Penguins Clinch Playoff Berth | Fight Florida GDT

[evolver115]

With the Hurricanes loss last night to the Lightning, Pittsburgh clinches it's 5th playoff spot in the last five seasons.

Considering the adversity this team has faced this season in the second half, i'm very impressed by this years team. One more win will tie their record from last season in the W column, and with four more wins they would have the most victories in one season (47 was the most) in the past five years.

Currently, they are 44-23-8 with seven games remaining. Pittsburgh becomes only the 3rd team in the Eastern Conference to have clinched a spot, so far (Philly, Wash), and only the fourth team overall in the league, as well (Van).

 

[evolver115]

PANTHERS (29-36-10) at PENGUINS (44-23-8)

TV - FS-Florida (HD), FS-Pittsburgh (HD)

Last 10 -- Florida 3-5-2; Pittsburgh 7-2-1

Season series -- This is the third of four meetings this season between two teams who haven't seen each other crossed paths in more than three months. In their last meeting on Dec. 22, Sidney Crosby's goal stretched his scoring streak to 18 games and led the Pens to a 5-2 win. The two teams will meet again in Florida on April 2.

Big story - A lot has changed since Florida and Pittsburgh last played each other. The Panthers have faded from the postseason picture while the Pens are closing in on clinching home ice in the first round of the playoffs despite the prolonged absence of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Team Scope:

Panthers -- This is the fourth game of what's been a tough trip for Florida. The Panthers were shut out 1-0 in New York and 4-0 in Chicago on consecutive nights before heading to Buffalo on Friday. Sergei Samsonov broke the goal drought early in the first period when he tied the game at 1-1, but Buffalo scored the next three goals and won 4-2.

The game appeared to turn when Panthers forward David Booth was injured late in the first period when he was struck in the throat by a shoot-in along the boards. Booth was taken to hospital for precautionary reasons but was cleared to join the team shortly thereafter.

Penguins - Despite serious injuries to their two stars and a long-term suspension to forward Matt Cooke, the Pens have come together as a team. They've won three in a row, all via shootout, and five of their last six. Pittsburgh plays five of its remaining seven games against teams not currently occupying a playoff spot, giving them an opportunity to overtake in-state rival Philadelphia for the top spot in the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference.

Against the Devils on Friday, Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Brodeur pitched dual shutouts before James Neal scored the lone goal in the shootout, giving Pittsburgh a 1-0 win. The first period saw just four shots on goal -- three by Pittsburgh and one by the Devils.

"I did some squats and pushups just to stay a little warm," Fleury joked. "In the second, I got more shots and it was better."

Who's hot - Samsonov has been a primary offensive contributor since coming to the Panthers at the Trade Deadline, registering 7 points in his last six games. … For the Penguins, Tyler Kennedy has 7 points in his last six games while linemate Chris Kunitz has 9 points in that span.

Injury report - Booth remains questionable for the game while Byron Bitz (hernia surgery) and Rostislav Olesz (knee) are on IR. … While Pittsburgh's walking wounded include Malkin (knee), Crosby (concussion), Dustin Jeffrey (knee), Eric Tangradi (concussion), and Brent Johnson (upper-body injury), Brooks Orpik is expected to return from a broken finger.

Stat pack - The Penguins boast the League's best penalty kill while the Panthers sport the League's second-worst power play.

Puck drop - Fleury's birthday is on Nov. 28, but one could argue that his favorite day of the year is March 25. He has registered a shutout on that day four different times (2007, '08, '09, '11). This year's shutout was the first involving a shootout.

 

[pixburgher66]

Have we really heard anything on Jeffrey? They kept saying that something would be released, but they haven't. I suppose that's a good thing, because I'm sure he's seen the MD and if nothing has been said it's not a big injury I would think (normally something that will keep you out for an extended period like ACL/MCL/Meniscus is released quickly because whether or not you get surgery its a long rehab period).

 

[evolver115]

I haven't read anything about DJ and his knee. I was kinda thinking along the same lines as you, pix. If he did have a tear, you would think he would have been operated on and word would have been out that he was done for the season.

Hopefully, that's why they haven't released anything because it's not torn.

 

[pixburgher66]

I haven't read anything about DJ and his knee. I was kinda thinking along the same lines as you, pix. If he did have a tear, you would think he would have been operated on and word would have been out that he was done for the season.

Hopefully, that's why they haven't released anything because it's not torn.

There was also speculation that it could've been an ankle injury, but even with that they'd probably release it if it were a severe injury beyond probably 3 or 4 weeks. He hasn't skated or anything crazy however...but still encouraging in a way. Odd as well, normally the team will say something about it after three days and two game days.

 

[pixburgher66]

emptynetters

Ran into a Norwegian Pens fan. In Pittsburgh for first time. In broken English: "We also watch game Tuesday... versus ___ing Flyers."


Hahahahahhahahhahahahaaaa

 

[pixburgher66]

Awards Ceremony this afternoon. Forgot about that. Baby blue day...we're 7-2 in 'em, so I won't complain...much.

 

[pixburgher66]

Mike Rupp wins the Good Guy Award. Deserved. He is infact a good guy!

 

[pixburgher66]

Derek Engelland is the Pens Masterson nominee.

 

[evolver115]

Mike Rupp wins the Good Guy Award. Deserved. He is infact a good guy!

I saw him wearing a Steelers cap in the lockerroom pre-game show. He's from Cleveland

if any of his family saw that, they'll probably give him some shat

 

[pixburgher66]

Fleury wins the Booster Club award (I think it's for whomever gets the most 'Stars' in the year).
And the rookie of the year is Mark Letestu...poor people who were presenting it just stood there. Hah
Broooooksie wins the Players Player Award.

 

[pixburgher66]

Talbot and Rupp tie for the community award. So true. Those two are great about that. Max is so great with the community.

 

[pixburgher66]

Brooks doesn't look like he wants to go get the Defensive Player award. Hah. I'd give it to Z personally. :P

 

[pixburgher66]

And the MVP? Flower...has to be. Right? Yep. There he is!

 

[evolver115]

That was really cool! Glad Fleury got the player MVP award. He obviously deserves it

 

[pixburgher66]

The crowd knew it too, they tried to start a chant before it was announced, but not strong enough. Back to the game! Any word on if Booth will be in? He's a certified Penguin killer, so that would be nice.

 

[joe_baran]

Brooks def looked like he didn't feel much like participating in the awards he received, either of em.

 

[joe_baran]

The crowd knew it too, they tried to start a chant before it was announced, but not strong enough. Back to the game! Any word on if Booth will be in? He's a certified Penguin killer, so that would be nice.

It was a puck to the throat wasn't it in yesterday's game for Booth?

 

[pixburgher66]

It was a puck to the throat wasn't it in yesterday's game for Booth?

Yeah, he was sent home from the hospital quickly, that much I know. He was questionable for today though. Well, we'll know soon enough.

 

[pixburgher66]

Wow. MAFs numbers against Florida stink. Odd.