Faceoff Factor

It is my job from now through the deadline to sort through the muck to bring to you the credible and substantiated rumors and rumblings around the league from established media sources.

Gonchar Contract Talks Postponed

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Monday March 1, 2010

Sergei Gonchar and the Penguins have reached an impasse over the length and salary of the defenseman’s next contract. What’s next?

Possible Penguin Deadline Targets

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Monday February 8, 2010

One could say the Penguins miss Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill. Or maybe they could also use some help on the wings, with an inconsistent Bill Guerin, an invisible Ruslan Fedotenko, and a bevy of grinders filling scoring roles.

Baby Penguins First Half Individual Awards

Zach Boslett | WBS "Baby" Penguins

Tuesday January 26, 2010

The Baby Penguins have been wildly inconsistent all season but some players are doing very well on an individual basis. Check out the first half awards compiled by FF.

Are the Penguins Going to Be Ok?

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Thursday January 21, 2010

After tonight’s game, I feel that a preemptive strike may be necessary.

Profile: Carl Sneep

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Thursday January 21, 2010

A brief look at prospect Carl Sneep, including a biography, career projection, strengths, weaknesses, and awards.

Minnesota Puts Sykora, Earl, Brent on Waivers

Zach Boslett | National Hockey League

Tuesday January 19, 2010

Petr Sykora and Tim Brent, both former Penguins, and Robbie Earl have been placed on waivers by the Wild… but do not expect to see them suit up for the Penguins.

Patrice Cormier's Elbow Nearly Ends Tam's Life

Zach Boslett | National Hockey League

Monday January 18, 2010

Patrice Cormier, a repeat offender, came off the bench and elbows Remparts’ defensemen Mikael Tam. Tam had to be rushed off the ice on a stretcher and is in stable condition at a local hospital.

Pechurskiy Signed to One Game Tryout, Curry to Start

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Saturday January 16, 2010

Pechurskiy signed to 1 game tryout to backup Curry because Fleury was fractured his finger and will be unable to dress for tonight’s game.

Nathan Moon Update

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Wednesday January 13, 2010

Nathan Moon has been followed closely here at Faceoff Factor because we are very excited by the many things he can bring to the Penguins in the future. Check out Eric Politowski’s Moon Highlight Video as well as an update on his season so far.

Tough Games Ahead Without a "Power" Play

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Tuesday January 12, 2010

If the Penguins power play does not improve pretty much overnight, the current road trip could have the Penguins return to Pittsburgh with their tails between their legs.

Caputi Earns His Way to NHL

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Tuesday January 5, 2010

Luca Caputi has earned a callup to Pittsburgh after Chris Kunitz’s injury and this time he has a chance to stay.

Profile: Nicholas D'Agostino

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Wednesday December 30, 2009

A brief look at prospect Nicholas D’Agostino, including a biography, career projection, strengths, weaknesses, and awards.

Profile: Nathan Moon

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Wednesday December 30, 2009

A brief look at prospect Nathan Moon, including a biography, career projection, strengths, weaknesses, and awards.

Profile: Chris Conner

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Wednesday December 30, 2009

A brief look at prospect Chris Conner, including a biography, career projection, strengths, weaknesses, and awards.

Profile: Nick Petersen

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Wednesday December 30, 2009

A brief look at prospect Nick Petersen, including a biography, career projection, strengths, weaknesses, and awards.

Malkin's Play Hurting the Team

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Saturday December 19, 2009

Malkin is currently on pace for 100 PIM and is visibly frustrated on the ice.

WB/S Baby Pens First Quarter Report: Defense

Zach Boslett | WBS "Baby" Penguins

Friday December 11, 2009

Find out how each individual defensemen is performing in WB/S this season.

Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) Win 20th Straight

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Monday December 7, 2009

Sea Dogs stars and Penguin prospects Simon Despres and Nick Petersen are off to quick starts.

Goligoski likely out 2-3 weeks

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Monday November 16, 2009

The Penguins lose their 4th defensemen of this early season to the dreaded 2-3 week “lower body injury.”

Caputi Catching Fire

Zach Boslett | WBS "Baby" Penguins

Monday November 16, 2009

Luca Caputi is catching fire in Wilkes-Barre and due to a rash of injuries, it will be needed to keep the team competitive.

If Goligoski Misses Time, then What?

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Sunday November 15, 2009

Goligoski may be hurt for a while, if so, who plays his position on the power play?

Ben Lovejoy Called Up From the AHL

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Wednesday November 11, 2009

Ben Lovejoy has been recalled from the AHL as insurance in case Brooks Orpik cannot play Thursday night in New Jersey.

Examining the Red Wings - Part 1: Comparing Rosters

Zach Boslett | National Hockey League

Wednesday November 11, 2009

The Red Wings have been struggling this season and are getting outscored so far this season, for the first time since 1989-1990. An examination of the roster and possibly reasons for the struggles, roster-wise.

Simon Despres selected to Team QMJHL

Zach Boslett | Penguin Prospects

Sunday October 25, 2009

Penguin prospect Simon Despres was selected to play in the 2009 Subway Super Series for a third consecutive year.

Nashville Holds Open Skate with the Public

Zach Boslett | National Hockey League

Sunday October 25, 2009

A team struggling to generate fans holds a great event to help generate fans in an attempt to keep their team in Nashville, a situation Penguin fans can relate to.

MVP MAF

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Sunday October 18, 2009

Fleury’s red hot start has allowed the team to start strong despite the “ordinary” play of the superstars.

Eastern Conference: 15 Players, 15 Keys to Success

Zach Boslett | National Hockey League

Wednesday October 7, 2009

A brief look at a player or players that need to have improved seasons or step up into a bigger role for their teams to succeed.

Scuderi's career path following McKee's

Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins

Tuesday October 6, 2009

Rob Scuderi was known as “The Piece” towards the end of his time in Pittsburgh, but that is all player like McKee and Scuderi should be, only a piece of the puzzle, a role player.

NHL GMs Keeping Rosters Trim

Zach Boslett | National Hockey League

Monday September 28, 2009

Many NHL GMs are keeping their rosters lean this year to keep their cap numbers low enough to survive the season, much like Ray Shero has done his entire tenure in Pittsburgh.