Stanley Cup Playoffs!

[Spike]

Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, bring me the brandy! Go Pens!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 NYI @ PIT Wed May 1, 7:30pm

2 NYI @ PIT Fri May 3, 7pm

3 PIT @ NYI Sun May 5, Noon

4 PIT @ NYI Tues May 7, 7pm

[Spike]

PIT not likely to know til tomorrow afternoon if Crosby will be medically cleared to play Wed vs NYI. That's when he's to see the doctor.

https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/328882891025170434

[X-Terminator]

I'm guessing he won't play Wednesday but will probably play Friday. If they're really as good as everyone says they are, and that they think they are, they won't need him to win Wednesday.

[steelerdude15]

It should be an exciting series. I'm looking forward to it and I hope the Pens will be able to advance. I think the key will be the PK. That is the biggest weakness of this team and hasn't been right since this time last year.

[Spike]

Like I said before, play smart and disciplined, don't force things and none of that pond hockey crap and they should wear them down quick.

I wonder if Dan has the balls to play Vokoun - he owned the Isles. I'd pull Fleury quick if he looks like he's at all shaky early.

[steelerdude15]

Like I said before, play smart and disciplined, don't force things and none of that pond hockey crap and they should wear them down quick.

I wonder if Dan has the balls to play Vokoun - he owned the Isles. I'd pull Fleury quick if he looks like he's at all shaky early.

I was thinking the same thing. If I'm correct, Tomas went 3-0 against this season. I would like to see the hot goalie against this team play. Plus, it could give Flower some rest in case they advance.

[Spike]

I hate waiting...........



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pWOXHqWvUzE

[Devilsdancefloor]

So happy it is playoff time, good luck to the Pens

[Spike]

Come right out and smack them in the face, that's what I say


Douglas Murray will eat your children!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8QQl-AvnLnE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyIzxqYe_GE&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ZYFzSyIpQ&feature=player_embedded

[fansince'76]

Added some new hockey-themed smileys to the board:

the "attack" smiley:

:attack:

the "check" smiley:

:check:

the "goal" smiley:

:goal:

the "puck juggling" smiley:

:puckjuggle:

and the "penalty box" smiley:

:penalty:

Enjoy, folks!

[Spike]

here's some Pens stuff

http://forums.steelersfever.com/images/smilies/penguins.gif

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/penguins/pittsburgh-penguins-flag-smiley-emoticon.gif

[fansince'76]

Added. Thanks! :drink:

[Spike]

Does this look like Murray?

http://forums.steelersfever.com/images/smilies/smileys-hockey-and-ice-hockey-053496.gif

[Spike]

Pittsburgh Penguins ‏@penguins38sNo updates from #Pens coach Bylsma. Game 1 lineup will be game-time decisions

Shelly Anderson ‏@pgshelly 19sCrosby on doc: "At the end of the day I have to make sure things are healed, and he's the one who knows that best." #Penguins

I guess that means no Sid

[fansince'76]

Another one, "interference":

:interference:

:lol:

[Spike]

Crosby: "I'll wear a football helmet" if that would get him cleared to play. #Penguins

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3554/fleurytowelrh4.jpg

[Spike]

I kinda hope Sid sits another week, and we beat the Isles with our "B" team.



PRACTICE INFO
Brooks Orpik is the only Penguin missing from practice.

Lines and D-pairings are the same as yesterday...

Kunitz-Malkin-Neal
Dupuis-Jokinen-Iginla
Morrow-Sutter-Cooke
Glass-Adams-Kennedy (Bennett rotated in on the fourth line again)


Jeffrey-Crosby-Vitale (practice)

Eaton-Letang
Murray-Niskanen
Martin-Engelland
Despres-Bortuzzo

as before - Game 1 lineup will be game-time decisions

[venom]

http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/hockey-and-ice-hockey/smileys-hockey-and-ice-hockey-915032.gif

- - - Updated - - -

[salamander]

I'm liking the hockey smileys. :lol:

[steelerdude15]

I have only one word for the first two games... Unbelievable.

[vader29]

I have only one word for the first two games... Unbelievable.
I watched most of the Blues/Kings and what a terrible way for the Kings to lose like that with the Quick give away, he has to make a faster decision with the puck there or just stay in his crease.

[Spike]

yeah - Holy shiite Kings, way to blow a game.....on a 4 min PP and your goalie gives away a game in sudden death OT, shorthanded

I hope Fleury was watching Quick blow that game by trying to handle the puck behind the net. and looking like a complete fool. STAY IN THE NET! where you belong and don't try and play hero with the puck

[Spike]

How these Playoffs would look under next year's alignment

(points staying the same etc)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Montreal vs 4 Detroit
2 Boston vs 3 Toronto
1 Pittsburgh vs 5 Ottawa
2 Washington vs 3 New York Rangers


East

NE+FL

Montreal
Boston
Toronto
--------
Detroit
Ottawa
Buffalo
Tampa Bay
Florida

ATL

Pittsburgh
Washington
New York Rangers
--------
New York Islanders
Columbus
Philadelphia
NJ
Carolina


Wildcard

Detroit
Ottawa
--------
NYI
Columbus

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

West

1. Chicago vs 4. Winnipeg
2. St. Louis vs 3. Minnesota
1. Anaheim vs 4. San Jose
2. Los Angeles vs 3. Vancouver

Central

Chicago
St. Louis
Minnesota
---------
Winnipeg
Dallas
Nashville
Colorado

Pacific

Anaheim
Los Angeles
Vancouver
---------
San Jose
Phoenix
Edmonton
Calgary


Wild Card

San Jose
Winnipeg
----------
Phoenix
Dallas



confusing enough?

[venom]

Now I know why the Hawks had a great year


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2AlU2RpM1TI

[Spike]

ha ha - she never even realized what she said

she made the headlines

http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/04/30/susannah-collins-of-csn-chicago-blackhawks-had-such-a-tremendous-amount-of-sex-during-regular-season-video/?source=top-modules

[Spike]

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie - Crosby's status solely in hands of Dr., and X-ray. Issue is whether jaw bone sufficiently healed to withstand contact w/o breaking again.


It never ceases to amaze me how Bob McKenzie and other Canadian reporters always seem to have more info than the local media

[X-Terminator]

McKenzie is one of the best, no doubt. Darren Dreger isn't too bad either. Our local media is too obsessed with the Steelers to give out any info on the Pens. But anyway, Crosby skated on the "5th" line at the morning skate today and wasn't on either of the PP units, so it's looking like he won't be playing tonight.

[Spike]

McKenzie is one of the best, no doubt. Darren Dreger isn't too bad either. Our local media is too obsessed with the Steelers to give out any info on the Pens. But anyway, Crosby skated on the "5th" line at the morning skate today and wasn't on either of the PP units, so it's looking like he won't be playing tonight.

maybe Beau gets to play

fun facts: Beau Bennett on the season has 14 points in 26 games, Kennedy has 11 in 46

[X-Terminator]

It's official - no Crosby tonight. Bennett, BTW, did practice with the 2nd PP unit, so he could be in the lineup.

[Spike]

I figured as much


“I’m not in good (enough) of shape yet,” Crosby said. “Obviously not going to play tonight. Whenever I kind of take a regular morning skate, I’m sure that will be a pretty good sign I’m in.”

[fansince'76]

http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/hockey-and-ice-hockey/smileys-hockey-and-ice-hockey-915032.gif

- - - Updated - - -

Added. Thanks! :drink:

[Spike]

Brenden Morrow is trying out the 'sex before games is good' formula

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_APULPHHGbBw/TLjIYlQtdPI/AAAAAAAAAKw/FNaCKXJ5GaE/s1600/_VIP8889.jpg


hey, is that your mom?

[X-Terminator]

Pretty sure that's not him. But if I'm wrong, I'm sure his wife will be thrilled to see that picture.

[Count Steeler]

So the Leafs are in the second season. First time in 9 years. If I were Boston, I would run at Reimer all night. I want the Leafs to do well, but, I've been burned too many times in 46 years. 46 friggin' years, man!

Hope I get to see some of the Pens game as well.

[stillers4me]

:penguins: Love all of them!

[Spike]

Pretty sure that's not him.

and you would be wrong




Lets go boys!!

kick some ass

http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/images/smilies/Pittsburgh_Penguins_logo_s.png

[vader29]

So the Leafs are in the second season. First time in 9 years. If I were Boston, I would run at Reimer all night. I want the Leafs to do well, but, I've been burned too many times in 46 years. 46 friggin' years, man!

Hope I get to see some of the Pens game as well.

:chuckle:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BJJNq6zCMAEvwwK.jpg

[oneforthetoe]

4-0 - Pens on fire. Every time I look away they score. Not sure what that means, but they look great right now.

[Count Steeler]

:chuckle:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BJJNq6zCMAEvwwK.jpg


Yeah, that's how they played tonight. Or didn't play. Pens are looking good.

[oneforthetoe]

Neal ...Damn, I hope it is not concussion symptoms.

[oneforthetoe]

Now Yoke is down on a dirty hit. Are we going to have anybody left?

[salamander]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/923285_10151374084495919_1362713426_n.jpg

[steelerdude15]

That was an excellent win and a great way to start the series. The Pens pretty much dominated the game from start to beginning. Flower was fantastic tonight and we also have to give it up to the defense for helping him out. Also, the PK was excellent tonight and that was the biggest woe of last year. I hope that it is fixed for good, but there certainly were a lot of penalties tonight and I hope that there will be more discipline on Friday night.

[zulater]

Just hope Joker and Neal are ok. What a dirty hit that was on Joker!

[I-Want-Troy's-Hair]

looked like it was Neal's leg/ankle there was a video of it on the pens blog...I will be very surprised if we see Neal again this year....I hope I'm wrong but it wasn't good.

[X-Terminator]

looked like it was Neal's leg/ankle there was a video of it on the pens blog...I will be very surprised if we see Neal again this year....I hope I'm wrong but it wasn't good.

It's playoff time. If he can walk (and he apparently took another shift on it before leaving the game), tape it up and get out there.

All this win did was guarantee that the Pens won't be swept. I expect the Isles to have a much better effort Friday and pick up the W, along with home-ice advantage.

[Spike]

Isles are a fucking joke.

Cheap ass punk bitches, can't compete, so go for the knees. Totally classless franchise. Tavares acts like a scared little bitch when he gets slapped around, 0 shots on goal.

"OMG! Bennett is playing and scores? He should be in the AHL where he belongs. This game will ruin his development!"


BWAhahahaha

[X-Terminator]

I have to admit, Bennett has made a believer out of me. He earned that lineup spot last night. Kid's going to be something special.

[Spike]

Beau's first shift and first shot of his first NHL playoff game he scores the game winning goal!

suh-weet!


Beau Knows Playoffs

Ever since the moment Bennett was drafted, the Penguins organization and its fans have been anticipating the kind of NHL player he would be. His silky smooth hands, craftiness, smarts and vision were readily apparent even as a raw 18-year-old hockey player, and it was exciting to think of how those would translate to the NHL level as he matured.

That being said, Bennett turned 21 years old in November and is still growing and developing. So when he got called up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the first time on Feb. 15, you didn’t want to have too high of expectations. After all, he’s still a kid in many ways.

But much to everyone’s delighted surprise, Bennett has been playing way beyond his years in his time with Pittsburgh – and is looking like the player everyone hoped he would be. And he showed that on Wednesday in the biggest game of his career so far, playing calm, composed and poised.

more

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=668800&navid=DL|PIT|home

[Spike]

Looks like Neal rolled his ankle, he did play one shift after he got hurt - so maybe it isn't too bad

http://i.minus.com/iwFawM3tOIt9U.GIF

[Spike]

Dave Molinari ‏@MolinariPG 2m-Jokinen, injured later in Game 1, is on the ice for practice. Orpik is coming onto the ice for practice.

http://twitter.com/MolinariPG/statuses/329983949101228032

Crosby is first Penguin on the ice for practice #Pens -SK

https://twitter.com/PensInsideScoop/statuses/329980515056754689


Crosby centering Kunitz, Dupuis at #Penguins practice.

https://twitter.com/pgshelly/statuses/329986603571355648

Crosby sure practicing like a guy who is playing soon. Lots of signs pointing that way today.

https://twitter.com/JoshYohe_Trib/statuses/329993834333368320

[Spike]

CROSBY WITH REGULAR LINEMATES; NEAL NOT AT PENGUINS PRACTICE

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2013/05/02/sidneycrosby_4825-430x298.jpg

There was some good news and some bad news at Pittsburgh Penguins practice on Thursday.

Sidney Crosby may have taken another step towards returning, as he skated with his regular linemates, Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis.

Crosby has been out of action for one month with a broken jaw.

After the practice, Crosby told the media that his status hasn't changed and he's still not cleared to play. He also stated that he has no scheduled appointment with his doctor.

James Neal however, was not at practice. The 25-year-old left Pittsburgh's 5-0 win over the New York Islanders on Wednesday with an ankle injury.

Also, Jussi Jokinen practiced with the team after leaving Wednesday's game with an apparent knee injury. Islanders forward Marty Reasoner was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play but will not face any further discipline from the league

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=422210

[ALLD]

I watched that game on tv in the Florida Keys. The Islanders suck.

[ShoeHorn]

That injury to Neal looks high ankle sprain-ish, which would suck since it would put him out for a while.

[salamander]

Switching to the AHL Calder Cup playoffs for a moment... The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins swept their first round series against the Binghamton Senators with a dramatic, come-from-behind 3-2 home victory tonight. It was a fun game to be at, that's for sure! Here's a snapshot of the game-winning goal courtesy of the team:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249120_10151358931131384_1598901721_n.jpg

[Spike]

That injury to Neal looks high ankle sprain-ish, which would suck since it would put him out for a while.

nah - He was walking around with a slight limp after practice according to reports, no crutches or boot, give him a couple games, he'll be back - as long as it's not his head - we're OK

Blues and Kings is a sloberknocker series - end to end action and Blues win - go up 2-0



had to laugh at Habs fans, up 2-1 in 3rd, then start Ole Ole Ole chant and give up 2 goals and lose to Sens...ahahahahah

now they get the back to back tonight, it's a bloodbath

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/stanleycup2013/assets_c/2013/05/eller-blood_620-thumb-620xauto-294940.jpg

[Spike]

Penguins notebook: Neal unlikely to play Game 2

Bylsma - don't even ask about injuries

"There's no update and I'm not going to give you one."

[X-Terminator]

I figured as much. Oh well, it's Beau's time once again. It's nice to have the luxury of replacing one high-end skill player with another. I still think the Isles will win tonight, though.

[X-Terminator]

He's baaaaack...

Crosby Returns; Back in Lineup for Game 2
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471675) makes his postseason debut Friday night in Game 2 against the NY Islanders at CONSOL Energy Center in the opening round Stanley Cup playoff series.
Crosby, who missed Game 1 Wednesday and the last 12 games of the regular season with a broken jaw, met with his doctor Thursday after practice and was cleared to return to game action.

“I’m cleared to play tonight,” Crosby said. “I’m excited to get back in there and play in the playoffs.

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=668971&navid=DL|PIT|home

[Spike]

Guess 48hrs does make a difference

“(The doctor) was around and I wasn’t sure if he would give me the OK or even consider it. I’m happy that he did and happy to be back. ... He's comfortable with me getting hit at this point. That's the biggest thing. He has to be comfortable putting me out there. To hear him say that allows me to be comfortable, too."



Great to get Sid back but I hope the rest of the Pens don't let up and think they can take a rest now.

Pittsburgh Penguins ‏@penguins #Pens line rushes at morning skate:

Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis,
Bennett-Malkin-Iginla,
Morrow-Sutter-Cooke,
Glass-Jokinen-Adams.

[stillers4me]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TysaOOg_N5E&feature=player_embedded

[Spike]

http://i.imgur.com/zk6jYfd.gif

Ottawa Senators defenceman Eric Gryba has been suspended two games by the National Hockey League for his hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=422306



looked like a clean hip check to me

[Count Steeler]

http://i.imgur.com/zk6jYfd.gif

Ottawa Senators defenceman Eric Gryba has been suspended two games by the National Hockey League for his hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=422306



looked like a clean hip check to me

That's a media suspension, not a hockey suspension. The Montreal defender that made the pass should be flogged.

[X-Terminator]

Complete bullshit. So let it now be known that if you hit a player through the shoulder/chest from the side, you had better pray he doesn't get hurt. I mean, really? If that was a player on any other team besides Montreal, the hit doesn't even get a second look. Shanahan channeling his inner Roger Goodell and letting the media influence his decisions. :coffee: :jerkit:

[zulater]

Well that sucked. a whole season gaining home ice advantage throughout the eastern conference playoffs lost in 60 shitty minutes of play. :frusty:

[steelerdude15]

That sucked. I hope this doesn't turn into a series like the one from last year. I would be so pissed.

[Spike]

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view3/2971540/john-goodman-table-flip-o.gif


The dreaded 2-0 lead. Way to fuck it up boys, they got cocky and sloppy. Pathetic defense. Fucking lazy Russians.

Lazy is lazy, and Malkin sure is lazy with the puck. Letang must be part Russian too.

Can anyone pass without turning it over?

and Meathead Fleury blows a 3-1 lead - stay in your fucking net you idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bring in Vokoun for game 3

[X-Terminator]

Uh huh. Looks like they definitely have learned nothing from last season.

Isles in 7. Lock it down.

[zulater]

Uh huh. Looks like they definitely have learned nothing from last season.

Isles in 7. Lock it down.


It was one bad game for Christ's sake.

Pens in 6. Lock that down. :coffee:

[Spike]

Uh huh. Looks like they definitely have learned nothing from last season.

Isles in 7. Lock it down.

You were right, the 2012 Penguins have just arrived on stage.


LOL - reporter just asked Bylsma what he was thinking with the line combinations


Disco panics, 'Let's see, I'll sit Bennett for the last period....and use my supersecret weapon of a Glass-Malkin-Adams line'


Shero and Mario better send a message down that Dan is on the hotseat, along with his goalie.

[Spike]

It was one bad game for Christ's sake.



They used up all their excuses like that last year


How do you get fooled by shots off the boards IN YOUR OWN ARENA ???

Not once, but twice

How, Fleury, how?

That screaming you heard when they scored their 3rd goal was me....I wanted him pulled then

I had a feeling


I do give the Islanders full credit, they came out determined to win a playoff game.

We came out for a scrimmage.

[zulater]

It's not over until someone wins 4 games. Yeah Fleury was an idiot for giving up two goals he shouldn't have. but overall his play has been rock solid through two games. You got to ride him at least through the start of game 3.

Other than that I think the distraction of Sid got everyone a little bit this game. Instead of worrying about their own assignment, concentrating on what they needed to do to get a win, players go into scectator mode and got caught in the moment of Sid.

Just need a better all around effort and we should be able to take at least one on the Island.

[Spike]

that I think the distraction of Sid got everyone a little bit this game. Instead of worrying about their own assignment, concentrating on what they needed to do to get a win, players go into spectator mode and got caught in the moment of Sid.

Just need a better all around effort and we should be able to take at least one on the Island.

now that I'm somewhat more sober, I'm starting to remember the horror show better

The minute I saw Bylsma on the dry erase board I knew we were doomed. He couldn't figure out they were baiting the Pens to use the 50 ft stretch passes and getting turnover after turnover off it. But instead of going back to basics with the dump and chase to get it deep he benches Bennett instead. Great strategery there.

yeah - they got complacent after going up 2-0, after that they quit the safe and simple plays they've been using to win and went right back to the fucking pond hockey I told them not to. Behind the back blind drop passes to nobody and nobody willing to do the dirty work on the boards.

Bring back Vitale and Despres to add some speed to the defense. I can't believe Bylsma had Murray and Engelland (who was beyond horrible) paired up on together defense, slow and slower doesn't work Danny boy.

Even after all that they still had a 3-1 lead and would have won but for the knucklehead in goal. Shades of Philly all over again.

I don't remember the team being this careless with the puck at any point during this season. 11 giveaways in this game is inexcusable

[Count Steeler]

IF this team fails to bring home the cup, Bylsma has to go.

[Spike]

Bylsma’s obsessive vet preference is a big problem and he will keep his favorites in to a fault. You watch, he'll keep Tanner Glass over Vitale, add TK and bench Bennett.

And once again he pounded that square peg into a round hole by putting Iglina on Malkin's LW all game - -wtf????
How stubborn can you get?

Poor Despres, when we needed speed and puck handling the most, we got none at all.

[zulater]

IF this team fails to bring home the cup, Bylsma has to go.


If they lose again in the first round ( they wont) how could you not fire him? Three straight years of losing to lower seeded teams, if that doesn't get you fired you've got compromising pictures of someone higher up.

- - - Updated - - -

All I want for my birthday tommorow is a Penguins win! :pray:

[Spike]

All I want for my birthday tommorow is a Penguins win!

Happy Birthday!

I hate noon games, I'm not used to drinking at 9 a.m. again in my old age

[Spike]

I just watched the Leafs manhandle the Broons

they had a 3-1 lead and won 4-2 - no buttfumbles by their goalie

[Count Steeler]

I just watched the Leafs manhandle the Broons

they had a 3-1 lead and won 4-2 - no buttfumbles by their goalie

Leafs impressed me that they did not fold up like a cheap suit. The Bruins were coming on with 10 minutes to go. Now this series is very interesting.

[Spike]

lots of interesting games

two today go 1-0, one in OT

I don't think the Pens have the temperment to play like that - - they need some patience to win in playoff hockey

[X-Terminator]

lots of interesting games

two today go 1-0, one in OT

I don't think the Pens have the temperment to play like that - - they need some patience to win in playoff hockey

They only seem to be able to do that when they have the big guys out of the lineup. When they're in, they try to turn into the Harlem Globetrotters. And that is what is going to keep them from winning this series despite being vastly superior to the Islanders in every fashion. I blame Bylsma for that, and if they have another first-round exit after being given all of this extra help, he should be fired immediately.

[steelpride12]

Hey look nothing new the Islander fans are actually loud on their home ice and give their team something to play for. Hear Consol the last two games, I could hear a feather drop. Sad Sad how awful Pens fans are.

- - - Updated - - -

And now the Pens are down 2-0 early and taking stupid penalties. The Isles are playing physical and just like the Flyers and sadly the Pens are falling for it and playing foolish. What a game this will be.

[Count Steeler]

Now that is more like it. 3-2 Pens after 1. Keep it going.

[crcsnail]

im seeing this one. found a nice stream and its not on at stupid oclock :)

[salamander]

The Pens clearly haven't learned from last year's playoff series against the Flyers. Way to go, Pens! Keep playing like crap against a crappy team!

[Polamalu Princess]

Come on Pens - put this away!!!

[Count Steeler]

Not liking this effort.

[Polamalu Princess]

Good job. We pulled it off.

[oneforthetoe]

The Pens clearly haven't learned from last year's playoff series against the Flyers. Way to go, Pens! Keep playing like crap against a crappy team!

I'm not sure the Islanders are a crappy team at this point. Still, we should win this series with less struggle.

I know these must win statements are meaningless, but I just could not see us coming back to win this series if the Pens lose this in OT. Sure, we probably would have bounced back in game four, but I think we would have been toast. On the other hand, if we would have been blown out today , as it looked like early, then maybe that becomes a wake up and we get on a roll(not that I am wishing we lost). However, losing in OT today would have been a proverbial nail, imo. Now we have home advantage for at least two games. Win game four in New York and I can start breathing a little.

[stillers4me]

Steelers Depot‏@Steelersdepot12m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/Steelersdepot/status/331124738606915584)Instead of woooooooooooo, perhaps a wheeeeeew is in order

ain't that the truth!

[ALLD]

The Pens clearly haven't learned from last year's playoff series against the Flyers. Way to go, Pens! Keep playing like crap against a crappy team!

Did they learn that from the Steelers or visa-versa?

[X-Terminator]

I see they won on a PPG...in OT...in the playoffs. And after seeing the replay of the call, well, I think the Pens were given a gift. Yeah, it's more than likely a penalty in the regular season, but you can't make that call in OT of a playoff game. You have to let them play.

Nonetheless, I'll take the W, even though once again they blew a 2-goal lead in the 3rd period. I can't figure out why they continue to let this happen even though they repeatedly talk about cleaning it up. They have also made it difficult - though not impossible - for the Islanders to come back and win the series. They have to win 3 of 4 games...a tall order against any team, much less the Penguins. But I'm still sticking by my prediction of an Isles win in 7 games.

[Spike]

I was wrong - - pond hockey does win games in the playoffs. Thanks to the PP.

It's a good thing I was heavily medicated for OT - - wild and crazy entertainment, lucky lucky lucky

[Spike]

and it's a bar room brawl in Oddawah and the Habs are getting their asses pounded, 5-1

[Spike]

and it gets even better in Oddawah

Therrien was ready to drop them and go after the Walrus when he called a timeout up 6-1 with 17 sec left

I swear I saw midgets on the ice fighting!....it was a circus!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oAQtabmrV7Q

[X-Terminator]

I just shed a tear over that. You just don't see brawls like that in the playoffs anymore, and it's just sad. Nice to see the Habs get pummeled for the cheap shit they pull, even if I'm no fan of Ottawa.

[Spike]

5 fights - all going on at the same time - and the Habs lost every one of them!

ha ha

dey was SOFF, SOFF, I tell you

[Spike]

I wondered what version of the Habs 'Ole Ole Ole' the Sens fans were chanting - now I know


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwLd87N78ms&feature=player_embedded





You just don't see brawls like that in the playoffs anymore

and they say there's no fighting in the playofffs

[Spike]

for the Islanders to come back and win the series... They have to win 3 of 4 games...



blowing these 2 goal leads in the 3rd period has got to stop or could easily happen

maybe the Pens defense would play better with Vokoun back there

[Spike]

And after seeing the replay of the call, well, I think the Pens were given a gift. Yeah, it's more than likely a penalty in the regular season, but you can't make that call in OT of a playoff game. You have to let them play..

So in OT in the playoffs all of a sudden the rulebook is irrelevant and you can feel free to trip, hold, and hook whoever you want?

That's garbage, I can't agree with that at all - a penalty is a penalty - and that was a clear cut penalty. Strait was beaten and tried to hold him using both his hands. Game over


http://imgius.com/photos/20130505136778181170075.gif

[X-Terminator]

I can't agree with that at all - a penalty is a penalty - and that was a clear cut penalty. Strait was beaten and tried to hold him using his hands. Game over

So in OT in the playoffs all of a sudden the rulebook is irrelevant and you can feel free to trip,hold,and hook whoever you want?
Randomly calling/not calling things in the playoffs in OT just causes inconsistency.

Yeah, pretty much. If you've been watching hockey for any real length of time, you would know that in the past, you pretty much had to mug a guy to get a penalty in OT of a playoff game. It's not that way anymore, and I don't like it. Let the guys decide the game 5-on-5 in OT, because the winner will have earned it, rather than needing an advantage to win.

[steelerdude15]

I personally do not feel that it was a penalty. I don't think that Sid dove nor do I think Strait did anything wrong quite honestly. I just think that it was a bad call that led to the winning goal. By the way, that was a great pass by Sid and that was an awesome shot by Chris to seal the game.

[zulater]

So in OT in the playoffs all of a sudden the rulebook is irrelevant and you can feel free to trip, hold, and hook whoever you want?

That's garbage, I can't agree with that at all - a penalty is a penalty - and that was a clear cut penalty. Strait was beaten and tried to hold him using both his hands. Game over


http://imgius.com/photos/20130505136778181170075.gif

Agreed it was a penalty. While it wont get called every time, it gets called enough that if you're the defender you don't make that play. Unless it's unavoidable as far as giving up a great scoring chance. Which is exactly what happened and exactly why it was called. The Pens have nothing to apologize for with that call.

Overall I'd say we stole one, but not because of that call.

[Spike]

If you've been watching hockey for any real length of time, you would know that in the past, you pretty much had to mug a guy to get a penalty in OT of a playoff game. It's not that way anymore, and I don't like it. .

ha ha - so go drive around in your Trans Am and listen to your big hair bands - you'll feel better....that's as close as you're gonna get to 80's hockey

[Spike]

I never thought I'd say this - but I miss Orpik


Pittsburgh Penguins ‏@penguins now
#Pens holding optional practice at Nassau Coliseum. James Neal and Brooks Orpik are on the ice


Neal, Orpik still out there. Orpik looks especially strong. Will be surprised if he doesn't play Game 4, but that's just me. #Pens

https://twitter.com/Dejan_Kovacevic/status/331480146269843456

[Spike]

Overall I'd say we stole one, but not because of that call.



Pens were getting beat at their own game, speed and puck possession.

I'd sit Niskanen - he was beyond horrible on defense - give Vitale a shot, we need some spark and emotion out there

but what the hell, I'll take a win anyway we can get it

http://sinhlredlight.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/pens-isles-dater.jpg?w=610&h=460


and Douglas Murray, our new offensive defenseman, gets a goal and rings another one off the post

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0505/nhl_g_murray01jr_576.jpg

He's my new hero

[X-Terminator]

ha ha - so go drive around in your Trans Am and listen to your big hair bands - you'll feel better....that's as close as you're gonna get to 80's hockey

They were playing it that way as recently as 2009. Did you see any soft penalties like that in OT during the Pens' Cup title run? No? Neither did I. It's only been the past few seasons where this has become a trend.

We will agree to disagree on this one. I want the players to decide playoff games, not the referees.

Oh and BTW, for those who said Sid dove to draw the penalty, watch Strait's right skate in that GIF. His skate clipped Sid's right skate, and that's why he ultimately went down.

[zulater]

They were playing it that way as recently as 2009. Did you see any soft penalties like that in OT during the Pens' Cup title run? No? Neither did I. It's only been the past few seasons where this has become a trend.

We will agree to disagree on this one. I want the players to decide playoff games, not the referees.

Oh and BTW, for those who said Sid dove to draw the penalty, watch Strait's right skate in that GIF. His skate clipped Sid's right skate, and that's why he ultimately went down.

Therefore the penalty was warranted. Without the trip Crosby either gets off a quality shot or makes a pass to set someone else up with a quality chance.

[zulater]

I never thought I'd say this - but I miss Orpik


Pittsburgh Penguins ‏@penguins now
#Pens holding optional practice at Nassau Coliseum. James Neal and Brooks Orpik are on the ice


Neal, Orpik still out there. Orpik looks especially strong. Will be surprised if he doesn't play Game 4, but that's just me. #Pens

https://twitter.com/Dejan_Kovacevic/status/331480146269843456

I don't get the Orpik hate. Yeah there were times he made bad plays, even times he had less than great games. But when you're consistently on the ice when the other teams best unit is on the ice you're going to have that sometimes. Their guys are good too, and you can't shut them down completely every time. But way more often than not Brooks gets the job done, and his hits takes the steam out of the way fowards come into our zone as a game progresses. And it's one less quality defensemen in the rotation if he's out and you end up stuck with Engelland on the ice.

[X-Terminator]

I don't get the Orpik hate. Yeah there were times he made bad plays, even times he had less than great games. But when you're consistently on the ice when the other teams best unit is on the ice you're going to have that sometimes. Their guys are good too, and you can't shut them down completely every time. But way more often than not Brooks gets the job done, and his hits takes the steam out of the way fowards come into our zone as a game progresses. And it's one less quality defensemen in the rotation if he's out and you end up stuck with Engelland on the ice.

That's all well and good, but the problem is the good games for Orpik were very few and far between. He was a liability most of this season, and to be honest he wasn't very good last season either, though I gave him a pass due to his 2 sports hernias he suffered through. His play is one of the reasons why Doug Murray was brought in. Murray plays the game the way Orpik used to play it - tough, physical and made minimal mistakes. However, he's still a better option than Engelland (as much as I like him), so if he feels well enough to play, he should be in the lineup.

At any rate, I'm looking forward to the Isles tying the series up tonight. I'm still not feeling it from this team.

[zulater]

That's all well and good, but the problem is the good games for Orpik were very few and far between. He was a liability most of this season, and to be honest he wasn't very good last season either, though I gave him a pass due to his 2 sports hernias he suffered through. His play is one of the reasons why Doug Murray was brought in. Murray plays the game the way Orpik used to play it - tough, physical and made minimal mistakes. However, he's still a better option than Engelland (as much as I like him), so if he feels well enough to play, he should be in the lineup.

At any rate, I'm looking forward to the Isles tying the series up tonight. I'm still not feeling it from this team.

You're looking foward to it? Wow! :doh: What would Marianne make of that?


And Brooks and Martin were a very effective defensive pairing this season. Not perfect, but very good, which is why they were contiually matched against the other teams best fowards.

You being a glass 4/5 empty guy only see the bad and are blinded to the good. .

[X-Terminator]

You're looking foward to it? Wow! :doh: What would Marianne make of that?


And Brooks and Martin were a very effective defensive pairing this season. Not perfect, but very good, which is why they were contiually matched against the other teams best fowards.

You being a glass 4/5 empty guy only see the bad and are blinded to the good. .

She would probably beat me upside the head. But my feeling would not change. I do not have good vibes from this team because I keep seeing the same mistakes over and over again. SMART hockey wins. DUMB, offense-only hockey gets you one of the biggest upsets in NHL history. They play too much of the latter for me to feel good about them.

And Martin made that pairing work more than Orpik did. Too many times I saw him just standing around doing nothing, letting guys come to the net and not punishing them with hits. You know, like Murray does. He has not been the same player since 2009 and has steadily gotten worse, but again, I attribute a lot of that to injury.

[zulater]

She would probably beat me upside the head. But my feeling would not change. I do not have good vibes from this team because I keep seeing the same mistakes over and over again. SMART hockey wins. DUMB, offense-only hockey gets you one of the biggest upsets in NHL history. They play too much of the latter for me to feel good about them.

And Martin made that pairing work more than Orpik did. Too many times I saw him just standing around doing nothing, letting guys come to the net and not punishing them with hits. You know, like Murray does. He has not been the same player since 2009 and has steadily gotten worse, but again, I attribute a lot of that to injury.

It's fine that you don't believe this team is good enough, or that they wont get it done due to coaching or whatever. But when you say you're "looking foward" to a Pens loss, that comes off poorly. As if validating your contrary opinion means more to you than the team you profess to follow advancing in the playoffs would.

Perhaps it was just a bad turn of phrase on your part? So I'll leave that go.


As to Orpik, yeah he's not the hitter he was, but in the last 35 games he played in this year he was still doing a good job. Particularly in the games he was paired with Martin in. It's not just about the monstrous hits, it's also about effective communication with your partner. And what wasn't happening when Martin on Orpik were on the ice together was teams weren't cycling down low on us. They were getting the puck out of the defensive zone effectively and effeicently. More often than not they would not only get the puck out of their end, they did it in a way that put us on the attack offensively.

Right now what's killing the Penguins is they look lost in their own zone. Even on the rare occasion they do get the puck out of the attack zone they just throw it randomly to center ice ( or ice it) where the Isles get it back and come right back on the attack.

Put Orpik in there and watch how the Isles cycle time goes down. It's not just about big hits!

[fansince'76]

You're looking foward to it? Wow! :doh: What would Marianne make of that?

She would probably beat me upside the head.

:interference:

:chuckle:

[X-Terminator]

It's fine that you don't believe this team is good enough, or that they wont get it done due to coaching or whatever. But when you say you're "looking foward" to a Pens loss, that comes off poorly. As if validating your contrary opinion means more to you than the team you profess to follow advancing in the playoffs would.

Perhaps it was just a bad turn of phrase on your part? So I'll leave that go.


As to Orpik, yeah he's not the hitter he was, but in the last 35 games he played in this year he was still doing a good job. Particularly in the games he was paired with Martin in. It's not just about the monstrous hits, it's also about effective communication with your partner. And what wasn't happening when Martin on Orpik were on the ice together was teams weren't cycling down low on us. They were getting the puck out of the defensive zone effectively and effeicently. More often than not they would not only get the puck out of their end, they did it in a way that put us on the attack offensively.

Right now what's killing the Penguins is they look lost in their own zone. Even on the rare occasion they do get the puck out of the attack zone they just throw it randomly to center ice ( or ice it) where the Isles get it back and come right back on the attack.

Put Orpik in there and watch how the Isles cycle time goes down. It's not just about big hits!

Yeah, "looking forward" isn't the right phrase to use. More like "anticipating," because of what I explained previously. When they are focused and playing smart hockey, they are nearly impossible to beat. I haven't seen enough of that from them yet, which is why I'm so down on them. They beat themselves with stupid plays and stupid penalties way, way too often. The Islanders really have no business being in this series at all, and were it not for one of the shittiest performances from the D and Fleury in game 2, they wouldn't be, as the Pens would be up 3-0 despite an equally shitty 3rd period on Sunday.

As for Orpik, there's a good chance he'll play tonight, so we'll see if anything changes with their D-zone coverage and breakouts. Again, it's them not making the smart and safe plays in the defensive zone that is causing problems for them, and they are clearly having issues with the Isles' speed. Ramping up the physical play should take care of the latter.

[zulater]

Yeah, "looking forward" isn't the right phrase to use. More like "anticipating," because of what I explained previously. When they are focused and playing smart hockey, they are nearly impossible to beat. I haven't seen enough of that from them yet, which is why I'm so down on them. They beat themselves with stupid plays and stupid penalties way, way too often. The Islanders really have no business being in this series at all, and were it not for one of the shittiest performances from the D and Fleury in game 2, they wouldn't be, as the Pens would be up 3-0 despite an equally shitty 3rd period on Sunday.

As for Orpik, there's a good chance he'll play tonight, so we'll see if anything changes with their D-zone coverage and breakouts. Again, it's them not making the smart and safe plays in the defensive zone that is causing problems for them, and they are clearly having issues with the Isles' speed. Ramping up the physical play should take care of the latter.

Ok gotcha. I have no problem with that. I just hope the Pens prove your fatalistic predictions wrong, as I gather you hope they do as well.

I might be wrong but I think the Islanders taking that last game to OT was the wake up call the Pens needed. And as a result I think we'll see a more commited Penguin team tonight.


The worst thing that could have happened Saturday would have been if they nursed that 2 goal lead they took into the 3rd period into a regulation win. If that had happened I think they would have gone into tonight thinking everything was fine.

[venom]

Going to the Coliseum tonight to see the Pens vs Isles . Isn't it sacrilegious as a die hard Rangers fan I'm going to see these teams play ? Hope they both kill themselves ,lol

[steelerdude15]

Another sloppy opening period by the Pens. Once again, the Islanders dominated the period by having the puck in our zone most of the time, taking the puck away, and out shooting the Pens. Enough of the stupid penalties and stop letting them get under your skins. I also have lost all respect for Islander fans after the arena went nuts after Sid was hit in the neck. That was a gorgeous pass and goal by Malkin and Neal.

[zulater]

The last two penalties were a little iffy in my opinion. Orpik gets cross checked in the small of the back at the end of the play and shoves the guy in retaliation. Not even that hard of a shove and he gets the box and the guy who instagagated is unnoticed. Then Cooke skating through the Isles crease bumps into a dude and the guy flops and they call the penalty. No advantage was gained, very incedental play, but they call it anyway.

Overall except for the sequence right before the Islanders scored I think the Pens have done a better job managing the puck in their own end.

Hopefully the PP's even out soon.

[Polamalu Princess]

2-2 - come on guys!!!!

[steelerdude15]

The Pens played better this period, but what the heck is up with Flower and these mental mistakes? This is what I believe is his problem. There is absolutely no reason why the Islanders should have scored the last goal. If this were a regular season game, he would have made that save.

[zulater]

Fleury was bad that period. But at the same token after doing a good job most of the game getting the puck out of their own end in the last 3 minutes of the period the Pens revert to getting brain camps and can't figure out how to get the puck out of their own zone to save their lives! :doh: If the Isles are allowed to cycle the puck for 40-60 seconds at a time in the Pens zone we can't win this game.

[oneforthetoe]

This is embarrassing. It is time for a change at goal. No, it is hardly Flower's fault, but we need a change.

[steelerdude15]

I think what the Pens are missing is discipline. It's killing them.

[oneforthetoe]

While we are at it maybe we could see who is wearing Geno's uniform.

[steelerdude15]

I'm done with Fluery. I want Tomas starting on Thursday night.

[zulater]

The Pens may never win another playoff series until Blysma and Fleury are gone.

[SCSTILLER]

I'm done with Fluery. I want Tomas starting on Thursday night.

Flower just doest have the edge right now. He is rattled and letting in bull shit goals. He needs to sit a game or two

[steelerdude15]

And that ladies and gentlemen, is the end of the series in my opinion. After that last second brawl, we have seen the Pens collapse with mental frustration and there is absolutely no discipline on this team. I really like Flower and I think that he is a great person, but his mental mistakes are part of the problem. Tomas needs to be in goal for game five and if he isn't, I will be extremely mad.

[oneforthetoe]

I'm done with Fluery. I want Tomas starting on Thursday night.

Yes, because we pretty much have to win the next game. As I said, it is not all Fluery's fault, but he needs to sit for a while. Somehow, he went from a guy who even if he was playing sub par, would step up in big moments, to a guy who even if he is playing pretty well, falls apart in the moment. He needs to get his head straight about the playoffs or we need a more permanent change. And if we lose this series that shouldn't be the only change we need to consider.

[steelerdude15]

Yes, because we pretty much have to win the next game. As I said, it is not all Fluery's fault, but he needs to sit for a while. Somehow, he went from a guy who even if he was playing sub par, would step up in big moments, to a guy who even if he is playing pretty well, falls apart in the moment. He needs to get his head straight about the playoffs or we need a more permanent change. And if we lose this series that shouldn't be the only change we need to consider.

I absolutely agree that he isn't the only issue. I absolutely agree. Mental mistakes are also as big of a problem and the defense isn't playing that great either. There have been plenty of goals that Fluery has allowed that he shouldn't of, but the defense needs to start helping him out even more to take the pressure off of him.

[zulater]

They would have won today with competent goaltending. Yeah Geno served up the go ahead goal, but at least 3 of those Isles goals were virtually gimme's. Fleury has to be benched game 5. If we lose this series both Fleury and blysma need to be sent packing the following day./

[Spike]

It's a recurring nightmare now.

I turned it off after 4-4 to watch a real game - the Sens tied up the Habs with less than a minute to go- Fleury shoulda been yanked so hard after that 3rd goal he'd have choke marks on his neck for a week.

If anybody else but Vokoun starts every game from now on Bylsma should be fired immediately - get his worthless ass out of town and take that spastic headcase goalie with him.

Bench Malkin and his temper tantrums for a game. This team stinks at playoff hockey.

[X-Terminator]

If the Pens want any chance of winning this series, Vokoun needs to start on Thursday. For the 2nd straight year, Fleury has been pathetic. Enough is enough. They scored 4 damn goals - that should be more than enough to win any playoff game.

So now it's best of 3. If the Pens can hold serve at home, they will win the series. But again, if they want that to happen, Vokoun needs to play. They didn't bring him in to sit him on the bench while Fleury gives up 2-3 ridiculously soft goals every game.

And when - not if, when - they lose this series, Bylsma needs to be fired the next day. He's just as much a part of the problem as Fleury is, maybe even more so. If you can't win a series with a team with this much talent, you have no business coaching any team.

[oneforthetoe]

They would have won today with competent goaltending. Yeah Geno served up the go ahead goal, but at least 3 of those Isles goals were virtually gimme's. Fleury has to be benched game 5. If we lose this series both Fleury and blysma need to be sent packing the following day./

Agreed. As matter of fact with competent goal tending this series might be over by now. Yea the defense still sucks, but our offense (power play) is so overwhelming that we should be up at least 3-1. Well, onto thursday. If they mange to win we are still ok, if not ......

[steelerdude15]

I rarely, RARELY ever give up on a coach or player, but I find myself giving up on Fluery when it comes to the playoffs. I just don't seem to understand why he has these mental breakdowns in the playoffs, but can make save after save in the regular season. Could it be pressure? I'm not sure, but whatever it is, I hope he can figure it out soon.

[ShoeHorn]

If it wasn't for Fleury giving up garbage, soft goals, the Pens would be on their way home right now with a 4 game sweep, despite not playing great hockey.

[oneforthetoe]

I have not given up on Fleury completely. He has, after all, been mentally tough enough to lead the Pens to a Stanley Cup. He is just not right at the moment. Give Tomas a chance. If he plays well, ride him.

You just have to wonder that if the Pens are eliminated, and what we have seen so far is Fleury's contribution, can he ever recover his old form? I don't know.

[ShoeHorn]

It's weird....Fleury has always given up the occasional weird, "what the hell were you thinking??" type of goal, but the last 2 years its been 2 or 3 of those per game in the playoffs. What the hell happened to the MAF the Stanley Cup winning, world class goalie?

We need Vokoun immediately, who has dominated the Islanders this season, by the way

[Devilsdancefloor]

i do not watch alot of eastern conf games, but to me the pens seem very out of sync defense out of place fleury on the last goal never p?ut his stick on the ice and was SOOOO deep in his net. Plus it seems the isle are playing very physical and the [ens are not handling it well :noidea: i also think after game 1 the pens thought they could mail it in. Anyway Go HAWKS! maybe they just need som home cooking? have faith Pen fans

[Spike]

Oddawah tied it up with 23 seconds left in the game and then beat Montreal 3-2 in overtime.

Maybe Therrien will be available soon.

I wanna see Mario and Shero come down outta the booth and into the locker room and take turns screaming at Bylsma in front of the team, then send Fleury down to the minors. I've never been this mad over a hockey game before.

[Spike]

have faith Pen fans

that's easy for you to say, you don't have a spastic headcase playing goal for you...14 fucking goals in 3 games

this is where I'd have pulled him


http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2593983/fleuryLOL.gif

[Count Steeler]

that's easy for you to say, you don't have a spastic headcase playing goal for you...14 fucking goals in 3 games

this is where I'd have pulled him

Vokoun better be in net for the next game. MAF is proving not to be a playoff goalie. You don't have to make all stops, but you have to make those stops to keep your team in the game. X-T may be right after all.

[zulater]

http://www.timesonline.com/columnists/sports/mark_madden/madden-vokoun-must-play-game/article_1bbcf06e-b5d6-5a14-b5e9-345cdc3d56f8.html

GM Ray Shero must be boiling. He assembled a team that was thought to be foolproof, at least in the Eastern Conference half of the tournament. Shero did his part.
The series is hardly lost. But changes must be made:
-- Start Vokoun. No choice.
-- Bylsma must speak to Evgeni Malkin with brutal frankness. Malkin’s stupidity undid his brilliance last night. Malkin has to grow up. His petulance is agonizing.
-- Put Jarome Iginla and James Neal on right wing. Neither can play left wing. Iginla tried last night, but often drifted toward the right when the Penguins broke out or regrouped. Go with Sidney Crosby centering Iginla and Pascal Dupuis, Malkin between Neal and Chris Kunitz. That should have been the lineup long ago.
-- Trap. If Mario Lemieux’s Penguins did it to navigate their way through trouble in 1992, Crosby’s Penguins can do the same now. Slowing the Islanders down is paramount. The Penguins can score plenty off the counterattack.
Tough decisions must be made. Some members of the happy family might not be as happy.
But if those tough decisions don’t get made, they won’t be anything compared to the ones that come due after yet another first-round playoff exit.

It's time to find out if Blysma is capable of coaching or is just a cheerleader who writes down line combinations and scratches.

[zulater]

I'm still sticking to my prediction Pens in 6.

[X-Terminator]

Well, it's official - Vokoun will start game 5: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=669824&navid=DL|PIT|home

[Spike]

You know, I don't want to be the mean guy hating on Fleury, he's a good kid, totally broken and dejected post game interview

http://video.penguins.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=246732


But what Vokoun did when he stood up and ripped his teammates for playing stupid hockey. I don't think it's in Fleury's personality to do things like that. He just seems like too nice of a guy

[steelerdude15]

Well, it's official - Vokoun will start game 5: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=669824&navid=DL|PIT|home

This a good decision. Hopefully this will help them win a couple to advance to the next round.

[X-Terminator]

You know, I don't want to be the mean guy hating on Fleury, he's a good kid, totally broken and dejected post game interview

http://video.penguins.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=246732


But what Vokoun did when he stood up and ripped his teammates for playing stupid hockey. I don't think it's in Fleury's personality to do things like that. He just seems like too nice of a guy

If he did that last night, then good for Vokoun. Somebody needed to do it. Crosby is just like Fleury in that he won't rip his teammates new assholes either, and he's the captain.

[Spike]

If he did that last night, then good for Vokoun. Somebody needed to do it. Crosby is just like Fleury in that he won't rip his teammates new assholes either, and he's the captain.

Vokoun did that in the locker room between periods when Fleury got pulled in a game after giving up 4 goals early against the Flyers, then he went out there and backed it up by slamming the door on the Flyers the rest of the game. Pens won.

And if works out and they play better behind him and we win I don't want to hear anyone calling it a smart move by Bylsma – it’s his only move.
I feel for Fleury but he’s lost his head completely.

He's got the 1st rd yips, for sure

[X-Terminator]

Vokoun did that in the locker room between periods when Fleury got pulled in a game after giving up 4 goals early against the Flyers, then he went out there and backed it up by slamming the door on the Flyers the rest of the game. Pens won.

And if works out and they play better behind him and we win I don't want to hear anyone calling it a smart move by Bylsma – it’s his only move.
I feel for Fleury but he’s lost his head completely.

He's got the 1st rd yips, for sure

OK yeah, I do remember him doing that in that Flyers game. He needs to do it again, but the best way he can show his anger with the way the team's playing is by being solid tomorrow night. He doesn't need to be Superman, just do enough to not lose the game.

[Spike]

He doesn't need to be Superman, just do enough to not lose the game.

well ye-ah

Pens are scoring 4-5 goals every game - even an average goalie giving up 3 a game and we should be good to go

[steelerdude15]

Lets not forget, this defense hasn't exactly been great either. The only two who I feel is playing like they give a damn is Letang and Eaton. Everyone else on defense needs to step it up by creating more turnovers, stop getting beat, and stop with the lazy passes in our zone.

[Spike]

Lets not forget, this defense hasn't exactly been great either. .

We didn't forget - it's been talked to death..., turnovers in their own zone, turnovers in the neutral zone, turnovers on the PP....and Letang is hardly above reproach - he's beeh horrible too.

But Fleury's meltdown is so like last year's 1st rd loss to the Flyers it's now become so obvious it's a trend. His soft goals are affecting the team.

The hope is the defense plays better with Vokoun backing them up.



anyway - the hell with the Penguins, they are just pissing me off



Rangers tied up their series with the Caps

...and the poor Leafs had 100 chances but lose to Boston in OT.....now that was a game to watch

[Spike]

Fleury hits the big time - the Wall Street Journal tries to help


Cheer Up, Fleury: Other Goalies Have Been Worse

With their first-round series against the New York Islanders tied at two games apiece, the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins announced Wednesday that they would bench goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and replace him with Tomas Vokoun

After giving up 14 goals over his last three games, Fleury is the latest member of the 40-7 Club. Since 1990, he's one of just five NHL goalies to unfurl a 10-game playoff stretch in which he's allowed a total of at least 40 goals and surrendered four or more goals in at least seven games.

In fact, the Penguins' first-round series last year against the Philadelphia Flyers may have featured the worst goaltending rivalry in recent NHL history, as both Fleury and the Flyers' Ilya Bryzgalov were on their way to joining the 40-7 Club. Over the six games in the series, Bryzgalov gave up 21 goals and posted a brutal .871 save percentage. And yet his team won, because Fleury gave up 26 goals and had an .834 save percentage—the worst of any goaltender with at least four games in a playoff season since 2000.

If he can take any consolation out of this series, maybe it is this: Through those four games, he had a higher save percentage (.860) than his counterpart, the Islanders' Evgeni Nabokov (.846).

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324244304578471193207604014.html

-----------------------------------

Come on boys, we have to win this game. Hopefully defense will play much much better than in Game 4.

Who said it? Pens in 6!

http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/images/smilies/Pittsburgh_Penguins_logo_s.png

[X-Terminator]

Looking like Vitale and Kennedy will be in, and Jokinen and Glass will be out. Despres also paired with Letang, so it's possible Eaton will be out as well. I guess Dan finally realized they might need a little more speed in the lineup.

I still say it won't matter. Isles win tonight, Pens win Saturday and the Isles win Sunday to take the series. And hopefully that will mean the end of Overrated Dan's tenure in Pittsburgh.

[vader29]

Alexander Ovechkin playing defense against the Rangers:

http://d3fsqtc6sy2z27.cloudfront.net/uploads/3b2fdcc17e293c4c7d950f0b897a5d7e_large

:lol:

[X-Terminator]

Ovenchicken might just be the laziest player in the NHL. And yet, he's likely going to win the MVP. Next time someone complains about Malkin being lazy, show them that GIF.

[Spike]

Looking like Vitale and Kennedy will be in, and Jokinen and Glass will be out. .

woo-hoo!

management is finally taking all my advice.....now I'm nevrous - this is my first head coaching gig - don't fuck it up boys.

[steelerdude15]

Why doesn't Orpik not have his assistant patch anymore?

[steelerdude15]

I see the disclipine isn't there again...

[Count Steeler]

I see the disclipine isn't there again...

It is not going to happen overnight. If Bylsma hasn't been working on it all year, why would he start now. Even if they win the Cup, he should be fired. However, I don't think the Pens will last the duration of the playoffs, so his fate is pretty much sealed.

[stillers4me]

ah..hemmmm..(coughcough). Shut out.

[salamander]

'KOUUUNNNNNNNNN

:chuckle:

[Count Steeler]

Just what the doctor ordered. I guess changing Fluery sent a message to the whole team.

Let's get this job done.

[zulater]

Just what the doctor ordered. I guess changing Fluery sent a message to the whole team.

Let's get this job done.

The message was no soft goals were let in tonight by their goalie! Soft goals embolden your opponent while taking the wind out of your own sails.

[steelerdude15]

That was a great win, but my confidence won't be back so soon.

[X-Terminator]

Vokoun with the SO. Maybe a goalie that doesn't suck is what the Pens really needed.

[stillers4me]

Penguins Jesus‏@PenguinsJesus46m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/PenguinsJesus/status/332681411511349250)
If thou listen closely, thou can hear everyone jumping back on the bandwagon.

:chuckle:

- - - Updated - - -

Pittsburgh Penguins‏@penguins1h (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/penguins/status/332675279057195008)

Just got the word, the official start time for Saturday's Game 6 is 7:00PM.BE READY. #PITvsNYI (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/search?q=%23PITvsNYI&src=hash) #Pens (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/search?q=%23Pens&src=hash)

[X-Terminator]

Penguins Jesus‏@PenguinsJesus46m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/PenguinsJesus/status/332681411511349250)
If thou listen closely, thou can hear everyone jumping back on the bandwagon.

:chuckle:

- - - Updated - - -

Pittsburgh Penguins‏@penguins1h (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/penguins/status/332675279057195008)

Just got the word, the official start time for Saturday's Game 6 is 7:00PM.BE READY. #PITvsNYI (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/search?q=%23PITvsNYI&src=hash) #Pens (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/search?q=%23Pens&src=hash)

I was never on the "bandwagon," at least for this series. I'm not wavering on my prediction until the Pens actually do close the Islanders out.

Anyway, I'll be at work Saturday night, so I'll miss the game.

[Spike]

I present to you our new #1 goalie


http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2013/05/09/tomasvokoun_2629-430x298.jpg


I can't even be mad that Bylsma stole all my ideas....a win is a win.



buh bye Habs - Sens were just too much for the smurfs

[Spike]

Once the team knew Vokoun could be trusted to make the saves...it was all over for the Islanders

Now win one more and bring on the Sens!

[Spike]

Sid's goal was amazing...



Better goal vs. Isles ... Mario or Sid?

poll is up

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=670032


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NDWBWIxTavw


Last night first intermission new helmet for Sid His chin guard was blocking his view. Made a diff guard and helmet

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BJ5-3y5CcAElZuS.jpg

https://twitter.com/RealDanaHeinze/statuses/332842919482519553

[steelerdude15]

I present to you our new #1 goalie


http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2013/05/09/tomasvokoun_2629-430x298.jpg


I can't even be mad that Bylsma stole all my ideas....a win is a win.



buh bye Habs - Sens were just too much for the smurfs

Before we say Tomas is the new number one goalie, lets see how he does Saturday night. Remember how Flower had a shut out the first game too and then he played horribly the next three games? The same thing could happen to Tomas. Lets not get too excited over one game.

- - - Updated - - -


Sid's goal was amazing...



Better goal vs. Isles ... Mario or Sid?

poll is up

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=670032


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NDWBWIxTavw


Last night first intermission new helmet for Sid His chin guard was blocking his view. Made a diff guard and helmet

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BJ5-3y5CcAElZuS.jpg

https://twitter.com/RealDanaHeinze/statuses/332842919482519553

Mario's goal was better, but I did love Sid's goal. I also thought I noticed something different about his facemask last night.

[Spike]

Fleury is done, done, DONE!


Vokoun is the Isles killer - bout time management over-ruled Bylsma and listened to me instead.

and I told you Vitale would bring a spark to this team - speed kills - Tk had a great game too - glad Mario followed my advice to put Iginla on Sid's line and finally force changed Disco's line of Iginla on Malkin's LW and put Kunitz back where he belonged.

Shero just called me The Hockey Genius.



oh, and Sid's goal was 100X better than Mario's - he did it in the playoffs

poll:

Who had the better goal vs. Islanders?


Mario Lemieux: 46.04%
Sidney Crosby:53.96%


and #12's made the dish pass on both - time for a new statue

[X-Terminator]

Before we say Tomas is the new number one goalie, lets see how he does Saturday night. Remember how Flower had a shut out the first game too and then he played horribly the next three games? The same thing could happen to Tomas. Lets not get too excited over one game.

Valid point, but I wouldn't bet the house on that happening, simply because of his style. He is calm in goal and doesn't panic, unlike Fleury, who is prone to panicking and starts fighting the puck at the first sign of trouble. Not only that, Tomas came into a very high-pressure situation last night and handled it flawlessly, something I highly doubt Fleury could have done. We'll see what happens tomorrow night. I hope he doesn't catch Fleury-itis and the Pens win, because I DREAD a game 7 at Consol. They have not been kind to the Pens over the years.

[Spike]

Lets not get too excited over one game..

are you fucking kidding?

this is the fucking Stanley Cup fucking PLAYOFFS!

you damn well better be fucking excited!

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo


I can't talk about my jism?

bummer

[X-Terminator]

It's official - Crosby up for MVP: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/3997921-74/crosby-trophy-points?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tribunereviewpenguins+%28Peng uins+Stories%29#axzz2Swu46XEa

[stillers4me]

Dejan Kovacevic ‏@Dejan_Kovacevic4m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/Dejan_Kovacevic/status/333244136029319168)
All forward lines, D pairs same as Game 5. Looks like #Pens (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/search?q=%23Pens&src=hash) lineup as whole will be completely unchanged. #TribHKY (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/search?q=%23TribHKY&src=hash)

[SCSTILLER]

Did I see that right? 35 to 19 shots on goal for the islanders? That's not going to win the cup

[salamander]

Well, Zulater was right. The Pens won in 6. However, they need to clean up a lot if they want to win the Cup.

[zulater]

Did I see that right? 35 to 19 shots on goal for the islanders? That's not going to win the cup

Hopefully it's a match up thing and we'll look better against the Sens?

[steelerdude15]

are you fucking kidding?

this is the fucking Stanley Cup fucking PLAYOFFS!

you damn well better be fucking excited!

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo


I can't talk about my jism?

bummer

Haha I saw you're reason for edit and you're all good. The reason why I said that was because I feared he could have started to play badly.

Anyways, I am very thrilled the Pens won the series and will now be playing the Sens. I'm not going to lie, I wanted the Sens in the first round. HOWEVER, I'm worried that the Pens will struggle. The Sens are hot and they dominated the Habs. The Pens still have work to do. Better puck management, getting better at face-offs, etc. I'll definitely be cheering, but I'd be concerned.

[X-Terminator]

The Sens dominated the Habs because the Habs are a bunch of smurfs with no grit. Not built for the rigors of the playoffs. They were exposed BIG TIME.

Having said that, while I'm happy the Pens survived the Isles, they will not get past the Sens. I'm calling Sens in 6. I still don't have much confidence in this team, not after being outplayed 4 out of those 6 games and scraping by.

[stillers4me]

Starkey: Expect sparks when Pens-Sens meet

This should be interesting.

For teams that really aren't rivals, the Penguins (http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/) and Ottawa Senators have developed quite the rivalry — replete with verbal jousting, “WANTED” posters, Gary Roberts-level rage and even an alleged forensic investigation.

This will mark the teams' fourth playoff meeting in seven years.

The storylines are especially juicy.

Start with Matt Cooke, obviously, the man whose mug appears on “WANTED” posters in the Ottawa cheering sections. It's part of the creatively titled “Matt Cooke Hate Fest” that erupted after Cooke accidentally injured star defenseman Erik Karlsson in February.

The Senators made it clear they didn't think the play was an accident.............


Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/joestarkey/4004131-74/senators-game-penguins#ixzz2T2fssi2J

[zulater]

The Sens dominated the Habs because the Habs are a bunch of smurfs with no grit. Not built for the rigors of the playoffs. They were exposed BIG TIME.

Having said that, while I'm happy the Pens survived the Isles, they will not get past the Sens. I'm calling Sens in 6. I still don't have much confidence in this team, not after being outplayed 4 out of those 6 games and scraping by.

I think they were outplayed in 2 games, I think 2 were relatively even, and the Pens dominated 2.

I'm going out on a limb here. I like the Pens in five over the Senators. I think they'll bring more fire to this series. They don't hate the Isles like they do this team.

[salamander]

Starkey: Expect sparks when Pens-Sens meet

This should be interesting.

For teams that really aren't rivals, the Penguins (http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/) and Ottawa Senators have developed quite the rivalry — replete with verbal jousting, “WANTED” posters, Gary Roberts-level rage and even an alleged forensic investigation.

This will mark the teams' fourth playoff meeting in seven years.

The storylines are especially juicy.

Start with Matt Cooke, obviously, the man whose mug appears on “WANTED” posters in the Ottawa cheering sections. It's part of the creatively titled “Matt Cooke Hate Fest” that erupted after Cooke accidentally injured star defenseman Erik Karlsson in February.

The Senators made it clear they didn't think the play was an accident.............


Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/joestarkey/4004131-74/senators-game-penguins#ixzz2T2fssi2J

I wouldn't exactly call a rivalry per say. In my opinion, it's more along the lines of the Senators being butthurt over the Matt Cooke thing.

[X-Terminator]

I think they were outplayed in 2 games, I think 2 were relatively even, and the Pens dominated 2.

I'm going out on a limb here. I like the Pens in five over the Senators. I think they'll bring more fire to this series. They don't hate the Isles like they do this team.

Pens in 5? Okay...

There's no love lost between the Pens and Sens, that's true. But the Sens still (unbelievably and falsely) think Matt Cooke deliberately injured Erik Karlsson, and they will use that as motivation to beat the Pens. Plus, they have Craig Anderson in goal, who will certainly be way better than Evgeni Nabokov. He would have been a Vezina candidate had he not gotten hurt in the regular season. Goaltending wins over offense in the playoffs. I'm sticking with Sens in 6.

As for the Islanders, they outplayed the Pens in games 3, 4 and 6, and game 2 is certainly debatable. The Pens were damn lucky to win games 3 and 6, as badly as they were outplayed.

[zulater]

Pens in 5? Okay...

There's no love lost between the Pens and Sens, that's true. But the Sens still (unbelievably and falsely) think Matt Cooke deliberately injured Erik Karlsson, and they will use that as motivation to beat the Pens. Plus, they have Craig Anderson in goal, who will certainly be way better than Evgeni Nabokov. He would have been a Vezina candidate had he not gotten hurt in the regular season. Goaltending wins in the playoffs. I'm sticking with Sens in 6.

As for the Islanders, they outplayed the Pens in games 3, 4 and 6, and game 2 is certainly debatable. The Pens were damn lucky to win games 3 and 6, as badly as they were outplayed.

Game 4 is debatable as well. The Pens outplayed the Isles by a large margin in the 2nd period of game 4 only to have Fleury throw it away in the last minute of the period. Then the Pens go up early in the 3rd and then fleury gives up another softie. Soft goals in the playoffs absolutely kill a team. Take away fleury and I think the Pens win game 4 going away.

I don't think the Pens have played their best hockey yet. Getting out of the 1st round was a huge emotional hurdle after two straight years of losing to lower seeded teams. I think with that weight off their back they can now relax and play closer to their true ability.

I stand by the Pens in 5. But if it goes to six I wont be shocked, but the Pens will still win.

[Spike]

The Sens dominated the Habs because the Habs are a bunch of smurfs with no grit. Not built for the rigors of the playoffs. They were exposed BIG TIME.

I'm calling Sens in 6. I still don't have much confidence in this team, not after being outplayed 4 out of those 6 games and scraping by.



oh shut up already

you hate the Pens - we get it

[X-Terminator]

oh shut up already

you hate the Pens - we get it

Lack of confidence =/ Hate. You only think it does. I still haven't seen anything that gives me more confidence in them, sorry. I've been a Pens fan for over 25 fucking years...I'm allowed to be down on them if I'm not feeling confident.

Getting damn sick and fucking tired of being bashed because I'm not "Joe Homer." Fuck that. If the Pens want my confidence, they need to EARN IT.

[Spike]

yeah - just like your last prediction they would lose in 6 to the Isles - I watched the Habs skate circles around the pylon Sens, difference is we have players who can actually score - Sens have nobody even close in talent to Tavares or Okposo - they are grinders - east meat.

Pens in 4

meanwhile, I will enjoy it all!

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

my sac is empty - I'm spent

http://oi42.tinypic.com/3aa8i.jpg



now if the Rangers and Leafs can get another win we'll have TWO Game 7's to watch - cool

[steelerdude15]

yeah - just like your last prediction they would lose in 6 to the Isles - I watched the Habs skate circles around the pylon Sens, difference is we have players who can actually score - Sens have nobody even close in talent to Tavares or Okposo - they are grinders - east meat.

Pens in 4

meanwhile, I will enjoy it all!

woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

my sac is empty - I'm spent

http://oi42.tinypic.com/3aa8i.jpg



now if the Rangers and Leafs can get another win we'll have TWO Game 7's to watch - cool

That's a big prediction to say the least. No way will the Pens sweep the Senators. I think the Senators are too strong of a team to get swept. I think this could get very ugly and personal for both teams. The Senators are the hot team right now and the Pens have to get things straightened out if they want to win this series.

[zulater]

oh shut up already

you hate the Pens - we get it

XT doesn't hate the Pens. He's just a pessimist. There's three type of fans in life, there's glass half full guy, who always sees the positive, there's glass half empty guy who tends to see the negative, then there's the guy who knocks the glass over and claims there was never anything in it from the start. That's XT! :chuckle: :wink02:

[Spike]

Whining about winning a playoff series after the last three years?

how ridiculous is that?


Brooks fucking Orpik with his first goal of the year.

It's a sign!



we won, be happy

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/KaptinGimpy/Flames/Iggy-Carlton-2.gif

[GoSlash27]

The Sens dominated the Habs because the Habs are a bunch of smurfs with no grit. Not built for the rigors of the playoffs. They were exposed BIG TIME.

Having said that, while I'm happy the Pens survived the Isles, they will not get past the Sens. I'm calling Sens in 6. I still don't have much confidence in this team, not after being outplayed 4 out of those 6 games and scraping by.

Just outta curiosity, is this a defense mechanism to keep you from being disappointed if we lose?

[Spike]

That's a big prediction to say the least. No way will the Pens sweep the Senators. I think the Senators are too strong of a team to get swept. I think this could get very ugly and personal for both teams. The Senators are the hot team right now and the Pens have to get things straightened out if they want to win this series.


I watched a lot of their games - Sens played that "rope a dope" style against the Habs - they were hemmed in their end for endless periods of time against the Habs . If you think we had trouble with clearing the zone and turnovers wait till you see their big sloppy slow/mistake prone D men. I have a hard time being pessimistic, Sens don't have the firepower to keep up like the Isles and their PP sucks.

[X-Terminator]

Just outta curiosity, is this a defense mechanism to keep you from being disappointed if we lose?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

There's a lot of things that bother me about this team, the 2 biggest ones being puck management and doing the dirty work along the boards. That's why it is hard for me to get behind them. Those are game and series-losing problems that must be corrected if they want to beat the Sens. I'm just not 100% convinced they will do that. The thing is, I KNOW they can do that, but will they be committed to doing it every period of every game?

[steelerdude15]

I watched a lot of their games - Sens played that "rope a dope" style against the Habs - they were hemmed in their end for endless periods of time against the Habs . If you think we had trouble with clearing the zone and turnovers wait till you see their big sloppy slow/mistake prone D men. I have a hard time being pessimistic, Sens don't have the firepower to keep up like the Isles and their PP sucks.

I actually wasn't able to really see any of the games, but from I did see, the Sens pretty much took the Habs out.

[Spike]

I actually wasn't able to really see any of the games, but from I did see, the Sens pretty much took the Habs out.




A boatload of injuries late and losing their goalie sealed the Habs fate.


Plekanec - groin
Pacioretty - separated shoulder
Price - right knee & groin
White - upper body
Prust - upper body
Gionta - bicep surgery - out for rest of the year
Eller - concussion
Emelin - knee - IR - torn ligament, out for the season

They lost almost all their top 6 stars and they still dominated in the Sens zone, just couldn't score - 9 goals in 5 games

[steelerdude15]

A boatload of injuries late and losing their goalie sealed the Habs fate.


Plekanec - groin
Pacioretty - separated shoulder
Price - right knee & groin
White - upper body
Prust - upper body
Gionta - bicep surgery - out for rest of the year
Eller - concussion
Emelin - knee - IR - torn ligament, out for the season

They lost almost all their top 6 stars and they still dominated in the Sens zone, just couldn't score - 9 goals in 5 games

Ah, I see. Thanks for clarifying. I had heard they had a ton of injuries.

[X-Terminator]

To be fair, Emelin and Prust were hurt during the regular season. Prust tried to play through it, but aggravated the injury in game 4. And since the Habs have little depth, they couldn't overcome all of those injuries. For my positive post of the day, that IS one major advantage the Penguins have over most other teams. If a couple of guys get hurt, they have a couple more solid players they can insert into the lineup and not miss a whole lot.

[salamander]

Just an update on the WBS Pens - after sweeping their first round series, the Pens are in an 0-2 hole against the top-seeded Providence Bruins in their 2nd round matchup. After only surrendering about 2 goals per game all season and the first round of the playoffs, the Baby Pens have given up 12 goals in their 2 games against the P-Bruins this round. In the 12 times that the Baby Pens have made it to the playoffs in their 14 year history, they've only made it past the 2nd round three times - which all ended up being losses in the Calder Cup finals. Now THAT'S frustration.

[zulater]

Maybe.

Maybe not.

There's a lot of things that bother me about this team, the 2 biggest ones being puck management and doing the dirty work along the boards. That's why it is hard for me to get behind them. Those are game and series-losing problems that must be corrected if they want to beat the Sens. I'm just not 100% convinced they will do that. The thing is, I KNOW they can do that, but will they be committed to doing it every period of every game?

In their history the Pens have won 3 Stanley Cups and advanced to another which they lost in 6 to the Red Wings. In those 4 years, obviously the most successfull in team history. Tell me which of those playoff seasons the Pens didn't struggle at some point prior to the Cup Finals? You don't remember 90, when down in the first round in the Wales conference playoffs 3-2 to the Devils with game 6 in N.J. the Pens had to turn their season over to journeyman goalie Frank Pieterangelo? And he came through with "The save" on Peter Stasney? Going down 3-1 the Caps and Mario gathering the team to go to the "left wing lock"? Being down 2-0 to the Bruins in the Wales conference finals? Being down 2-1 to the top seeded President Cup winning Rangers with Mario out the remainder of the series with a broken wrist?

The point is we've never won one of these things without getting a standing 8 count somewhere along the road to the final. So what, we're not the 85 Bears? Yes they were tested by the Islanders. But they were never down in the series game wise. We don't know this team can't find another level if their backs are against the wall.

So why can't you ever just enjoy the journey? If we fall short then we talk about it. But for now let's see what they can do. I think we all believe the talent is there to at least come out of the east.So enjoy the ride while it lasts.

[Spike]

Ah, I see. Thanks for clarifying. I had heard they had a ton of injuries.

Don't forget the smurf part - they really did have a bunch of 5'6, 5'7 guys playing too, I wasn't just joking. Sens pushed them around.


I look at it this way - the Pens were good enough to win 4 games to 2 against the Isles even with a spastic headcase goalie starting 4 games.

Vokoun didn't need to be the best goalie out there, just not the worst.

The Isles won two games because Fleurys' bumbling goaltending scored as many goals as the Islander players did.

The Penguins won two games by scores of 5-0 and 4-0, so they can still dominate anyone at any time.

It's true the Pens matched up poorly against the fast Islander wingers, especially on the road, but their lazy play and turnovers helped the Isles more.

The Ottawa series won't be easy, it will certainly be physical, but the Penguins will be fine.

[Spike]

Lundqvist stonewalls the Ovechkin's 1-0....only watched the last 5 min of that schnoozer, too boring

I love watch watching other teams go to Game 7. Very relaxing, just sipping on a 12 pack and laughing.

[Spike]

C'mon Leafs! score a fucking goal - another nuthin nuthin game - the Broons are ready to croak and go to a Game 7 too

[Count Steeler]

C'mon Leafs! score a fucking goal - another nuthin nuthin game - the Broons are ready to croak and go to a Game 7 too

Bruins are ripe for the picking. Leafs can still pull out this series.

[X-Terminator]

In their history the Pens have won 3 Stanley Cups and advanced to another which they lost in 6 to the Red Wings. In those 4 years, obviously the most successfull in team history. Tell me which of those playoff seasons the Pens didn't struggle at some point prior to the Cup Finals? You don't remember 90, when down in the first round in the Wales conference playoffs 3-2 to the Devils with game 6 in N.J. the Pens had to turn their season over to journeyman goalie Frank Pieterangelo? And he came through with "The save" on Peter Stasney? Going down 3-1 the Caps and Mario gathering the team to go to the "left wing lock"? Being down 2-0 to the Bruins in the Wales conference finals? Being down 2-1 to the top seeded President Cup winning Rangers with Mario out the remainder of the series with a broken wrist?

The point is we've never won one of these things without getting a standing 8 count somewhere along the road to the final. So what, we're not the 85 Bears? Yes they were tested by the Islanders. But they were never down in the series game wise. We don't know this team can't find another level if their backs are against the wall.

So why can't you ever just enjoy the journey? If we fall short then we talk about it. But for now let's see what they can do. I think we all believe the talent is there to at least come out of the east.So enjoy the ride while it lasts.

"The Save" and the Bruins series comeback happened in 1991. The Caps series comeback and Rangers series happened in 1992. And yes, I remember all of them. In fact, after Mario had his wrist broken (by Adam Graves, that cheap MFer), they rattled off 11 straight wins to capture the Cup, which tied a NHL record (ironically enough, matched by the Blackhawks that same playoffs, who they swept in the Stanley Cup Final). Even in 2009, they came back from a 2-0 deficit against the Caps and won. Those teams were hungry and motivated to win, and had great leadership to boot, and that is why they were successful.

This group, however...I'm not convinced they have the same hunger and motivation to win. When they are on their game, there is no team in the NHL that can beat them, not even Chicago. The problem is that they don't always play that way, they get sloppy and undisciplined, and in turn, they get beat. It happened in 2010, last year and this year. With all of the mistakes and awful play at times, they were lucky to beat a team they should have swept, bad matchup or not. I swear to God, if I see Letang or Malkin make another tape-to-tape pass to the opposition that leads to a goal, I'm going to break my damn computer monitor. And that is what pisses me off so much about this team, why I don't watch the games and why I am just waiting for them to fuck up and lose, as much as I don't want that to happen. They have a golden opportunity to bring home the Cup again with all of the talent they've assembled. They just need to get out of their own way, play up to their considerable talent level and get the job done. If they do, then I will enjoy the hell out of it.

[Spike]

fuck yeah! Go Leafs!


two Game 7's tomorrow - how awesome is that

[zulater]

fuck yeah! Go Leafs!


two Game 7's tomorrow - how awesome is that

Almost as awesome as the Pens not making it a 3 some!

[zulater]

"The Save" and the Bruins series comeback happened in 1991. The Caps series comeback and Rangers series happened in 1992. And yes, I remember all of them. In fact, after Mario had his wrist broken (by Adam Graves, that cheap MFer), they rattled off 11 straight wins to capture the Cup, which tied a NHL record (ironically enough, matched by the Blackhawks that same playoffs, who they swept in the Stanley Cup Final). Even in 2009, they came back from a 2-0 deficit against the Caps and won. Those teams were hungry and motivated to win, and had great leadership to boot, and that is why they were successful.

This group, however...I'm not convinced they have the same hunger and motivation to win. When they are on their game, there is no team in the NHL that can beat them, not even Chicago. The problem is that they don't always play that way, they get sloppy and undisciplined, and in turn, they get beat. It happened in 2010, last year and this year. With all of the mistakes and awful play at times, they were lucky to beat a team they should have swept, bad matchup or not. I swear to God, if I see Letang or Malkin make another tape-to-tape pass to the opposition that leads to a goal, I'm going to break my damn computer monitor. And that is what pisses me off so much about this team, why I don't watch the games and why I am just waiting for them to fuck up and lose, as much as I don't want that to happen. They have a golden opportunity to bring home the Cup again with all of the talent they've assembled. They just need to get out of their own way, play up to their considerable talent level and get the job done. If they do, then I will enjoy the hell out of it.

The point was, at their lowest ebb, any of those teams could have had the same concerns voiced about them. In 90 who was confident they were going to take game 6 with Frankie P? Who thought the character of the team was strong when the Caps were skating circles around them accruing a 3-1 lead?

I think this break between series is great! Gives the coaching staff a chance to figure out where the defensive breakdowns are coming from, maybe get Letang aside and preach a little more puck responsability to him?

Those two shutout wins show me that when this team reaches back for a little extra they got a good heater. I honestly think they're going to play a great series against the Senators. Not saying there wont be bad moments, maybe even a bad game or two. But I think they can and will prevail.

Win 4 more and advance, and then see what happens. That's all i care about.

[zulater]

Red Wings advance, and the Black Hawks say "oh no"!

[venom]

Lundqvist stonewalls the Ovechkin's 1-0....only watched the last 5 min of that schnoozer, too boring

I love watch watching other teams go to Game 7. Very relaxing, just sipping on a 12 pack and laughing.

If you think that game was schnoozer , you dont know hockey

[Spike]

If you think that game was schnoozer , you dont know hockey




blah blah blah - boring ass hockey, Rags do nothing but slump down in front of the net and get hit by pucks and fuck Ovechkin - lazy ass dirtbag


now the Leafs game was hot - that was intense - 0-0 into the 3rd - they were going full tilt up and down the ice all night beating the Broons into pulp

I was worn out watching that shit - awesome game

[stillers4me]

Goliath Wins Round 1


After closing out their first-round series against the eighth-seeded Islanders, the top-seeded Penguins are taking some admittedly well-deserved heat.
They often didn’t match the Islanders effort.

They couldn’t match New York’s speed – although that’s not really something that could be helped.

Turnovers, sloppy defense, getting outhit and outworked - they barely advanced, right?

It’s enough to make a Penguins believer—or one of the many pundits who picked Sidney Crosby and company to win the Stanley Cup—downright gloomy. They were supposed to breeze by these young, inexperienced Islanders.

What will become of these mighty Penguins against the Senators in round two? Have you seen Craig Anderson’s play in goal lately?

These are legitimate questions, but before taking a dive off the 10th Street Bridge, let’s broaden our view and look at a few facts:...........

Read more @
http://www.pittsburghsportsreport.com/PSR/node/5632

[Spike]

Sabotage!


Bruins’ Airplane Issue Forces Team To Travel To Boston On Morning Of Game 7


BOSTON (CBS) — As if losing Game 6 to the Maple Leafs didn’t make Sunday night a tough enough experience for the Boston Bruins, they learned shortly after the loss that they wouldn’t be able to make it home.

“Late during tonight’s game we were made aware that there was a malfunction with our airplane,” Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said in a statement. “As a result we are staying in Toronto on Sunday night and the team will travel to Boston on Monday morning.”

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/05/12/bruins-airplane-issue-forces-team-to-travel-to-boston-on-morning-of-game-7/

[stillers4me]

Ottawa Senators to open Round 2 series in Pittsburgh Tuesday night

The Senators are headed to Steeltown, U.S.A. this afternoon.

League sources confirmed to the Sun the Senators will play Game 1 of their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Consol Energy Center. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night also in Pittsburgh......

read more @ http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/05/13/ottawa-senators-to-open-round-2-series-in-pittsburgh-tuesday-night

[Spike]

the sooner the better!

I want all 4 teams playing tonight to beat the living crap out of each other, with a couple bloody bench brawls thrown in for fun.

I demand entertainment

[Spike]

2013 Conference Semifinals open on Tuesday

NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League announced today Game 1 dates of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinal round for the three matchups that have been determined. Round 2 starts Tuesday, May 14, with a doubleheader.

Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinal series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators will be played at 7:30 p.m. ET at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh and the Western Conference Semifinal between the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks will start at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Additionally, Game 1 in the series between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings will be Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago.

The remainder of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals schedule, including dates, times and national television coverage for the entire round, will be released after the conclusion of tonight's games.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=670485&navid=nhl:topheads

[stillers4me]

[
As we have said before and, as anyone from Pittsburgh knows, the word Jagoff can be confusing to those not from here.

It’s a term of endearment when we want it to be, “Oh my God! How in the hell have you been, Ya Jagoff?”

It’s a term of astonishment to someone you love, “You scared the @#$% outta me, Ya Jagoff!”

It’s also a phrase of frustration and anger, “You should shut up, Ya Jagoff!”

Given that, let’s talk about our Pittsburgh Penguins. Seriously, it took us 6 games to beat the Islanders? Do you know how many of us had puke in the back of our throats and acid reflux over these 6 games? And do you realize how much food was wasted watching these games because because we were literally in a panic?

For me, it was like golf… tension was soooooooooooooo high that some of us couldn’t even enjoy a beer during the games.. we were guzzling Pepto Bylsma.. I mean.. Pepto Bismol!!

OK.. rant over… thanks for beating the Islanders BEFORE causing a game 7 on Mother’s Day for crissakes! It could have been ugly telling Mom that she wasn’t going to be the focus of today!

So let’s get into Ottawa, give Sergei Gonchar one of those, “How in the hell have you been, Ya Jagoff?” lines. Give the Ottawa Senators owner and part-time CSI Agent, Eugene Melnyk, “You should shut up, Ya Jagoff!” salutation. And then let’s skate like a bunch of 4-games-benched Tyler Kennedies and get out of this series in 5 games, ’cause, with that Islander’s series, “You scared the @#$% outta me, Ya Jagoffs!”


:lol:
http://www.yajagoff.com/2013/05/13/pens-beat-the-islanders-jagoff-post/

[steelerdude15]

2013 Conference Semifinals open on Tuesday

NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League announced today Game 1 dates of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinal round for the three matchups that have been determined. Round 2 starts Tuesday, May 14, with a doubleheader.

Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinal series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators will be played at 7:30 p.m. ET at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh and the Western Conference Semifinal between the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks will start at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Additionally, Game 1 in the series between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings will be Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago.

The remainder of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals schedule, including dates, times and national television coverage for the entire round, will be released after the conclusion of tonight's games.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=670485&navid=nhl:topheads

Interesting match ups. Thanks for letting us know!

[salamander]

Toronto was up 4-2 but then gave up 2 goals in 31 seconds in the last 2 minutes of the game... they're headed to OT with the Bruins.

[zulater]

Bruins win in OT! What a game! Glad I changed to that from the Rangers- Caps game in time to see the late game comeback and subsequent OT.

[Spike]

O

Can

A

Duh


a crowd of 100,000 and nobody will be gettin' any tonight

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2013/05/13/li-620-disappointment-cp04424423.jpg

[oneforthetoe]

O

Can

A

Duh


a crowd of 100,000 and nobody will be gettin' any tonight

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2013/05/13/li-620-disappointment-cp04424423.jpg

Get your riot gear in 3 2 1. Actually, I don't mind Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary or Vancouver winning. I just can't stomach Ottawa or Montreal winning.

[Spike]

oh my Leafs, my Leafs - they HAD it!

they let me down, brutal way to choke away a magnificent 3-1 comeback series win against the Broons

The agony of defeat - worst 3rd period collapse in a game 7 in NHL history....I guess the Sens are Canada's team now


http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/sad_face.gif

all of Canada weeps



the good news

Pens play Tues - Fri - Sun

all 7:30 pm starts

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=670517&navid=nhl:topheads

[venom]

Good Bye !! Lets Go Rangers !!!!!


http://misterirrelevant.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ovechkin-Golf-Clubs.jpg

[Spike]

so you're a Rangers fan - I guess I'm rooting for them too, I really don't like Boston

[Pete The Greek]

Of the 32 plus year of watching the Maple Leafs or any other sporting team I root for (including the Steelers), that was the biggest kick in the nuts. They had the game won. Sigh.

Sens might be Canada's team; but no way in hell am I rooting for them or Habs, ever.

[venom]

http://images.craigslist.org/3E93G63J25G65Hc5J6d5e07047eb290911dc4.jpg

[zulater]

spn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/9274553/tomas-vokoun-starting-goal-penguins-game-1-vs-ottawa

It's official, Vouk starting game 1. http://draftsteel.com/ff/images/smilies/whew.gif

[Spike]

http://i.imgur.com/Q3yxnJS.jpg

speaking of the Apeman, what a goon, leaving his feet, throwing elbows at heads and he gets a pass

Milbury was the only one I heard call him out on it- saying the refs let everyone get dangerously out of control in that game

Where's Brendan Shanahan now? I guess players safety only matters during the regular season.

[venom]

Hahaha

[Spike]

It's official, Vouk starting game 1.



I think it's good that we're starting Vokoun over Fleury, kinda sends that message that getting his job back won't be easy and when he does play, he needs to play better to keep his job


as new coach - I've already turned in my line-ups

Dupuis-Crosby-Iginla
Kunitz-Malkin-Neal
Morrow-Sutter-Cooke
Adams-Vitale-Kennedy

[Count Steeler]

Ugh!

[Spike]

The last few days of stress-free hockey watching are over. Back to it tonight.

Pens injury sheet is empty - everyone healthy - it's a sign!

[stillers4me]

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/969840_10151718432080809_864544588_n.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

Dejan Kovacevic ‏@Dejan_Kovacevic1m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/Dejan_Kovacevic/status/334496093926739968)
So I ask Sid if Neil punch to jaw hurt: "No, honestly, didn't feel it." Me: "Iron Jaw?" Sid: "Yeah, pretty much what it is at this point."

:check:

[zulater]

Big game 1 win! Thought Voukon was a little shaky until about midgame. Fighting the puck a bit and giving up juicy rebounds. But then he settled down and looked sharp, particularly in the 3rd period.

In fact I thought the team as a whole played a strong 3rd period.

My 3 stars. \

1. Geno. Not only did he get the 2 points, but he was great on faceoffs, particularly in the defensive zone.

2. Pascuel Dupuis. The shorty sealed the win.

3. Brooks Orpik. thought he played a strong game in the zone, and managed the puck smartly.

[stillers4me]

TribLIVE Radio‏@TribLIVE_Radio7m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/TribLIVE_Radio/status/334495097582407680)
Tomas Vokoun leads the league in playoff save percentage. He made 35 saves tonight in his third straight playoff win.

- - - Updated - - -

TribLIVE Radio‏@TribLIVE_Radio10m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/TribLIVE_Radio/status/334494520467156992)
Pascal Dupuis leads the league in playoff goals with 6, has points in all 7 playoff games.

- - - Updated - - -

TribLIVE Radio‏@TribLIVE_Radio12m (http://www.steelersuniverse.com/TribLIVE_Radio/status/334494159555661825)
Evgeni Malkin is tied for the lead in playoff points with 13, leads league in playoff assists with 10, has assists in all 7 playoff games.

- - - Updated - - -

Penguins Take Game One

A perfect penalty kill, flawless powerplay and hot goaltender. Pittsburgh dominated Ottawa start to finish thanks to special teams tonight. Four different players scored and Tomas Vokoun stopped 33 shots as the Penguins jumped out to a 1-0 series lead over the Senators.
The playoffs second leading scorer, Evgeni Malkin, highlighted period one for the home team.

Malkin scored the Penguins go-ahead goal at 12:15 thanks to a perfect pass from new linemate Chris Kunitz. Ottawa's Jared Cowen lost the puck behind the Senators net thanks to a buzzing forecheck before James Neal tracked the biscuit and tapped it to an open Kunitz. The winger then found Malkin parked in the blue paint to give Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead nearly halfway through the first frame..........

read more @ http://www.pittsburghsportsreport.com/PSR/node/5636

[stillers4me]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA4ajNs8xO0

Goodell fines Orpik $25,000.............

[Spike]

I don't think the Pens even broke a sweat. That was a practice skate, too easy.

[GBMelBlount]

I gotta say they looked pretty dominant.

Seems like replacing Fleury was a good decision so far.

[Spike]

Sens got nothing

A walk in the park

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5219725056/h4B5F80CB/

[Spike]

I gotta say they looked pretty dominant.

Seems like replacing Fleury was a good decision so far.

There was no decision about it - Vokoun saved Bylsma's job and he knows it.




Senators hope their ‘stage fright’ is behind them

PITTSBURGH – Well, that could have gone better.

The Senators dropped their second round opener to the Penguins 4-1, with plenty of blame to go around, but the Senators wisely tipped their caps to a superior Penguins team on the first night.

The good news? Ottawa’s band of rookies now knows how it feels to face Sidney Crosby and friends in a playoff setting.

“If we had any kind of stage fright or youthful jitters, that should be behind us and now it’s up to us to make it a series,” said Senators head coach Paul MacLean.

MacLean said the youth of his team was a factor in the first period, and that was certainly evident on a Jared Cowen-Eric Gryba mishap that led to Pittsburgh’s second goal, by Evgeni Malkin. Gryba later left the game due to an injury and there was no update on his “upper body” issue.

The coach was frustrated that when Ottawa dominated much of the second period, it didn’t produce any goals to go with it.

Defenceman Erik Karlsson had the best line to describe the Cowen giveaway and Gryba coverage issue.

“We want to come out of our end with the puck, but you know, sometimes shit happens,” Karlsson said.


http://www.senatorsextra.com/main/senators-hope-their-stage-fright-is-behind-them
------------------------


that's right dive-boy - - - shit happens for a reason, Sens are soft and slow and can't score

[Spike]

BWAhahahah

Don Cherry thinks the Sens are a bit feminine


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aElzeI_0J5M&feature=player_embedded

[Spike]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know there's not much to bitch about after a 4-1 win.....but....

I wouldn't be against giving a game off to Sutter. Maybe it will light a fire under his ass too, like TK.

Besides, sitting Juicy after everything he's shown since he was acquired doesn't seem right, he was outplaying Sutter as a defensive line center pretty regularly

[GBMelBlount]

:rofl2:



BWAhahahah

Don Cherry thinks the Sens are a bit feminine


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aElzeI_0J5M&feature=player_embedded

[Spike]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

defense

defense

defense


the goals will come


they can beat this team and score 4 goals every game with Sid in a blindfold


I believe

[vader29]

NY Rangers coach John Tortorella tells Washington Capitals to stop whining

BOSTON — Stop whining, Washington.

The Rangers said on Wednesday that they are turning their focus to Boston. But first, John Tortorella had a parting shot for the Washington Capitals, who believed the officials favored New York in the teams’ seven-game first-round series.

“I like where our team is as far as how they handle themselves,” Tortorella said Wednesday afternoon at the Rangers' Greenburgh practice facility. “We’ve got everybody and their brother whining up there in Washington about what happened in that series, and I think that’s a big reason why they lose that series. So I just think our mind-set is very good, as far as not letting anything bother us. (We’re) just getting ready to play each day: Play the game, practice the next day and just go about our business.”

After the Rangers won Game 7, 5-0, in Washington on Monday night, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin told a Russian reporter he believed there had been an NHL conspiracy to force the decisive game. The Rangers had 28 power plays to just 16 for the Capitals in the series and a 5-0 penalty advantage in Game 6, although all of it was due largely to the Blueshirts’ discipline.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/torts-tells-caps-stop-whining-article-1.1345530#ixzz2TTvuUXV5