Pens Mustache Boy: February 2011

The Penguins held their monthly shoot-out competition at practice today to crown the new "mustache boy" and this month's "winner / loser" is ZBYNEK MICHALEK!!!

FEBRUARY'S "LOSER" - Zbynek Michalek ("BEFOREstache" pictured left; pretty clean-shaven!)

from the Pens webpage:

MICHALEK'S THOUGHTS -

On the shootout at the end of practice, and getting a last chance on Fleury:
He made a pretty good save. Give him credit. It was my last chance, but it didn’t work.
On if he’s looking forward to the mustache:
No, not really. I never had one. This is going to be the first time, so we’ll see how it’s going to look.
On Mike Rupp’s mustache:
I don’t think the guys were too happy with Rupper. I think there was some shaving or something going on. So I have to make sure I follow the rules. I don’t exactly know how it works here, but I’ll have to ask the guys.
On what his wife will think:

My wife knows that it’s part of the deal. I told her that I will probably lose one of these one of the months on the season.
On if he feels even more a part of the team now:
I guess. Everyone has to go through it at least once, and it makes you part of the team. It’s fun to do, and it’s something that they’ve been doing for a while.

RUPP'S THOUGHTS -

On shaving his mustache:
I didn’t know we were doing it today. I had clippers I was going to bring to the bench. But we’ll get it off here as soon as I shower. The worst part, I think, is that I haven’t really shaved in a couple years. I usually just use the clippers and keep the stubble. That was the worst part, just shaving the rest.
On advice for Michalek:
I have a feeling it’s going to take him a while to see something. You just don’t want to lose the second time. I was down to the last five there so I got a little nervous.
On if he would ever keep it:

Absolutely not. If I would have gone on a run, then maybe. Last year, Billy (Guerin) went on a scoring tear when he had his. But that didn’t really happen for me. So we’re not too concerned about keeping it.

AND BE SURE TO JOIN THE"Pens 'Stache Tracker" FACEBOOK GROUP for the latest / greatest info & pics!!!

2011 All-Star Weekend Schedule

Both Marc-Andre Fleury and Kris Letang will represent the Penguins this weekend at the 2011 All-Star game in Raleigh, NC while Sidney Crosby (still recovering from a concussion) and Evgeni Malkin (recovering from a sinus infection / illness) will not participate in this weekend's festivities.  Interesting fact:  all four Penguins players voted into this year's All-Stars were in the TOP 6 (the other two were Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith)!!

HERE IS A SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SET FOR THIS WEEKEND:

FRIDAY, January 28th @ 8:00 PM (est) - NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft

SATURDAY, January 29th @ 7:00 PM (est) - NHL Superskills Competition
SUNDAY, January 30th @ 4:00 PM (est) - All-Star Game (CLICK HERE FOR ROSTERS)

For more information, including a list of ALL the events for those of you attending the All-Star weekend in Raleigh, visit the official 2011 NHL All-Star webpage.

AND DON'T FORGET ... check out The Guardian Project which will "come to life" at the 2011 All-Star game!!

A new franchise between iconic superhero comic creator, Stan Lee (SLG Entertainment company), and the NHL - Guardian Media Entertainment, LLC (GME) - have formed to create The Guardian Project.  PRESS RELEASE HERE.

[It] will feature 30 Guardians, representing all of the teams in the NHL. The Guardians are superheroes that incorporate numerous NHL elements not seen in the actual world of hockey.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL 30 GUARDIANS, CLICK HERE!  Pittsburgh's Guardian, "The Penguin," is pictured below!

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

1999
Peter Skudra earned his second career shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs (stopping 21 shots)

1989
Rob Brown recorded his third hat trick scoring three goals against the Detroit Red Wings

facts obtained through PITTSBURGHHOCKEY.NET

What Are Some of the Penguins Players Doing Over "All-Star" Break???

COURTESY OF the Penguins webpage yesterday ...

MARK LETESTU
He and his wife are returning home (Fort Myers, FL):

“We’re going to Fort Myers, Florida,” Mark Letestu said. “(My wife) deserves a little vacation. She’s been hanging around Pittsburgh by herself for a while. It’s nice just to get away for a couple days and recharge for the remainder of the year.”

CRAIG ADAMS
He and his family are taking a trip to Disney World over the weekend:

“It kind of snuck up on us and we were trying to think of something to do,” Adams said. “It was actually my wife’s idea. I think it’s great, Rhys will really enjoy it. He’s really excited. We’ve got the propaganda going with the Disney stories just to get him excited.”

BEN LOVEJOY
He's taking a trip Palm Beach, FL

MAX TALBOT
He's also taking a trip:

“I’m going down south to get some sun,” Talbot said. “Hopefully it’s going to be nice out.”

PASCAL DUPUIS
He and his family are staying in Pittsburgh since he wasn’t able to get a passport for his daughter in enough time:

“We couldn’t really plan anything, so we’re just going to stay around here,” Dupuis said.

BRENT JOHNSON
He and his wife are headed back home to Michigan:

“She’s got a baby shower back home, so we’re using the opportunity to get that in for her family,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a lot of relaxation with my family.”

ALEX GOLIGOSKI
He's headed home:

“I will be going back to beautiful, sunny Minnesota,” Goligoski joked. “I’m just going back to relax. Break’s going to be good, especially this time of year.”

“Things kind of can be a little mentally grinding,” Goligoski said. “I’m going to rest up for that and get ready for the home stretch.”

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

2004

Pittsburgh's Brian Holzinger is stopped on a penalty shot by Tampa Bay's John Grahame and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped Tampa Bay's Dan Boyle on a penalty shot (it was the second time in team history that each team had a penalty shot in the same game)

2002

• Johan Hedberg stopped 39 shots from the New Jersey Devils for his third shutout with the Pens

1999

• the Penguins played their first game against the expansion Atlanta Thrashers and skated to a 4-1 win at the Mellon Arena

1996

• Penguins introduced an alternate (third) jersey
• Mario Lemieux scored his 36th hat trick (against Philadelphia)

1994

• Ken Wregget stopped 38 shots from the Quebec Nordiques to earn his first shutout with Pittsburgh

facts obtained from PittsburghHockey.net

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

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER (this post was written the day after the game, but I never got around to actually posting it; it was the talk of the internet the day after this game - January 12th)

If any of you were / are wondering what Fleury was doing crossing his arms in a brief pose at the sound of the buzzer marking the end of the game a few weeks ago on January 12th (pictured left), the answer lies in what occurred at the end of the last game the Pens played against the Habs.  It was pretty much Fleury taking a jab at Canadiens goalie Carey Price who, in their previous meeting after stopping all 5 of the Pens shootout attempts to win the game over them 2-1, he stood up and struck a similar pose (pictured below).

When asked about it, Fleury had this to say, "I just thought that's how we celebrate in Montreal," Fleury said, when asked why he did it. "I don't know. For a laugh."

WATCH VIDEO of this interview (and of the pose) below - courtesy of The Score!!!

And to all of those Habs fans who are in an uproar about Fleury's actions, I only have ONE THING to say, "ole, ole, ole, ole, O-LE, O-LE!" [and maybe your goalie should concern himself more with his consistency (LACK thereof) instead of taunting the opposing team when he simply does his job as a goalie!!]

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

2006
Pittsburgh acquired defenseman Cory Cross and forward Jani Rita from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenseman Dick Tarnstrom

Mark Recchi became the 38th player in NHL history to score 500 goals

1997

• Mario Lemieux scored four goals in one period against the Montreal Canadiens (tying the NHL record for most goals in a period and making him the 11th player to do so)

1993

• Larry Murphy became the ninth defensemen in NHL history to record 800 points (recording his 800th point against the Washington Capitals); Kevin Stevens scored his ninth hat trick with the Penguins and Jaromir Jagr was stopped by Don Beaupre on a penalty shot

1991

• Mario Lemieux returned to the Penguins lineup at Quebec after missing 50 games with a back injury

facts obtained from PittsburghHockey.net

Pens Mustache Boy: January 2011

The Penguins held their monthly shoot-out competition at practice today to crown the new "mustache boy" and this month's "winner / loser" is MIKE RUPP!!!

According to the Penguins webpage, it came down to Engelland, Goligoski, and Rupp (it would've been a shame had it been Engelland after his good fortune of signing an extension today!)!!

Engelland beats Brent Johnson stick side. Goligoski scores five-hole. Down to Rupp. A score and the three players have to keep going, or else Rupp will have some extra lip fur for a month.

JANUARY'S "LOSER" - Mike Rupp ("BEFOREstache" pictured left; not a real stretch)

AND BE SURE TO JOIN THE"Pens 'Stache Tracker" FACEBOOK GROUP for the latest / greatest info & pics!!!

Engelland's Contract Extended

Engelland (Pens webpage)

The Penguins announced earlier today that they have extended defenseman Deryk Engelland's contract to three years.

The new contract goes into effect at the start of the 2011-12 season and will run through 2013-14. The average annual value of the deal is $566,700 over the term of the contract.

Even though Engelland is a defenseman and Eric Godard is a forward, I would think this extension may affect Godard getting re-signed with the Pens ... there's only so much room for enforcers and right now the team has more than their share (Engelland, Godard, Asham, etc.).  And Engelland has not only done a good job enforcing, he's produced for the team as well.

Pens
(16-8-2, 34 points)

 Pens - 3, Rangers - 1

New York Rangers webpage

RECAP: Big second period sends Penguins past Blueshirts (11/29/2010) 

Solid game not enough vs. hot Pens (11/29/2010)

New York Daily News
Sidney Crosby extends points streak as Pittsburgh Penguins cruise by sluggish New York Rangers, 3-1 (11/29/2010)

The Blueshirt Blog
Slew of woes for Rangers in loss to Penguins (11/29/2010) 

[UPDATE] Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS NYR) - Asham / Comrie

[UPDATE] ASHAM
HC Bylsma gave udates on Asham and Comrie who is apprently suffering from a lower-body injury:

"(Asham) wasn't feeling well this morning so he stayed at the hotel. It's possible (he could play), but looks unlikely."

"(Comrie) is rehabbing right now. We don't have a definite on his situation on the trip. He's got a week or so of rehab to do."

the Penguins webpage is reporting that Arron Asham was not on the ice for this morning's skate ... nothing further has been reported yet, but I'll fill you in as soon as I know anything ... check back!!

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected from this morning's skate)
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Cooke-Malkin-Talbot
Conner-Letestu-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams-Godard

NY RANGERS INJURY / LINE INFO

Chris Drury (F), finger

Vinny Prospal (F), knee
Marian Gaborik (F), flu - missed the game in Nashville, but they're hoping he's fine for today's game

COVERING ENEMY TERRITORY: New York

UP NEXT: NEW YORK RANGERS
(14-10-1, 29 points)

In net tonight: Henrik Lundqvist (projected)

NY Rangers webpage

PREVIEW: All-division week begins with bang vs. Pens tonight (11/29/2010)
Rangers go distance for big road win (11/27/2010)

The New York Post
Rangers pull off big win without Gaborik (11/28/2010)
Rangers Lundqvist comes up big in win over Panthers (11/27/2010)
Tortorella calls out Gaborik after loss (11/25/2010)

CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY!!

The Buzz - 24/7 Penguins / Capitals: Road to the NHL Winter Classic

Did you miss the preview played on HBO this past weekend of the upcoming 4-part series 24/7 or maybe you just want to watch it over again??

CHECK IT OUT BELOW and visit the official webpage HERE!!!

The Buzz

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

Today is Fleury's birthday ... he turns 26!!!

THANKS to Jessica for reminding me!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Here's a little Thanksgiving Day cheer ... two previews of the upcoming HBO reality series "24/7 Penguins / Capitals Road to the NHL Winter Classic" -- one interviewing Sid and Max (Crosby & Talbot Interview) and the other one interviewing DJ King and Eric Godard (the enforcers of the teams) ... ENJOY!!!

The Enforcers

[UPDATE] Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS Buffalo) - Fleury in Goal

[UPDATE]
Fleury will start in goal tonight for the Pens; Comrie will also be in the lineup tonight according to HC Bylsma

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected from this morning's skate)
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Cooke-Malkin-Talbot
Conner-Letestu-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams-Asham/Comrie (Godard)

BUFFALO INJURY / LINE INFO

Ryan Miller (G), groin injury (day-to-day)

Tim Connolly (F), groin injury (day-to-day)

Rob Niedermayer (F), knee (two weeks)
Drew Stafford (F), upper body (day-to-day)

SHORT Hiatus ...

This post is probably a tad-bit late, but my motto for the blog it seems is (say it with me) ... "better late than never!"

I've had a few unexpected things come up that have taken me away from the blogs and having any time to work on them so I've just decided to take a short time "off" (probably just the rest of this week and maybe the weekend which I normally do anyway).

I wanted to post SOMETHING just because I feel like I'm obligated to with such loyal followers ...  THANKS for all your continued support of the blog and I hope to see you next week!!!

TRY to enjoy hockey without us! ; D

Pre-Game Notes (Pittsburgh VS Boston)

LOTS of things going on today!!

WBS RECALL
the Penguins announced they recalled Chris Conner for tonight's game; Mike Comrie may be out of tonight's lineup due to an illness although he was on the ice this morning for the team's skate ... per the Pens webpage, "if Comrie isn't able to play, Conner's presence gives the team some flexibility."

STARTING GOALIE
Bylsma confirmed that Brent Johnson will be in the net tonight for the Pens; here's what HC Bylsma had to say about the goaltending situation:

I think the belief that Marc is going to play great hockey again is 100 percent from our guys and coaches. You can pinpoint the situation where Tim Thomas didn’t have the results and numbers where he didn’t play as much (last year), and then coming back and doing what he’s doing now. Those are things that you draw upon. You also draw upon your previous experience. Marc has had some difficult times in his career. I remember not knowing Marc-Andre Fleury and watching him when he was 18 years old and hearing the media talk about how he’s had some difficult times and he’s had some question marks. So he’s been able to deal with that and work through it to end up playing good hockey. That’s the belief, and Tim Thomas is another example of that happening to another good goalie.

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected from this morning's skate)
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Rupp-Letestu-Kennedy
Cooke-Malkin-Asham
Talbot-Adams-Godard
Comrie-Conner-(Tom Fitzgerald - filling in)

defensemen were rotated

BOSTON INJURY / LINE INFO

Marc Savard (C), post-concussion syndrome  - out indefinitely
Johnny Boychuk (D), broken left forearm  - out 2 weeks

Marco Sturm (LW), knee - out until the end of Nov
David Krejci (C), head  - day-to-day

WBS Weekend Wrapup

by Maureen L.

Heading into their triple header weekend, the Baby Pens were 8-0-0, the only undefeated team in the AHL. Facing two away games against the Rochester Americans and hosting the Syracuse Crunch, the Baby Pens were looking to defend their streak and go 11-0-0 on the weekend. They came very close, but fell to the Crunch at home on Saturday, ending the weekend 10-1-0.

Let’s break it down game by game:

Friday 11/5: @Rochester
The Amerks jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead, taking advantage of their first 2 power play opportunities. High powered scoring talent Michal Repik was instrumental on the Amerks power play, assisting on both goals. After the second powerplay goal, the Baby Pens were able to get things back on track and Thiessen didn’t allow the rocky start to shake his confidence. The Baby Pens stormed back with goals from Collins and Sterling and went to intermission with the score 3-2. Chris Connor scored the only goal of the second period, unassisted, to tie the game at 3-3. The Pens’ PK unit came alive in the third and Dustin Jeffrey scored a shorthanded goal to put them ahead for the first time in the game. With just over 3 minutes remaining in the final period, Tim Wallace scored to put the Pens up 5-3. Not deterred, the Amerks mounted a furious comeback effort and made it a 1 goal game with just over 2 minutes left. However, they couldn’t tie it and the Pens went on to win 5-4.

Saturday 11/6: Syracuse
Saturday’s game was a matchup between the top 2 penalty killing teams in the AHL and the score sheet reflects that. Despite a total of 11 power plays, each team only notched 1 power play goal. The Pens went 1 for 6 on their power play and Syracuse was 1 for 5. It’s a good litmus test because the special teams were a pretty even match in standings going into the game. A contrast to the high scoring first period the Pens played the night before in Rochester, the two teams went into the locker room scoreless. The second period had a very different look for both teams as the Pens jumped into the lead with 2 goals (1 even strength, 1 power play) in the first half of the second period. The Crunch answered with a power play goal of their own, but Brett Sterling found the back of the net to give the Pens another 2 goal lead. The second period ended with the score 3-1. Unfortunately for the Pens, they fell a short in the third period and were unable to score. They gave up 3 goals early in the first and spent the rest of the game trying to find the tying goal. That goal didn’t come and the streak ended on Saturday with a final score, Syracuse-4, Wilkes Barre-3.

Sunday 11/7: @Rochester
On Sunday, Pen’s goaltender Brad Thiessen’s play earned him first star honors. Facing 20 shots from the Amerks, Thiessen turned away 19. Both goaltenders were tested in the first (Thiessen faced 8 shots, Markstrom faced 6) but stopped everything that came their way. The teams were scoreless after 1. The Pens came out shooting in the second and launched 8 shots at Markstom. At 12:26 of the second period, Dustin Jeffrey’s shot found its way past the Rochester netminder to put the Pens up 1-0. Rochester didn’t stay down for long though and got the puck behind Thiessen just over a minute later to tie the game up. The game remained tied into the second intermission. In the third, the Pens seemed determined to absorb only one loss for the weekend, launching 10 shots at Markstrom. At 18:10 of the third, a shot from Ryan Craig found the net and the Pens went up 2-1. The Amerks tried to tie it up and pulled Markstrom in favor of the sixth skater, but time ran out. The Pens’ strong PK also contributed to the win as Rochester was unable to score on any of their 4 power play chances.

While the undefeated streak is over, the Pens have a pretty impressive record at 10-1-0. The only team with more points in the AHL right now is the Portland Pirates who have played 14 games, 3 more than the Baby Pens. The success they have enjoyed so far is truly a team effort with goals, assists, and other key plays coming from many different members of the roster. Not a single player on the Pens’ roster is in the top 20 in AHL scoring.

So while the Pens’ undefeated streak is over, their great start to the season is not. This weekend they’ll face Binghamton and Worcester so make sure you check back later in the week for your weekend game preview!

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

2000
Alex Kovalev recorded his first hat trick as a Pittsburgh Penguin against Philadelphia goalie Brian Boucher

1944
Pittsburgh was shut out by the Hershey Bears, 11-0, to set an AHL mark for the highest scoring shutout

1936
The Pittsburgh Hornets played their first game at the Duquesne Gardens, beating the Cleveland Falcons, 5-2.

information obtained from PITTSBURGHHOCKEY.NET