Well, I am certainly behind today! Sorry about that gang…
It is sometimes tough managing two full time jobs and occasionally the one that pays the majority of the bills gets in the way! That was the case this morning…
So without further delay, here is your afternoon skate around the league– Around the Net.
First of all, both Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar will be out of the line-up this evening when the Penguins face the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Malkin, Gonchar could return on Saturday
We knew that the original hockey owners in Pittsburgh were on to something when they named the team the Penguins back in 1967! The bird has just received acclaim for possessing outstanding strength!
Penguins are amongst the strongest birds
Tony over at the Confluence caught up with the great Chris DeVivo for this Q and A about the Consol Energy Center. Chris is probably the best source for info on the new building as he has spent so much time working on it!
the Confluence chats with DeVivo
We all know that Former Penguin Ryan Malone represented the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics. What you might not have known is that Malone was also playing for Sergeant Robert Sparrow as part of Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront paired each player on Team USA’s roster with a soldier wounded in battle in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Malone played for USA as well as Operation Homefront
Former Penguin Dan Quinn has always been one of the top golfers on the pro tour, but he has recently picked up a new gig… being a caddy for Ernie Els.
In sticking with our theme of former Penguins players this afternoon…here is one about Sheldon Kannegiesser, who played for the Penguins from 1970-1973. Kannegiesser posted a pedestrian 2 goals and 8 total points with the team. It seems that he is now an acclaimed poet, who has recently released a new book.
Former Penguin finds poetry in life after hockey
The Manchester Monarchs, who are the chief affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, have signed former Penguins prospect Jake Muzzin to a tryout contract.
Dr. Hockey, Charlie Teljeur, takes a look at the playoff prognosis for the contenders in each conference…
Dr Hockey breaks down the playoff picture
Here is a Q and A that Stan Fischler did with Bill Guerin for the Hockey Journal. Guerin discusses still having fun after 17 years, Team USA, his coach and being one of the leaders for the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
Here is a notes column from CSNPhilly discussing many topics from around the league… however the note of interest is the fact that Rod Brind’Amour may be considering retirement. Brind’Amour will turn 40 in August and has struggled mightily this season.
Eric Wilbur of Boston.com takes a look at the crazy Boston goaltending situation. The media and fans are calling for Rask to be the full time starter, but Thomas is the big money man… what’s a coach to do while trying to lock up a playoff spot??
College Free Agents are flying off of the shelf quickly with a number of them being signed this week. Here are a few more names to keep an eye on…
Speaking of college signings… here are a few that have occurred over the past few days…
Last but not least, former Penguins product and current Flyers agitator, Dan Carcillo was again suspended for actions on the ice. This time for two games after cross checking David Clarkson in the face…
More later…
