John Tavares has officially played his first NHL game and, despite losing, I’d say he had a heck of a night.  Unfortunately, he had to make his debut against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
This year’s first draft pick scored his first goal and picked up an assist and was actually chosen to go second in the shootout (he missed his shot).  Pretty good for his first game with the New York Islanders.  “We were in their face for most of the game,” Tavares said. “We played true Islander hockey. The result was disappointing, but we’re playing the Stanley Cup champs …read more

The season-opener is just days away and there hasn’t been any real news about the groin injury Pittsburgh Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby, suffered during a pre-season game.  After playing less than two minutes, Crosby was forced to watch from the sidelines.

He really downplayed the seriousness of the injury but then he has been skipping practice.  Coach Dan Bylsma doesn’t feel like he should push Crosby to play or skate and I agree with him.  The season hasn’t started yet and, even if he misses the first couple games, it’s better than him hurting himself even worse and then sitting out …read more

Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious but Pittsburgh Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby, suffered a groin injury during the first period of their pre-season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and was forced to sit out for the remaining two periods.

Crosby really didn’t get a chance to play too much at all registering just three shifts and one minute 37 seconds.  “It’s better to stay off it. I’m hoping for just a few days,” Crosby said. “I’ve hurt my groin before. It’s not as bad. I think I missed five games with one last year. It’s just something you have to be …read more

The Pittsburgh Penguins got the chance to hang out with President Obama at the White House when the Stanley Cup champions were invited as the guests of honor at the White House.  They were given a guided tour and attended a press conference hosted by Obama.

Of meeting the team, Obama said: “This is by far the most fun thing that I’m doing today.”  The guys seemed to have a lot of fun too with Evgeni Malkin even taking out his cell phone to take a picture of Obama from behind which caused enough laughter to make the President pause.
Sidney Crosby …read more

Predictions are starting to pop up all over the internet (including my own) and one thing that a lot of people are wondering is whether the Pittsburgh Penguins can make it to the Stanley Cup Finals for a third year in a row.  Honestly, I wouldn’t bet against them because I think that, despite the fact that some changes have been made to the roster, the core players are still there and head coach Dan Bylsma has proven that someone can emerge from obscurity and lead a team to victory.

The truth is that back during the 2008-2009 season, I was …read more

The whispers about the chemistry between Sidney Crosby, Jarome Iginla and Rick Nash are growing louder with some outlets labeling the line as “dangerous” and I can completely see how that would be true.  There is a reason, after all, why these guys are big names in the hockey world.
When you look at their combined efforts this past season, they posted 108 goals and amassed 271 points.  That’s pretty encouraging. Even Jordan Staal had to say:  “that’s pretty scary.  When you see those three guys on one line – three star players on their own team and obviously …read more

I found some videos of Pittsburgh Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby, taking the Stanley Cup home with him over the weekend to celebrate his 22nd birthday in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.  He was actually flown home on a Sea King (a Canadian military helicopter) since Crosby wanted to show his love and support to the troops.

I thought the chopper was overkill but he hopped into a tank with Stanley and led a parade through the streets and then even made time for a private visit to a local children’s hospital.
It looks like the people of Cole Harbour (and the surrounding areas) …read more

Last night, the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the odds and took home Lord Stanley after thriller of a game at the Joe Louis Arena and no one can say that this team relied solely on the skills and talents of star players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.  They pulled together and became the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions.

It’s been almost a full day and I still can’t believe it.  I will write more about some things like Marian Hossa’s decision to join up with the Detroit Red Wings to have a better chance at winning and the fact that Evgeni Malkin …read more

The Pittsburgh Penguins have beat the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 in a very exciting game and have become the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions.
Sidney Crosby is the youngest captain to hoist the Stanley Cup and after the night he’s had I’m sure the moment feels incredible.

From the start, the Penguins looked like the sharper team but, in the first period, both Pittsburgh and Detroit came out with a lot of intensity but the combination of Maxime Talbot (who scored both goals for the Pens) and the goaltending of Marc-Andre Fleury was simply unbeatable tonight.
By the second period, I kept looking around …read more

I needed a full night’s rest to write about the events that took place during Game 5 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.  I thought the Detroit Red Wings might play an excellent home game, especially with Pavel Datsyuk back in the lineup, but I was not prepared for the bloodbath that I witnessed.

Critics had been questioning Detroit’s play recently with some even referring to them as “shaky” but they showed everyone that they are solid and they sent the Pittsburgh Penguins a clear message – they intend to keep Lord Stanley.
The Penguins were held scoreless in three periods while …read more