Pittsburg, PA

Penguins/Predators Recap: Crosby, Karlsson help keep Pittsburgh’s playoff chances alive

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2024

Penguins/Predators Recap: Crosby, Karlsson help keep Pittsburgh’s playoff chances alive

Pregame

For the 12th game in a row, it’s Alex Nedeljkovic who gets the starting call in net. Jansen Harkins is also back in the lineup after a long stint on IR for this can’t lose game.

First period

The Penguins get a power play early on. Michael Bunting gets in tight and scores but the Predators object with a goalie interference challenge. They win it.

Sidney Crosby gets the first goal soon after, with a lunging effort to smack the puck in for his 42nd goal of the season.

Pittsburgh keep up the pressure and scores again. Crosby bumps a pass over for Erik Karlsson to wire from distance. 2-0.

History repeats with a second disallowed power play goal for Pittsburgh. This time Nashville challenges over Lars Eller in the crease to negate a Kris Letang strike.

Great first period for the Pens, who were playing like the season was on the line (which it was). 20-5 go the shots. Pittsburgh puts four pucks by Juuse Saros, though only two stood up as legal goals.

Second period

The Predators claw back into the game, Gustav Nyquist finds the puck in a scramble and knocks it in to make it a 2-1 score.

The Pens take momentum back by answering 57 seconds later. The third line is buzzing and swirling around the zone, Eller sets up Reilly Smith for his 13th goal of the year.

Nashville keeps it close with a goal late in the frame. Filip Forsberg shows his puck skills and wrist shot with a laser for his 48th tally on the year.

The tables flip on the shot counter, 16-8 for NSH in the second, and the Pens only have a one goal lead to show for it through 40 minutes.

Third period

Pittsburgh keeps the pressure on and starts the period out right. Karlsson’s fake shot freezes the defense and his cross-ice pass is right on the money for Emil Bemstom to fire home. 4-2 lead.

HOW SWEDE IT IS!
Pettersson to Karlsson to Bemstrom to the back of the net! The Swedes connect and give the Penguins the 4-2 lead over the Predators. pic.twitter.com/1IepsXndL6
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 16, 2024

The lead holds up and the Pens bring it on home to keep their season alive.

Some thoughts

The Penguins had to win and they took care of their business. But there was no help in the out of town scores; Detroit scored late to force OT and won there and Washington won their game as well. So status quo remains for the teams ahead of the Pens, with all teams having one more game to go and Pittsburgh still needing DET and WSH to stumble.
Fitting that somehow even when the power play scores, they still can’t do that correctly. The two disallowed goals hurt, but hey, credit and kudos for getting bodies and the puck into the blue paint and seeing what would happen. That’s usually better than the typical Penguin power play these days.
Crosby shrugging the overturned goal off and scoring on the power play takes a lot of sting out of it. Huge goal to set the tone and capitalize.
Erik Karlsson had himself a night: 1 goal, 1 assist, 7 SOG (9 total attempts), 25:49 played. That’s the kind of performance that they probably had penciled in for more games than they’ve received out of him, but better late than never there.
Crosby’s night mirrored Karlsson’s: 1 goal, 1 assist, 7 SOG (10 total attempts), 2 takeaways, 78% faceoff wins, 20:53 played. No surprise when the games mean the most that the captain steps up and does what it takes.
Nice to see Bemstrom score his third goal with the Pens. Too often he’s been invisible.
Many (including here personally) had to be wondering what Alex Nedeljkovic had left in the tank for his 12th straight start and several iffy performances lately. 28 saves on 30 shots left no doubts that the team went in the right direction for who their ride or die goalie has turned into.

One more game to go for Pittsburgh, on Wednesday in Long Island. By then (based off the results of WSH/PHI and DET/MTL tomorrow) we will know if the Pens have been eliminated from postseason contention (with a Capitals or Red Wing win spelling the end of the line for Pittsburgh) or if the door is still open for them to win or even lose in OT/SO and be able to claim the final playoff spot of the year.

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Pittsburg, PA

Steelers’ Will Howard Gets Shout Out From Top NFL Draft WR

Published

9 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Steelers’ Will Howard Gets Shout Out From Top NFL Draft WR

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely one of the teams that will be heavily considering a wide receiver when it comes to their very valuable first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

One of the top options, and considered by many analysts to be the best overall, is Ohio State Buckeye alum Carnell Tate. Tate is a three-year starter at Ohio State, and the top wide receiver selection is likely to be between him and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.

While at Ohio State, Tate was a teammate of current Steelers backup quarterback Will Howard, and was asked about him during his workout at Ohio State’s Pro Day.

“Oh, Will isn’t giving me no tips. He’s probably going to root for me to come with him to Pittsburgh,” Tate said.

“I’m happy for him. I wish him nothing but the best. Love that guy to death,” Tate also said.

Howard would not be the first person to try to get their former teammate to join them from college to their professional team, with one big example being Derek Carr and Davante Adams a couple years prior.

If Tate were to join the Steelers, he would be the third member of the 2024 Ohio State National Championship-winning team to play for the Steelers simultaneously, with Howard and surging young linebacker Jack Sawyer having played on the Steelers in 2025.

Will Tate Go To Pittsburgh?

Tate is quite unlikely to end up with the Steelers, as he is expected to be among the first players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Steelers having the No. 21 selection, they would need to make a significant trade forward to likely jump into the zone where Tate would be available.

“I think I’m a great football player,” Tate said about going into the NFL. “My speed … the combine is one time, but ultimately I’m a great football player. When you put the pads on, it’s another level.”

Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) throws the ball to wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

They could probably do that, due to the fact that they have 12 selections across the seven rounds. At this point in time, it does not see they love any particular player enough to make that big of a trade up, but trades into the late end of the top ten are quite common. Yet, their move to land Michael Pittman Jr. would make it significantly less likely that they make such a move to get another wide receiver.

While at Ohio State, Tate was always in the top half of their wide receiver room, yet played among some of the most talented wide receivers in recent history in current NFL player Emeka Egbuka and young talent Jeremiah Smith. He finished his final collegiate season with All-Big Ten honors, as well as well as being a second team All-American.

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Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Published

21 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Spring football may not carry the same weight as the NFL, but it still offers an opportunity for everyone involved. Fans can satisfy the urge to watch the game they love, while players in the United Football League work to earn another shot at the NFL. No one should expect top-tier play from these teams, but the UFL can still deliver compelling storylines.

Several recognizable names will take the field this spring, including personnel with ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One reason or another, things didn’t work out between the Steelers and these members of the UFL, and that’s why they are attempting a comeback. Pittsburgh either cut them or let them go, and few have heard much from these former members of the Steelers since. The United Football League will see them be thrust back into the spotlight in hopes of landing a shot in an NFL training camp.

Fans will witness several Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers making a comeback in the UFL

Benny Snell Jr., RB, Louisville Kings

The name Benny Snell Jr. has disappeared from football conversations in Pittsburgh since he left the team in 2022. A fourth‑round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Snell never fully found his footing with the Steelers. He was known as a tough, physical runner who could contribute on special teams, but his role in the NFL rarely extended beyond that.

Snell struggled to make a lasting impact in Pittsburgh, and the UFL now offers him a chance to rebuild his reputation and revive his professional prospects.

Todd Haley, OC, Columbus Aviators

It has been nearly a decade since Todd Haley left the Steelers after his stint as offensive coordinator. His last NFL role came in 2018 with the Browns, and since then, his coaching career has taken a winding path that has included high school football and spring league opportunities. Haley’s role with the Aviators could provide him with a chance to re-enter the NFL coaching conversation.

Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Birmingham Stallions

Many had high expectations for Anthony McFarland Jr. when the Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His speed stood out immediately, but he struggled to develop into a complete running back. McFarland now enters his second season in the UFL after a solid stretch of production in 2025. He will need to take the next step and show more consistency this spring.

Tre Norwood, S, Birmingham Stallions

Another United Football League veteran with ties to Pittsburgh is Tre Norwood.

A seventh-round pick by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Norwood used his positional flexibility to carve out a role early in his career. He now enters his second season with the Stallions after posting modest production last year. If the versatile defensive back hopes to earn another opportunity in the NFL, he will need to make a stronger impact in 2026, particularly by creating turnovers.

Roc Taylor, WR, Columbus Aviators

Fans were hopeful for Roc Taylor after he signed with the Steelers last year as an undrafted free agent. The wide receiver group on the roster lacked depth at the time, but Taylor was unable to make it through training camp. Despite that setback, his talent remains evident, and the UFL may represent his best path forward. Taylor has a valuable opportunity in front of him to take advantage of.

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Pittsburg, PA

Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

MMA Fighting has PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle fight card and more from UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh on Saturday night.

In the main event, former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen tries to earn another title shot with a win over Bryan Battle, who makes his PFL debut. Eblen (16-1) suffered his first career loss against Costello van Steenis in a PFL title bout in his most recent outing.

Dalton Rosta and Impa Kasanganay clash in a middleweight contest in the co-main event.

Check out PFL Pittsburgh results below.

Main Card (ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET)

Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle

Dalton Rosta vs. Impa Kasanganay

Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Sumiko Inaba

Alexei Pergande vs. Julio Arce

Lazaro Dayron vs. Jacob Thrall

Prelims (ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)

Allan Begosso vs. Jack Cartwright

Natan Schulte vs. Jakub Kaszuba

Robert Watley vs. Dakota Bush