Round Two: Pens vs Caps

[PghSteel-43]

After watching the way Letang has struggled when carrying the puck out of the defensive zone since Gonchar has been out, I would have no problem with a 70% healthy Gonchar in the lineup tomorrow night.  We are going to need everything we can get for this game seven.

[PghSteel-43]

It's sounding better...

Penguins to make game-time decision on Gonchar
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

WASHINGTON -- Defenseman Sergei Gonchar participated in the Penguins' game-day skate with no apparent problem and will try his injured right knee again during warmups before Game 7 of the Penguins' second-round playoff series against Washington tonight at 7:08.

Coach Dan Bylsma said Gonchar "has been steadily improving," and that a decision on whether to dress him will be made after the warmups.

Gonchar worked in his usual spots on the No. 1 power-play unit and a defense pairing with Brooks Orpik at today's skate.

He was injured during Game 4 of the series Friday in a knee-on-knee hit by Washington left winger Alex Ovechkin and did not dress for Games 5 or 6.

Gonchar did not speak with reporters after today's skate.

The series is tied, 3-3. The winner of tonight's game will advance to the Eastern Conference final against the winner of tomorrow night's Game 7 between Boston and Carolina.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[PghSteel-43]

Also a quote from Orpik in the Trib...

At the Penguins' practice today, Gonchar wore a support brace on his right knee, and several teammates said he did not appear to favor the injury.

"He looked his normal self to me," defenseman Brooks Orpik said. "It was uplifting for everybody."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...s/s_624969.html

[Captain Chaos]

Gonch has to be in the line up tonight even if it's just for the PP and some offensive zone face-offs. 

[Merman1983]

Let's fucking go.

[Brinker]

He was out there for the pregame skate...if he plays he scores the game winner.

Brinker

[PghSteel-43]

He was out there for the pregame skate...if he plays he scores the game winner.

Brinker

I think it's safe to say that he's going to give it a go.

[PghSteel-43]

Kicking ass and taking names 6-1

[Merman1983]

Kicking ass and taking names 6-1

Hell yes. How good does it feel to blow out the chicken and company in their own building in game 7? And Sid was a fucking beast tonight, and the whole series.

Eastern Conference Finals baby!

[pensodyssey]

Woot woot!  Definitely rooting for the Bruins, I know it sounds counter-intuitive because of home ice, but I just think we overmatch Boston in areas Carolina would prove difficult.