Pens' Neal Nets Hat Trick Friday: James Neal netted a hat trick and added an assist in a 6-2, series-clinching win Friday night against the Senators. (Updated 5/24/13)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/13).
Fantasy Analysis
He has five goals (on 14 shots) and seven points in the last two games. Linemate Evgeni Malkin predicted a breakout for James Neal -- who totaled three points in his first seven playoff games -- prior to Wednesday's tilt and the forward has more than followed through. Surprisingly, just two of his 10 points have come courtesy of the power play. (Updated 5/24/13).
05/24/2013 22:52 Pens' Neal Nets Hat Trick Friday
Neal netted a hat trick and added an assist in a 6-2, series-clinching win Friday night against the Senators.He has five goals (on 14 shots) and seven points in the last two games. Linemate Evgeni Malkin predicted a breakout for Neal -- who totaled three points in his first seven playoff games -- prior to Wednesday's tilt and the forward has more than followed through. Surprisingly, just two of his 10 points have come courtesy of the power play.
05/24/2013 22:17 NHL Playoffs: Grades for Night 25
The Pittsburgh Penguins moved on to the Eastern Conference final with an impressive Game 5 win against Ottawa.
05/22/2013 23:39 James Neal starts to get some results
James Neal has been playing well for the Penguins but not getting the results. On Wednesday night he started to get the results.
05/22/2013 22:32 Neal Adds Three Points In Pens Win
Neal notched three points in Wednesday's Game 4 win over the Senators.Neal recorded two goals and an assist as the flood gates opened for the Pens in a 7-3 dismantling of Ottawa.
James Neal was one of but four NHL players to pot 40 goals in 2011-12. He clicked with Evgeni Malkin from the get-go, scoring the Pens' first goal of the season off a power-play set up by Geno. His 18 power-play goals led the league while his 81-point total was good for seventh. Factor in 329 shots, 87 penalty minutes as well as 108 hits and it's easy to see why Neal's fantasy value is higher than ever. The power forward had a penchant for streakiness up until last season, but then again, he never had teammates like Malkin and Sidney Crosby to help alleviate those concerns in Dallas. Asking for back-to-back 40 goal seasons might be a little much, but there's no reason not expect another 30-plus tallies from Neal. (Updated 8/14/12)
