PensBurgh: FanShots

Simon Despres is Healthy, and going back to Wilkes-Barre

2012-02-13T15:57:32Z

Simon Despres is Healthy, and going back to Wilkes-Barre

The Pens activate Simon Despres from IR today and send him back to the AHL. Good sign for the young defenseman coming off a knee injury.

The real question is- how long until he's back in the NHL for good? The answer is probably sooner than later.

Jordan Staal Returns

2012-02-10T18:10:29Z

Jordan Staal Returns

He will be back this Saturday against the Jets. Will be Playing with Cooke and Dupuis.

Williams, McDonald Re-assigned to AHL

2012-02-08T19:02:11Z

Williams, McDonald Re-assigned to AHL

The move to bring McDonald and Williams back gives the NHL Penguins 11 healthy forwards.

I have a feeling that Jordan Staal and Simon Despres, who were given a 5 to 10 day timeline by Dan Bylsma might be ready to return to action this weekend.

Either way, no need to pay McDonald and Williams their NHL salaries when they could be practicing in the AHL this week.

The Pens started practice a little early. It's an optional skate so a few players didn't hit the...

2012-02-07T16:37:11Z

The Pens started practice a little early. It's an optional skate so a few players didn't hit the ice. Malkin, Kunitz, Neal, Sullivan, Park & Martin are not on the ice.

Pens Report

Crosby's Return IS Imminent - Hence Reclassification as "Neck Injury"

2012-02-07T07:01:00Z

Crosby's Return IS Imminent - Hence Reclassification as "Neck Injury"

For the past week, I have been wondering why Crosby suddenly sought the neck specialist on the west coast. Now it is clear to me: Crosby wants to play despite his symptoms.

Hence, he went to the neck specialist to try and get his injury re-classified. Now it's no longer a concussion, it's a neck injury, and the regulations regarding concussions no longer apply.

The linked article reveals how the rebranding of his injury will help him get back on the ice: "He said he has felt a little better in the past week and is optimistic since the injury has been diagnosed as a neck problem rather than a concussion."

This makes a lot of sense for everyone involved. Does the NHL have a right to keep him sidelined for headaches? Do they want to test that in court? He certainly wants to get back out there, and the Penguins certainly want him back.

Zach Hamill Waived By Bruins

2012-02-06T22:12:52Z

Zach Hamill Waived By Bruins

Not really Pens-related, as Hamill wouldn't seem to be much of a fit for us. That said, it's always noteworthy when a 21-year-old former top-10 overall pick gets waived, and I'll be shocked if somebody doesn't claim him.

Crosby's return imminent?

2012-02-06T18:14:55Z

Crosby's return imminent?

Crosby returned to regular practice with the Pens. Rob Rossi reported on twitter that be believes both Staal and Crosby will be back "sooner rather than later" potentially right after the trade deadline.

Former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk reflects on turning 50

2012-02-03T18:04:55Z

Former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk reflects on turning 50

You may remember Malarchuk from getting his throat slit with a skate as a member of the Buffalo Sabres. Somehow, he survived.

Three years ago, he shot himself in the head. Somehow he survived.

Deadspin got hold of the transcript of an interview he did for a book on people turning 50. It goes into dealing with depression, reflections on life, and human empathy... all with the backdrop of a career as a professional hockey player.

Highly recommended if you have some time.