[UPDATE] Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS NYR) - McKee Returns

[UPDATE]
Goligoski will be out of tonight's lineup (no more information was given as to injury or status); the Penguins will be "rotating" Bourque, Adams, and Rupp on the third line with Staal and Kennedy in Cooke's spot

JAY McKEE
McKee returns to the lineup tonight against the NY Rangers which makes the Pens team completely healthy, maybe ...

ALEX GOLIGOSKI
Goligoski missed this morning's skate with the Pens this morning, but his status has not yet be reported (I'll post it here once I find out more)

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected)
Talbot-Crosby-Guerin
Dupuis-Malkin-Fedotenko
Bourque-Staal-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams-Godard

Gonchar-Orpik
Eaton-Letang
Skoula-Goligoski(?)

Fleury

Rangers Injury / Lineup Info
Brandon Dubinsky (C) - broken right hand; out until mid-December
Artem Anisimov (C) - left in the third period of Saturday’s game after Cooke's hit; status for tonight's game unknown
Wade Redden (D) - left game on Wednesday with an upper-body injury

Crosby Named NHL's First Star of the Week

2nd: Marin Brodeur (G), NJ Devils

3rd: Niklas Hagman (F), Toronto Maple Leafs

Crosby led all scorers with eight points (five goals, three assists) as the Penguins (18-9-0) won three of four games. Crosby tallied the game-winning overtime goal in a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers Nov. 23 and notched one goal and one assist in a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens Nov. 25. He finished the week by posting his second hat trick of the season and fifth of his career -- appropriately on 'Hat Night' at Mellon Arena -- as part of a five-point, +4 performance in an 8-3 win over the New York Rangers Nov. 28. Crosby leads the Penguins in scoring and is tied for eighth in the NHL overall with 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 27 games.

TO READ MORE, VISIT NHL.COM

Cooke Suspended for Hit on Anisimov (COMPLETE BS)!

The Penguins announced earlier this morning that yesterday the NHL suspended Matt Cooke for two games for a "deliberate" check to the head area of New York Rangers forward Artem Anisimov in the third period of the game (he was injured and did not return to the game). Cooke will also forfeit his pay for those two games during the suspension.

He will be out of the lineup tonight and for December 3rd's game against the Colorado Avalanche.

Cooke, who was suspended for two games January 20, 2009, now is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Accordingly, he forfeits $29,268.30 in salary based on the number of games (82) in a season, rather than the number of days (193). The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

"It's Fuckin' Hat Night!"

Cookey informs Sid as the Mellon Arena rains hats!! AWESOME!!!

THANKS TO GhostWalker40 for posting the video on YouTube

Consol Energy Center

I snapped a pic of the Pens new home to show how far it has come since the last time I posted pics on here. Not bad!! I'm looking forward to a Pens game there (but will be missing the Igloo soon enough, so I plan on enjoying the season and savor these games for as long as I can!)!!

They're BA-AACK!!

How lucky am I to have been at that game last night?!!

From beginning to end that game was non-stop action and it was one of the better games I've been to, so I was in seventh heaven (we even sat by another couple who were from Johnstown and it was her first game - she picked a good game for her first and let me tell you, she was every bit as excited as I was!)!!

Anyway, there weren't any posts yesterday because we went to the game and I didn't even get to read any news myself so it wasn't until right before the game that I heard Grover say that Goligoski and Letang were back in the lineup which I was excited about. Then I noticed that TK was dressed and warming up with the rest of the team, but it wasn't until they announced that Chris Bourque was scratched right before the game started that I realized that he was definitely going to be playing which made me even happier still!

After learning of the return of those three players, I looked over to John and said, "they're back!" [except for McKee].

WHAT A GAME!! I have pics, but I'll probably post them later because I want to write what I thought about the game while it's still fresh on my mind!

This game HAD IT ALL!! I mean, what more could I ask for (I think I say this for every game I write about that I attend, but they just keep getting better)?!! I mean

• promotion giveaway (hats, BTW - do you think there's a connection?!)
• the return of THREE key players (one of which got a goal and the other two recording two assists each!)
• Crosby HT (I honestly think when he found out that hats were the giveaway, he made it his goal to get a HT to see all of them fly onto the ice! What do you think?); not to mention a 5-point game for him which shot him straight to the 7th position in the league's point leaders
• Brashear "doing his job" and getting (2) 2-minute minors that the Pens cashed in with 2 goals!
• a half-decent fight between Ryan Callahan and Matt Cooke (I even got a pretty sweet pic of that!)


• being part of the "Happy Birthday" chants for MAF towards the end of the third (what a gift, eh?!)
• Avery being Avery and ending the game with a bang and a 7-minute PP for the Pens (that was even longer than the time left in regulation!)
• A HUGE PENS WIN (I was hoping for 10)!

PRETTY sweet!! What a way for the Pens to send a message to the rest of the league to let them know they're back, they're healthy and they're as dangerous as ever!! The Rangers aren't even a bad team and it wasn't like they were playing badly - just making a few errors in judgement and not helping their goalie out too much (who I thought played well even though he let 8 goals find their way to the net - it was his support that was lacking a little)!!

That was a great game and I'm so happy to have been there to see that one!!

UP NEXT: NEW YORK ISLANDERS
(9-9-7, 25 points)
In net tonight: Dwayne Roloson (projected)

New York Islanders webpage
PREVIEW (11/26/2009)
Game Day Program

Check back for updates throughout the day!!

Save the Igloo!

With the opening of the new Consol Energy Center approaching (Fall 2010), there has been many active campaigners against the demolition of the current Penguins home, Mellon Arena -- lovingly referred to by all as "the Igloo."

I never really knew the vast history of it (I knew some), but apparently my knowledge didn't even begin to scratch the surface of the life that this building has had.

If you are someone who believes that something should be done with the Mellon Arena instead of just having it demolished (or even if you've never thought about it), it's worth your time to read what some people are saying / actively campaigning be done to reuse the Mellon Arena.

Currently, there is a petition against the demolition of the building and have it made a historical landmark.

I urge you to read up on this issue and consider signing the petition before it's too late.

THIS IS OUR HOME (that holds many valuable memories) - let's join together to do what we can to preserve it.

HISTORY of the Civic / Mellon Arena

FACEBOOK GROUP: Reuse the Igloo! (Mellon Arena) -- PLEASE JOIN!!

PPG Article: Architect states case to preserve the Igloo (VERY interesting concept!)

PETITION (author, Stanley Hetz)

FUNNY Stuff!

Even Sid thinks so!!

This video is from Crosby's press conference prior to his carrying the Olympic torch in Halifax. The guy "addressing" him is Shaun Majumder from "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," a weekly Canadian comedy that features satirical sketches of the weekly news and Canadian political events -- Canada's equivalent of SNL!

Majumder builds on different mathematical equations occurring in Sid's "journey" that eventually leads to Canada winning the gold in Vancouver 2010. It is pretty comical (and he has Sid's attention - you can tell he knows "what's coming").

[UPDATE] Off-Day Notes

[UPDATE]

Alex Goligoski participated in his first practice with the team since his lower-body injury and TK and Letang will be returning "sooner rather than later," but will not be in the lineup tomorrow afternoon against the NY Islanders.

"I think their progress has been very promising the past few days," Bylsma said. "They haven’t had a lot of practice time with the team. I think in both cases they need to have a few good, physical practices with one-on-one (battles) and just the ordinary physical contact that only comes through practice. "They are doing very well and (their return) is in the near future. We’ll see as we go."

• Another blueliner returned to the ice today; Jay McKee skated on his own prior to practice.


• Evgeni Malkin did not participate in practice today - it was the infamous "maintenance" day and Bylsma expects him to be in the lineup for tomorrow afternoon's game against the Islanders.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you enjoy your day with family and friends and take the time to reflect on everything in your life you're truly grateful for!

I also want to take this time to let all of you know just how much I appreciate you as readers and fellow fans - without you guys, keeping this blog wouldn't be as fun!! For that, I am extremely thankful!

Here's last year's Thanksgiving Day wishes from the Pens!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS Montreal)

KRIS LETANG
he's been cleared for contact and no longer sporting the red "no contact" jersey during practice; no word yet on when he (or TK) will be back in the lineup. From HC Dan Bylsma:

"Not available but we're hopefully progressing," he said. "Tyler is day to day as he moves along in his rehab. The other guys are getting close to full practices and contact and testing it in that regard. Hopefully they'll continue to get better. Towards the weekend we'll have a better idea."

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected)
Talbot-Crosby-Guerin
Dupuis-Malkin-Fedotenko
Cooke-Staal-Bourque
Rupp-Adams-Godard

Gonchar-Orpik
Eaton-Engelland
Skoula-Lovejoy

Fleury

Montreal Injuries / Line Info (looks like the Pens will have a level playing field with all the Canadiens' injuries)

• David Desharnais (F) has been called up from the Habs' AHL affiliate for tonight's game
• Scott Gomez (F) has been sidelined since November 20th (lower-body injury); his return to the lineup is unclear at this point
• Brian Gionta (F) has been on IR since November 14th (broken bone in his foot); he's listed as out indefinitely
• Andrei Markov (D) damaged several tendons in his leg during the Canadiens season opener and will be out until at least February
• Hal Gill (D) will not return until late November after being placed on injured reserve with a hairline fracture in his foot
• Matt D’Agostini (F) has resumed skating but there is no timetable for his return to game action (concussion sustained on October 30th)

UP NEXT: MONTREAL CANADIENS
(12-11-1, 25 points)
In net tonight: Carey Price (projected)
Storyline: Can the Penguins tire the Habs for the second of back-to-back games [for the Habs] to pull out a consecutive win?

Montreal Canadiens webpage
GAME PREVIEW (11/24/2009)
Habs this week – Nov. 23, 2009
Habs call up J.T. Wyman (11/24/2009)
NHL suspends Georges Laraque for five games (11/23/2009)

Check back for updates throughout the day!!

Did Any of You Catch This?!!

Yesterday, Rob Rossi mentioned a quick note about the Pens alternate jersey's in a blurb talking about the Florida Panthers new third jerseys being similar to the Penguins baby blue duds:

The Florida Panthers unveiled an alternate uniform last night. The color scheme mirrored the Penguins' original colors: baby blue, dark blue and white. Those colors are part of the Penguins' popular current throwback-themed alternate uniforms, which will be replaced next season.

Interesting!

Although I like the baby blue throwbacks, I am thrilled with a change so soon even though I'm not quite as happy with the thought of liking the latest alternate jersey and having to fork out money for it (which is ultimately their goal by releasing new ones so often)!! It's something to look forward to. Besides, the jerseys have to be "retired" so they eventually become vintage and more appreciated by the avid collector, IMO (not so popular - that's all you see anymore).

It'll be nice for the inaugural season in the Consol Energy Center (and I would hope a patch to go along with it). I've seen some suggest the "Lemiuex-era gold" and I'm not sure what else it would be. We haven't seen the bright gold for a while. I'm just used to the subtleness of the "vegas gold" after seeing it for so long. I'm not a big fan of the bright gold jerseys you see people wearing now with Malkin and Crosby on the back. We shall see.

What are your thoughts?

Transcript from the First Broadcast of "NXL Na Russkom" (NHL In Russian)

The very first radio broadcast of "NXL Na Russkom" (NHL In Russian) was live on the air this morning at 8:30 AM (4:30 PM in Moscow).

Their first guest was none other than Evgeni Malkin who was amusing as always (how do I know?)!!

VISIT the Penguins webpage for a transcript of the interview!!

Here's a little snippet of the interview:

ALYONKA: Let's talk about the Stanley Cup.
MALKIN: What is that?
ALYONKA: When we came back to Pittsburgh, there was a huge parade. How was it for you to be a part of that, riding through the streets with that many fans around you? I think 100,000?
BIRMAN: More than 300,000.
MALKIN: You were off by a little there.
MEJERITSKI: Yeah a little, around 200,000.
ALYONKA: How was that for you? What were your feelings? And that the MVP trophy was with you.
MALKIN: I definitely didn't expect that. We started a little bit outside of downtown where we got into our cars and there were a few people, and a few fans and you thought that that was it. But then we went into downtown and all I could say was 'wow' because I've never seen that many people. On rooftops, people were hanging out of windows and trees. It was crazy. And then I truly felt 'we actually won' My dream came true that I've been dreaming of since I was a kid of winning some
kind of cup

The show will be re-aired tonight at 10:00 PM, Thursday and Saturday (SEE THE SITE FOR MORE DETAILS) and will be live every Tuesday at 8:30 AM.

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

To rewind a little, this is what Fleury had to say when asked about his exceptional play against the Atlanta Thrashers stopping 31 of 33 shots and making "highlight reel saves, including a beautiful glove save on a Maxim Afinogenov shot. It was a great bounce-back performance from Fleury, who was less than satisfied with his previous outing in Ottawa."

"It was good that we had a game right away and coach let me in," Fleury said. "I was happy to go back and play better and get a win."

"Every game is different," he said. "I try to work with my goalie coach (Gilles Meloche). I just try to go for the puck, try to catch it and make a save."

"That's why I love to play goalie," Fleury said. "When you make a big save it feels good inside. I like that."

The Dan Bylsma Show - VERY FIRST EDITION

The show was hosted by Steve Mears (both Dan and Steve are Bowling Green alum).

The show was pretty informal and they started talking about influences on Bylsma's coaching strategy and his saying that Mike Babcock was the biggest influence. He also mentioned Andy Murray teaching him preparation and Todd Richards implementing coaching style. And says pretty much if any of these guys sat in on him coaching, they could probably all pick out exactly what he took from each of them.

They talked a little about him as a player and Mears asked why grinders make the best coaches and Bylsma told him it's because those are the players that work the hardest day-in and day-out which lends itself to the mindset of a coach.

There were several segments to the show: "MIC'D UP" which were sound bites of Bylsma during Penguins practice.

Another part of the show included mapping out a play / strategy then hitting the ice to put it into action (which Mears said is useful for those in youth hockey or just an inciteful part of the show for fans). In this edition of the show, Bylsma talked about avoiding plays at the blueline (push back the defense), middle-lane drive on rushes, dot-wide option entering the zone, and creating speed / space for opportunities on the rush.

The "on-ice" part of the show had Dan talking about "pass off the pads (P.O.P)" He actually looked into the camera at one point and says, "P-O-P, yeah you know me!" He's quite amusing and entertaining and I'm honestly glad they're doing these shows so we can see a little more of his personality.

One of the last segments was "ASK DAN ANYTHING" and here are just a few of the questions / answers:

• How do you stay so calm in all circustances? He said he's not always that calm and that one of the things he thinks is that the team takes on your personality, so if you come unglued and lose your cool, the team follows suit (it's something he had to work really hard on)! After the game, he closes the door to the coach's office and let's loose!
• Do you and your family have any pets? A dog named Sanders (he promised himself he would never get a small dog, but one day he came home with his wife and son playing with a 5 pound chihuahua in the yard); if you ask him, the dog is named for Barry Sanders but his son will tell you it's for Mr. Sanders from Winnie the Pooh.

Pens
(15-8-0, 30 points)

Pens - 3, Panthers - 2 (OT)

Florida Panthers webpage
RECAP (11/23/2009)
Boxscore (11/23/2009)

Miami Herald
Crosby's goal in OT lifts Penguins over Panthers (11/23/2009)
Recap: Florida vs. Pittsburgh (11/23/2009)
On Frozen Pond
'They Look Awful Familiar' ... Panthers 'Unplugged' (11/23/2009)

Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS Florida)

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected - still haven't gotten lines from this morning's practice)
Talbot-Crosby-Guerin
Dupuis-Malkin-Fedotenko
Cooke-Staal-Bourque
Rupp-Adams-Godard

Gonchar-Orpik
Eaton-Engelland
Skoula-Lovejoy

Fleury

Florida injury / line info

• Nick Tarnasky (orbital bone) - IR
• David Booth (concussion)
• Cory Stillman (left knee)
• Gregory Campbell (undisclosed upper-body injury) - missed Saturday's game

UP NEXT: FLORIDA PANTHERS
(10-9-2, 22 points)
In net tonight: Tomas Vokoun (projected)
Storyline: Will Kennedy be the next to return to the Pens lineup?

Florida Panthers webpage
PREVIEW (11/22/2009)
Panthers GameCenter (11/22/2009)

The Miami Herald
Pittsburgh Penguins (15-8-0) at Florida Panthers (10-9-2), 7:30 p.m. (11/23/2009)
On Frozen Pond
A New Look (11/23/2009)

Sun-Sentinel.com
Monday's game: Penguins at Panthers (11/22/2009)

Check back for updates throughout the day!!

Kennedy Returns to Practice

Tyler Kennedy returned to the ice yesterday for the morning skate. There hasn't been a date reported for his return; however, during last night's game the possibility of next week (Monday) against the Florida Panthers was discussed.

"It's a weird injury," he said of the lower-body ailment that is not believed to be limited to a hurt groin. "It's taken longer than I thought (to heal)."

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Kennedy has been rehabilitating his injury with a regimen of daily stretches that target his glutes, groin and hamstrings. He's still listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

It seems like the floodgates have opened now and just as they went down one-by-one with injury, they seem to be returning the same way which is nothing but good news for the team. They get stronger with each player's return!!

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

The Penguins arrtived in Atlanta EARLY Friday morning and held practice later in the day at the IceForum in Atlanta (Duluth) which has a restaurant as well as video games (probably similar to the Iceoplex at Southpointe).

After practice, Fleury decided to try out the video games IN HIS GOALIE GEAR!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Colby and Melissa Armstrong!!

Last night during the game, Dan Potash announced that Colby and Melissa Armstrong (who were married this past June) are expecting their first child -- who is due sometime this June.

CONGRATULATIONS to Colby and Melissa!!

UP NEXT: ATLANTA THRASHERS
(10-6-2, 22 points)
In net tonight: Johan Hedberg
Storyline: With another starting D-man returning (Orpik), can the Pens shake these injuries and pull out a win?

Atlanta Thrashers webpage
PREVIEW (11/20/2009)

Atlanta Journal Constitution
Penguins more than measuring stick for Thrashers (11/20/2009)

Check back for updates throughout the day!!

Orpik to Return If "All Goes Well"

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Brooks Orpik will return to the lineup tomorrow night against the Atlanta Thrashers. Orpik had been wearing a cast on his right knee.

"I think I'm in as long as all goes well tomorrow," Orpik said after the Penguins' practice in suburban Duluth this afternoon.

It looks like the Penguins are slowly getting back to "normal."

Off-Day Notes

[UPDATE]
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Crosby did not participate in practice due to illness and Orpik took a puck to the chin and needed 10 stitches "to close the gash."

• Crosby did not participate in practice today (a "maintenance" day for him)
  honestly, I'm not surprised by this (and wouldn't be surprised if he's injured) as my husband and I were talking during last night's game that he hasn't been playing "like Sid / himself" and that he may be hurt and with all the injuries on the team, he may just be playing through it
• Brooks Orpik left practice early; he had a cut that needed stitches, but is OK
• Nate Guenin was re-assigned back to the baby Pens

Pens
(14-8-0, 28 points)

Pens - 2, Sens - 6

Ottawa Senators webpage
RECAP (11/19/2009)

The Intelligencer
Sens goals don't impess Bylsma (11/20/2009)

National Post
Phillips waits 800 games for double (11/20/2009)

cbc.ca
Senators sock it to Penguins (11/20/2009)

The Globe and Mail
Senators pick apart Penguins in third period (11/20/2009)
Senators roll past Penguins (11/19/2009)

Ottawa Citizen
Sens soar over flightless Penguins (11/19/2009)
Game file: Senators vs. Penguins (11/19/2009)
Senators' Kovalev to leave for Russia after game agains Pens (11/19/2009)
Faceoff.com
Senators pick apart Penguins in third period (11/20/2009)
Unlikely snipers lead Sens over injury-plagued Pens (11/19/2009)

PENGUINS PLAYLIST -- Kris Letang

(these playlists also appear as a widget on the right-hand side of this blog)!!

Tangers enjoys pretty heavy music for seemingly such a soft-spoken guy!
SONG / ARTIST:

• Wherever I May Roam -- Metallica
• Sad But True -- Metallica
• Around the World -- Red Hot Chili Peppers
• For Whom the Bell Tolls -- Metallica
• Welcome Home (Sanitarium) -- Metallica
• Freak On a Leash -- Korn
• Falling Away from Me -- Korn

What I'm hoping to do eventually is find a widget that I can just load the songs of each player on my blog, so check back soon (I remember seeing / using one before, it's just a matter of finding it again!)!!

I compiled these lists by listening to the "Penguins Playlists" on Penguins HD2 radio station.

Talbot and Gonchar BOTH Return!!!!

The Penguins recalled defenseman Chris Lee (Penguins are reporting that Mark Eaton left practice early yesterday and did not participate this morning due to back spasms and will be a gametime decision after warmups) - if Eaton is out, that would mean ALL SIX of their starting defenseman are out - WOW!! AND (for some GOOD news!) ...

both Talbot and Gonchar will be in tonight's lineup against the Ottawa Senators -- YEESSSSSSSSS!!!

It IS official!!

Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS Ottawa)

GONCHAR
All over the internet / news yesterday, people were reporting that it's likely that Gonchar will be returning to the lineup tonight against Ottawa (also making it sound more probable then Talbot); I have yet to see anything about this on the Penguins webpage - even a mention. The only thing I have seen is HC Bylsma reporting his hope that either Gonchar or Orpik would be in tonight's lineup, so take it for what it's worth (I would think Gonchar would be more likely than Orpik for a return since Orpik just returned to practice yesterday) - even so, there haven't been any headlines on the Penguins site giving the impression Gonchar would be back, but we'll see tonight (it would be a great surprise / another boost for the Pens with all the injuries of the other players)!

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected)
Fedotenko-Crosby-Malkin
Dupuis-Staal-Guerin
Cooke-Adams-(Talbot)
Bourque-Rupp-Godard

TBD-Guenin
Skoula-Lovejoy
Eaton-Engelland

Fleury

Ottawa Injury / Line Info

• Anton Volchenkov, D (elbow) on IR

Crosby Nominated for SI 2009 Sportsman of the Year

Sports Illustrated writers posted their choice for this year's Sportsman of the Year. Michael Farber chose Sidney Crosby. CLICK HERE TO READ WHY.

My Sportsman: Sidney Crosby

Sports Illustrated will announce the Sportsman of the Year on December 1st.

VIDEO: Sid Carrying the Olympic Torch

For those of you who missed it (or those of you who just want to watch it again), here are two videos of yesterday's trek.

Sid discussing carrying the torch beforehand

UP NEXT: OTTAWA SENATORS
(9-6-3, 21 points)
In net tonight: Pascal Leclaire (projected)
Storyline: Will Talbot and / or Gonchar return to the Pens lineup tonight?

Ottawa Senators webpage
PREVIEW (11/15/2009)

Ottawa Citizen
Faceoff.com
Gonchar might bolster Penguins' battered blue-line (11/18/2009)

Ottawa Sun
Fans don’t faze Sens’ Kovalev (11/18/2009)
Volchenkov not ready to return (11/18/2009)
Sens get ready for some tough competition (11/18/2009)

Check back for updates throughout the day!!

No 'Superstar Treatment' for Car Dealership

It seems that the Penguins organization isn't a fan of the latest A&L Motor Sales commercial featuring Max Talbot.

According to WTAE-TV news, the organization made the dealership pull the TV ad. A&L apparently didn't get permission to use the official Penguins logo in the commercial which features several people wearing Talbot's jersey (and depicts the logo).

"Obviously, they have a little bit more stake in it than we do. So, you know, we have a good relationship with the Penguins and we want to do what we could to keep that relationship going with the Penguins and the organization," said Alex de Francisco, of A&L Motor Sales.

They plan to reshoot the commercial minus the Penguins logo this time.

Sid with the Torch

That was AMAZING!! I hope those of you who wanted to catch it, did! It didn't last very long and you could BARELY see Sid, but it honestly gave me chills (and you could tell he was just so proud)!!

All the media were swarming him and he could barely jog to the next carrier. I did manage to get a few screen caps. They're not the greatest, but they do show Sid clearly (I'm off to find better, more "professional" pictures to post later!)!

Still -- simply AMAZING!!

McKee Out for 2-4 Weeks

Head coach Dan Bylsma reported today that Jay McKee will be out of the lineup for the next 2-4 weeks with an infected finger.

Is each player getting his turn or what (this would be laughable if it wasn't affecting the team so much!)?!

On a few similar notes, Mark Eaton left today's practice early, but no details on that. Kris Letang and Brooks Orpik both returned to practice today (Letang was in the red, "no contact" jersey).

Crosby to Carry Torch Tonight in Nova Scotia (VIEW LIVE FEED!)!!

Today is Day 20 of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and the torch will be travelling from Truro, Nova Scotia to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sidney Crosby will be carrying it for about 300 meters at around 6:30 PM this evening (another news article is reporting the time to be around 5:30 PM, est).

And beginning today in Halifax, you can actually view live feed of the entire relay route all the way to Vancouver with the unprecedented "Olympic Torch Cam!" DON'T MISS IT - it begins with Sidney (read more below!)!!

CTV (LIVE torch cam)

On Wednesday at around 5:30 p.m. ET, the technology will capture a 22-year-old man from Cole Harbour, whose ferocious athleticism has made him an icon of the modern NHL -- Sidney Crosby.

As he jogs a few hundred metres with the Torch in Halifax, hundreds are expected to line the streets. But thanks to the Torch Cam video, the cutting-edge technology will allow thousands of fans across the country to cheer him on.

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

1995
Ken Wregget has his third shutout with the Penguins (stopped 32 of the Washington Capitals shots).

1993
Tom Barrasso recored his 250th career win against the Washington Capitals.

1991
Mark Recchi recorded his first career hat trick against the Quebec Nordiques (Kevin Stevens also scored a hat trick).

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

Yesterday afternoon, the Penguins held their annual "Project Bundle Up" shopping day and paired up with a child chosen by the Carnegie Salvation Army. Then later in the evening, the Penguins organization was recognized as the Salvation Army awarded the club with the Project Bundle-Up Award for years of service to the cause during the Salvation Army’s 2009 Allegheny County Doing the Most Good Dinner at the Sheraton Station Square.

Marc-Andre Fleury accepted the award.

“Probably your wives or girlfriends would have been better shoppers, but we had fun,” Fleury joked to the assembled crowd. “Speaking for all the players, it’s a great honor. To receive an award is a good feeling.”

NHL in Russian (“NXL Na Russkom”) Now Part of Penguins HD2 Radio Station

The Penguins organization is pretty savvy at marketing and this is just another example.

They have created a new show, in partnership with the NHL, called "NHL in Russian" that will feature Russian players, news and notes (and will be broadcast entirely in Russian). It will debut on Tuesday, November 24th at 8:30 AM (which is 4:30 PM in Russia).

The first show will include interviews with Evgeni Malkin (of course) and hockey legend Igor Larionov (Alyonka's father). Alyonka will also help out with the show along with Oleg Mejeritski of Sovietsky Sport, but the main host will be Gera (George) Birman who has served as Malkin's interpreter in the past and has been part of the Penguins "front office" for the past 10 years.

“We know there is immense interest in NHL hockey in Russia, and we thought this would be a unique way to take advantage of current technology and create a show devoted to Russian fans,” said Penguins president David Morehouse. “We believe there is a huge Russian fan base that will be interested in staying informed about Russian players and NHL news.”

“The NHL’s Russian-speaking fan base is passionate and growing,” said Gregg Baldinger, director of NHL Radio. “By creating this innovative audio programming, the Penguins are providing greater access for Russian NHL fans to engage with the sport they love.”

Talbot's Return Definite?

The Penguins announced this afternoon that they've re-assigned forward, Mark Letestu to their AHL affiliate in WB / S.

Does this mean Talbot is more certain of his return and is likely to be in the lineup Thursday against the Ottawa Senators? This is a pretty telling sign to me, but we'll just have to wait until Thursday (or until the Pens make another announcement).

Pens
(14-7-0, 28 points)

Pens - 5, Ducks - 2

Anaheim Ducks webpage
RECAP (11/16/2009)

The Orange County Register
Ducks blog
Penguins 5, Ducks 2 (11/16/2009)

Talbot Back for Ottawa?

As quickly as the Penguins lineup has gone down with injuries, it's quickly rebounding with the return of players as well. First, Malkin and now possibly Talbot as early as the Pens next game in Ottawa!!

The Penguins are reporting that Max Talbot is hoping to be back in the lineup when the team travels to Ottawa this Thursday to play the Senators!! YES!!

Talbot will participate in Thursday morning's skate and a decision will be made then, so ...

STAY TUNED!!!

OFFICIAL WORD: Goligoski OUT

The Penguins recently announced that Alex Goligoski will be out of the lineup for 2-3 weeks with a lower body injury.

He is getting an MRI today and according to HC Bylsma, the 2-3 weeks is just an estimate right now.

[UPDATE] Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS Anaheim)

GOLIGOSKI
Goligoski misses his second practice this morning, so it would appear that he will be out of the lineup for tonight's game (but no official word has been released!); Malkin took his spot at the point on the power play

PENGUINS IN BLUE
the team will be in their alternate blue jerseys for tonight's game

AHL RECALL
the Penguins announced this morning that they recalled defenseman Nate Guenin; does that mean Goligoski is out tonight after missing practice yesterday? I'm sure there will be another announcement sometime soon (so check back)!

[UPDATE] LINE COMBINATIONS (projected)
Fedotenko-Crosby-Malkin
Bourque-Staal-Guerin
Cooke-Letestu-Dupuis
Rupp-Adams-Godard

Skoula-Lovejoy
Eaton-Engelland
Guenin-McKee

Fleury in goal

Anaheim Injury / Lineup Info

• Saku Koivu, F (groin) and Ryan Carter, F (bruised right foot) are day-to-day
• Kyle Calder, F, was recalled from Bakersfield and may get into the Ducks lineup tonight, but it's not certain

UP NEXT: ANAHEIM DUCKS
(6-9-3, 15 points)
In net tonight: Jonas Hiller (projected)
Storyline: Could Goligoski miss tonight's game?

Anaheim Ducks webpage
PREVIEW (11/15/2009)

The Orange County Register
Bad Ducks start testing GM's patience (11/15/2009)
Ducks blog
How they match up: Ducks-Penguins (11/15/2009)

Los Angeles Times
Up next for the Ducks: Monday at Pittsburgh (11/16/2009)

Check back for updates throughout the day!!