With 45 goals scored between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers, not much defense had been played in the series. This game took a step in the positive direction as the Penguins held the Flyers to only two goals and survived an elimination game. Marc-Andre Fleury was the big performer in this game, stopping 24 of 26 shots that he faced.
The Flyers got on the board first with a Matt Carle powerplay goal at 11:45 of the first period. Three minutes later, Penguins' forward Steve Sullivan answered with a powerplay goal of his own. The Flyers would get the lead going into the second period, however, on a Scott "Hulk-hater" Hartnell.
The second period belonged to the Penguins. Goals from Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy staked Pittsburgh to the lead. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury came up big on a penalty kill late in the period, but that was nothing compared to his third period.
The ice was tilted in the Penguins' favor for the first seven minutes of the third. However, after a Tyler Kennedy penalty, the Flyers brought the heat. Pittsburgh was content with getting the puck out of the zone and down the ice, and Fleury was a brick wall. Numerous times the crowd would see an amazing save and chant "Fleury, Fleury, Fleury." Marc-Andre fed off of the crowd and looked vintage 2009.
This game finally had the feel of a playoff game. If the rest of the games have the same feel, we might be watching history in the making. The Penguins are a better playoff team. The Flyers are a better fast-paced team. The Penguins need to force the game to slow down and keep up the pressure as the Flyers enter the zone. With the series 3-2 Flyers, game 6 will be played in Philadelphia on Sunday. The Penguins will once again try to stave off elimination.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
4/19 Baseball Round-Up
The Pirates had the night off, but all of their affiliates were in action. Inside find write-ups for Indianapolis Indians vs. Columbus Clippers, Altoona Curve vs. Harrisburg Senators, Bradenton Marauders vs. Fort Myers Miracle, and West Virginia Power vs. Charleston RiverDogs.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
4/18 Baseball Round-Up
The Pirates were able to get a late-inning win, and their affiliates went 1-1. Inside find write-ups for Pirates vs. Diamondbacks, Indianapolis Indians vs. Columbus Clippers, and Altoona Curve vs. Harrisburg Senators.
That's More Like It; Pens Win 10-3
The Penguins avoided being swept by playing a much better game on Wednesday night. They had to do so without forwards Craig Adams, Aaron Asham, and James Neal who were serving suspensions stemming from Sunday. The Pens were also without defenseman Paul Martin due to injury, but that might have been addition by subtraction. Martin has hardly lived up to his contract this season.
The offense went crazy in this game. They chased goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and then tortured his replacement, Sergei Bobrovsky. Each goalie allowed five goals. Jordan Staal had a hat-trick. Evgeni Malkin finally showed up, scoring two goals. The following players each scored as well: Sidney Crosby, Pascal Dupuis, Kris Letang, Matt Niskanen, and Steve Sullivan.
The special teams battle got a little better, but is still a concern. The penalty kill is still scary bad as the Flyers scored on 3 of 5 opportunities. The powerplay improved, going 4 for 9. There were a few powerplays in which the Penguins really struggled to set anything up, however.
You may disagree but the biggest positive I took from this game was the defense and Marc-Andre Fleury after period 1. After giving up three first period goals, the Flyers couldn't get much going. "The Flower" shut the Flyers out for the final 43 minutes of the game, stopping 22 of 25 shots.
Both teams will travel to Pittsburgh for game 5 on Friday. The Penguins have an uphill battle ahead of them, trailing in the series 3-1. If they play like they did in the second and third period on Wednesday, they could very well be unstoppable.
The offense went crazy in this game. They chased goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and then tortured his replacement, Sergei Bobrovsky. Each goalie allowed five goals. Jordan Staal had a hat-trick. Evgeni Malkin finally showed up, scoring two goals. The following players each scored as well: Sidney Crosby, Pascal Dupuis, Kris Letang, Matt Niskanen, and Steve Sullivan.
The special teams battle got a little better, but is still a concern. The penalty kill is still scary bad as the Flyers scored on 3 of 5 opportunities. The powerplay improved, going 4 for 9. There were a few powerplays in which the Penguins really struggled to set anything up, however.
You may disagree but the biggest positive I took from this game was the defense and Marc-Andre Fleury after period 1. After giving up three first period goals, the Flyers couldn't get much going. "The Flower" shut the Flyers out for the final 43 minutes of the game, stopping 22 of 25 shots.
Both teams will travel to Pittsburgh for game 5 on Friday. The Penguins have an uphill battle ahead of them, trailing in the series 3-1. If they play like they did in the second and third period on Wednesday, they could very well be unstoppable.
Steelers' Prospect Visits, Throwbacks, and Schedule
Prospects in town
Tuesday and Wednesday were the last two days of potential draft pick visits. The Steelers hosted a total of seven players on those days. Included in those two days were likely first rounders Georgia Tech WR Stephen Hill and Memphis DT Dontari Poe. Also in attendance were California OT Mitchell Schwartz, Cincinnati TE Adrien Robinson, SMU G Kelvin Beachum, Arkansas WR Greg Childs, and Colorado WR Toney Clemons.
Throw Back the Throwbacks
The Steelers have a poor history when it comes to having throwbacks that don't make you want to hurl. Are these the worst jerseys the Steelers will have worn? Probably not. The 1994 throwbacks were pretty nasty too.
Steelers 2012 Preseason Schedule
Steelers 2012 Regular Season Schedule
Schedule taken from: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-2012-Regular-Season-Schedule/ebad8db2-3a7d-428f-838d-95bdc313a261
Tuesday and Wednesday were the last two days of potential draft pick visits. The Steelers hosted a total of seven players on those days. Included in those two days were likely first rounders Georgia Tech WR Stephen Hill and Memphis DT Dontari Poe. Also in attendance were California OT Mitchell Schwartz, Cincinnati TE Adrien Robinson, SMU G Kelvin Beachum, Arkansas WR Greg Childs, and Colorado WR Toney Clemons.
Throw Back the Throwbacks
 |
| 2012 Throwbacks to 1934: Picture courtesy of Yahoo Sports |
 |
| 1994 Throwbacks to 1933: Photo courtesy of http://www.complex.com/sports/2011/11/the-25-ugliest-uniforms-in-sports-history#14 |
Steelers 2012 Preseason Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time** (TV) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Thurs., Aug. 9) | at Philadelphia | 7:30 p.m. (KDKA-TV) |
| Week 2 (Sun., Aug. 19) | Indianapolis | 8:00 p.m. (NBC/WPXI-TV) |
| Week 3 (Sat., Aug. 25) | at Buffalo | 7:00 p.m. (KDKA-TV) |
| Week 4 (Thurs., Aug. 30) | Carolina | 7:30 p.m. (KDKA-TV) |
Steelers 2012 Regular Season Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time** (TV) |
|---|---|---|
| Sun., Sept. 9 | at Denver | 8:20 p.m. (NBC) |
| Sun., Sept. 16 | N.Y. Jets | 4:15 p.m. (CBS) |
| Sun., Sept. 23 | at Oakland | 4:15 p.m. (CBS) |
| Sun., Sept. 30 | BYE | --- |
| Sun., Oct. 7 | Philadelphia | 1:00 p.m. (FOX) |
| Thurs., Oct. 11 | at Tennessee | 8:20 p.m. (NFL Network) |
| Sun., Oct. 21 | at Cincinnati | 8:20 p.m. (NBC) |
| Sun., Oct. 28 | Washington | 1:00 p.m. (FOX) |
| Sun., Nov. 4 | at N.Y. Giants | 4:15 p.m. (CBS) |
| Mon., Nov. 12 | Kansas City | 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) |
| Sun., Nov. 18> | Baltimore | 8:20 p.m. (NBC) |
| Sun., Nov. 25 | at Cleveland | 1:00 p.m. (CBS) |
| Sun., Dec. 2 | at Baltimore | 4:15 p.m. (CBS) |
| Sun., Dec. 9 | San Diego | 1:00 p.m. (CBS) |
| Sun., Dec. 16 | at Dallas | 4:15 p.m. (CBS) |
| Sun., Dec. 23 | Cincinnati | 1:00 p.m. (CBS) |
| Sun., Dec. 30 | Cleveland | 1:00 p.m. (CBS) |
Schedule taken from: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-2012-Regular-Season-Schedule/ebad8db2-3a7d-428f-838d-95bdc313a261
Pirates' Pitchers Ailing; Pirate Minor Leaguer Praised
SP Jeff Karstens was pulled from his start last night after an inning complaining of a sore shoulder. The Pirates placed him on the 15 day DL today and called up Brad Lincoln to take his spot. Lincoln pitched three shutout innings today. Closer Joel Hanrahan is day-to-day with a hamstring injury.
West Virginia Power SS Alen Hanson is garnering some notice. ESPN.com senior baseball writer Keith Law tweeted about the youngster. On his twitter, Law was asked what he thought about Hanson. His replay was, "True shortstop, plus runner, chance to really hit."
West Virginia Power SS Alen Hanson is garnering some notice. ESPN.com senior baseball writer Keith Law tweeted about the youngster. On his twitter, Law was asked what he thought about Hanson. His replay was, "True shortstop, plus runner, chance to really hit."
Martin Out; Neal and Asham Suspended
Paul Martin will not be in the line-up tonight due to an injury. James Neal and Aaron Asham will be missing for another reason. Asham was suspended for four games for a high cross-check. Neal was suspended one game for a couple of high hits. An already difficult climb became steeper for the Pens as they try to extend the series shortly. In a previous article, I mentioned that I expected Asham to receive 5 to 8 games and Neal to receive one. I realize the four game suspension to Asham only missed the mark by one, but I'm surprised it was that short.
4/17 Baseball Round-Up
Sorry for how late this is up. A quick write-up, then some more content for you later tonight and tomorrow, not necessarily Pirate-related. The Pirates were able to get a last-inning win, but their affiliates went 0-4. Inside find write-ups for Pirates vs. Diamondbacks, Indianapolis Indians vs. Columbus Clippers, Altoona Curve vs. Harrisburg Senators, Bradenton Marauders vs. Palm Beach Cardinals, and West Virginia Power vs. Asheville Tourists.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Craig Adams Suspended for Game 4
Is this the end of the suspensions? I would guess, no. Adams received an automatic suspension when he was called for an instigator penalty in the final 5 minutes of the game on Sunday. The penalty occured at 15:18 of the third, so he missed the cut-off by 19 seconds. Due to the infraction, Head Coach Dan Bylsma has also been fined $10,000. Aaron Asham will have a face-to-face hearing, while James Neal will have two conference call hearings. Typically, if you have been called for an in-person hearing, then you will be receiving a significant suspension.
I do not believe Asham intended to cross-check Brayden Schenn in the face, but that's what happens when you cross-check someone up high. Asham is responsible for controlling his stick. In my estimation, Asham will be out for between 5 and 8 games and James Neal will be given a one game suspension for his high hits.
I do not believe Asham intended to cross-check Brayden Schenn in the face, but that's what happens when you cross-check someone up high. Asham is responsible for controlling his stick. In my estimation, Asham will be out for between 5 and 8 games and James Neal will be given a one game suspension for his high hits.
Steelers Bring Charlie Back
QB Charlie Batch has returned to Pittsburgh for another year. The Steelers and Charlie Batch agreed to a one year deal. This is a good signing for them since the only other QB's on the roster besides Big Ben had been Jerrod Johnson and Troy Smith. They are not terrible as third stringers but would have been scary as the only back-ups. Fans have kept thinking that each year will be Batch's last with the team, but he keeps proving them wrong. He is an experienced veteran to have around, however. He just completed his 14th season in the league.
The Steelers also met with four draft prospects today. They have Clemson DE Andre Branch, Louisiana-Lafayette TE Ladarius Green, Michigan State WR Keshawn Martin, and Cincinnati DT John Hughes.
A little about each prospect:
Branch
Would be an OLB with the Steelers. He had been considered a late second round pick at best but has moved up to late first or early second with a good pro day. Good pass rusher. Has potential to be as good as any linebacker we currently have on the roster.
Green
I really like Ladarius Green. He is a freak of nature. He is 6'6", 238 lbs, 34 1/2" arms, and ran a 4.53 forty. He wouldn't be great right away, but with some work think Jimmy Graham from the Saints. Green is another player that is jumping up the boards. When I originally saw Green, he was projected to be a 5th-6th round pick. He is now probably a solid third rounder.
Martin
He gives me the impression of a slightly taller (6'0") Antonio Brown, albeit with arguably less talent. He is quick and adept at gaining yards after the catch. He will take some work and is not the lengthy receiver that the Steelers truly need. Probably a fourth round pick.
Hughes
A run-only defensive tackle. Steelers are probably looking at his as a possible developmental NT. I would be surprised if he is taken before the 7th round. I would not be surprised if he ends up being undrafted.
The Steelers also met with four draft prospects today. They have Clemson DE Andre Branch, Louisiana-Lafayette TE Ladarius Green, Michigan State WR Keshawn Martin, and Cincinnati DT John Hughes.
A little about each prospect:
Branch
Would be an OLB with the Steelers. He had been considered a late second round pick at best but has moved up to late first or early second with a good pro day. Good pass rusher. Has potential to be as good as any linebacker we currently have on the roster.
Green
I really like Ladarius Green. He is a freak of nature. He is 6'6", 238 lbs, 34 1/2" arms, and ran a 4.53 forty. He wouldn't be great right away, but with some work think Jimmy Graham from the Saints. Green is another player that is jumping up the boards. When I originally saw Green, he was projected to be a 5th-6th round pick. He is now probably a solid third rounder.
Martin
He gives me the impression of a slightly taller (6'0") Antonio Brown, albeit with arguably less talent. He is quick and adept at gaining yards after the catch. He will take some work and is not the lengthy receiver that the Steelers truly need. Probably a fourth round pick.
Hughes
A run-only defensive tackle. Steelers are probably looking at his as a possible developmental NT. I would be surprised if he is taken before the 7th round. I would not be surprised if he ends up being undrafted.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
4/15 Baseball Round-Up
The Pirates and their minor league affiliates went 3-2 on Sunday, April 15. Inside find write-ups for Pirates vs. Giants, Indianapolis Indians vs. Toledo Mud Hens, Altoona Curve vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels, Bradenton Marauders vs. Fort Myers Miracle, and West Virginia Power vs. Greenville Drive.
The Penguins Lose Game and Their Minds
This was the exact type of series that the Penguins could not afford to get involved in. They needed to keep their composure and focus on their game. The Penguins dolled out their fair share of cheap shots in the game. That is not the type of team that I enjoy watching. The Pens are reverting to the Broad Street Bullies. Inside you'll see the write-up from the game. I will list what I liked about the game and what I didn't like about the game.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Morton Activated; Hague Sent Down
Today, the Pirates activated SP Charlie Morton in time to get the start in San Francisco. He will be taking 1B Matt Hague's postion on the active roster. It seems a bit curious to me that they would rid themselves of someone who has the potential to provide some excitement to a stagnant offense. Even though Hague had only one hit in nine at-bats, his previous performances have shown that he is a hitter. He has a career minor league batting average of .302 and an .813 OPS. I would have preferred to have seen 3B Pedro Alvarez sent down to figure out what he is doing at the plate. After a terrible 2011 season (.191 with 4 HR), El Toro has started the season with one hit (a HR) in 16 at-bats and has struck out 10 times. With how integral Alvarez is to the success of the Pirates in the near future, I do not understand the way the Pirates are dealing with him. He is a fish out of water right now; prey thrown in to the wolves. He needs to build his confidence if he is ever to succeed. Hopefully I am proven wrong in this situation, but logic points in the other direction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)