Pens look to head into the Christmas break on high!
The Pittsburgh Penguins biggest enemy so far this CPHL season has been consistency. Through the first 39 games of the season Penguins gave their fans many 2 and 3 game winning streaks, the bad news is that all these winning streaks were followed by losing streaks. The Pens won 8 straight before losing their #1 defenseman Sergei Gonchar to injury. Then they went on a sub .500 streak over the next 17 games that sees them currently sit 6th in the Gretzky Conference with a 21-15-3-3 record for 48 points. Numerous trades have not been able to get the Pens on the right track thus far, but GM Goffie is hopeful that the return of Gonchar will help right the ship. "We were gonna sit Gonch out until after Christmas but he really wants to play tonight against the Wild. He knows it is a big game against one of the leagues top teams so he wants to help us get 2 points."
Martin Straka was probably the happiest Pen to see Gonchar return. "He can gladly have my spot on the blueline, I am looking forward to getting back up front and hopefully Coach Ruff gives me the chance to play with Jason and Michael again."
While Straka is expected to move up front for tonights game, Ruff is not sure who the 2nd line will be as there will be a 3 way race between Dumont, Williams, and Sturm for the 2 spots. The lineup is expected to be a gametime decision, as is the starting goalie. Gerber put in a great effort last night, while Kolzig made 48 saves in his last start.
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