MalkinMania Runs Wild

With the Tampa Bay Lightning surging in the 3rd period with 3 unanswered, Evgeni Malkin took the game over. Before they could tell what hit them 2 of Geno’s shots had tickled the twine. With just under a minute to go in the game Malkin hit an empty netter to accomplish the Natural Hat Trick. He also picked up a pair of assists contributing to both James Neal’s first period goals. That’s an amazing 5 point game for the man that’s been there the most at Center the last year for the Pens.

Malkin, 51 points, is just one point behind Vancouver’s Henrik Sedin for the league lead in points. Vancouver will face off against the Ducks tonight in Vancouver. It’s a little early to talk about it, but could you imagine yet another Penguin brining home an Art Ross trophy?

New Poll: Neal Snubbed From All Star Game?

Vote now in the new poll on whether or not you think James Neal was snubbed from the All Star game. His current stats sit at 24 goals, 16 assists for 40 points in 44 games. Vote now in the poll to your right.

Temporary Rink To Be Set Up Outside Heinz Field

A temporary rink is being built in the parking lot of new concert venue Stage AE. It will be opening Dec. 24th and be open until Jan 2nd. It will not only have public session, but other events such as Youth Hockey will be played on the rink.

Once the temporary outdoor rink is completed on December 23rd the building of the rink for the Winter Classic will begin inside of Heinz Field. For more click here.

Bill Guerin Retires

After 18 seasons in the NHL former 2 time Stanley Cup winner Bill Guerin as decided to retire.  He did not receive a contract this season, Philadelphia had Guerin on as a preseason tryout, but did not offer him a contract.

Guerin’s final NHL games were played here in Pittsburgh where he won his 2nd Stanley Cup in 2009.  He is rumored to be accepting a scouting position within the Penguins organization.

To read the full article from NHL.com click here.

Civic Arena Once Again

It’s official the Igloo is once again the Civic Arena.  Today the naming rights to the arena expired for Mellon Financial meaning that the closed arena is once again known by the name we all still like to call it, The Civic Arena.  The arena’s last event was on June 26, a concert featuring Carole King and James Taylor.

The Console Energy Center opens with two concerts on August 18 and 19 from Paul McCartney.  The Penguins’ first game in the arena is a preseason game with the Red Wings on September 22.

Penguins Player Spotlight: Matt Cooke

Matt Cooke joined the Penguins at the end of the 2007-2008 season having split the previous season between Washington and Vancouver.  He quickly became a fan favorite for his aggressive and physical style of play.  Often this style of play lands the winger in trouble with the league.  On two seperate occasions he’s been suspended two games each for hits to the head.  In March of 2009 a hit to the head of Bruins’ Marc Savard caused controversy throughout the league, but did not lead to a suspension.  It did however force the league to look at it’s rules on hits to the head.

In 2009 Matt Cooke won his first Stanley Cup Championship with the Penguins who defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4 games to 3.    After some uncertaintly about his future with the club he signed a 3 year deal to remain in Pittsburgh worth $1.8 million per year.  In 2 seasons with the club Cooke has 28 goals, 33 assists, and 207 PIM through 155 games.

Height: 5’11

Weight: 205lbs

How Aquired: Free Agent

Position: Left Wing

Shoots: Left

John Barbero 1945-2010

Penguins PA announcer John Barbero passed away on Monday night.  There isn’t much I can say that would do this justice so I’ll just link the article, and let you all read for yourselves.  Article

Islanders @ Penguins in Regular Season Finale @ Igloo

Tonight marks the finale at the Igloo (With at least 4 games coming in the playoffs). With that said it’s a time for mixed emotions here in the ‘Burgh. On one hand we all desperately wanted a new building for the Pens to play in, but on the other who doesn’t have a small place in their heart for the old barn?

As the afternoon progresses I’ll have more stats and figures to share as we say goodbye to The Igloo.  Of course after today’s game we will continue to post classic moments from the buildings history, and more fun information regarding the Penguins.  IT’S A HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

FSN to air Spotlight: Igloo

Just wanted to give everyone a big heads up.  FSN will be hearing a special “Spotlight: Igloo” this Sunday at 8pm.  Should be interesting to see what they show.  This was announced on FSN just a short time ago.

Classic Igloo Moment: Zamboni Leaks Fluid Prior To Game (2/24/08)

This stuff could only happen in the oldest building currently used in the NHL.  Prior to the Penguins Vs. San Jose Sharks match up, a zamboni began to leak hydraulic fluid onto the ice delaying the game about 30 minutes.  The red liquid looks an awful lot like blood.  It’s almost too easy to imagine that the zamboni driver made a wrong turn and ran over someone.  Lets hope this isn’t a conspiracy or cover up.