Monday night’s game against the Washington Capitals proved to be interesting for both the Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins with Brooks Orpik suspended for three games and Olli Maatta out indefinitely with an upper-body injury. The Penguins filled their empty defensive spot with Derrick Pouliot, who was recalled from Wilkes Barre/Scranton earlier this season. There was a chance, however, for the Penguins to play defenseman Justin Schultz instead of Pouliot. Was Pouliot the right decision? ... Read More
Archives for May 2016
The best and worst of the Steelers draft
When it comes to the NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for avoiding the temptation to draft for need. Looking at the results of this year's draft, it's easy to get a sense the Steelers bucked that trend and focused on some of the team's biggest weaknesses this past weekend in Chicago. After drafting defense in the first three rounds and five of the seven picks overall, it's clear that Director of Player Personnel Kevin Colbert understood that there were plenty of needs ... Read More
Gerrit Cole’s off night costs Pirates
An 87 mile-per-hour fastball was the only thing needed to confirm that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs are indeed in a rivalry. The game was long decided when Pirates pitcher Kyle Lobstein hit Cubs second baseman Ben Zobrist with a pitch in the seventh inning of a 7-2 Cubs win. An inning earlier, Starling Marte was hit by a pitch for the sixth time this season, a mark that ties Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Brandon Guyer for the Major League lead. After Zobrist was hit, home plate umpire ... Read More
Penguins secure series lead at home; Murray continues to shine in net
With a stellar performance in Game 3 of the 2016 NHL Playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins took it to the Washington Capitals, winning 3-2. The Penguins got off to a quick start with two goals in the first period — one of a nice tip from Patric Hornqvist and then another, a minute later, off a rush that ended with an attempted pass ricocheting off Tom Kuhnhackl's back into the net. Pittsburgh then extended its lead after Nick Bonino made a nice play, dragging the puck across the mouth of the ... Read More
Steelers decline fifth-year option on linebacker Jarvis Jones
The Pittsburgh Steelers have declined to pick up the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Jarvis Jones' contract, per multiple reports. Jones will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season. Today was the last day for NFL teams to make a decision on fifth-year contracts for players drafted in the first round in 2013. Had the Steelers picked up the option, they would have owed Jones nearly $8.4 million — as long as he was on the roster come the start of the league year (March ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/2: Never too early for an important series
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs currently represent the top two National League Central teams being separated by three games from each other. With that in mind, the Cubs come to PNC Park for a three-game series which may have large implications when it comes to early-season series. Last season, the Pirates posted an 8-11 mark against the Cubs and want to get off to a better start in order to avoid this possibility happening again. It has been a good start to the season for the ... Read More
Four undrafted Pitt players strike NFL deals
Three former University of Pittsburgh players came to terms on contracts as undrafted free agents, and one agreed to a tryout deal. Tight end J.P. Holtz signed a deal with the Cleveland Browns. Holtz may see some time in the backfield as a full back or H-back hybrid due to his blocking ability. The Browns' depth chart is rather thin at tight end, after Pro Bowler Gary Barnidge. Holtz will compete with draft pick Seth DeValve of Princeton, who was drafted in the fourth round, and holdover E.J. ... Read More
Game 3 Preview: Can the Penguins claim series lead on home ice?
Pittsburgh Penguins (5-2) The Pittsburgh Penguins played their toughest game on Saturday and will continue to be challenged as the series goes on. Matt Murray played incredibly well and made big stops to keep their team within range of tying the series. Coach Mike Sullivan knows these challenges will continue to be seen, but he has the utmost confidence in his team to come away with the series win. Pittsburgh must continue to play a speedy style of hockey and protect Murray and the net ... Read More
Pirates prospect Glasnow named IL Pitcher of the Week
The Pirates say that Tyler Glasnow has to work on his control and consistency with his third pitch, a changeup. Glasnow seems to have taken note of their wishes and it showed on the field. Glasnow was named the International League Pitcher of the Week for April 25 to May 1. During that time, Glasnow whiffed 18 batters over 11 innings, while leading his team to two victories. On the season, Glasnow has 37 strikeouts, which leads Triple-A. Another week, another award! Tyler Glasnow is the IL ... Read More
Steelers re-sign quarterback Bruce Gradkowski
The Steelers announced Monday morning that they have re-signed veteran backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to a one-year deal. We have re-signed QB Bruce Gradkowski to a one-year contract. MORE: https://t.co/VIFZtUCR7n pic.twitter.com/7RXBa7mjZX — Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 2, 2016 Gradkowski’s signing certainly means the end of Michael Vick’s career with the Steelers. Vick was signed by the Steelers to replace Gradkowski, who went down in the beginning of last season with a ... Read More