Pittsburgh Penguins

Monday's Three Stars: Roloson saves Isles; Rangers rout Jackets

No. 1 star: Dwayne Roloson, New York Islanders

Usually, goalies who give up three goals aren't going to be the No. 1 star. But those goalies usually don't face 61 shots. In fact, Roloson's 58 saves in the Islanders' 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs are the most since Ron Tugnutt's 70-save game in March 1991, according to the AP. (Phil Kessel had 12 on his own.) Not bad for a 40-year-old. Josh Bailey had the game-winner in overtime, after the Leafs rallied from a 3-0 hole. 

No. 2 Star: Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers

After the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets took a 2-0 lead, the Rangers used a John Tortorella timeout "just relax" chat and exploded for seven straight goals in a 7-4 victory. Gaborik had two goals (18 on the season) and two assists, including a beautiful helper on Sean Avery's second of the night. Also beautiful: Michael Del Zotto's Leetch-like solo effort for goal No. 3.

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• Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:30 am EST
• Puck Daddy
• By Greg Wyshynski
• 4 Comments

Sunday's Three Stars: Stamkos saves Tampa; Niemi blanks 'Nucks

No. 1 star: Steven Stamkos(notes), Tampa Bay Lightning

The 2008 No. 1 overall pick continued his breakout year as his 15th goal of the season in overtime gave the Lightning a 4-3 win over the Atlanta Thrashers. Currently tied for fourth in the NHL in goals scored with Jarome Iginla(notes), Stamkos, along with Ryan Malone(notes), is carrying the Lightning offensive load as Vincent Lecavalier(notes) and Martin St. Louis(notes) struggle with a combined nine goals. 

No. 2 Star: Antti Niemi(notes), Chicago Blackhawks

The 26-year old Finn backstopped the 'Hawks to a 1-0 win in Vancouver by making 30 saves for his second shutout of the season. Chicago swept the Western Canadian portion of their roadtrip and will finish things up with three games in California beginning Wednesday at Anaheim. With the win, Niemi improves to 4-1-1 on the season.

No. 3 Star: Antero Niittymaki(notes), Tampa Bay Lightning

Making 28 saves on the evening, Niittymaki won his sixth game of the season and his 15th straight over a Southeast Division opponent. Atlanta rallied back with three goals in the third period, but was unable to record a shot in overtime before Stamkos won it. Niittymaki currently owns the NHL's best save-percentage at .936.

Honorable mention: Martin St. Louis had three assists including one on Stamkos' overtime winner ... Stephane Veilleux(notes) and Kurtis Foster(notes) both scored their first goals of the season for the Lightning ...  Evander Kane's(notes) seventh goal for Atlanta puts him in second place behind New York Islanders forward John Tavares(notes) among rookies ...  Bryan Bickell(notes) scored the winner for Chicago 1:12 into the third period. It was his first goal in over two years ... Roberto Luongo(notes) did all he could for the Canucks making 16 saves, but was let down by his offense ... Ben Eager(notes) and Rick Rypien(notes) discussed the MLS Cup Final in their own special way:

Did you know?: With his win against Atlanta, Niittymaki is now 15-0-0 against the Thrashers in his career. (AP)

Dishonorable mention: Atlanta ended their homestand by losing their last three games ... Not a good weekend for Thrashers captain Ilya Kovalchuk(notes). A day after earning 19-penalty minutes against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kovy couldn't beat Niittymaki on seven shots and finished a minus-3 ...  Even with the win, Joel Quenneville couldn't have been happy that the Blackhawks were 16-for-42 in the faceoff circle.

• Mon Nov 23, 2009 1:11 am EST
• Puck Daddy
• By Sean Leahy
• 14 Comments

Skatin on blades like Sidney Crosby; Pens down Panthers 3-2 in OT

The Pittsburgh Penguins come from behind in the third period and win it in OT in Florida.

• Mon Nov 23, 2009 EST
• PensBurgh
• By Hooks Orpik

Penguin links: Pens punish Lovejoy for losing shootout competition

Links from the Pittsburgh Penguins and around the NHL.

• Mon Nov 23, 2009 EST
• PensBurgh
• By Hooks Orpik

Let's take a look at the Florida Panthers

A preview of tonight's game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers. Stop by at 7:30 to join the in-game open thread.

• Mon Nov 23, 2009 EST
• PensBurgh
• By FrankD

Tales of the Tape: Deryk Engelland vs. Evander Kane

Tales of the Tape: Deryk Engelland vs. Evander Kane

• Sun Nov 22, 2009 EST
• PensBurgh
• By FrankD

Tales of the Tape: Matt Cooke vs. Ilya Kovalchuk

Tales of the Tape: Matt Cooke vs. Ilya Kovalchuk

• Sun Nov 22, 2009 EST
• PensBurgh
• By FrankD