Pens sloppy in preseason loss to Detroit

I had a chance to attend the preseason game against Detroit on Saturday and made a few observations.

Mark Eaton got the game's first goal with a wrister from the point. But the Pens couldn't hold on to the lead. A lot of the Pens forwards seemed to be chasing the play, taking stupid penalties, not being in position to get anything going, and when they were they were stifled by Detroit's D.

One bright spot from this weekend's game was the penalty kill. With Talbot not dressed for Saturday's game, Erik Christensen ate up his minutes on a PK unit with Colby Armstrong. For being a more offensive minded player, Christensen played very well in shorthanded situations. He made some nice plays to break up Detroit's attack and clear the puck, and was able to hold on to the puck well in the neutral zone as well as in the Wings' zone. It looks like he is taking his new role seriously and could be on his way to being a more complete, 2 way forward.

Fleury played well and kept the Pens in it for a while, but in the end it was a 5 - 2 Detroit victory. Malkin had the other Pittsburgh goal on the power play with 2 minutes left in the game.

Let's hope they can get something going next week when the games matter.

Talbot signs new contract with the Pens

RDS is reporting Talbot has signed on for two more years with the Pens.

Welcome news here at the Blueline. Max Talbot does it all. Works hard every shift, kills penalties and can knock in the occasional big goal.

Update: We've just received word that Erik Christensen has also signed a 2 year deal with the Pens. More on the Pens' website.