Pens fall to 1 - 2

The Pens lost to the Montreal Canadiens last night, 3 - 2.

Overall, I think this has been the most solid the Pens have looked so far. Carey Price did a great job in his NHL debut, and the Habs defense did their part by clearing loose pucks in front for most of the night. (When they weren't throwing the Pens forwards into the net, anyway. What was Roman Hamrlik thinking?)

The Pens got another solid showing from Eaton and Scuderi, and another shaky game from Sydor. I'm hoping he's just off to a slow start, - you don't win two Stanley Cups for nothing, - but so far I've been unimpressed with Sydor's performance. I wouldn't say he's been a bust, - it's only been 3 games, far too early to tell - but he's definitely got to step it up.

I'm also not a member of the "Trade Fleury while we can still get something for him" camp, but he's got to get better at controlling his rebounds. The slot is not an appropriate place for a loose puck. You're just asking for trouble.

Hopefully we'll get this thing turned around on Saturday when we face off against the Leafs.

Pens win home opener

The Penguins beat the Ducks 5 - 4 last night. It was an exciting game. The goals were coming in bunches. They definitely looked better than they did against the Canes, but not quite in mid-season form yet.

A few observations:

• Hate to talk trash on the refs, but the officiating was not good last night.
• Georges Laraque has really shown up so far. Working hard, flashing some skill. We approve.
• Darryl Sydor has been less than impressive so far.
• Mark Eaton was unstoppable.
  
• MAF: 4 goals on 23 shots? Isn't someone trying to earn a big contract this season?
• That said, he was hung out to dry by Gonchar on the Ducks shorthanded goal.
• Colby Armstrong's goal was awesome.

3 Stars

1. Petr Sykora
2. Colby Armstrong
3. Chris Kunitz
   

More tickets to the Winter Classic?

Tonight at the Pens' Season Ticket Holder Town Hall Meeting, David Morehouse told us they are still in talks with the NHL about securing more tickets to the Winter Classic for Pittsburgh season ticket holders. Expect some kind of announcement from the team sometime after September 28th.

And if anyone out there is wondering why Fleury decided to become a goaltender, here's your answer:

"Because I suck to score goals."

There you have it.

A Nice Touch

24 lucky season ticket holders had their 2007/08 package hand delivered by one of 6 Penguins players.

No offense to my mailman, but I'm a little disappointed now that my tickets just came in a run of the mill USPS box. It would have been much more entertaining to have Evgeni Malkin on my doorstep not having any idea what I was saying to him. Until I offered him a shot of vodka anyway.

Ekman signs in Europe, Fleury gets some love

Ekman Signs With Khimik Mytishchi.

The Cape Breton post has a nice piece on Fleury.

This offseason is killing us.

Pens play in charity tournament

The Sidney Crosby Show recently posted a great story about some NHLers playing in a charity tournament. Check out their blog for details, pictures, and rosters.