Big Jeff bids adieu

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jeff Carter announces retirement amidst final game of Penguins season

By Alex Hanczar

PITTSBURGH (April 18, 2024)—Fittingly, Jeff Carter scored the final goal of the season for the Pittsburgh Penguins before officially retiring after the game.

The announcement became official post-game but was apparent all night long.

Carter began the evening centering a line with Sidney Crosby. The two have only played together primarily on the power-play. 

The next tell-tale sign was when Jeff Carter scored the game’s tying goal in a meaningless game, and just how much it meant to the players.

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Finally, after the game the Penguins and New York Islanders remained on the ice for an extended period to congratulate Carter.

These celebrations included a handshake line from the entire Islanders team.

Number 77 got to spend his last few moments on the ice with his wife and children with hugs and kisses for Dad.

A friend and former teammate Jonathan Quick also made his way into the arena to watch the contest. This further proves Carter’s decision was premeditated.

Nonetheless, it was the perfect evening to cap off an incredible career.

While Carter won both his cups with the Los Angeles Kings, he played an instrumental role in various Penguins playoff pushes.

Carter’s ‘Linsanity’ run at the end of the 2021 season will never be forgotten by Penguins fans.

Carter’s four-goal game against the Buffalo Sabres gave Penguins fans life for the playoffs. Carter continued his excellence by scoring again in the season finale to enter the Penguins into the playoffs. 

Then, in what is a dull playoff series for Penguins fans to recall, Jeff Carter continued to put smiles on faces. Five points in the six-game series showed just how special the third/fourth line forward was for Pittsburgh. 

Admittedly, Carter’s numbers fell off as the years went on, but that is to be expected. Not everyone is Sidney Crosby.

Regardless, Jeff Carter will go down as a legend of the sport, a potential hall-of-famer, and an incredible role model.

Done and dusted

Pittsburgh Penguins see season end one day ahead of final game for second straight year

By Alex Hanczar

PITTSBURGH (April 16, 2024)—Just one day after their promising victory over the Nashville Predators, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been officially eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention.

After an incredible run that included points in 11 of the final 12 games this season, the Penguins now bow their heads.

Wins by the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals ultimately sealed the team’s fate.

Despite the sorrow, April 16th was an entertaining evening, to say the least.

Former Penguin, David Perron, kept the season alive for Detroit as three seconds remained in the final period versus the Montreal Canadiens. Perron’s one-timer from the blue line notched the contest at four to send it into overtime.

Perron and the Wings would go on to win the game in overtime’s bleeding moments as well, but it would not matter. Capitals forward T.J. Oshie closed the doors on three teams seasons as he netted the post-season clinching goal for Washington.

Video courtesy of SportsNet.

With just under three minutes to go in the Washington-Philadelphia game, the Flyers opted to pull their goaltender in a tie contest. The decision from Head Coach John Tortorella came as the team needed a regulation win to have a shot at a playoff berth.

The only wrench in the story is… they did not have a chance.

The Philadelphia Flyers were eliminated from playoff contention the moment Detroit earned a point against Montreal.

Detroit earned their point as about five minutes remained in the Flyers contest. Whether or not anyone on the Flyers’ bench knew of this is a mystery. However, it would surprise no one if they purposely pulled their goaltender, to spoil rival Pittsburgh’s season as well.

Regardless, a woe of Penguins’ mistakes prior to the final month led to their ultimate demise.