Jackman Rumor

Hey pens fans,
Penguin defenseman Ric Jackman has been a healthy scratch for, I believe for 12 games, this season. Rumor is that he has asked GM Craig Patrick if he could be traded, because he wants to play and not sit and watch. Reportedly, Patrick said that this was a likely possibility.

Saturday's Lose

Hey pens fans,
The pens lost 7-1 on Saturday against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Sidney Crosby had the pens lone goal. It was not pretty, by any means.

Pens Lose in Shootout

Hey pens fans,
The pens lost 4-3 tonight in New York against the Islanders, in a shootout. John LeClair scored late in the third period to send the game into overtime. Cairns and Recchi had the Pens other two goals. Caron was in goal. The Pens made a good effort tonight. They had a few weak moments, but overall it was a good game. They play on Saturday against the Rangers in New York. (This picture is from pittsburghpenguins.com.)

Trade

Hey pens fans,
The pens have traded defenseman Dick Tarnstrom to Edmonton for forward Jani Rita and defenseman Cory Cross.

Pens Win!!!

Hey pens fans,
That's right the Pens actually won a game! The pens beat the Washington Capitals at the Mellon Arena by a score off 8-1. No, that is not a typo. The goals are as follows.
LeClair assisted by Ouellet and Whitney
Recchi assisted by Crosby and Gonchar
Recchi assisted by Crosby and Gonchar
LeClair assisted by Recchi and Gonchar
Surovy assisted by Armstrong and Crosby
Crosby assisted by Armstrong and Boguniecki
Boguniecki assisted by LeClair and Talbot
Ryan Malone on the penelty shot.
The lone Capitals goal was scored by Ovechkin. The pens played a spectacular game tonight and a very physiccal game, as well. This snapped the Pens' 10 game losing streak. The next game is tomorrow in New York against the Islanders.

Penguins Ownership

Hey pens fans,
A few weeks ago a reader asked me who else owned the penguins. Well, I was unable to find it, but now another reader has sent me the information. Here it is and thanks for the info.

In your Penshockey blog posting on December 31, 2005 about the Pittsburgh Penguins you were wondering about the ownership of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here is the most recent list I could find.
Mario Lemieux (Player – retired)
Ron Burkle (Chairman of the investment-firm Yucaipa Companies, Director of Yahoo)
The Penguins' minority owners include: Wildfire Productions, SMG Pittsburgh, William and Patricia Kassling, the Robert Brooks family, Robert and Mark Hofmann, BBSALP Holdings, FOM (Friends of Mario), The Emperor Group, James Gale, and Paula and Angela Falconi.
I just recently found information that William DelBiaggio is now also a minority investor.

Mario Lemieux, Simply the Best – A Tribute

Hey pens fans,
The name Mario Lemieux is synonymous with hockey and Pittsburgh. He has been the dominant force for the Penguins for so many years and has accomplished so much in his life. Mario has overcome many adversities to rise to this level of greatness. He was loved by his fans and will be missed not only by the Penguins, but the entire world of hockey. This is a tribute to the man, the legend, Mario Lemieux.
Mario was drafted in 1984, as the first pick in the draft. He then became just the third player in NHL history to total over 100 points in their rookie season. He won the Calder Trophy. Mario became a dominant force and was one of the best players, if not the best player to ever play the game, by the early 1990s. His chronic back problems began about this time and he missed many games to surgery on his back. He led the Penguins to back to back Stanley Cup Championships in 1991 and 1992. After this the next season the Penguins continued on to greatness. Then one of the most shocking blows of all. Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with a Nodular Lymphocytic form of Hodgkin’s Disease. Mario then underwent radiation treatments. The following season in 1993-1994 he missed thee start of the season recovering from more back surgery and in 1994-1995 he took a one year leave from the game for medical reasons. At the start of 1995-96 season Mario was ready to play and he led the Penguins to the Eastern Conference Finals, in which they lost a heartbreaker in game seven at the Mellon Arena. Mario Lemieux played one more season, in which the Penguins did well. Then he announced his retirement from hockey. Mario spent much time with is family after that and largely kept out of the Public Eye.
In 1999, the Penguins were in serious danger. The team had filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. Enter again the Penguin’s savior, Mario Lemieux. Mario organized an ownership group, which purchased the team and kept them in Pittsburgh. Mario was very involved, as an owner, but the hockey bug had bit him once again. In the year 2000, Mario announced his comeback to the game of hockey.
He played his first game on December 27, 2000 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mario continued to play at an exceptional level. The next season, Mario was once again plagued by injury and only played in 24 games recording 31 points. The nest season he played in 67 games and seemed to be back in form and had a wonderful season. In the 2003-2004 season, Mario only played in 20 games and missed the remainder of the season, after having hip surgery. The next season was lost due to the lockout, in which Lemieux kept working on the team and kept pushing for the much needed new arena to replace our beloved “Igloo,” the Mellon Arena. Mario came back t play again after the lockout and with new rookie sensation, Sidney Crosby. This season he was once again plagued by injury and a heart condition. He played in 26 games this season scoring 22 points.
Mario announced is retirement today, which was a shock, but expected. His health comes before anything. Mario Lemieux has scored over 600 goals and over 1700 points in his NHL career. He also has a Gold Medal from the Olympics in 2002 with team Canada. Mario Lemieux has had a huge impact on the sport and this city. The fans love him and he will be missed, in more ways than we could compile. Mario Lemieux is le magnifique. He has done so much for the sport and means so much to the fans. Thank You Mario, for all the memories. Mario Lemieux is simply the best.
(The photo shown here is from pittsburghpenguins.com)

It's Official

Hey pens fans,
Sorry this took so long to post, but I was in class. A little after 2pm today, Mario Lemieux officially announced hhis retirement from hockey. Mario Lemieux had this to say,“This is always a difficult decision to make for any athlete, but I feel the time has come. It’s in the best interest of myself, my family and the Pittsburgh Penguins. I have two main reasons for retiring. The first is I can no longer play at level I was accustomed to in the past. That has been very, very frustrating to me throughout this past year. The second one is realizing that my health, along with my family, is the most important thing in the world.” Mario played in 26 games this season scoring 22 points. His heart condition was said to have been a mjaor factor in the decision. One thing that is for certain Mario Lemieux was a great contributor to the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins, The Pittsburgh Region, and hockcey in general. He will be missed as a player and hero. Merci Mario, Merci.

Lemieux

Hey pens fans,
Rumor has it that Mario Lemieux will announce his retirement this afternoon. I will post after I hear the oficial announcement. Mario Lemieux has been a great player. Many people did not think the comeback was worth it, but I think it was. Yes, he has had some health problems since he came back. I think with his current health this may be for the best, though Iknow many of us will miss seeing Mario on skates playing for the pens. Hopefully, the team can stay here in Pittsburgh. Lemieux has saved this team time and again, I cannot blame hime for wanting to move on. Personally, I wish him the best of luck in whatever he does. Thanks for the Memories Mario.

pens fall to philly

Hey pens fans,
Well, the pens lost again. The final score 4-2 and Recchi and Ouellet scored the pens goals. It was tied going into the last few minutes, then the flyers scored. They put the final nail in the coffin with the empty net goal at the end. The pens play again Wednesday against Washington at the Mellon Arena. On a non hockey note, way to go Steelers on the AFC Championship. Good Luck in the Superbowl.

Saving our Penguins

Hey pens fans,
The danger of losing our beloved team is very real. We need to do everything we can to save the team. In my links you will see a link for keepthepens.com. Please click on it and sign their petition. We need to do hatever we can to save the team.

Pens Fall to Flyers

Hey pens fans,
The pens lost 2-1 this afternoon to the Philadelphia Flyers. The pens goal was scored in the third period by Colby Armstring, who has been playing great for the pens. His ice time keeps going up and up. I am really impressed by his play. The pens played a good overall game, but lost. It was nice to see pens win a fight for a change too. Cairns was a presence and won a fight. that gave the team some momentum. Sidney Crosby was held without a point today. Fleury played a solid game in goal, as well. The pens face the Flyers again in Philly on Monday.

Pens Fall to Rangers

Hey pens fans,
The pens have lost 4-2 against the Rangers tonight. It was a one goal game with the Rangers leading through 2 periods. Tarnstrom and Crosby had the goals for the Pens tonight. It was agood effort until bad call in the third when the Surovy goal was disallowed and Crosby got an interference penelty. The next game is at 2 pm on Saturday against the Flyers.

So, do you want to buy a hockey team?

Hey pens fans,
Mario Lemieux has officially put the Pens up for sale. If the newe Arena does go through the team cannot be moved due to agreements with Isle of Capri. Otherwise they could go anywhere. Mario always has said he would ot be the one to take the pens from Pittsburgh and the only way that will happen is if he sells.

Trade

Hey pens fans,
The pens acquired defensman Eric Cairns from the Panthers for a draft pick. Also, Lemieux has saaid the pens arer for sale and no decisions will be made until after the slots decision.

Palffy Retires

Hey pens fans,
No that is not a typo. Ziggy Palffy has just announced his retirement from hockey. He had 11 goals and 31 assists and was second on the team in scoring in 42 games this season. The only thing he said was that it was for personal reasons. Some reports speculate that it may be due to a shoulder injury. That has not be confirmed. Palffy has retitred, that is a fact.

Pens Fall to Vancouver

Hey pens fans,
The Pens lostt 4-2 last night to th Canucks at the Mellon Arena. Crosby and Recchi had the pens goals. Though, we lost, they pens played a good solid game. It was one of their best efforts in recent weeks. The play aain Thursday against the Rangers.

Pens Fall to Predators/rumor

Hey pens fans,
The pens lost last night 5-4 in Nashville. Caron was in goal for the pens. Melichar, Armstrong, Ouellet and Malone each has a goal for the pens. The pens play tonight at the Mellon Arena. I have also been hearing a rumor that the pens are trying to move Gonchar, which can't come soon enough in my opinion. I have heard that the Coyotes and Petr Nedved may be involved, more later.

Friday's Loss

Hey pens fans,
Sorry this took so long to post. The pens lost to the Blackhawks in Chicago 4-1 on Friday. The Pens lone goal was scored by Colby Armstrong. This is the 5th straight loss by the pens. the pens wrap up their road trip on Sunday night.

Sabourin

Hey pens fans,
Well, Sabourin has been sent back to Wilkes-Barre. After last nights game, I think we all saw that coming. He could be a part of this team in the future. He has proven himself at the AHL level, but at the NHL he needs work. Caron will backup Fleury and could even see somoe starts. He can play at the NHL level, but has been iniconsisent.

Pens Fall to Columbus

Hey pens fans,
The pens lost 6-1 to the Blue Jackets. Sabourin started in goal for the pens and was pulled after letting in 4. Marc-Andre Fleury finished and le in 2 more. Ryan Malone got the pens lone goal. By the third period, not only were the pens getting killed the game had turned into a three rig circus. Everyone was fighting and beatinig up everybody. The penguins had many players leave the game for penelties. they were really frustrated. On a side note, no one on our team can win a fight. This was ahorrible game and we played poorly. It seemed as i the fiery comments of Therrein after the last game had no effect on the team. They played horribly and with a complete lack of discipline. They need t get their act together and fast. I expct a shakeup in the team and soon.

Thibault and recalls

Hey pens fans,
Thibault will be out indefinetly with a hip injury and will have surgery. This is not the same hip he hurt a few years ago. The pens called up goalies Sabourin and Caron from Wilkes-Barre. Fleury is still here, so the pens are carrying three goalies at the moment. Sabourin has been playing extremely well for the baby pens and is starti,g in tonight's game at Columbus.

Pens Fall to Oilers

Hey pens fans,
The penguins lost to the Edmonton Oilers tonight at the Mellon Arena, by a score of 3-1. Ryan Malone had the pens lone goal tonight. The pens played well overall, but came up short. It was not their best performance, but it was not horrible. If the pens could keep up the energy of the last few minutes of the game, for the majority or all of the game, they would definetly be a tough competitor to beat.

Saving the Penguins

Hey pens fans,
We hockey fans need to stick together. Please, write the governor and let him know that we need to save our Penguins. Eklund, who is doing so much inform the fans of his situation, posted the following link on his site to write to the governor http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html This is a simple for to send Governor Rendell what your think. We need to do everything we can to save the team. Please send me copies of your letters, if you like, for me to post to show how much this team means to us. Send them to me at pensfan17148@msn.com Here is a copy of what I hahd to say to Governor Rendell.
I have lived in Western Pennsylvania for my entire life and I do not intend on leaving. There is a sense of community and commitment here, that I could not imagine living without. It is amazing how things become such a part of who we are and hat this area is. I write to you today, because if not action is taken we will suffer a loss to this area, which will be felt by all the people in each community. The Pittsburgh area is a wonderful place to be from and I am proud to live here. Our pride comes from our past with the greatness in the Steel Industry and the strength of the area today, as well. We are also proud of our sports teams. Their histories are linked with the very history of te city and surrounding communities. Not so many years ago, the Steelers ad the Pirates were in need of a new home. Three Rivers Stadium's time was drawing to an end. the government of the state and the city came together to find a way to replace one building, full of history, with not one, but two state of the art facilities for the teams to play in. Heinz Field and PNC Park are to great tributes to this achievement. Now another integral par t of our city is calling on the government for help. The Pittsburgh Penguins are as much a part of this city as any other organization. The Penguins have been a part of who we are since 1967. During that time, they have proud pride to tis city. We have the pleasure of having one of the all-time great players and a Hall of Famer, in Mario Lemieux as an owner. He brought the Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh and has saved this team time and again. Now, we have the privilege of seeing the next generation of superstars in Sidney Crosby play for us. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the league, the Penguins, now have a chance at being a real competitor and could once again bring the Stanley Cup back again. We are in serious danger of losing them. I cannot fathom why the government is not doing anything to save them. The Penguins are in need of a new arena. The Mellon Arena, know to us fans as our beloved "Igloo," is coming to the end of its time. It is far worse off than Three Rivers Stadium was when it was replaced. The government needs to do all it can to keep the Penguin here where they belong. If the team were to leave countless jobs would be lost. The tax revenue that the team brings in would also be lost. Downtown businesses would suffer because people would not have a reason to go into that part of the city. It would hurt many people. The facility would be used for much more than hockey, as the Mellon Arena is now. It would be used for concerts, shows, the circus, conventions, children' shows (like Disney on Ice or Sesame Street Live), it could house basketball, hockey tournaments, wrestling, monster trucks, figure skating, and many more things yet to be thought of. Even if the new building is not built and the Penguins would be lost to us, the city would still need a new facility for all the other events mentioned. There is not another indoor space with that capacity for the events listed above in the city. If there is no building for it, that revenue would also be lost and more people would be out of work. I am pleading as a hockey fan, as a Pittsburgher, as a Pennsylvanian please do not let this city lose the Penguins. Growing up here, some of my fondest memories are of night spent at the Penguin games with my dad and cheering on our hometown team. The crowd is was always so excited and there was so much energy in the air. I dream of someday taking my future children to those games and telling them the stories of the great players and this great city. Please, do not take that dream away from this city. If you let this team be lost, when an eight year old child asks their parents why the Penguins are gone, you should be the one to have to tell them that you would not spend the money, like the government did for the other teams and the team had to leave. You can explain to the them why their heroes left and why we no longer have our hockey team.

Pens Fall to Thrashers Again/Malone Rumor

Hey pens fans,
The pens lost to the Atlanta Thrashers for te seond time in as many nights. The final score was 4-3. Ouellet had two goals and Malone had one tonight for the pens. This was yt another close game that the pens lost. The score was tied nearing the end of the thrid period, but with a few minutes left Atkanta took the lead and the pens could not come back. Malone, who had been a healthy scratch the past few games, is rumored to be on the trading block. Perhaps, tonight was to sowcase hime or a possible move? Time will tell.

Pens Fall to Thrashers

Hey pens fans,
The pens came back frfom a 5-0 deficit tonight in Atlanta, bt not far enough. The pens came back and were down 5-4 and lost 6-4 after an empty netter. LeClair, Recchi, Armstrong, and Ouellet scord for the pens. Colby Armstrong's goal was his first NHL goal. Jocelyn Thibault started in goal and was pulled after the third Atlanta goal and replaced by Marc Andre Fleury. The pens play tomorrow night for the second half of this home and home series at th Mellon Arena.

Pens beat Montreal 6-4

Hey pens fans,
The pens beat the Canadiens in Montreal tonight, by ascore of 6-4. Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal. Endicott and Talbot each had a goal and Ouelett and Crosby each had 2. The pens record this season is 11-19-9. Not great by any means, but that have improved inn recent weeks, thouh the wins have only growna small amount. Hopefully this pward trend continues and the pens get a few more wins and less close losses.

Pens Fall to Leafs in OT

Hey pens fans,
The pens lost 3-2 to the Leafs in Toronto tonight. Gonchar (from Palffy and Crosby) and Ouelett (from Palffy and Whitney) had the pens goals. Thibault made 35 saves in net.

A question from a reader.

Hey pens fans,
The question is "Just wondering who are the actual owners of the penguins?I know Mario is part of it but who else are in the silent partnership."
Well, this is what I can tell you. The Penguins are owned by Mario Lemieux and the Lemieux Group LP. The identities of the Lemieux group are ot readily known. I do however know that many if not all of them were other creditors owed by the team at the time of the backruptcy in 1999. I have spent sometime trying to find wo they are and have not been able to find anyting definite, as of yet. Mario Lemieux is the majority owner and the owner with the active role in the day to day operations of the team. The group is basically a silent in the partnership. I will keep trying to find out who they are. I am sorry I could not answer all of your question. If I find out I will post it and lt you know. Also feel free to post your questions in comments or email them to me @ pensfan17148@msn.com annd I will try to answer them on the blog.