NHL Realignment: Rivalries Destroyed

All over the internet Pens fans have been in an uproar with the newest proposed division realignment which apparently "has been gaining steam." We may have a grudge against the new plan because we would be seeing much less of that other team from the other side of the state. The Pens and Flyers would meet only two times each season under the new realignment plan as the teams would be split up into two separate divisions. After the jump we will take a look at the proposed format and provide some thoughts on this plan. 

GameDay Game #9: Penguins v. Canadians

The Montreal Canadians come to town tonight with the puck set to drop at 7:00 PM. The Penguins welcome back Brooks Orpik to the lineup, and it couldn't come at a better time. The Penguins have been battling injuries and a suspension through the first eight games of the season, so anyone who can be inserted back into the lineup is a welcomed addition.

Pittsburgh Penguins (4-2-2) vs. Montreal Canadians (1-3-1)

7:00 PM CONSOL Energy Center

Watch: Root Sports Pittsburgh

Listen: Penguins 24/7 Radio, 105.9 FM

This is Who We Are: Pens Win 4-2

Facing the possibility of going winless in four games, on the road, and on back-to-back nights, the Penguins pulled out a gritty performance on route to their fourth win of the season. Their backs were against the wall because of injuries and a suspension, but the Penguins did what they've been doing for the past year. They dug deep and found a way to win. 

Penguins 4 - Wild 2

GameDay Game #8: Penguins @ Wild

Before you read this post look at your calendar and notice what month it is. Yes, it is still october. A three game losing streak would not be the end of the world. The Pens are dealing with another long list of injuries and will be without Kris Letang who is suspended for two games. 

Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-2) @ Minnesota Wild (2-1-1)

7:30 PM Xcel Energy Center

Watch: Versus, ROOT Sports

Listen: Penguins 24/7 Radio, 105.9 FM

Letang Grounded for Two Games.

Kris Letang went into Grandpa Shanahan's Corner and the verdict is that Letang will be grounded for two games with no video games.


On one side you have the fact that you want the game to be cleaner and safer, on the other hand, you want players who are about to take on contact to be a bit responsible. 


The result is fine as long as Grandpa Shanny makes these decisions consistently, which of course will not happen because this is the NHL. 


Shanny says that Letang was never playing the puck, Burmistrov's path was predictable, that he made no sudden moves, and Letang didn't minimize the impact of the check. Letang was also fined for a similar infraction before, so this verdict coming out of Shanahan's Corner means he is a repeat offender.

Penguins Lose 2-1

Jets 2 - Penguins 1

The Jets scored only seconds into the first period. Then they took a 2-0 lead before the period ended.

The Penguins struck just before the end of the second period to pull within a goal when Zbynek Michalek found the back of the net off of an offensive zone face-off.. However, they could not beat Pavelec to tie the game.

This was by far the worst game the Penguins had played all year. The Pens haven't scored a power play goal in while. This was the type of game where the power play could have helped, and it is the type of game that the Pens need the power play to help.  

Pens are injured and it is starting to feel as if this team is hitting a wall while playing with out Malkin and Crosby. 

They need to pull through that tonight, losing three games in a row is a losing streak. 

GameDay Game #7: Penguins at Jets

No we didn't just travel back to the mid-90s. It is still the year 2011 and the Pittsburgh Penguins are in Winnipeg to take on the Jets tonight. The Penguins haven't played in Winnipeg since February 16, 1996 when Jaromir Jagr scored the only goal of game, and Tom Barrasso stopped all 32 shots. The scene in Winnipeg has been great, and the Pens face a very loud crowd.

Pittsburgh Penguins (3-1-2) @ Winnipeg Jets (0-3-0)

8:30 PM MTS Centre

Watch: ROOT Sports

Listen: Penguins 24/7 Radio, 105.9 FM