The Pittsburgh Penguins did not come out of the trade deadline quite the way they would have liked. They are 1-1 since the trade deadline, but are 0-1 since having their new recruits join the line-up. Michel Therrien put the boys through grueling practice yesterday that stressed fundamentals and taking a more serious approach to practicing and games.

According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Therrien was hard on the group and directed a very tight and spirited practice. Therrien challenged a couple of players, but none more than Georges Laraque, who he required to skate ice length sprints across the center red line.

As we have pointed out numerous times in the past, the coach has history with Big Georges and he wants him to play his best hockey. He hasn't been completely pleased with him lately and wants to see him moving his feet more.

The team picked up a few new players, but the story remains the same, as newly acquired Marian Hossa will join the ranks of the Penguins injured. Hossa and the Penguins are sticking with the grade 1 MCL strain diagnosis, that should see the dynamic forward miss about a week.

Another less publicized injury popped up yesterday afternoon, as Ryan Whitney pulled up lame with a groin. He had some groin problems earlier in the season and will more than likely be replaced in the line-up by Alex Goligoski.

The Penguins injuries this season have caused them to use 37 different players on the season. Only the Chicago Blackhawks have used more, with 38 different bodies shuttling through thier line-up. Thirteen different players who started the season with or spent time on the roster in Wilkes Barre-Scranton have suited up for the Penguins.

The Penguins have won 3 in a row in Ottawa after going 0-4-1 in their previous 5 up north. Six of the last eight games between the Penguins and Senators have been decided by one goal. Three of those have gone to overtime and two were decided in a shootout.

Ty Conklin is expected to make the start this afternoon with Marc Andre Fleury going tomorrow against the Atlanta Thrashers.

Stay tuned for more later...

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