Building blocks
PITTSBURGH — Blocking shots is a matter of playing the angles, and the 50-50 percentages. “I’d say it’s about half and half, technique and courage,” Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Alex Goligoski said. And maybe there should be a sliver of that percentage saved for insanity, too. A defenseman needs something of a daredevil spirit to hit the ice in order to block a shot that’s being cranked up by a powerful player using a curved stick that can propel the puck at up too 100 miles per hour. “When it’s coming, I don’t even know if it’s about courage,” defenseman Mark Eaton said. “You do what you have to for the team and don’t even give it a second thought. The moment you do second guess it is when you can get yourself in trouble.” To a man, the Penguins defensemen say that shot blocking is just part of their job description. You lay down in front of speeding pucks, because that prevents them from getting to the goal.
» Full StoryFalling behind early not a problem for Pens
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The big pads circled the puck and Steve Mason thought he had it corraled. Then it started tumbling away, wobbling inches over the goal line.
» Full StoryPens’ Malkin out 2 to 3 weeks with shoulder injury
PITTSBURGH — NHL scoring champion Evgeni Malkin will be lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins for two to three weeks because of a strained right shoulder.
» Full StoryCrosby’s night keys Pens
PITTSBURGH — Superstitious Sindey Crosby didn’t want to jinx his shot at a hat trick after his first two goals. Perhaps for the same reason, he isn’t willing to acknowledge he’s morphing into a top pure goal-scorer.
» Full StoryPenguins streak snapped at seven
PITTSBURGH — New Jersey coach Jacques Lemaire said the Devils played as well as they can. It’s taken that type of effort to beat Pittsburgh so far this seaso.
» Full StoryGonchar will miss 4-6 weeks
PITTSBURGH — Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar will be out four to six weeks with a broken left wrist, his third significant injury in slightly more than a year.
Penguins Poll
Should teams with below .500 records be allowed to compete in the playoffs in high school football?


