The Pirates go into Wednesday's National League Wild Card game with a chance to recreate the magic of a year ago. This time around, things could come somewhat easier as they are not the new kid in town. Last years postseason run has this squad confident and comfortable of the surroundings they are about to enter. For guys like Neil Walker, this is just another game. "I don't think you have to approach it a different way," said Walker. "I think the fact that it's just one game to go to the ... Read More
Archives for September 2014
Penguins downed by Jason Pominville and Wild
The Pittsburgh Penguins only gave up 18 shots on goal against the Minnesota Wild but Jason Pominville found the back of the net with three of them to lead the Wild to a 4-1 win in St. Paul, MN on Monday night. The Penguins (3-2) outshot the Wild (2-2) 33 to 18 but Minnesota goaltender Darcy Kuemper was able to shut down the Pens offense, which was still without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Jeff Zatkoff took the loss as he stopped only six of eight shots over the final period and a ... Read More
Antonio Brown must shoulder responsibility for undisciplined play
After a loss like the one on Sunday against the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you can find plenty of scapegoats and people to blame. For many fans, the easiest solution is to place the blame squarely on the shoulders of Mike Tomlin. It seemed that many can't get rid themselves of Tomlin quick enough. I don't necessarily subscribe to that viewpoint, but when you lose fans lose perspective, their views can change on the fly. Especially when you lose the way the Pittsburgh Steelers did on ... Read More
Greene leading Slippery Rock to hot start
A year ago when Slippery Rock's offense lined up on the field, a starry-eyed redshirt freshman named Shamar Greene lined up in the backfield alongside standout quarterback Nigel Barksdale. Together, the two orchestrated one of the nation's top offenses, scoring 43.4 points per game and averaging 536.5 yards of total offense per contest. That team fell to Winston-Salem State in its first game of the NCAA Division II playoffs, 27-20. Greene had just 25 yards in the loss. "That game was ... Read More
Sean Spence completes long journey back to NFL
They said Sean Spence may never play again, but Spence wouldn’t listen. Spence’s inspirational journey, his long way back to the NFL became nearly complete on Sunday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visited Heinz Field. Three years ago, when Spence was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, he envisioned playing a big role on the Steelers defense for years to come. However a career threatening injury in the team’s final preseason game that year put doubts into many ... Read More
Pirates prepare for another playoff run
For Pirates fans, last year's playoff run might have felt like a dream after breaking the streak and coming within one win of the National League Championship series. This year should feel more like reality. With a core of players that have playoff experience under their belt and a roster that seems to be getting hot at the right time, the Pirates might just have what it takes to extend their season well into October. The offense has made positive strides this season improving their numbers ... Read More
PSN Player of the Week: Gerrit Cole
It looks like Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole is finding his groove at exactly the right time. With Pirates hoping to begin a long journey deep into October in this year's MLB playoffs, Cole will be expected to play a big role in that happening. If this week's performance by the young fireballer is any indication of what lies ahead, the Pirates could be a dangerous team capable of challenging for the National League pennant. In his two starts this week, Cole pitched 14 total innings, recording 20 ... Read More
Dupuis makes preseason debut as Pens take on Wild
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Minnesota Wild 8:00 p.m. Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota TV: Root Sports Pittsburgh Radio: 105.9 the X and the Penguins Radio Network Projected Penguins lineup: 14 Chris Kunitz 13 Nick Spaling 9 Pascal Dupuis 72 Patric Hornqvist 25 Andrew Ebbett 42 Kasperi Kapanen 17 Blake Comeau 38 Zach Sill 23 Steve Downie 12 Daniel Carcillo 49 Oskar Sundqvist 27 Craig Adams 10 Christian Ehrhoff 58 Kris Letang 1 Thomas Greiss 7 Paul Martin 47 Simon Despres 37 ... Read More
Continued September dominance from Volquez will be key for Pirates
To say that September has been a great month for the Pirates would be an understatement. After getting swept by the St. Louis Cardinals to begin the month, the Pirates have been white hot. The Pirates have gone on to win 17 of their last 23 contests, propelling them to another trip to the playoffs. Once again, the Pirates will host the National League Wild Card game, this time the opponent will be the San Francisco Giants. With players like Andrew McCutchen, Josh Harrison and Russell Martin ... Read More
Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card after Week 4 loss to Buccaneers
The Pittsburgh Steelers looked at the schedule and saw a winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers team come to Heinz Field on Sunday and had to feel good about their chances after a big win on the road at Carolina last Sunday. Instead the Steelers turned in another less than spectacular performance and showed why they have been an 8-8 team the past couple of years in a 27-24 loss to the previous winless Bucs. With that being said, let’s take a look at how the Steelers graded out after another ... Read More