The Penguins will not win the Stanley Cup this year because they lack the experience that the Senators gained last year, and wasted this year. The Penguins don’t have the experience or the knowledge of what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings do, and they are schooling the Penguins. Sidney Crosby is an incredible player, and while he is doing his best individually to help his team win, his teammates aren’t following his example. The team as a whole needs to understand the sacrifice of your body and your individuality, and they need to taste defeat before they will truly understand what it takes to win. I expect the Penguins will have a great chance of being back in the Finals next year, and next year they will bring forth a more mature team. A team that is willing to sacrifice everything on the ice, and play as a team. Malkin and Crosby are not there yet, but after this playoff series loss, they will be one step closer to understanding.

”It’s felt the best it has in months right now, and that’s a good sign.”

Crosby is in no rush to come back to the Pens since they are playing so well and have locked up a playoff spot.  There is no need to risk re-injuring his ankle during the playoffs, so Crosby taking his time to get his ankle healthy and himself rested and in shape is the best decision Crosby could make.

The star of the game for the Penguins was Evgeni Malkin who scored 4 points on 2 goals and 2 assists.  Malkin has 8 points in his last 2 games and Malkin now has 41 goals on the season and 97 points.  He trails Alexander Ovechkin for the NHL points lead by 2 points, Ovechkin has 99 points on the season.

In other Penguins news, Hossa is expected to play Sunday night for the Penguins returning from a knee injury.

Crosby and Hossa are going to be playing on a line when they are both healthy, and it is possible that Hossa could return from his knee injury tonight, and if not tonight then by Sunday at the latest according to the Penguin’s website. It is not known how long Sidney Crosby will be out with the ankle injury this time around.

Sidney Crosby has been out injured for 21 games with his injured ankle. Crosby is very exciting to be returning to the lineup for the Penguins.

Marty Turco was the 2nd star of the month posting a 9-2 record with a 1.90 g.a.a.  Thomas Vanek was the NHL’s 3rd star with 13 goals and 7 assists for 20 points in February.

The Penguins just got back Fleury from injury, and he started and won his first game back.  Once the Penguins get Crosby and Hossa back from injury, the only other hurt player the Pens are waiting to return is Gary Roberts who is out with a broken leg, but expected to be back by the playoffs.

Ryan Malone had a goal for the Penguins and Malkin had one assist.  The only goal in the shootout came from Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.

In other Penguin’s news, Marian Hossa is expected to return in 1 week and Crosby should return very soon after.

When Sidney Crosby returns to the Penguins from injury, he will likely be put on a line with newly acquired Marian Hossa.  Evgeni Malkin will continue to skate with Sykora and Malone.  But don’t look for Crosby to return until after this road trip at the earliest.