Pens win 4-1...

The Pens beat the Sabres 4-1 tonight in Buffalo. It was another outstanding performance from Ty "Who?" Conklin, and Geno Malkin scored again. He's really picked it up since Sid went down, and continues to be near the league lead in points (I hate you Ovechkin).

The hihghlight of the game, however, was Jarkko Ruutu scoring his first goal in 60 games. After being sent off with a minor penalty, Ruutu sprinted out of the box and caught a long pass from Ryan Malone for a breakaway, and finished it off by flipping into the top corner. It was a phenominal play and real game changer.

Until then, it was Buffalo who was the aggressor - they fired 17 shots at Conklin in the first and he turned them all aside. They were poking and provoking our boys, and we played right into it, giving them the first three powerplay opportunities of the game. Luckily for us, those morons from the grizzly north couldn't find the back of the net with a team of Navy SEALS and a flashlight...

(Pic from answers.com)

Buffalo is in Canada right?

Big Snack's three stars for the game have to be Geno as the third, Ruutu as the second, and Conklin as the first.

We're still right in the thick of things as far as the playoffs go, but the margin for error gets smaller every day - I for one am as happy as a fat kid (Snack) in a candy store that Sid and Gary will be back soon...

And sorry for not posting as much as usual last week - it was a busy week for us, but we'll be back to our normal style this week...

Until lata...

Couple of things...

First off, the Pens won yesterday 4-3 over the hated Philly Flyers...Malkin kept up his incredibly play, scoring a goal and adding three assists, and Ty Conklin was OK in net.

We now have a grip on second place in the Eastern Conference, and an even stronger grip on first in the Atlantic Division...The question, as reader benny benack's ghost pointed out, is what do you do when all these vets such as Adam Hall, Gary Roberts and Sid the Kid come back? Well Snack got you covered - here's how I think the lines should play out (barring any trades) when they playoffs begin...(in no particular order)

Forwards

Malkin - Malone - Sykora

Crosby - Armstrong - Staal

Talbot - Ruutu - Laraque

Hall - Roberts - Taffe

Reserves - Smith, Kennedy

Defense

Whitney - Sydor

Gonchar - Scuderi

Letang - Orpik

In NFL news, my boy Tec over at Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies started a petition calling for all Patriots fans to henceforth be referred to as "nerd-ass idiot dork-jerks" because of their petition claiming the Patriots were robbed of some time or some crap. I read the stories about it and it all seems like whining to me (much like Seattle's "playing the refs" comments after XL), but I like the idea of calling the Patriots names, so I figured I'd let yinz all sign it...

Until lata...

PS - Check out Mondesi's House for our newest top 10 list...we'll have it posted here in a day or two, but we know how yinz can't wait for them, so we figured we'd let you know...

1 for 2 on the evening...

The Pens lost last night to the Thrashers. It was also the first time they've looked really limited by their injuries.

They simply couldn't get anything going at all. Their offense was completely stagnant, and the defense couldn't hold stars like Illya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa from doing their thing. Ty Conklin got pulled in the third, and just wasn't as sharp as he has been in his previous outings.

My hope is this was a one time thing, but my brain is telling me this is something we might have to take for a little bit. My guess is, for every game we win because of the hard working, hard playing style of our youngsters, we'll lose one because they overplay the puck or make stupid mistakes (ie - the reasons they were in the minors to begin with).

As for the Pitt game, all I know is they won. Diego made the trip to Oakland to watch the Panthers, so I'm sure he'll have a better recap whenever he decides to post again.

Pitt apparently went on a huge run in the second half, which is good to hear because they comepletely fell apart against Rutgers down the stretch. Good to see them back on the right track, and with the vicotry, they've climbed into a tie for third in the Big East, which is better then I thought they'd be doing without Mike Cook and Levance Fields.

Until lata...

Pens lose 6-5 in shootout...

The Pens lost last night to the Caps, 6-5 in a shootout. I watched the entire game, and I gotta tell ya, it was not at all what I expected.

It was a high scoring game, which shocked me, seeing as Crosby, Armstrong, Hall and Roberts were all out, but it was good to see nonetheless. Granted, Olllie the Goalie always plays like crap against the Pens, and he didn't dissappoint in that regard last night, but we have to find a way to not give up 5 goals in regulation.

I think if Ty Conklin had started, he may not have let up those soft goals Sabby did, but in last night's case, I agree with Therrien for staying with him. You can't bench a goalie who pitched a shutout in the team's last game. You gotta give him a shot, so I can't blame him for it.

Malkin played well, as usual, but his two goals and one bone jarring hit on Alex Ovenchkin just wasn't enough. Our boy the Tal-bot also had a goal, but our lack of discipline in the defensive end is not a good sign. We cannot count on scoring like this every night, and, let's face it, the only way we're going to stay atop our division is with good defense and solid goaltending.

Next up for the Pens is the hated Philly Flyers...Time to get it together boys, and Ty, you gotta keep the ship from sinking my man...

In other Pens news, Sid the Kid will be out for 6-8 weeks with his high ankle sprain...That has him returning in March, so let's hope we keep on the right side of the .500 until his comeback...

Until lata, when we post a new Swineburna and possibly a new MMH...

Diego's Link's N'at....

Not a whole lot going on in terms of Pittsburgh sports, but here’s some quick links to keep you entertained and informed of any news happening today…

Pitt’s defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads is leaving to take the same job and join Tommy Tuberville down at Auburn.

Ok we get it he’s not gonna go to Pitt, but where do the experts say that Terrelle Pryor will go?

Ty Conklin is getting lots of love from the big media outlets.

ESPN’s Damien Cox thinks Conklin should be considered for the Hart Trophy this year.

Yocal Mark Madden still thinks Conk should ride the pine when the Flower fully recovers from his high ankle sprain.

Profootballtalk.com reported that Green Bay Fox affiliate WLUK will not run Seinfield in its normal timeslot Saturday afternoon because it is Eli Manning’s favorite show. I must say I find it hilarious knowing the extent some are willing to go to do what they believe will help their home team win. I do give them props for engaging in psychological warfare with Eli and I hope it works out for them. What’s next, sending a hooker to Plax’s room the night before the big game just like Lawerence Taylor used to do back in the day?

Until lata...

Nice little Monday...

Yesterday turned out to be a great day for your Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Pens beating the Rangers 4-1, and Pitt winning at the Pete against G-Town.

I'll start with the Pitt game, and man, what a game it was. Georgetown looked like they expected to roll right over us, but Dejuan Blair and Keith Benjamin would have none of it. Ronnie Ramon was nailing threes left and right, and we out muscled the "bigger, badder" Hoyas on the offensive boards, leaving John Thompson III in fits. And we won without Sam Young playing well, as he only scored 9 points, his first game under double digits this season.

To be honest, I thought Pitt may have some trouble in this game. G-Town was 4-1 against Pitt under J.T. III, and they are absolutely huge height-wise, so I figured they could outrebound us and just own the paint. Which they kinda did, but what we lacked on the defensive boards we picked up on the offensive ones, and our lack of height was made up for with hustle and athleticism.

It was a big win for the guys, and it finally proves they can live without Fields and Cook, at least for the time being. Kudos to Coach Dixon for not letting the guys feel sorry for themselves...Hail to Pitt!!!

As for our Pens, the only word to describe their recent run is WOW...Geno Malkin netted his second hat trick in as many weeks (hmmmm...didn't Snack mention he could go on a hat trick tear now that he scored his first one two weeks ago? Yea, he did.). I guess somebody was a little pissed they didn't make the All-Star game...(Come on, how can the NHL throw Marc Savard into the game and not Malkin? They should be ashamed of themselves, Malkin's 13th in total points in the league and 11th in scoring, and they guy who went instead of him, Savard, is 21st in points and only has 11 goals...)

Sid the Kid had two assists and Sergei Gonchar scored the other goal for the Pens, who have not lost a game in regulation (insert Les Miles joke here) since before Christmas. Everyone has been on top of their game, and Big Georges and Ryan Malone have been "handling business" with the best of them...Hell, even little Kris Letang is leveling people...

Ty "Who?" Conklin stopped a career high 43 saves, continuing his excellent goaltending. This guy is playing great, and is the major reason for us being in the midst of a 10-0-1 run...The Ty Train is rollin', and all we can do is hop on and go for the ride...

One more little note to pass on, the Steelers are planning that entertainment complex on the North Shore again...If it didn't work last time, I doubt it will work this time, but you never know...

Until lata...

I really hate the Pats...

So first off, I'd like to thank loyal reader Bobinkle for sending me a text message with those exact words on it after the Pats ended Jacksonville's Cinderella run. I really do hate the Pats, and all of their ignorant, stupid-ass comments they left on our "Ten reasons to hate the 2007 Patriots" just dig it in even deeper.

I mean, come on guys, I realize we are a little jealous about how you win, but you did GET CAUGHT CHEATING...that makes you public enemy number one in everyone's eyes, and rightfully so. So go see a Dropkick Murphy's show, drink a Sam Adams and chill out. Our boys in Green Bay (coached by Greenfield's finest Mike McCarthy) will be there soon enough to knock that smug little smirk off your faces...

Now for something we in Pittsburgh actually care about - our Pittsburgh hockey Penguins. They may have lost to the Thrashers Saturday night, but they still got a point for sending it to ovetime and are right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference.

We've been on a tear, with this being our only loss since before Christmas , and there's been one reason - Ty "Who?" Conklin...He's been a savior since Marc Andre went down, keeping us in games we have no reason being in. If he keeps playing as well as he is, he would have to merit some consideration for the starting job, which, could actually work out nicely because we could use Fluery as a trading chip and actually land a top notch winger. I realize I'm getting ahead of myself here, seeing as he's started something like 10 games this year, but he has really been impressive. He hasn't given up more then three goals in any of his starts, and he seems to work very well with our defensemen.

Cheers, Ty, keep up the good work, hopefully he gets the start Monday night against the Rangers...

Pitt beat Seton Hall Saturday, mostly because of great performances from Sam Young and Dejuan Blair. They combined for nearly 50 points, and totally outclassed the Pirates (ironic, isn't it...the team that plays horribly is called the Pirates...hahaha). It's still gonna be a tough run to March without Mike Cook and Levance Fields, but at least Pitt proved they can win the games they're supposed to win. Monday against the G-Town Hoyas will be the real test...

Duquesne lost a heartbreaker to Rhode Island (who is still ranked but not for long after my UD Flyers beat them earlier in the week) Sunday, but is still much more impressive then they were last year. Check out Duke's Court for all the coverage of Duquesne Hoops you could ever want...

Finally, it looks like the Conference Championships are set in the NFL - It's New England versus San Diego (insert Will Ferrell joke here) and Green Bay versus the Giants on the frozen tundra of Lambuea Field...My early pick is Green Bay versus New England, because there's no way the G-men and Eli go to Green Bay and win, and there's no way a Chargers team led by Billy "never been a starter" Volek can overtake the Patriots...just a fat Greenfielder's opinion, but one that I'm sure is shared by 95 percent of the free world right now...

Also, make sure you check out Mondesi's House, where your boys Snack and Diego are now "staff writers"...Our first post should be sometime this week (I would assume tomorrow so check it early and often)...We'll also be making some changes here as far as our colors and fonts go so it matches our new logo, to be unveiled very soon (maybe even tonight, so once again, check early and often)...

Until lata...

Pens win 3-1...

The Pens beat the Panthers 3-1 Tuesday night in front of a much-lower-then-capacity crowd in Florida.

The goals were scored by Petr Sykora, Sid the Kid and Big Georges, and all of them came in the second period during a three minute and six second tear. To be honest, we probably should have won 6-1, that's how good our offense has been playing. We've been looking like the Pens of old during our seven game win streak (our longest in almost a decade), and even our defensemen have been getting in on the action.

I actually saw a play today where we had a breakout from our end and who was out there leading the rush, Sid the Kid, Geno Malkin, Ryan Malone? Nope, it was Brooks Orpik. The same Brooks Orpik who hasn't scored a goal in something like 2 seasons. You know you're playing with confidence when a player like him is leading the charge to the net.

Sid's goal was a thing of beauty too. He split two defensemen and then wristed one right past the goalie, a move that, as Bob Errey said, only a handful of people can actually pull off. God bless the fact that two of the maybe four or five people who can currently reside on the Pens team, and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

And what can I say about Ty Conklin that every major media outlet hasn't already? He's playing some incredible hockey, and would have had his second shutout in a row if it wasn't for a late goal that trickled through his pads. He's won all 8 of his starts this season, and I swear to God, if he's still playing like this and Therrien yanks him to put Fluery in (when he returns), I will go down and beat some sense into that no good Frenchmen.

Three Stars

Third Star - Geno Malkin

Second Star - Ty Conklin

First Star - Sidney Crosby

Notes - The All-Star starters were announced today, and as expected, Sid the Kid led the league in votes. Surprisingly, veteran Niklas Lindstrom crept to within 30,000 votes of Crosby to lead the West All-Stars in votes. This will be Crosby's second All-Star game, and look for fellow Penguins Geno Malkin and at least Sergei Gonchar and possibly Ryan Whitney to make the squad as bench players.

Real quick post...

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you all know the Pens won 3-0 against the Panthers behind strong goaltending from Ty Conklin.

Conklin stopped 35 Panther shots to record his second shutout of the season, and has won his sixth in a row. During that run, he's only allowed 8 goals. Absolutely amazing goaltending cheif.

Geno Malkin, Sid the Kid and TK48 (Tyler Kennedy...I will make this nickname stick) all scored for the Pens, and Crosby and Malkin each added an assist. That also makes it back to back games that Geno and TK48 scored goals in, which is another very good sign for the boys.

The last thing I noticed about the game was the Pens only had one penalty the entire game, which is great to see. I'm going to take it as a sign of us maturing, but I can see some people saying they just got lucky enough not to be caught. I'll let you make the decision for yourselves...

Sorry for the quick post, as I am about to sit down and watch the Steelers beat the ever living snot out of the Jag(off)s...GO STEELERS!

Until lata...

PS - We have some very exciting news about PNA's future that we can't discuss yet, but believe me when I say it will make us bigger then Jesus (Sorry God)...More to come on that as we can release it...

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