2012 Penguin postseason thread.

[zulater]

Playoff hockey? Wow!

[The WH]

Yeah Zu, holy shit, I almost forgot what it looked like.

[zulater]

7 unanswered goals! Can we save some for game 5?

[SCSTILLER]

So, I just got home from class and saw the score right before commercial break. Did I see that right, 9-3 Penguins? I guess the Flyers bought into all the hype of the Penguins being dead in the water and the sweep is inevitable. Keep pouring it on!

[Hindes204]

Had to work late so I've been checking the score on my phone.............is my phone broke??? Is that a real score?? What the hell is going on, lol

[salamander]

I'm not satisfied yet. Still 3 more games after this one.

[zulater]

Would we ever see something like this in the Pittsburgh papers if the roles were reversed?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/541152_10150657085265496_188700545495_9702177_1100 481569_n.jpg

Thanks Philthy Daily Spew.

[SCSTILLER]

Had to work late so I've been checking the score on my phone.............is my phone broke??? Is that a real score?? What the hell is going on, lol

My exact thoughts when I got home and got to see the score just before commercial break, except I was thinking my eyes were broke.

[Hindes204]

10-3

Holy shit

[oneforthetoe]

Well, even if we lose this series, this has been fun.

[SCSTILLER]

O well if it was meant like that I'm sorry SC! I've been wondering whats taking so long...

Sorry for the late reply but that's cool Steeldude. I do agree that they should have been suspended, but like XT said I thought the decision should have come quicker. First time back to the board since this post so didn't see this till now.

[SCSTILLER]

Awww, look at the poor Philly fans running for the door! I love it!

[SCSTILLER]

Why is Cooke getting thrown out? What did he do in that scuffle?

[salamander]

Why is Cooke getting thrown out? What did he do in that scuffle?

I think they're just trying to keep the peace.

[X-Terminator]

Am I reading that score right? 10-3 Pens??? WTF???

Better save a few of those goals for Friday night.

[SCSTILLER]

I think they're just trying to keep the peace.

You are right, but that was a little overkill. Cookie was the one on the ice getting cross checked and shoved in the face and he didn't retaliate so I thought that was a little unfair. I guess the refs are taking no chances.

[salamander]

You are right, but that was a little overkill. Cookie was the one on the ice getting cross checked and shoved in the face and he didn't retaliate so I thought that was a little unfair. I guess the refs are taking no chances.

In a game that we're winning 10-3, I'll take it. :lol:

[X-Terminator]

All we need now is some old-school brawling and the night will be complete. :thumbsup:

EDIT: Looking at the box score...

Staal HT
Malkin 2+1
Crosby, Sullivan 1+2
Dupuis, Niskanen 1+1
Cooke, Kennedy, Kunitz 2A each
Letang 1G
Tangradi, Park, Fleury 1A each
4-9 on the PP

Bryzgalov 5 GA on 18 shots
Bobrovsky 5 GA on 17 shots so far

What a game.

[zulater]

All we need now is some old-school brawling and the night will be complete. :thumbsup:

EDIT: Looking at the box score...

Crosby 1+2
Malkin 2+1
Staal HT
Sullivan 1+2
Dupuis 1+1
Cooke, Kennedy, Kunitz 2A each
Letang, Niskanen 1G each
Tangradi, Park, Fleury 1A each
4-9 on the PP

Bryzgalov 5 GA on 18 shots
Bobrovsky 5 GA on 17 shots so far

What a game.

Even better when you watch it. :wink02:

[salamander]

One game at a time.

[X-Terminator]

Even better when you watch it. :wink02:

DVR. :wink02:

[vader29]

Simon Despres needs to stay on the team roster from here on out, impressive young defenseman!

[steelpride12]

And I called it from my last post. The Cryers can thank their classless media for waking up a sleeping Giant. We did this without Neal, Asham, and Adams tonight and the PP clicked and well we did all around and I'm mostly happy with the defense. It was better, not great, not perfect, but where it needs to be. Keep improving, keep working hard in practice because when the D shows up and the PP is spot on were pretty tough to beat.

Another key to this win is the Pens were not the ones starting fights and making horrible moves, it was the Cryers. The Pens kept their mind on the goal of scoring and winning and it paid off.

Yes still 3 wins needed, but we can do this. We have to believe, we have no choice. GO PENS!

[steelersfanman92]

Did anyone really stand out to you? I was really impressed by both Tangradi and Despres.

[steelpride12]

Did anyone really stand out to you? I was really impressed by both Tangradi and Despres.
The whole team stood out. The PP, the defense, Fluery, Staal. I mean I pretty much could name every player who did something different tonight to change their game in their favor.

[The WH]

... Staal.... why do you make hating you so difficult.

[X-Terminator]

I hate to throw cold water on everyone's excitement, but the Pens are still one game away from elimination. And considering how the Flyers have made CONSOL Energy Center their 2nd home, there is a very good likelihood that the series will end tomorrow night, which I'm sure they would love. So I'm expecting their best effort tomorrow, even from Sieve-galov. Can the Pens keep up? Recent history says no, but we'll see.

[zulater]

I hate to throw cold water on everyone's excitement, but the Pens are still one game away from elimination. And considering how the Flyers have made CONSOL Energy Center their 2nd home, there is a very good likelihood that the series will end tomorrow night, which I'm sure they would love. So I'm expecting their best effort tomorrow, even from Sieve-galov. Can the Pens keep up? Recent history says no, but we'll see.

Just take 'em 1 at a time. I think the Pens got an excellent chance to win game 5. I don't buy into home ice disadvantage at all. Just a fluky thing, don't be surprised if the Pens win 10 of the next 12 against the Flyers at home. Just hope that we get two more home wins this spring against them.

[zulater]

If I had to make a prediction I would guess that the Pens win game 5 and take it back to Philly. Got a hunch we'll lose a heart breaker in game 6, possibly even in overtime. When it's all said and done I think we'll probably look to blowing the 3 goal lead in game 1 as the one you'd want back.

[steelpride12]

I hate to throw cold water on everyone's excitement, but the Pens are still one game away from elimination. And considering how the Flyers have made CONSOL Energy Center their 2nd home, there is a very good likelihood that the series will end tomorrow night, which I'm sure they would love. So I'm expecting their best effort tomorrow, even from Sieve-galov. Can the Pens keep up? Recent history says no, but we'll see.
I wanna punch you in the face :lol: Be confident and the Pens know to take one game at a time. If they can play strong defensively and Fluery can make some huge saves we can win tomorrow and the series. Remember Phillys #1 weakeness is their goaltending and we need to come at them a lot and often, but play smart and defensive.

[X-Terminator]

I wanna punch you in the face :lol: Be confident and the Pens know to take one game at a time. If they can play strong defensively and Fluery can make some huge saves we can win tomorrow and the series. Remember Phillys #1 weakeness is their goaltending and we need to come at them a lot and often, but play smart and defensive.

Just trying to keep things in perspective. This is an almost impossible task the Pens have in front of them, and quite frankly I don't think they can come all the way back. I'd be happy if they just forced game 6 given how bad they looked in the first 3 games.

[The WH]

Well, a 2 period shutout for a struggling defense/goalie as well as an offense that ran on all cylinders and a woken powerplay....you never know. If there was a team in the past 10 years that could do it, it would be this years Penguins.

[steelpride12]

Just trying to keep things in perspective. This is an almost impossible task the Pens have in front of them, and quite frankly I don't think they can come all the way back. I'd be happy if they just forced game 6 given how bad they looked in the first 3 games.
Look at the facts in front of you though, like the WH said if there is any team it's the Penguins. You have to believe a team with as much firepower as them can do it. I firmly believe the defense has patched up well enough to win a few more games, holding the Cryers to 3 goals last game is a huge victory and we also saw Fluery start to make some amazing saves which will give him confidence and hopefully put him on a good streak.

Not to mention the Cryers have horrible goaltending and we can take advantage of whoever is in the net. We get Neal back tonight to add to the already potent offense.

Yes, the odds are against us, yes we probably will lose and slip up a game, but I have to believe. If it was any other team I would have full doubt, but this team has the skill.

[SCSTILLER]

Fleury.........Fleury..........Fleury!

[SCSTILLER]

Bring on Game 6! Fleury is looking like he is finding his form! The sight of that dick Hartnell whining and throwing a temper tantrum at the end of the game is a beautiful thing (I wouldn't piss on him if he was burning to death)!

[polamalubeast]

Everything is possible for the penguins!

[X-Terminator]

I actually watched this game from beginning to end...the first full game I've watched in over a month. And boy am I glad I did. Hell of a performance from Flower.

[salamander]

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pens open their playoffs with a 3-1 win over the Hershey Bears. It was a good game all around. Moving on to game 2 of the best of 5 series.

[steelerdude15]

Good game, I'll be at game six!

[oneforthetoe]

Flyers vs Penguins, Sunday, High Noon. How appropriate is that?

Just have to believe.

[steelerdude15]

I have to ask everyone for advice. A friend and I are going to the Pens game on Sunday and do you think it would be a good idea to wear my jersey? We all know how Philly fans are and I DO NOT talk trash... whats everyone's opinion?

[The WH]

Depends on how much you care about your physical well being v. openly supporting your team.

If the Pens walk out of game 6 with a W, who knows what they will do.

[zulater]

I have to ask everyone for advice. A friend and I are going to the Pens game on Sunday and do you think it would be a good idea to wear my jersey? We all know how Philly fans are and I DO NOT talk trash... whats everyone's opinion?

Don't wear the jersey and cheer mildly. I've been to quite a few Penguin -Flyer games in Philly , and most don't seem to mind you if you keep yourself in check. You put on a jersey there's always going to be at least one idiot who will target you the whole game.

[ALLD]

Sometimes you don't put in a full effort or are in the game mentally until your back is against the wall. The Pens are in sudden death. They can win because they are the better team and they had longer win streaks this season. It will make a great story in their "sweep" the hard way.

[ShutDown24]

If the Pens stay on an even keel there is no excuse for them not to finish this series. The comeback isn't really that daunting of a task any longer, if they keep the same approach for the next two games they will be fine. I look for the Flyers to come out swinging in game 6 - quite literally. If Philly is smart enough to figure out that the Pens aren't able to hold their temper it might be over. But as far as actual hockey goes, there is no reason the Pens shouldn't advance. It's all mindset at this point.

[ShutDown24]

I have to ask everyone for advice. A friend and I are going to the Pens game on Sunday and do you think it would be a good idea to wear my jersey? We all know how Philly fans are and I DO NOT talk trash... whats everyone's opinion?

I would personally wear it, but I don't have any issue talking trash if someone initiates it so there is a big difference in our attitudes haha.

[zulater]

I would personally wear it, but I don't have any issue talking trash if someone initiates it so there is a big difference in our attitudes haha.

It's just just about talking trash. Unless you're prepared for a beer shower followed by a popcorn bath, best to leave the jersey at home.

[steelerdude15]

It's just just about talking trash. Unless you're prepared for a beer shower followed by a popcorn bath, best to leave the jersey at home.

Well on account that its a true authentic and I don't want anything happening to it, I probably will leave it home then.

[zulater]

Just 1 game at a time. Game 6 is just as much in the Pens grasp as it the Flyers. It's all about which team executes and plays most to it's ability. Let's go win game 6!

[ShutDown24]

It's just just about talking trash. Unless you're prepared for a beer shower followed by a popcorn bath, best to leave the jersey at home.

I've watched a couple games in Philly and have never been touched by anyone or any of their possessions. Maybe I've just been lucky. But I wouldn't attend a game without making my rooting interests known. I can understand that risk isn't for everyone though.

[zulater]

I've watched a couple games in Philly and have never been touched by anyone or any of their possessions. Maybe I've just been lucky. But I wouldn't attend a game without making my rooting interests known. I can understand that risk isn't for everyone though.

I don't hide my rooting interest. It becomes pretty clear to whomever is sitting around me pretty quickly that I'm all in on the Pens. I just don't wear it on my sleeve in a literal sense. It's usually not the guy next to you that will bother you, it's the one 8-10 rows away.

I'm there to enjoy the game and cheer my team on. I don't consider it my duty to take on every stupid drunk that is there to make his bones in front of his friends that day.

[steelerdude15]

I don't hide my rooting interest. It becomes pretty clear to whomever is sitting around me pretty quickly that I'm all in on the Pens. I just don't wear it on my sleeve in a literal sense. It's usually not the guy next to you that will bother you, it's the one 8-10 rows away.

I'm there to enjoy the game and cheer my team on. I don't consider it my duty to take on every stupid drunk that is there to make his bones in front of his friends that day.

I'd wear a Steelers jersey to a Ravens/Steelers game, but I've never dealt with Philly fans at that large of a scale before. I also want to enjoy it and I'm sure they'll pick it up that I'm a Pens fan.

[steelpride12]

I'd wear a Steelers jersey to a Ravens/Steelers game, but I've never dealt with Philly fans at that large of a scale before. I also want to enjoy it and I'm sure they'll pick it up that I'm a Pens fan.My dads friend from work went to a game in Philly with his Pens jersey on and had a beer bath before it started. He ended up fighting the guys bad story I know you wouldn't do that :P

I'll be at the big screen tomorrow woot! :)

[Godfather]

My dads friend from work went to a game in Philly with his Pens jersey on and had a beer bath before it started. He ended up fighting the guys bad story I know you wouldn't do that :P

I'll be at the big screen tomorrow woot! :)

I hate fans like that.

I got a Coke and rum shower at an LSU game once (it was intended for a Notre Dame fan). That was on an evening when the temperature was in the 30s, we were getting curbstomped, and thanks to the idiot fan I was wet. When security was dragging the perp away I yelled at them to search the jackass for alcohol and said I got hit with it and definitely smelled rum mixed into the Coke.

[steeldevil]

Go Pens!

[stillers4me]

This one is for Marianne! Go Pens!

[salamander]

This one is for Marianne! Go Pens!

Here, here! :drink:

LET'S GO PENS!

[The WH]

Someone put Sidney Crosby on a milk carton.

[zulater]

At least they weren't swept. I would have loved if that offsides goal in game one had been disallowed as it should have been. But that's life.

[86WARD]

Pretty much sums up this series...

http://i42.tinypic.com/2ewe6xf.gif

[oneforthetoe]

Sid did not look his usual self. I hope he is not hiding any issues. Of course, Geno hasn't played like his regular season self either.

Just a pathetic performance by the Pens overall. I think we will see changes. Nothing crazy, but Mario is not one to sit still and settle for first round losses, either.

[zulater]

Sid did not look his usual self. I hope he is not hiding any issues. Of course, Geno hasn't played like his regular season self either.

Just a pathetic performance by the Pens overall. I think we will see changes. Nothing crazy, but Mario is not one to sit still and settle for first round losses, either.

I'd start by firing Blysma. He got outcoached like no one's business.

[oneforthetoe]

I'd start by firing Blysma. He got outcoached like no one's business.

Not sure Mario will pull the trigger in the off season, but they better play well early next season for sure.

[The WH]

I think the players have more to answer for this loss today. they played like they were skating in mud. they were about as intense as a book reading of War and Peace.

[The WH]

Was this team missing veteran leadership? I think so.

[steelersfanman92]

The Pens really need to bring in some vets or have some players step to get a locker room presence. I hoping they will bring in a couple defensemen, a backup goalie, and maybe another winger or two. Something need to change after that embarrassment.

[steelpride12]

I don't blame anything or anyone. The Pens were outplayed. The Cryers had more will and heart in this series than the Pens could ever muster. Of course we have more all around skill than them, but the Cryers came out determined and proved it. I hate to admit that, I hate the Cryers, but hey hearing them chant "Crosby Sucks" is hilarious IMO because even they know he is the best in the world and will always own them.

[X-Terminator]

There will definitely be changes made. They can be forgiven for last season's first-round exit and even their 2nd round exit in 2010 since they'd played 300+ games in 2+ calendar years at that point, but there is no excuse for them to be one and done this season. Not with all of that talent. More strong veteran leadership is sorely needed on this team. How people forget how important Bill Guerin, Sergei Gonchar, Hal Gill and, yes, Max Talbot were to those 2 Cup final runs. As for Bylsma, he will not be fired, but he will need to make changes to his system and make adjustments when his system isn't working. He's shown he has the ability to do it since last season was nothing but one big adjustment with his stars being out. But this year was unacceptable in every way - intensity, preparation, adjustments, you name it. The Pens were clearly not prepared to play this series, and that falls at the feet of the head coach.

[SteelCityMan786]

Ugggh, it has to be to THEM?!?!?!?!!?!?

Anyway, as has been said, I hate the Flyers, but the penalty kill was horrendous. Taking penalties and stooping to the Flyers level was Icing on the cake (Although one bright spot is, the Flyers suffered their biggest butt kicking in playoff history against us this series.)

http://www.nhlfreeagents.com/Pittsburgh_Penguins_2012.html

Anyway, here is our free agency list for 2012 along with my opinions

Steve MacIntyre--Signed
Casey Pierro-Zabotel--jury is out
Steve Sullivan--Won't be surprised if gone
Eric Tangradi--Doesn't seem to be high on their thoughts. Won't be stunned if he is gone.
Ryan Craig--jury is out
Cal O'Reilly--Might give him more time. He was a later pick up for the Penguins.
Kevin Vellieux--Not sure
Arron Asham--GOOD BYE! He has some of the biggest discipline problems on this team (not to say the likes of Cooke was anymore innocent before fixing his image nicely)
Colin McDonald--Not sure
Richard Park--Gone by retirement
Jason Williams--Not sure
Robert Bortuzzo--Signed to WBS
Alex Grant--Signed to WBS
Matt Niskanen--They seemed to miss him for the most part while he was out, I'd say resign although defensemen HAS to be a point of emphasis in the offseason although I could see Despres starting the year in Pittsburgh.
Alexandre Picard--Not sure
Carl Sneep--Want to see what he does in the playoffs at WBS first
Brian Strait--Seemed to make a smooth transition. I'd like to see him play a full season if possible, re-sign.
Boris Valabik--Not sure
Brent Johnson--GONE unless no better options show up in FA or in the system.
Mattias Modig--Signed for WBS depth
Scott Munroe--Signed for WBS depth
Brad Thiessen--Signed either for WBS depth as Fleury's back up (Even though he did have a flat out BAD game against Ottawa, but it's not fair to call that his true talent.)

For the full 2012 Free Agency Pool
http://www.sportscity.com/nhl/2012-nhl-free-agents-unrestricted-listed-by-position/

Anyone for a homecoming of the USS Hal Gill? It would beat the crap out of seeing Paul Martin.

[salamander]

Ugggh, it has to be to THEM?!?!?!?!!?!?

Anyway, as has been said, I hate the Flyers, but the penalty kill was horrendous. Taking penalties and stooping to the Flyers level was Icing on the cake (Although one bright spot is, the Flyers suffered their biggest butt kicking in playoff history against us this series.)

http://www.nhlfreeagents.com/Pittsburgh_Penguins_2012.html

Anyway, here is our free agency list for 2012 along with my opinions

Steve MacIntyre--Signed
Casey Pierro-Zabotel--jury is out
Steve Sullivan--Won't be surprised if gone
Eric Tangradi--Doesn't seem to be high on their thoughts. Won't be stunned if he is gone.
Ryan Craig--jury is out
Cal O'Reilly--Might give him more time. He was a later pick up for the Penguins.
Kevin Vellieux--Not sure
Arron Asham--GOOD BYE! He has some of the biggest discipline problems on this team (not to say the likes of Cooke was anymore innocent before fixing his image nicely)
Colin McDonald--Not sure
Richard Park--Gone by retirement
Jason Williams--Not sure
Robert Bortuzzo--Signed to WBS
Alex Grant--Signed to WBS
Matt Niskanen--They seemed to miss him for the most part while he was out, I'd say resign although defensemen HAS to be a point of emphasis in the offseason although I could see Despres starting the year in Pittsburgh.
Alexandre Picard--Not sure
Carl Sneep--Want to see what he does in the playoffs at WBS first
Brian Strait--Seemed to make a smooth transition. I'd like to see him play a full season if possible, re-sign.
Boris Valabik--Not sure
Brent Johnson--GONE unless no better options show up in FA or in the system.
Mattias Modig--Signed for WBS depth
Scott Munroe--Signed for WBS depth
Brad Thiessen--Signed either for WBS depth as Fleury's back up (Even though he did have a flat out BAD game against Ottawa, but it's not fair to call that his true talent.)

For the full 2012 Free Agency Pool
http://www.sportscity.com/nhl/2012-nhl-free-agents-unrestricted-listed-by-position/

Anyone for a homecoming of the USS Hal Gill? It would beat the crap out of seeing Paul Martin.

Keven Veillieux has had 2 knee injuries in 3 years and I don't see him back. Carl Sneep is injured and won't be playing in the playoffs out here. Alexandre Picard has been one of our better D-men this season. If you want to know any more about the WBS guys, feel free to ask me. I am a season ticket holder for the WBS Pens after all. :chuckle:

[zulater]

One thing is becoming obvious. The Pens early demise from the playoffs wasn't that the Flyers were that good, it was that the Pens were that bad. And no not talent wise. I still believe the talent is at or near the top of the league. The team was poorly prepared for the playoffs and the Flyers in particular. Apparently the Pens have no plans to fire Blysma. And maybe that's the right approach. But they damn well better figure out what went wrong and how they're going to address it. The Pens special teams falling apart after being among the league's best all season is still baffling to me? Relative to talent this might be the most disappointing post season performance in Pens history.

[steelerdude15]

One thing is becoming obvious. The Pens early demise from the playoffs wasn't that the Flyers were that good, it was that the Pens were that bad. And no not talent wise. I still believe the talent is at or near the top of the league. The team was poorly prepared for the playoffs and the Flyers in particular. Apparently the Pens have no plans to fire Blysma. And maybe that's the right approach. But they damn well better figure out what went wrong and how they're going to address it. The Pens special teams falling apart after being among the league's best all season is still baffling to me? Relative to talent this might be the most disappointing post season performance in Pens history.

I'm sure they'll fix it. I also agree that the Pens could have won that series if it wasn't for the piss poor play by them.

[steelpride12]

Make sure you all go out and vote for Malkin I'd love to see him make the cover of NHL13 def. since I love this series. Looks like Giroux and Hartnell are both favorites right now and honestly would hate purchasing a physical copy if they were. Malkin made it to the second round which begins May 11th. http://covervote.nhl.com/:b=firefox12/#/ballot

[steelerdude15]

Make sure you all go out and vote for Malkin I'd love to see him make the cover of NHL13 def. since I love this series. Looks like Giroux and Hartnell are both favorites right now and honestly would hate purchasing a physical copy if they were. Malkin made it to the second round which begins May 11th. http://covervote.nhl.com/:b=firefox12/#/ballot

That would be awesome to see Malkin on the cover. I've been thinking about NHL Live for the best few years and I'll definitely buy it if hes on the cover.

[polamalubeast]

flyers is out!

[vader29]

flyers is out!

:yay3: :yay3: :yay3:

[X-Terminator]

flyers is out!

That's great, because Flyers fans deserve nothing but pain and misery. But it pisses me off because if the Pens had bothered to play actual playoff hockey, they would have ousted the Flyers in the first round. They really weren't anything special. At all. I also find it extremely ironic that Claude Giroux got himself suspended for tonight's game for a head shot that he pretty much called, after the Flyers fans thought he could do no wrong...all the while bashing the Pens and particularly Crosby and Malkin for their dirty play in the first round. So they got exactly what they deserved, which was absolutely nothing.

See you on the golf course, you orange-jumpsuited prison inmates.

[zulater]

https://p.twimg.com/AscgtUZCAAA7VV-.jpg