Gameday 59-Pens at Buffalo

In an eventful game morning, it was announced earlier that the Penguins have signed LW James Neal to a six year contract extension for 30M, or 5M per year.  To me, that is a good deal for both sides.  From the perspective of the Penguins, they have locked up a 24 year old power forward, who is pacing for 40 plus goals, is tied for the league lead in power play goals, and leads the NHL in shots on goal. And what a shot the Real Deal has.  Kind of like a howitzer.  He could have tested the market to see what kind of offers were out there, and 5M is the mimimum I thought he would consider.  His presence has helped to turn a power play that was a liability, into a top ten power play in the league, and he has given Geno his best finisher since 71 joined the Penguins.  For Neal, he gets 30M guaranteed, and the opportunity to play with an elite centerman, on an elite team for the next six years.  To me, a win-win.  As we look at the game ahead I have some notes to share;  First off, Brent Johnson will get the nod in goal today against the Sabres.  It should be an interesting tilt, as 10 of the last 13 games between Buffalo and Pittsburgh have been decided by one goal.  Also of note is the fact the Penguins are 0 for their past 15 power plays in Buffalo, scoring last on 12/22/08, when Alex Goligoski notched a power play goal.    The Penguins are 12-3-1 in their past sixteen games, and 6-2-1 in their past nine road games. Also, in a reversal from the past, the Penguins are now 5-1 in their past 6 afternoon games.  In their past 11 games, the Pens have given up 2 power play goals and notched 3 shorties, not bad work for the PK!  Geno has 24 points in his past 15 games and talk about clutch, 13 of them came in third period, and one in OT.  As far as playing in Buffalo, bad news for Geno of late.  His last points in Buffalo came on 12/22/08 and his last goal there came on 2/17/08 or four years ago.  Finally, Arron Asham has not been a minus player in his last 15 games played, finishing at plus 2, and Joe Vitale has only been a minus player once in his past 15 games, finishing them at +1.  Congratulations to the Real Deal and Let's Go Pens!