Pens Tidbits 2.0

[X-Terminator]

One more win and they're in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. It would be great if the Pens can win on home ice in front of our crowd. I think the Rangers will come out firing and will not make this game easy, but I think the Pens will finish this series with a win tomorrow. Lets go Pens!

Not only that, it would be their fourth trip to the ECF in 7 years. It's just a shame they will simply get dominated and eliminated again by either Boston or Montreal.

[steelerdude15]

Not only that, it would be their fourth trip to the ECF in 7 years. It's just a shame they will simply get dominated and eliminated again by either Boston or Montreal.

Well, we don't know that. I do have the winner of that series representing the East in finals, but the Pens could very well make it with the way they have been playing the last few games. I'm just trying to remain as optimistic as possible.

[X-Terminator]

Down 2-0 after 1. Good Lord, does this team blow when they have a chance to clinch a series at home.

[venom]

Still breathing- Can't believe the Rangers scored one of those man advantage kind of goals . I forgot what they are called. Hope they can keep it up

[Edman]

Grease Fire game for the Flower. This game was over after the first period.

[vader29]

:doh:

465219957232398336

[X-Terminator]

:doh:

465219957232398336

Denial. It ain't just a river in Egypt.

Any other questions as to why this guy needs to be given his pink slip?

[steelerdude15]

I wonder how motivated the Rangers were last night with Marty's mom dying (may she rest in peace). Couple that with the fact they were about to be eliminated, I bet it gave them all the motivation in the world. It would be sweet to get some revenge and win in New York tomorrow night. Of course, I was looking forward to watching the Pirates on ESPN. I guess I'll have to flip through both channels.

[X-Terminator]

I wonder how motivated the Rangers were last night with Marty's mom dying (may she rest in peace). Couple that with the fact they were about to be eliminated, I bet it gave them all the motivation in the world. It would be sweet to get some revenge and win in New York tomorrow night. Of course, I was looking forward to watching the Pirates on ESPN. I guess I'll have to flip through both channels.

I fully expected them to be. The Pens should have too, but unfortunately, they decided to revert back to their same old, lame old ways.

It's a good thing the Pirates are on tomorrow night, so I don't have to watch them lose again and then try to win a home game 7, in which they are 2-6 all-time.

[X-Terminator]

And it looks like there's going to be a game 7. Pens down 3-1 after 2. Fleury has been his usual playoff self - allowed one extremely soft goal and then another one after he couldn't control and cover a puck. PP is still terrible, Neal is invisible, Crosby is spearing guys out of frustration. Malkin and Gibbons seem to be the only ones playing like they give a shit. All they need to do now is keep up the tradition of losing game 7 at home on Tuesday, and the latest yearly choke job will be complete.

But will anyone lose their jobs? What, are you kidding?

[venom]

Great desperation game by the Rangers. Their PP didn't score tonight but they were very active . You're right , Pens very frustrated out there and getting called with numerous penalties. Nevertheless , hoping my boys keep it up for game 7 but they better watch out cause I can see the Pens coming out in a frenzy Tuesday Night

[salamander]

Pens will lose game 7 and we'll still be stuck with Bylsma.

[zulater]

Pens will lose game 7 and we'll still be stuck with Bylsma.

No way can he survive a loss. Lose this game and he would be 0-3 in game 7's since they won the Cup. All of them at home. Also this would be his second time squandering a 3-1 series lead. That's virtually unprecedented.

[X-Terminator]

Great desperation game by the Rangers. Their PP didn't score tonight but they were very active . You're right , Pens very frustrated out there and getting called with numerous penalties. Nevertheless , hoping my boys keep it up for game 7 but they better watch out cause I can see the Pens coming out in a frenzy Tuesday Night

Pfft. The Rangers will win in a walkover. Don't you even worry about it.


No way can he survive a loss. Lose this game and he would be 0-3 in game 7's since they won the Cup. All of them at home. Also this would be his second time squandering a 3-1 series lead. That's virtually unprecedented.

I still don't think it matters. Apparently ownership is pissed. Well, ownership was allegedly pissed last season, and yet they kept the status quo. I would be shocked if Bylsma is fired if and when the Pens lose tomorrow night. They won a round and got 7 home games out of the deal, putting nearly $20 million in their pockets. As long as the money keeps rolling in, why change anything?

[salamander]

It doesn't matter if the Pens win tomorrow because even if they do they're only going to get swept by Boston or Montreal in the next round anyways. Forgive me for being pessimistic but the Pens have showed us nothing to make me believe otherwise.

[venom]

Game 7 info :

Home teams are 91-61
Team that scores first is 112-40
Brad Richards is 6-0 , Martin St.Louis is 4-1 and Lundqvist is 4-1 in Game 7's
Crosby/Malkin are 2-1 and Marc Andre Fleury is 2-2 in Game 7's
Rangers are 7-4 all time in Game 7's
Penguins are 7-6 all time in Game 7's
Vigneault is 3-1
Bylsma is 2-2

What this all means is ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nothing. Good luck tonight ( but not that much ) Lets Go Rangers !!!!!!

[SteelMember]

I believe whoever comes out ready to play will win. And of course, they will need at least one more goal, imho.

[vader29]

466289054158311424

[venom]

Just heard that the same 2 Refs that did Game 6 will also do tonight's game 7

[salamander]

Hoping for the best, expecting the worst tonight.

[X-Terminator]

Game 7 info :

Home teams are 91-61
Team that scores first is 112-40
Brad Richards is 6-0 , Martin St.Louis is 4-1 and Lundqvist is 4-1 in Game 7's
Crosby/Malkin are 2-1 and Marc Andre Fleury is 2-2 in Game 7's
Rangers are 7-4 all time in Game 7's
Penguins are 7-6 all time in Game 7's
Vigneault is 3-1
Bylsma is 2-2

What this all means is ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nothing. Good luck tonight ( but not that much ) Lets Go Rangers !!!!!!

Here's some info that you left out:

- The Pens are 2-6 all-time at home in game 7
- Bylsma is 1-7 when attempting to clinch a series since winning the Cup in 2009, including 0-2 in game 7s, both at home
- The Pens have never won a game 7 after losing game 6
- The Pens have also not won a series in which they lost consecutive games since the 2009 Stanley Cup Final

Like I said, don't worry. You got this.

[venom]

Don't worry ? I got this ? I will not us be taken by your Jedi mind tricks , lol

[zulater]

Law of averages are on the Pens side, I'm predicting a win

[SteelMember]

well here we go I'm glad they're not putting it all on a white out.

[Edman]

Hoping for: Penguins Win.

Expecting: Choke Job complete.

[SteelMember]

Playing from behind.... Nice. We got em right where we want em.

[zulater]

21 minutes and Blysma is gone.

[salamander]

I'm going to flip shit if the Pens keep Bylsma if/when they finish blowing this series.

[X-Terminator]

Don't worry ? I got this ? I will not us be taken by your Jedi mind tricks , lol

I don't play Jedi mind tricks. That was the stone cold truth. And right now, that stone cold truth is looking like reality.

[Polamalu Princess]

I am in pain.

[salamander]

Please please please fire Bylsma after this game.

[Edman]

Collapse Complete.

Fuck you Dan Bylsma.

[Dodt]

so lets say mario decides to fire dan , who do you want to replace him . someone within the organization , an outsider ,or a former pen?

[Polamalu Princess]

UGH!!!!!!!

[SteelMember]

Tee time!

[steelerdude15]

So I admit, I pretty much stopped posting in this thread because of the negativity. I continue to see that. With that being said, I'm going to be positive about this. While I'm sad that the Pens lost (I'm not mad at all), we had a good regular season and I think that Flower was good and at times great in the playoffs this year. I think that it is good for Flower. Then, there were times in this series and a little bit in the first series where Kris was playing lights out. I'm excited to see what him coming back next year. I hope he'll be healthy and play at an elite level again in the regular season. I try to consider myself to be a very supportive fan, but I think that change is coming this offseason. I have a gut feeling that Dan will be fired and a new coach will come in. I think it will be someone from outside of the organization. I'm ready for change.

[salamander]

Fire Bylsma. Bring up John Hynes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He's been with the organization long enough.

[steelerdude15]

Fire Bylsma. Bring up John Hynes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He's been with the organization long enough.

I would prefer if the Pens brought someone in from outside of the organization with more of a defensive system. I don't know too much about Hynes (I'm not discrediting him at all as a coach), but from what I have read in the Trib, they use the same system in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

[SteelMember]

I wouldn't even go as far a to say it was a system issue. Its lack of discipline and stubbornness to put lines together by the coach himself.

[salamander]

I would prefer if the Pens brought someone in from outside of the organization with more of a defensive system. I don't know too much about Hynes (I'm not discrediting him at all as a coach), but from what I have read in the Trib, they use the same system in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

I actually agree with you. That was my WBS homerism speaking. :lol:

[X-Terminator]

If the Pens fire Bylsma, I wouldn't mind them hiring Barry Trotz.

[zulater]

Disco Dan is done. 5 straight years of losing to lower seeded teams. 3 home game 7 losses. He's a bad coach. Won with another man's system and team.

[86WARD]

Cindy. NHLs version of Peyton Manning. ;)

[X-Terminator]

Disco Dan is done. 5 straight years of losing to lower seeded teams. 3 home game 7 losses. He's a bad coach. Won with another man's system and team.

Rumor has it that the Canucks will hire him if he's fired. They can have him. Which would be ironic considering he lost to the guy the Canucks fired in order to hire John Tortorella, the former Rangers coach.

It's also fitting that Martin St. Louis has been part of both times this decade that the Pens have blown 3-1 series leads.

[steelerdude15]

I wouldn't even go as far a to say it was a system issue. Its lack of discipline and stubbornness to put lines together by the coach himself.

While I definitely agree that there is clear lack of discipline (which I think was better this post-season then ones in the past), Dan was better at adjusting lines in this post-season than ever before. If I remember correctly, he would not adjust his lines in previous post-seasons, but did so in this one and there were times were it made a difference. I think the issue with Dan was that he wasn't able to win the coach's game of chess in which the other team's coach would be able to shut down our offense or disrupt our defense and he wouldn't be able to come up with an answer for it. Then I also think he wouldn't adjust from an offensive game to a defensive game for the playoffs that well.

- - - Updated - - -


If the Pens fire Bylsma, I wouldn't mind them hiring Barry Trotz.

Since Barry and Ray worked together in Nashville, I definitely think Barry's name would pop up quite a bit if Dan is fired. I wouldn't mind the Pens hiring him either. I think he would be a good fit for this team. However...

Barry Trotz interested in Capitals’ coaching vacancy, eager for next challenge

It hasn’t even been a month since he was fired by the Nashville Predators but Barry Trotz is eager to embrace his next coaching challenge — and it could come in Washington.

The Capitals contacted Trotz, who is arguably the most coveted coach currently on the market, not long after they dismissed Adam Oates and George McPhee in late April, and there is mutual interest.

“They were one of the first teams to reach out and asked what my plans were. I told them I would like to coach and they said they would love to talk to me. But obviously, they’re in the search for their general manager right now,” Trotz said in a phone interview. “From my standpoint of wanting another opportunity, a lot of things excite me about the Capitals and the other teams that are out there. A new challenge, to me, is really exciting.”

Read More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2014/05/12/barry-trotz-interested-in-capitals-coaching-vacancy-eager-for-next-challenge/

[salamander]

Bylsma sucks as a situational coach. He doesn't discipline his players and is in love with his old, sucky players.

[steelerdude15]

Bylsma sucks as a situational coach. He doesn't discipline his players and is in love with his old, sucky players.

That is another thing that I have been thinking about. I've been thinking about the older players on the team like Craig and Brooks. I think it maybe for the best to let those two go and plug in younger and faster players.

[salamander]

That is another thing that I have been thinking about. I've been thinking about the older players on the team like Craig and Brooks. I think it maybe for the best to let those two go and plug in younger and faster players.

Just look at what Brian Gibbons did. I was in shock that Danny Boy let him skate with Crosby.

[steelerdude15]

Just look at what Brian Gibbons did. I was in shock that Danny Boy let him skate with Crosby.

Brian is so fast and he's only an inch taller than me! :lol: I like Brian and what he brings to this team. I would like for the Pens to keep him with the team and have him on either the third or fourth line when Pascal comes back to take his spot on the top line with Sid and Chris.

[MrPgh]

Gibbons had no business playing with Crosby, and Dupuis is a third liner who enjoyed two career years before getting injured. Instead of hoarding defensemen and asking Crosby and Malkin to play with scrubs, get them some adequate fucking wingers. It's utterly insane that the Penguins have the two best players in the world and they REFUSE TO BUILD AROUND THEM.

[X-Terminator]

Great article from Dejan Kovacevic that points out everything I have been saying for the past 2 years about how fucking soft the Penguins are:

Mario Lemieux has a brilliant hockey mind, one of the brightest in the sport's history. But he's never needed that to grasp that the founding principal of the Penguins (http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/)' greatest successes has been star power. And preserving and building around that star power.

Ron Burkle has a brilliant business mind. He's a self-made billionaire who built his grocery empire from the ground up. But he'll never need that to grasp that, if he's got two of the most valuable assets in his industry, his top priority has to be to protecting and enhancing their value.

These guys are plenty hacked off. I've mentioned that, right?

OK, good. So I don't have to repeat that the Penguins' owners will take action now that the team's latest choke/gag/collapse/freefall/fold turned official with the 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers in Game 7 of their Stanley Cup playoff series Tuesday at Consol Energy Center (http://www.consolenergycenter.com/).

Expect the action to be seismic.

Expect it to be the “end of an era,” as Pittsburgh's mayor, Bill Peduto, tweeted right at the final horn.

Expect it to result in the firings of Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma.

And what's more, I'm told, expect it to be based primarily on an organization-wide failure at supporting and protecting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

There are other issues, but none is close to that one. Lemieux and Burkle have been seething at how their stars, in whom they've invested $180 million, were treated in these playoffs. Not at opponents or officiating, but at their own team's inability/unwillingness to address it.

I'll back Lemieux and Burkle emphatically: It's time for a change.

That isn't to excuse the top two stars, Crosby especially. Neither was good enough, Crosby especially. Neither was tough enough, Crosby especially.

Malkin wound up with six goals and was a skating terror in these final three losses but also went scoreless in the last two.

And Crosby — I can't believe I'm about to type this — scored one goal in the playoffs.

One! One goal in 13 games for the NHL's scoring champ and slam-dunk MVP!

“Obviously, I would have liked to score more, contribute more,” Crosby said after the game, when he also affirmed one final time he was healthy. “It wasn't a lack of effort or competing. But it doesn't make it any easier, I'll tell you that.”

Let's not mince words here: The captain let down his team.

But be equally sure that the reverse is true, and that's going to prove far more pivotal.

There's no intelligent reason the Penguins — the front office, the coaching staff and, yes, Crosby's teammates — should have allowed him to take a fraction of the abuse he did. It was disgraceful. It should have been embarrassing, though I'm not sure it was. There never was an answer for Columbus' Brandon Dubinsky. Nor the Rangers' Marc Staal. Those two and everyone else did as much damage as they pleased without ever having to look over their shoulders.

Blame Shero, mostly.

What happened to this GM's appreciation for tough, even dirty players, filling out his third and fourth lines? Were Marcel Goc and Lee Stempniak all that could be culled as deadline answers? Draft picks, anyone?

It's one thing to not acquire front-line forwards. They're expensive in cash and/or trade. But there's nothing easier or cheaper than a checking forward. And it's beyond reason that Shero gutted his roster of its guts and replaced it with a million and a half bucks worth of waiver-available Taylor Pyatt.

That can get a guy fired.

But blame Bylsma, too. What little toughness Shero provided scarcely saw the ice. Tanner Glass was scratched from Games 2-6 even though the Penguins faced a schedule-tormented opponent and had everything to gain from being more physical. Deryk Engelland never dressed at all.

This coach essentially watched with arms folded while his captain was assaulted shift after shift.

That can get a guy fired, too.

“I think you want to just punch a ticket if you want to get to the conference finals,” Bylsma said to a reporter afterward. “ It's a hard process, a hard thing to move on.”

No, Coach. No one wanted a punched ticket. They wanted some punch in this lifeless team. That capacity crowd that fairly shook the place for Game 7 wanted desperately to not be the only ones in there who cared.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/6101580-74/crosby-team-penguins

[Devilsdancefloor]

if dan is fired it will be hard to keep Jamie Kompon on the coaching staff i have a feeling he is headed for a head coaching job this off season and i think the Pens would be a perfect fit for him.

[venom]

I never saw Lundqvist play that great and hands down, the best player on the ice . Also having Brad Richards score the winning goal when Torts had him as a healthy scratch last year must be killing Torts last night. The Rangers played back and almost gave the Penguins a 2 period Power Play . From the start , I thought the PowerPlay will kill us but at the end, it was the Pens PowerPlay that killed them ( 1 for 20 ) We finally play a team outside the state of Pennsylvania in the next round , lol - Sorry for your loss !
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/002/892/940/9ab6e19f30467a35f090d16c41a3b0f4_crop_north.jpg?w= 630&h=420&q=75

[X-Terminator]

Congrats, venom. I told you not to worry!

[steelerdude15]

Gibbons had no business playing with Crosby, and Dupuis is a third liner who enjoyed two career years before getting injured. Instead of hoarding defensemen and asking Crosby and Malkin to play with scrubs, get them some adequate fucking wingers. It's utterly insane that the Penguins have the two best players in the world and they REFUSE TO BUILD AROUND THEM.

I'll have to disagree with you. Brian has been able to use his speed to help create plays, create scoring chances, and create penalties. He fought extremely hard during the post season and definitely deserves to be on this team next year. I don't have a problem with Brian on the first line until Pascal comes back because his speed and will to play mesh well with Sid and Chris. Also, James and Jussi are a great fit for Geno. All three work together and score which was they're paid to do. We just need to find a way to not allow opposing teams to shut down our offense in the post season and stop people from taking untimely and unnecessary penalties.

[X-Terminator]

I'm not sure there's going to be a spot for Gibbons next year simply because he may not fit into whatever system the new head coach implements.

[vader29]

Owners favor firing Bylsma, Shero status undetermined

Penguins ownership is into a second straight day of meetings that are expected to determine the future of general manager Ray Shero, multiple sources told the Tribune-Review.

No decision had been made as of Wednesday morning, but ownership was contemplating the firing of Shero along with coach Dan Bylsma, the sources said.

Ownership is not satisfied with the direction of the franchise and feels Shero specifically tethered himself to Bylsma, who he signed to a two-year extension after the Penguins were swept from the Eastern Conference final last June, the sources said.

That is why the term of Bylsma's deal was made to run concurrent with the final years remaining on Shero's contract, the sources said. If Bylsma were deemed necessary to replace Shero would be held accountable, the sources said.

Ownership favored firing Bylsma as of Wednesday, the sources said.

Ownership believed Bylsma lost the dressing room this season, specifically the support of franchise centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the sources said.

Players were unhappy with Bylsma's numerous meetings and long practices and the decreasing sense of fun within the Penguins' daily environment, the sources said.

Crosby and Malkin also grew disenchanted with perceived harsh criticism they received from Bylsma during meetings, the sources said.

Also, the sources said, ownership was concerned about the Crosby's body language during the playoffs.

No members of the Penguins were available for comment on Wednesday, vice president of communications Tom McMillan said.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/6101755-74/sources-bylsma-shero#ixzz31iGdLeq3

[X-Terminator]

LOL. What a bunch of spoiled little divas.

So Crosby and Malkin are upset over some criticism from their coach? No sense of fun in the workplace? Boo fucking hoo. Guess what guys? You have a JOB to do, and sometimes work sucks. That's just the way it is. In NO WAY should you ever allow it to affect your performance on the job. And if you are expecting any sympathy from the average person who has to sometimes work 60 hours a week just to make ends meet while you make your millions, then you are more out of touch with reality than I thought. If you really do think your job sucks so much, I'd be happy to trade places - and salaries - with you.

Grow up, you immature babies.

[salamander]

I know it would never, ever happen but I wouldn't mind seeing Crosby traded. We would get a king's ransom for him from another team. I could only imagine what we would get in return. Too bad it can't happen.

[X-Terminator]

I know it would never, ever happen but I wouldn't mind seeing Crosby traded. We would get a king's ransom for him from another team. I could only imagine what we would get in return. Too bad it can't happen.

Hell, trade him AND Geno, and get half a team in return. Players who understand that what they do is their JOB and accept that sometimes the boss might yell at you if you screw up. It's WORK, not a pizza party.

Hard to believe that after all of my speculation that they played like shit because Bylsma was too lenient...turns out it's because they think he was too harsh. If that was too harsh, they should try playing for Mike Keenan. Which, now that I think about it, wouldn't be a bad idea. His team just won the KHL championship, so obviously he's still got it. He would be exactly the kind of coach they deserve.

Now granted, all of this is mere speculation, but given how lackadaisical Sid was throughout most of the playoffs, I have to believe that at least some of it is true. And my opinion of him has changed as a result. He's just another whiny diva athlete like so many these days. But there's no way in hell the Pens will ever entertain the thought of trading them, and honestly, the Pens are justified in that decision. It's tough to part ways with legit megastar talent, no matter how immature and self-serving they are.

[steelerdude15]

If this report is true, I hope that Sid and Geno will grow from this and not act like this again. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and accept the negative comments your employer will give you. The best thing to do is take them and learn from them, become a better person on and off the job.

[SteelMember]

I'm not sure how to take that story when it was reported he didn't have any practices that last series. I heard plenty about his little celebrity pick up game when he took a stick in the face. M aybe these 'sources' were talking about the regular season... Like when they were winning. Not this gawd awful power play they trotted out there in the playoffs. Lord knows that needed some practice. We need a change regardless.

[X-Terminator]

Now that I've had time to think about it, maybe Sid and Geno got tired of being beat to a pulp without anyone sticking up for them, especially Sid, and that's why they were upset with Bylsma's criticism? That would make a lot of sense, and I honestly couldn't blame them. It still doesn't excuse them for not producing, or Sid's entire playoff performance.

Whoever the next GM and coach of this team is, among all of the other things that needs to be fixed - the lack of accountability, lack of discipline, a casual approach to playing defense - I would hope that they do whatever is necessary to make the team grittier and tougher.

On a good note - at least Boston won't be winning the Cup this year either. Pull up a golf cart, B's!

[salamander]

You wanna see a team with heart? The WBS Pens erased a 4-1 deficit tonight in their 2nd round playoff series (game 3) by scoring 3 goals in the 3rd period to win the game 5-4 in double OT. They now lead the series 2-1.

[vader29]

On a good note - at least Boston won't be winning the Cup this year either. Pull up a golf cart, B's!

Classless Bruins all the way to the end.

466763379227369472

466766230817230850

[zulater]

Maybe this franchise lost its best chance at real balance when Jordan Staal — a player Shero said he never would trade — was traded. Maybe the best scenario would have been Crosby centering the first line with the big-bodied Staal centering the second and the rest of the roster fleshed out with the massive return on a trade for Malkin.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/joestarkey/6101750-74/penguins-team-mario#ixzz31mJL1Tvi
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

Something I said on this board and got berated for years ago.

[X-Terminator]

Have you seen what Staal has done since going to Carolina? Not much. And yes, I know the talent level there isn't what it is in Pittsburgh. But he was the top-line center by default in 2011, and really didn't do a whole lot with it.

Staal is what he is. An overpaid 3rd line center, basically a shorter version of the Rangers' Brian Boyle. He does not posess the skill set needed to be a 2nd line center. The Pens still made the correct move. I think this is just a way to avoid blaming Shero for the team's lack of balance and depth because of his awful drafts. That alone should merit him losing his job.

[SteelMember]

I agree with the sentiment that he is a 3rd line center at best... still. He plays good defense and is a big part of the penalty kill because of it, but his 3 short hand goals per year are not worth 1st or 2nd line money. I still think that was a good trade. Letting him walk for nothing would have been much worse because he was looking for his payday one way or the other. And the Pens weren't buyers at his price.

[Steelerette]

Shero, before this season, (or you could say before the end of last season when he extended Bylsma) has been phenomenal for this franchise. If he can live with the coaching change being forced on him, I think he stays.

[SteelMember]

Shero, before this season, (or you could say before the end of last season when he extended Bylsma) has been phenomenal for this franchise. If he can live with the coaching change being forced on him, I think he stays.

I think he's just as much on the hot seat. He and Bylsma are tied at the hip in many ways. He (Shero) has been good, but not as of late, imho.

[X-Terminator]

Shero, before this season, (or you could say before the end of last season when he extended Bylsma) has been phenomenal for this franchise. If he can live with the coaching change being forced on him, I think he stays.

Like I said, if anything, his drafts should be reason enough to fire him. Here is the complete list of players Shero has drafted that have scored goals in the NHL since 2007:

Dustin Jeffrey
Luca Caputi
Robert Bortuzzo
Beau Bennett
Olli Maatta
Simon Despres

Caputi and Jeffrey are both out of the NHL, and Despres is in the minors. That leaves just 3 players he drafted that are currently in the NHL. Not nearly good enough. Everyone looks at the trades he's made and concludes that he's been a great GM. Granted, he has made some fantastic trades - the Kunitz and Neal trades were steals. But aside from that, he really isn't all that great. If he is kept, then he will most likely have to replace his scouting staff. A team like the Pens, with so much money invested in their biggest stars, needs to be able to have and maintain a quality talent pool in order to build depth as cheaply as possible. That's how the Blackhawks were able to rebuild a championship team 3 years after they gutted the 2010 championship team.

[steelerdude15]

There is no doubt that Ray is on the hot seat along with Dan. I think Ray has been a good general manager and has brought some good talent to this team through the draft and trades. However, not every trade and draftee will pan out. I think if given the chance, Ray could build a more defensive and grittier team which we're going to see now. Its what Mario wants now according to this article and IMO, its time for a more defensive sound team:

Starkey: Lemieux faces offseason conundrum

Mario Lemieux might well give the angry mob what it wants: the heads of general manager Ray Shero and coach Dan Bylsma.

Might be necessary, too.

But it won't answer The Question.

Mario can't run from The Question.

If he really wants to fix what ails this franchise, he and fellow owner Ron Burkle must determine the right answer to The Question.

What kind of team do we want?

After Game 7 on Tuesday, USA Today's Kevin Allen wrote that the Penguins are looking to adopt to “a more-defensive, grittier system.” That seems to be the popular sentiment. But when your best players are addicted to offense, is it realistic?

Read More: http://triblive.com/sports/joestarkey/6101750-74/penguins-team-mario

[X-Terminator]

I disagree with Starkey's premise that Crosby and Malkin can't play defense. If they were paying attention during the Cup runs, both of them played pretty good defense, and in fact, Malkin was probably their best 2-way player in 2009. So they CAN do it. They just haven't been asked to do it thanks to Overrated (and soon to be Unemployed) Dan's all-offense, all the time system. Considering they won that Cup playing a more defensive system that they learned from Michel Therrien, I think both would do quite well. The problem with Therrien was that he stifled the offense too much. He learned from that and changed his system a bit to allow for more offensive creativity, and fit his system to the personnel he has in Montreal.

[zulater]

Like I said, if anything, his drafts should be reason enough to fire him. Here is the complete list of players Shero has drafted that have scored goals in the NHL since 2007:

Dustin Jeffrey
Luca Caputi
Robert Bortuzzo
Beau Bennett
Olli Maatta
Simon Despres

Caputi and Jeffrey are both out of the NHL, and Despres is in the minors. That leaves just 3 players he drafted that are currently in the NHL. Not nearly good enough. Everyone looks at the trades he's made and concludes that he's been a great GM. Granted, he has made some fantastic trades - the Kunitz and Neal trades were steals. But aside from that, he really isn't all that great. If he is kept, then he will most likely have to replace his scouting staff. A team like the Pens, with so much money invested in their biggest stars, needs to be able to have and maintain a quality talent pool in order to build depth as cheaply as possible. That's how the Blackhawks were able to rebuild a championship team 3 years after they gutted the 2010 championship team.

I wonder if they could keep him but with the stipulation that he cedes the draft to someone they bring into the organization specifically for the purpose of procurement of younger talent?

Shero's a master trader and has a good handle on NHL talent already in the league.

[Steelerette]

I wonder if they could keep him but with the stipulation that he cedes the draft to someone they bring into the organization specifically for the purpose of procurement of younger talent?

Shero's a master trader and has a good handle on NHL talent already in the league.

nthe league
md
Here's where I agree. Keep Shero but bring in new scouting and don't let him have free reign over the draft.

[vader29]

D-Day for Disco Dan.


Pittsburgh Penguins will hold a news conference today at 11:30 a.m.

http://i57.tinypic.com/358146x.jpg

467299078867386368

[steelerdude15]

Just saw this at work. I'll wait to hear an official release from the organization. We all know how people on Twitter can be.

[salamander]

PENGUINS FIRE GM SHERO AND HEAD COACH BYLSMA

The Pittsburgh Penguins are holding a news conference at CONSOL Energy Center at 11:30am et/8:30am pt to announce the firing of general manager Ray Shero and head coach Dan Bylsma (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/?name=dan+bylsma), according to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie.

more: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=452306

[Steelerette]

-I'm ecstatic to see Bylsma fired. The only question I had about it in the back of my mind is, who replaces him?

-I'm not as glad to see Shero fired. I truly would prefer to keep him but to make sure we upgrade our scouting department. It's not like he doesn't have an eye for talent, just look at all the trades he's pulled off... but keeping an eye on young pre-system players is obviously not his thing.

-I hope they stick with Fleury. He does make the occasional dummy play, like when he came out of the net at the end of that CBJ game. Or letting a cupcake in the net now and then. But for the most part he's sensational and the Pens have been putting horrid defense in front of him, especially when it matters most, for years. There are games that would have been much worse if not for him, I don't care what his stats technically say, they don't tell the whole story. That said, I do love me some Vokoun.

-Geno was totally misused by Bylsma. No problem here for me. As was mentioned by someone else here before, we all saw what an excellent two-way player he can be while still being a scoring terror.

-Crosby I have mixed feelings. Even if they could get half a team in return I can't imagine them trading him, and when you have one of the league's elite players locked up long term for a pretty relative bargain, you just don't. For better or worse he's our guy, and though all we can do is guess about the thought processes and exact words involved, it's not hard to imagine that he was tired of being hung out to dry for other teams' goons, being hit with no consequence... where's our Troy Loney type who would just go and punish? So Sid's leadership skills are a little in question for me but, he was a terror in the Olympics wasn't he (unlike Dan)? He's a legitimate Megastar, don't let him be a diva, but do treat and protect him accordingly.

[Edman]

It's finally done.

The Pens were never going to amount to anything more than average in the postseason under Bylsma. Lack of urgency and toughness.

[salamander]

Penguins fire Bylsma, Shero

The Penguins have fired general manager Ray Shero and coach Dan Bylsma.

They lost their jobs in the wake of the Penguins’ second-round defeat by the New York Rangers Tuesday night in the Stanley Cup playoffs after the team blew a 3-1 series lead.

It marked the fifth consecutive year in which the Penguins were eliminated by a lower-seeded opponent.


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2014/05/16/Penguins-to-hold-news-conference-this-morning/stories/201405160169#ixzz31tQYlUrw

[salamander]

Listening to the press conference....it sounds like they're only firing Shero right now.

[vader29]

Shero is gone, Bylsma still coach until further evaluation from next GM.

[vader29]

467329155021824001


467329718765633536

:lol:

[Steelerette]

If we wind up having fired Shero but retaining Bylsma, I'm not even watching next season.

[salamander]

Why not just fire Bylsma now? I don't understand it.

[fansince'76]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYG_2iO7IHw

:lol:

[vader29]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAaMWcCdDW4

[X-Terminator]

Makes absolutely no sense to fire Shero and keep Bylsma. No sense at all. He should have been out the door along with Shero, because the Pens aren't going to do shit as long as he's coach.

[vader29]

http://i59.tinypic.com/2ljgr4l.png

[Steelerette]

It makes complete sense to want the new GM to take part in selecting the new coach.

It makes no sense for Bylsma to be part of that equation. Why keep him? There's no law that says we can't hire a GM while there's a coaching vacancy.

I'm actually dismayed. I wanted Bylsma to GO but I wanted Shero to stick around, with some changes in the scouting department.

[Edman]

Bylsma stays but Shero goes.

Here's to the Penguins doing absolutely nothing for the next five years.

[X-Terminator]

Guess we have to hope the new GM fires him.

The only reason I can think of why Shero was fired and not Bylsma was because Shero did not want to be the one to fire him, and he told them that. But even then, they're the owners, and they have the power to fire both of them if they wanted to. So...it still doesn't make any sense.

[vader29]

Pittsburgh writer says Penguins are interested in Mike Babcock, should hire Red Wings coach

First Toronto, now Pittsburgh.

It seems that Mike Babcock is a hot commodity these days even though he's under contract to coach the Detroit Red Wings for at least one more year.

A couple of weeks ago, a columnist in Toronto said the Maple Leafs should try and hire Babcock away from the Red Wings.

Now, a writer in Pittsburgh is doing the same thing.

Without citing any sources – even anonymous ones – writer Mark Madden says the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in making Babcock their coach and that the interest is mutual even though Dan Bylsma still holds the job after Friday's front-office shakeup.

Madden says Babcock would be the perfect coach for the Penguins on a number of levels, none bigger than his relationship with Sidney Crosby. Babcock coached Canada to the last two Olympic gold medals and Crosby was his top player both times.

"If Detroit won't release Babcock, the Penguins should sign current assistant Jacques Martin to a one-year contract, thus making it clear that Babcock takes over in 2015-16," Madden wrote. "Babcock refuses to sign an extension with Detroit. He becomes a lame duck. Babcock has already said he's in no hurry to do a new deal.

"That paints Detroit into a corner. Babcock gets released. It's a dirty game. But the Penguins need to play it. The Penguins need a coach with pedigree to match that of their superstar players. Babcock has it."

Read more: http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2014/05/pittsburgh_writer_says_penguin.html

[X-Terminator]

It's Mark Madden.

Flush.

Sorry vader.

[vader29]

Dejan Kovacevic interview with Lemieux and Burkle today: http://blog.triblive.com/dejan-kovacevic/2014/05/16/exclusive-interview-mario-lemieux-ron-burkle/

[tihmtahm]

Dejan Kovacevic interview with Lemieux and Burkle today: http://blog.triblive.com/dejan-kovacevic/2014/05/16/exclusive-interview-mario-lemieux-ron-burkle/

They used the words "grit" and "character" a helluva lot... sooooo why is Bylsma there since he's got neither?

[X-Terminator]

I read that interview and was about to post it here after posting it elsewhere, but work got in the way. I still find it ironic...not to mention hypocritical...for Mario to now call for the team to have more grit and character when, after his whine-fest the day after the Islanders brawl, the team went in the completely opposite direction and rid itself of all of its gritty, tough and character players. I know he and Burkle both denied that, but I remain unconvinced, and it took Sid getting bludgeoned on a nightly basis this postseason for him to realize that he made a mistake. Just own up to it, Mario.

[salamander]

I would take Babcock in a heartbeat.

[zulater]

Guess we have to hope the new GM fires him.

The only reason I can think of why Shero was fired and not Bylsma was because Shero did not want to be the one to fire him, and he told them that. But even then, they're the owners, and they have the power to fire both of them if they wanted to. So...it still doesn't make any sense.


Could be a ploy to get out of paying him the last two years of his contract? Figure as long as he's under contact he can't sign on with someone else. So if he resigns then you're off Scott free.

[X-Terminator]

Could be a ploy to get out of paying him the last two years of his contract? Figure as long as he's under contact he can't sign on with someone else. So if he resigns then you're off Scott free.

It looks like it, which would be a major dick move by the organization considering that there are currently 3 jobs available (Vancouver, Washington, Carolina) that Bylsma almost certainly would be the top candidate for, and keeping him twisting in the wind like this could cause those teams to look elsewhere. Even though Mario said in the interview with Dejan Kovacevic that they'd never do that, I put nothing past them. They are businessmen first and foremost, and they will do anything that helps the business.

[zulater]

It looks like it, which would be a major dick move by the organization considering that there are currently 3 jobs available (Vancouver, Washington, Carolina) that Bylsma almost certainly would be the top candidate for, and keeping him twisting in the wind like this could cause those teams to look elsewhere. Even though Mario said in the interview with Dejan Kovacevic that they'd never do that, I put nothing past them. They are businessmen first and foremost, and they will do anything that helps the business.


I get what you're saying. But at the same token when you consider they were somewhat reluctant to give Dan the extension last year, and that they're going to be paying Shero his final two years not to be the G.M then they're going to have to pay Shero's replacement and the next coach, that's a lot of money to tie up in those positions. If Dan were to approach the Pens with a settlement offer for half of what he's due I'd wager they'd leave him off the hook he's currently dangling from.

[X-Terminator]

I get what you're saying. But at the same token when you consider they were somewhat reluctant to give Dan the extension last year, and that they're going to be paying Shero his final two years not to be the G.M then they're going to have to pay Shero's replacement and the next coach, that's a lot of money to tie up in those positions. If Dan were to approach the Pens with a settlement offer for half of what he's due I'd wager they'd leave him off the hook he's currently dangling from.

Really, what's $8 million to a billionaire like Ron Burkle? That's how much he owes Shero and Bylsma. He and Mario made over twice that much during their brief playoff run this year. It would look really, really bad if he wasn't willing to pay that. But like I said, I wouldn't put it past them.

[vader29]

One of the radio talk shows said that if they fired Byslma and he signed to coach another team then the Penguins wouldn't have to pay him the remainder of his contract, not sure if that is true or not as I can't find anything on it through a search.

[X-Terminator]

One of the radio talk shows said that if they fired Byslma and he signed to coach another team then the Penguins wouldn't have to pay him the remainder of his contract, not sure if that is true or not as I can't find anything on it through a search.

I've always assumed that they still got paid by their former team regardless of status.

[salamander]

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are headed to the AHL Eastern Conference finals for the second season in a row!

[X-Terminator]

Hopefully they can make it to the Calder Cup Final this time. Too many close calls over the years.

[salamander]

I have a good feeling about this year's team. I don't want to jinx them so I'll leave it at that. :lol:

[vader29]

Sweet goal from Brian Gibbons.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrOXXAGkBxs#t=24

[X-Terminator]

They won that game 5-4, BTW, after being up 4-0. Apparently the Baby Pens don't know how to protect leads either.

Anyway, I think Gibby has earned himself a roster spot next season.

[zulater]

One of the radio talk shows said that if they fired Byslma and he signed to coach another team then the Penguins wouldn't have to pay him the remainder of his contract, not sure if that is true or not as I can't find anything on it through a search.

If that's the case perhaps there's a particular job they're trying to keep him from?

[vader29]

If that's the case perhaps there's a particular job they're trying to keep him from?

Could be possible they are doing that, but by having that attitude they are saying that he is too good to coach another team but is not good enough to stay and coach here. If they wait too long any replacement coach they are looking at might get snagged up by the time they decide to fire him and then they end up settling for a second tier coach.

[X-Terminator]

Could be possible they are doing that, but by having that attitude they are saying that he is too good to coach another team but is not good enough to stay and coach here. If they wait too long any replacement coach they are looking at might get snagged up by the time they decide to fire him and then they end up settling for a second tier coach.

This is why I'm now thinking that they revamp the team under a new GM, and then give Bylsma one last shot to prove he can do something other than suck in the playoffs. Otherwise, they are looking horrible with this decision to not fire him, looking like they want to keep him from going to Washington or Carolina, 2 division rivals, with a possibility of joining Shero in Washington if they hire him.

[zulater]

This is why I'm now thinking that they revamp the team under a new GM, and then give Bylsma one last shot to prove he can do something other than suck in the playoffs. Otherwise, they are looking horrible with this decision to not fire him, looking like they want to keep him from going to Washington or Carolina, 2 division rivals, with a possibility of joining Shero in Washington if they hire him.


Damn. That's it XT! They don't want him to hook up with Shero.:doh: Or at least not without any compensation involved. Figure Shero might spring a player or draft choice for his boy Dan.

[X-Terminator]

Look for the Penguins’ general manager search to kick into another gear very soon, as ownership is expected to start conducting formal interviews – perhaps later this week.

As of Thursday there was no final list of candidates.

The Penguins are expected to formally interview interim general manager Jason Botterill and seek permission to interview Tampa Bay assistant general manager Julien BriseBois.

Botterill and BriseBois, both 37, are viewed as up-and-coming potential management stars. As noted here a few times already, Penguins ownership is high on Botterill and does not believe he is too close ideologically with Ray Shero, who hired him seven years ago. Also, ownership is tight with its Tampa Bay counterpart, which makes looking at BriseBois – especially given his reputation – an obvious option for the Penguins.

Some personnel with clubs currently still playing are also potential interview candidates for the Penguins:

*Jeff Gorton (New York Rangers assistant GM)

*Norm Maciver (Chicago assistant GM)

The Penguins could interview those candidates during the respective NHL conference final series, or wait until those wrap next week.

Toronto vice president of hockey operations Dave Poulin is also said to interest the Penguins. Poulin, 55, played 13 seasons in the NHL. He was brought to Toronto by former general manager Brian Burke, and has run the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate for most of the last two seasons.



Read more: http://blog.triblive.com/chipped-ice/2014/05/22/rossi-with-interviews-soon-pens-gm-targets-emerging/#ixzz32Z748Z47
(http://blog.triblive.com/chipped-ice/2014/05/22/rossi-with-interviews-soon-pens-gm-targets-emerging/#ixzz32Z748Z47)
Also, both Olli Maatta and Derrick Pouliot had surgery to repair a torn labrum, and both are out 4-6 months. Which means neither will be ready for the start of next season. That would also explain why Maatta did not play well down the stretch and in the playoffs.

http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/6160496-74/maatta-penguins-pouliot?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tribunereviewpenguins+%28Peng uins+Stories%29#axzz32Z640zAN

[X-Terminator]

Caps hire Barry Trotz as head coach (dammit) and promote assistant GM Brian MacLellan to GM. So no Shero/Bylsma in D.C. The only HC spots left now are Vancouver and Carolina. The Pens really, really need to hire a GM soon and get rid of Bylsma. Unfortunately the best HC candidate on the market is now gone, and to a division rival at that. Good job, Mario and Ron.

[vader29]

471705656316403712

[salamander]

The Baby Pens head into Game 3 tonight of the Eastern Conference finals with the series tied 1-1. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will be home for the next 3 games (the AHL employs a 2-3-2 format.) Wish them luck!

[zulater]

I saw Dejan K mention in the paper that rick Tochett is interested in the Pens coaching job. Not a bad thought imo. Not worried about his prior lack of success as a coach. This job might fit him. Similar to how Joe Torre struggled as a manager prior to taking the Yankees job. He just needs the right situation perhaps?

[X-Terminator]

I saw Dejan K mention in the paper that rick Tochett is interested in the Pens coaching job. Not a bad thought imo. Not worried about his prior lack of success as a coach. This job might fit him. Similar to how Joe Torre struggled as a manager prior to taking the Yankees job. He just needs the right situation perhaps?

Yeah, his last stint didn't go all that well thanks mainly to having a couple of absolute morons for owners during his tenure. They should hire him just so he can butt heads with his old teammate Craig Berube. That could be interesting.

[vader29]

472522546576117761

[salamander]

The WBS Pens have been playing like Pittsburgh lately and trail 3-1 in their series. Another choke job coming.

[salamander]

The Baby Pens staved off elimination tonight thanks in part to Zach Sill's game-winning goal with 15.8 seconds left to go in the game. They are headed to game 6.

[venom]

I know it has been reported - Pierre McGuire said on WFAN Sports Radio here in NYC that he is very interested in being the new Penguins GM and will listen to offer

[X-Terminator]

I know it has been reported - Pierre McGuire said on WFAN Sports Radio here in NYC that he is very interested in being the new Penguins GM and will listen to offer

He was interviewed twice by the team. I swear, I will be PISSED OFF if he ends up getting the job.

[salamander]

The WBS Pens have been eliminated from the AHL playoffs. Annual organization choke job complete.

[X-Terminator]

Not surprising. You can only win with a bunch of grinders for so long. The organization needs more pure offensive talent with legitimate NHL-level skill sets at forward to supplement all of the defensemen they've drafted. It's funny...if they would merge elements of the 2 teams, they'd probably be playing for the Stanley Cup right now.

[salamander]

Not surprising that the two teams that are now in the Calder Cup Finals, the St. John's IceCaps and the Texas Stars, were the two of the highest scoring teams in the AHL this season. No way we were going to keep up with them.

[vader29]

474916047267848192

[X-Terminator]

Lovely. Ran an uber-soft organization in Carolina and known anti-fighting spokesman. I think I'll go in the corner and cry now.

[salamander]

Terrible choice. Terrible. But McKenzie was wrong about Bylsma being fired so I'll wait until the Pens announce something.

[86WARD]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/07/ajedyme7.jpg

[X-Terminator]

I was wondering if Hartnell was going to acknowledge Cy's passing. Can't stand the son of a bitch on the ice, but he's a great guy off it.

Anyway, Rutherford's hiring as GM has been confirmed on the Pens' website. And immediately after being introduced as GM, he finally fires Bylsma.

Rutherford hiring: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=721951&navid=DL|PIT|home
Bylsma firing: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=721953

Also, Jason Botterill was promoted to Associate GM, and both Bill Guerin and Tom Fitzgerald were promoted to Assistant GM, replacing Botterill.

[salamander]

At least Bylsma is finally gone.

[vader29]

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpeJoroIAAEHldo.jpg

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bpd2keZCMAE5qlB.jpg

:chuckle:

[X-Terminator]

The LA Kings are the 2014 Stanley Cup Champions, officially closing the book on this season. If the Penguins want to win another Cup any time soon, looking at what the Kings are doing would be a good start. They have everything you want - size, grit, speed, skill, physicality, toughness, commitment, coaching. Instead of trying to become the next Detroit Red Wings (ugh), try to become the next LA Kings instead.

[X-Terminator]

A couple of NHL veterans and current assistants are among the candidates to become the Penguins (http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/)' next coach, multiple team and league sources told the Tribune-Review.

General manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday he has list of six to eight candidates, and interviews have started.

“I'm very pleased with those interviews so far, and I'll be continuing to talk with a few more people,” Rutherford said.
The sources said candidates include former NHL head coaches Ron Wilson and Marc Crawford, and current assistants Ulf Samuelsson and Bill Peters.

Another NHL assistant, John Stevens, is a target, the sources said.

However, the Penguins are not sure whether he intends to pursue a head-coaching job or stay in his role with the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.

Stevens' previous head coaching experience was with Philadelphia.

Rutherford previously has identified John Hynes, who coached the Penguins' AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton the past four seasons, as a candidate.

Rick Tocchet is being considered to join the Penguins as an assistant coach, the sources said.

Tocchet has worked as an assistant with Colorado and Phoenix, and he also was head coach with Tampa Bay.

Tocchet and Samuelsson played for the Penguins in the 1990s and were teammates on the 1992 Stanley Cup team.

Samuelsson is an assistant with the New York Rangers, who lost to Los Angeles in the Cup Final. He also has served as an assistant with Phoenix. Though he never has been a head coach in the NHL, Samuelsson held that role with Modo in Sweden's top league from 2011-13.

Peters has spent the past two seasons as an assistant with Detroit under coach Mike Babcock. He spent three seasons as head coach of Chicago's AHL affiliate, Rockford, before joining the Red Wings.

Wilson and Crawford have run benches for several NHL clubs. Wilson coached with Anaheim, Washington, San Jose and Toronto, and he guided the Capitals to the Cup Final in 1998. Crawford coached with Quebec/Colorado, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Dallas, and he won the Cup with the Avalanche in 1996.

Crawford spent the past two seasons with Zurich in Switzerland's top league. His club won the championship this past season.

Crawford and Wilson were head coaches for Teams Canada and USA, respectively, at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Neither squad medaled, but Wilson returned to lead the United States' silver-medal squad at the 2010 Winter Games.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/6299371-74/coach-penguins-nhl?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tribunereviewpenguins+%28Peng uins+Stories%29

[salamander]

I'm hearing that Willie Desjardins is the front runner. He just led the Texas Stars to the Calder Cup championship this past week.

[vader29]

Pens don't land top coaching target

The Penguins did not get their guy.

“The guy I had is going to go in a different direction,” general manager Jim Rutherford said Friday afternoon.

Rutherford had said Thursday the coaching search was “coming to an end” and that he decided on one of eight candidates to interview for the job.

Rutherford declined to identify his chosen candidate.

Team and league sources said Rutherford spent Thursday night and Friday morning meeting with Willie Desjardins, a minor-league coach with only two years of experience as an NHL assistant. Topics discussed included assistant coaches, contract length and Desjardin's possible salary, the sources said.

“We couldn't make it work,” Rutherford said, adding he will start another coaching search next week.

“I'm going to take the weekend to sort some things out,” Rutherford said.

“I'll work off the same list I had, but it will be expanded by two or three names that for whatever reason weren't considered for interviews the last time.”

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/6319254-74/rutherford-coach-nhl#ixzz35D3jczZU

[X-Terminator]

Makes me think that the Pens' HC job really ain't all that attractive despite having 2 legit superstars and a team that, all things considered, isn't TOO far away from being a legit Cup contender again. Mario's handling of Bylsma's firing might have something to do with that. They'll probably end up with either Hynes or some retread.

[salamander]

I would be more than happy with John Hynes; though I'm a little biased on that one. :chuckle:

[X-Terminator]

I would be more than happy with John Hynes; though I'm a little biased on that one. :chuckle:

Honestly, I wouldn't mind him, for the simple fact that he will not allow anyone to abuse Sid or Geno and get away with it. And it also means Zach Sill will finally get a real shot at staying in Pittsburgh. Love that kid's energy and grit, and he ain't bad with the gloves off either.

[salamander]

Honestly, I wouldn't mind him, for the simple fact that he will not allow anyone to abuse Sid or Geno and get away with it. And it also means Zach Sill will finally get a real shot at staying in Pittsburgh. Love that kid's energy and grit, and he ain't bad with the gloves off either.

Unfortunately, guys like Sill and Gibbons are free agents this year and I think their days in the Pittsburgh organization may be over. Gibbons may return but I think we've seen the last of Sill, unfortunately. He was definitely a fan favorite out here in Wilkes-Barre the last 5 years.

[X-Terminator]

Unfortunately, guys like Sill and Gibbons are free agents this year and I think their days in the Pittsburgh organization may be over. Gibbons may return but I think we've seen the last of Sill, unfortunately. He was definitely a fan favorite out here in Wilkes-Barre the last 5 years.

Forgot that Sill was a UFA :doh2: I hope they reconsider if they really want a tougher and grittier team (which I don't - that was BS the second those words came out of Mario's mouth).

[salamander]

Forgot that Sill was a UFA :doh2: I hope they reconsider if they really want a tougher and grittier team (which I don't - that was BS the second those words came out of Mario's mouth).

If they do end up hiring Hynes as the head coach, I can see them bringing Sill back.

[salamander]

The Flyers traded Scott Hartnell to the Blue Jackets for R.J. Umberger and a draft pick.

[stillers4me]

481602281000153088

[X-Terminator]

Well, Sid wins his 2nd regular season Triple Crown (Art Ross, Hart and Lindsay Award). Now, if he can only do something about winning that "other Triple Crown" (Art Ross, Hart and Conn Smythe)...

[vader29]

481783986885124100

[salamander]

481783986885124100

Who??

[vader29]

Who??

481785772513574912

:lol:

[salamander]

My thoughts exactly. :heh:

I'm actually very disappointed they didn't go with John Hynes. I feel like he would have brought back some much needed toughness to this team. I'll reserve my final judgement until the season starts, but I am NOT liking the new GM so far.

[X-Terminator]

And you people call yourselves hockey fans? Mike Johnston is the now former head coach and general manager of the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, a team that has been very successful during his tenure. He also coached Derrick Pouliot, the Pens' top prospect...the same guy who was named WHL Defenseman of the Year. Johnston is also a former NHL assistant/associate coach, so he has NHL coaching experience. Rick Tocchet, BTW, has also been named one of the assistant coaches.

[salamander]

And you people call yourselves hockey fans? Mike Johnston is the now former head coach and general manager of the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, a team that has been very successful during his tenure. He also coached Derrick Pouliot, the Pens' top prospect...the same guy who was named WHL Defenseman of the Year. Johnston is also a former NHL assistant/associate coach, so he has NHL coaching experience. Rick Tocchet, BTW, has also been named one of the assistant coaches.

I'm a fan of the AHL and NHL. I don't follow junior hockey that closely.

[X-Terminator]

I'm a fan of the AHL and NHL. I don't follow junior hockey that closely.

I don't either, but I knew who he was. Sorry man, I've been frustrated as hell today with the general lack of knowledge in the Pens' fan base.

[X-Terminator]

482676883062927360


HORRIBLE.

Absolutely terrific fucking hire, Ray and Mario. This guy is going to completely screw this team up.

[vader29]

Neal was worth more than that. :frusty:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCi-fytEQO8&feature=youtu.be

[salamander]

I knew the Rutherford hiring would be a mistake. :doh:

[vader29]

So on the first day of free agency the Pens sign defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to a one year $4 million contract, forward Blake Comeau to a one year $700,000 contract and goalie Thomas Greiss to a one year $1 million contract. Marcel Goc resigns with the Pens for 1 year for $1.2 million.

Matt Niskanen signs a 7 year $40.25 million contract with Washington and joins Brooks Orpik who signed a five year $27.5 million contract with the Capitals. Tanner Glass goes to the Rangers for three years with a $4.35 million contract, Jussi Jokinen goes to the Florida Panthers for four years and Deryk Engelland goes to Calgary with a three year deal reported at $2.9 million per year.

[X-Terminator]

The Pens are the new German National Team, apparently.

Those 4 ex-Pens you mentioned? All of them overpaid, especially Orpik, Niskanen and Engelland. Who in their right fucking mind would give Orpik $5.5 million a year, and for FIVE YEARS to boot? Or Engelland $2.9 million? I mean, I love Engo to death, but come on now! the Capitals handed out $57.75 million to two guys who would be 2nd or 3rd pairing D-men on most other teams, including the Penguins, further proving that Caps' owner Ted Leonsis is the dumbest owner in the NHL. He has learned absolutely NOTHING from overpaying for mediocre/overrated talent in the past, and here he is doing it again...the definition of insanity.

[MrPgh]

Heil Penguins.

[vader29]

Capitals are becoming the NHL version of the Arizona Cardinals signing Pittsburgh players.

484116877900120064

[salamander]

I'm not completely unhappy with what the Pens did. Good for all of those now ex-Pens but they were definitely overpaid.

[vader29]

484375776847220736

[X-Terminator]

I actually called that signing on another forum. All of a sudden, their bottom 6 looks a heck of a lot better. Now sign Kulemin and JR can take the rest of the summer off.

[vader29]

Now sign Kulemin and JR can take the rest of the summer off.
Kulemin goes to the Islanders.

484439467415986176

[X-Terminator]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why the Islanders will continue to suck from now until the end of time. I hope they never fire Garth Snow.

[salamander]

Steve Downie on protecting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin: "Whatever team I've played on, I like to go out my way to stick up for my teammates. Every team needs a couple guys like that. I can guarantee there won't be any liberties on those players this year."

[vader29]

Booooo!

485091674478362624

[salamander]

That actually pissed me off.

[X-Terminator]

Too small, not physical enough and not skilled enough to play in the NHL regularly. Sorry, but it's the truth. That's why the Pens didn't bring him back and why he only got a 1-year, 2-way deal from Columbus. It's an AHL/depth signing and nothing more. The Pens needed to find guys better than him for their bottom 6.

[vader29]

Penguins star Sidney Crosby to have wrist surgery

Sidney Crosby is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist within the next few days to repair damage that a source said impeded his performance in the postseason.

Despite saying during and after the Stanley Cup playoffs that he was at full health, the Penguins center "did play with a terrible wrist," the source said Tuesday night.

Crosby could not be reached for comment.

An individual close to Crosby, who requested anonymity, said the surgical procedure "is not major, but you can't play the same way" with the kind of injury Crosby had.

The NHL MVP is not expected to miss any time next season, the source said. Crosby decided to have the operation only after therapy failed to correct the problem.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2014/07/09/Penguins-star-Sidney-Crosby-to-have-wrist-surgery/stories/201407090121#ixzz36xboVdaE

[X-Terminator]

A LOT of people suggested that he was playing hurt. If this is true, it explains why he looked like dogshit the entire playoffs. Last year, he was recovering from a broken jaw, and thus wasn't really effective in the playoffs other than against the overmatched Sens. But he refused to use it as an excuse, and IMO he deserves credit for that.

[vader29]

Pittsburgh Penguins Name Gary Agnew Assistant Coach

The Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to terms with Gary Agnew to join the coaching staff as an assistant coach, it was announced today by head coach Mike Johnston.

Agnew, 54, was an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues under Ken Hitchcock the past two seasons. During that time, the Blues won the fifth-most games (81) and allowed the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL.

A native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Agnew was a Columbus Blue Jackets assistant coach for four seasons from 2006-10, helping the Blue Jackets make the organization’s first-ever playoff appearance in ’08-09. He also served a brief stint as interim head coach for Columbus.

“I am very excited to add Gary Agnew to our coaching staff,” Johnston said. “He is a long-time NHL assistant who has worked with both forwards and defensemen, along with having extensive special team's experience.

“I like the fact that Gary has also had head coaching experience, including very successful stints in the AHL and at the junior level. Gary has been a career coach and is well known for his communication and teaching abilities.”

Prior to joining the Blue Jackets, Agnew was head coach of Columbus’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate in Syracuse for six years. During his tenure in Syracuse, Agnew established a franchise record by winning 200 games, as well as the team’s first division title in ’01-02.

http://3.cdn.nhle.com/penguins/images/upload/2014/07/Agnew-Instagram1.jpg

Read more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=725898

[salamander]

I'm on my phone so I don't have the links right now but the Pens re-signed Jayson Megna and Phillip Samuelsson to one-year, two-way contracts.

[X-Terminator]

489061939566637057

489077049827794944

[salamander]

The Farm Animal is back in Wilkes-Barre! :lol:

[X-Terminator]

490202059334238208

490244661114834944

[X-Terminator]

494845245549719555


496768325222146048

[salamander]

I don't know about you guys but I really miss hockey.

[Count Steeler]

How about we start a new thread, Penguins Tidbits 2014?

[X-Terminator]

How about we start a new thread, Penguins Tidbits 2014?

Fine by me. I'd just like to move this page of posts over to the new thread.

[Count Steeler]

New thread made.

http://www.steelersuniverse.com/forums/showthread.php/20967-Pens-Tidbits-2014?p=450360#post450360

Go Pens Go! (and Leafs too)

[X-Terminator]

Thanks. I'll go ahead and unsticky this one.