we enjoy it. It’s one of the those things where, you know, hopefully if teams are going to focus on one of us, the other guy’s going to get a little more space. When we’re on the road together that happens a bit. Give other teams a different look. I think we both kind of benefit just because I think we get a little more space individually.

To read the entire transcript, CLICK HERE!!

To listen, visit NHL.com "Podcast Central" on the NHL Network!!

Crosby NHL's 1st Star of the Week / Malkin NHL's 2nd Star of the Month

Pens Nation is all a buzz about Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin being named stars by the NHL yesterday. Crosby is the NHL's FIRST STAR of the Week and Malkin is the NHL's SECOND STAR of November.

Three Pens Did Not Participate in Practice Yesterday

• Marc-Andre Fleury did not participate in the normal practice yesterday at the Iceoplex but did work with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kadar beforehand. The PPG is reporting the injury is "an apparent leg injury."


• Ryan Whitney was also absent from practice to get fitted for a special skate made for the foot he had corrective surgery on during the this past off-season. He is to rejoin the Penguins in New York. It sounds to me like he's getting ready to play!


• Philippe Boucher was the third Penguin who did not participate in practice yesterday at Southpointe. His injury is undisclosed and is still listed as "day-to-day."

New Is Not Always Better!

Remember Dany Sabourin's new goalie mask featuring a pair of frogs he wore for the first time last Wednesday against the New York Islanders? Well, I hope you got a good look at it and have a picture of it in your mind because that's the last you'll be seeing it! After being pulled from the game in the second period, he decided that the new helmet was unlucky and that he'll be sticking with the old one.

But just in case you don't remember or weren't paying attention, I included a picture of him wearing it in the post!

December Alternates

When asked at yesterday's morning skate if they would be choosing alternate captains for this month, Therrien answered in his typical 'Therrien-fashion' --

"We will. Tomorrow."

So expect to learn the two players to don the "A" on their jerseys sometime soon (I'll have that posted as soon as I find out)!!

Do any of you have any guesses as to who might be named this month? There's a few I'm thinking of: Talbot, Cooke, Sykora, Staal --

PAST ALTERNATE CAPTAINS:

October
Evgeni Malkin
Brooks Orpik

November
Hal Gill
Rob Scuderi

Meet Aubri Covol!

Aubri Covol was among the lucky people who not only got their season tickets delivered to them prior to the start of this season, but got them delivered by none other than our Captain, Sidney Crosby!!

Well, a few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from Aubri explaining who she was and asking that I e-mail her back. She really made my day; it was as close to meeting Sidney Crosby as I've ever come and I was just so excited!! So I took the opportunity to "interview" her via e-mail!

Actually the people that are in the picture with me are very good family friends. My mother is standing right behind me and that is the only relative of mine that is in the picture. Yes we all have season ticket and we all go to a bunch of games.

What was it like having all those cameras and media around during your visit (did they stay as long / longer than Sidney to get "the story")?
During the visit, time had seem to fly by for me. I wish he could of stayed longer but I knew he had other things to do. Having all those cameras around was absolutly insane! I felt like a celebrity! Some of the media had left when Sid left but others had stayed to interview all of us that were there at the house.

What happened at school the next day (did you feel like a celebrity, did you acquire any new friends)?
The next day at school was unreal! I felt like a celebrity. Kids that I didnt even know came up to me and was like "Your the girl that met Sidney Crosby!" Other had told me that they saw me on the channel 11 news and so much more. Most of the girls that saw it were freaking out about how I hugged him. They were all saying how jealous they were of me.

Everyone who meets Sidney always says how nice he is, but is there anything you can think of about meeting him that you found interesting (did he talk about something interesting or share something interesting with you guys or maybe you noticed something interesting about him that the rest of us wouldn't know?)?Sidney was such a nice person!! He just seemed like a regular person like you and me.

What did you have him autograph for you?
We had him autograph so many things! We had him autographs a bunch of jerseys, t-shirts, and a few pictures.

Do you own a copy of Sid's DVD, "On the Ice and Beyond" and, if so, how many times have you watched it (or maybe it's on your Christmas list?)?
Trust me, Sid's DVD is on my Christmas list!

What do you plan to go to college for? Any ideas as to where you'll be attending college (have any that you've been seriously considering)?
I hope to be going to college to become a sports broadcaster (I kind of want to be the next Dan Potash). Two colleges that i really want to go to are Penn State or Mercyhurst.

How many years has your family had season tickets?
I am not exactly sure on how long we have been season ticket holders but we are all life time Pittsburgh Penguins fans!!!

I want to take this time to thank Aubri again for her time and cooperation with agreeing to this interview!! I appreciate her sharing her story with us and wish her the best of luck with future endeavors. THANKS A BUNCH, AUBRI!!