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salamander
09-09-2013, 05:27 PM
As I said in the old thread, I figured it was time to start a new Tidbits thread...perhaps erasing some bad playoff ju-ju from the Pens.

Anyways, Pittsburgh's training camp starts this week and I'm ready for some hockey!

Pittsburgh Penguins Report for Training Camp Wednesday, Sept. 11


Saturday, 09.07.2013 / 9:00 AM / News (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews)
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins will report for training camp, Wednesday, Sept. 11, and will take the ice for the first practice of the 2013-14 season on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The Penguins’ practice sessions and scrimmage on Saturday, Sept. 14 at CONSOL Energy Center will be open to the public with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. Details for the open practice will be available next week.

The Penguins will play six preseason games, opening on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Nationwide Arena, prior to returning home to host the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16.

Pittsburgh will open the regular season at home against the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. on October 3.

more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=681686

X-Terminator
09-09-2013, 05:32 PM
Thread stickied. May the curse now be lifted off the Pens and they finally hoist Lord Stanley's Cup once again in 2014!

salamander
09-09-2013, 05:44 PM
Thread stickied. May the curse now be lifted off the Pens and they finally hoist Lord Stanley's Cup once again in 2014!

Let's hope so! :chuckle:

- - - Updated - - -

Penguins Invite 54 Players to Training Camp


Monday, 09.09.2013 / 10:00 AM / News (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews)
Pittsburgh Penguins


The Pittsburgh Penguins have invited 54 players (30 forwards; 18 defensemen; 6 goaltenders) to training camp, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.


Included are 21 players who were members of the Penguins’ Eastern Conference finals roster, headlined by captain Sidney Crosby (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471675), co-playoff team scoring leaders Evgeni Malkin (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471215) and Kris Letang (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471724) and 2012-13 NHL First-Team All-Star left wing Chris Kunitz (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470543).


The Penguins also return NHL plus-minus leader Pascal Dupuis (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8466393), the team’s regular-season goal-scoring leader James Neal (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471707), two-way blueliner Paul Martin (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8468542), alternate captain Brooks Orpik (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8468498) and the goaltending tandem of Marc-Andre Fleury (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470594) and Tomas Vokoun (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8460712).

more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=681801&navid=DL|PIT|home

salamander
09-10-2013, 05:04 PM
Come on people, training camp starts tomorrow. Where is everyone? :lol:

salamander
09-14-2013, 07:36 AM
Scuderi happy to be back in Penguins organization


By Jonathan Bombulie (Staff Writer)
Published: September 13, 2013

PITTSBURGH - A funny thing happened on the first day of Pittsburgh Penguins training camp Thursday at the Consol Energy Center.
A 10-year reunion broke out.

Rob Scuderi, Brooks Orpik and Tom Kostopoulos - teammates with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from 2001-03 - are back in black and gold.

Orpik never left the Penguins organization, graduating to the NHL for good by 2004 and becoming a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's defense. Scuderi and Kostopoulos, meanwhile, rejoined the Penguins in free agency over the summer.

"They haven't changed at all. Still the same clowns," Kostopoulos joked. "They still talk about Boston College all the time. Drives me crazy."

If Thursday really had been a reunion, Scuderi would have been the one who showed up in shape with a full head of hair and a luxury car.

more: http://citizensvoice.com/sports/scuderi-happy-to-be-back-in-penguins-organization-1.1551418

- - - Updated - - -

Jeffrey looking to make impact with Pittsburgh


By Jonathan Bombulie (Staff Writer)
Published: September 14, 2013

PITTSBURGH - When Dustin Jeffrey graduated from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to the Pittsburgh Penguins in February of 2011, a brilliant NHL future was within his grasp.

He had done virtually everything there was to do in the AHL, playing in a Calder Cup finals, proving himself as a scorer with 116 points in his last 117 games in the league and emerging as the kind of forward any coach could trust in the defensive zone.

But as Jeffrey has found out over the last two seasons, sometimes getting to the NHL isn't the hard part. It's making an impact in the best league in the world that can be the biggest challenge.
Entering his sixth pro season, Jeffrey is penciled in as Pittsburgh's 13th forward - a valuable, versatile player but one without a defined spot in the lineup.

more: http://citizensvoice.com/sports/jeffrey-looking-to-make-impact-with-pittsburgh-1.1551931

vader29
09-14-2013, 09:20 AM
Live stream of the Pens practice:

378871584968433664

X-Terminator
09-14-2013, 08:28 PM
Lineups for tomorrow night's game @ Columbus:

29 MARC-ANDRE FLEURY (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470594) – G
37 JEFF ZATKOFF (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473553) – G Position Players
2 MATT NISKANEN (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471702) – D
4 ROB SCUDERI (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8467452) – D
6 SCOTT HARRINGTON (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476449) – D
8 BRIAN DUMOULIN (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475208) – D
10 TANNER GLASS (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470854) – F
12 CHUCK KOBASEW – F
17 DUSTIN JEFFREY (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8474138) – F
18 JAMES NEAL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471707) – F
19 BEAU BENNETT (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475761) – F
24 BRENDAN MIKKELSON (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471705) – D
25 ANDREW EBBETT (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473682) – F
32 PIERRE-LUC LETOURNEAU-LEBLOND – F
38 ZACH SILL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475119) – F
42 BOBBY FARNHAM (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476769) – F
45 ADAM PAYERL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476522) – F
46 JOE VITALE (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471856) – F
51 DERRICK POULIOT (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476884) – D
54 TOM KUHNHACKL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475832) – F
55 PHILIP SAMUELSSON (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475194) – D
71 EVGENI MALKIN (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471215) – F


BLUE JACKETS LINEUP

Goaltenders
31 CURTIS MCELHINNEY – G
60 OSCAR DANSK – G

Position players
5 JACK SKILLE – F
6 NIKITA NIKITIN – D
10 MARIAN GABORIK – F
11 MATT CALVERT – F
13 CAM ATKINSON – F
14 BLAKE COMEAU – F
17 BRANDON DUBINSKY – F
18 R.J. UMBERGER – F
21 JAMES WISNIEWSKI – D
27 RYAN MURRAY – D
29 IILARI MELART – D
32 CODY BASS – F
42 ARTEM ANISIMOV – F
48 CODY GOLOUBEF – D
55 MARK LETESTU – F
58 DAVID SAVARD – D
76 TRENT VOGELHUBER – F
83 BROC LITTLE – F

Hopefully Fleury doesn't decide to completely suck ass and shows us something. BTW, Crosby will play Monday night vs. Detroit, a game I will go to if I can't sell off the tix. Need someone to go with me, though.

salamander
09-14-2013, 09:02 PM
Lineups for tomorrow night's game @ Columbus:

29 MARC-ANDRE FLEURY (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470594) – G
37 JEFF ZATKOFF (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473553) – G Position Players
2 MATT NISKANEN (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471702) – D
4 ROB SCUDERI (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8467452) – D
6 SCOTT HARRINGTON (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476449) – D
8 BRIAN DUMOULIN (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475208) – D
10 TANNER GLASS (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470854) – F
12 CHUCK KOBASEW – F
17 DUSTIN JEFFREY (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8474138) – F
18 JAMES NEAL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471707) – F
19 BEAU BENNETT (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475761) – F
24 BRENDAN MIKKELSON (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471705) – D
25 ANDREW EBBETT (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473682) – F
32 PIERRE-LUC LETOURNEAU-LEBLOND – F
38 ZACH SILL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475119) – F
42 BOBBY FARNHAM (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476769) – F
45 ADAM PAYERL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476522) – F
46 JOE VITALE (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471856) – F
51 DERRICK POULIOT (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476884) – D
54 TOM KUHNHACKL (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475832) – F
55 PHILIP SAMUELSSON (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475194) – D
71 EVGENI MALKIN (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471215) – F


BLUE JACKETS LINEUP

Goaltenders
31 CURTIS MCELHINNEY – G
60 OSCAR DANSK – G

Position players
5 JACK SKILLE – F
6 NIKITA NIKITIN – D
10 MARIAN GABORIK – F
11 MATT CALVERT – F
13 CAM ATKINSON – F
14 BLAKE COMEAU – F
17 BRANDON DUBINSKY – F
18 R.J. UMBERGER – F
21 JAMES WISNIEWSKI – D
27 RYAN MURRAY – D
29 IILARI MELART – D
32 CODY BASS – F
42 ARTEM ANISIMOV – F
48 CODY GOLOUBEF – D
55 MARK LETESTU – F
58 DAVID SAVARD – D
76 TRENT VOGELHUBER – F
83 BROC LITTLE – F

Hopefully Fleury doesn't decide to completely suck ass and shows us something. BTW, Crosby will play Monday night vs. Detroit, a game I will go to if I can't sell off the tix. Need someone to go with me, though.

If I didn't have to work, I'd make the 5 hour drive out there. :lol:

X-Terminator
09-14-2013, 09:33 PM
If I didn't have to work, I'd make the 5 hour drive out there. :lol:

I need someone to go to the home opener with me too. If you have $75 and can get off work for one day to make the 5-hour drive, you're in! :wink02:

salamander
09-14-2013, 09:43 PM
I need someone to go to the home opener with me too. If you have $75 and can get off work for one day to make the 5-hour drive, you're in! :wink02:

Unfortunately (at least in this case), I'm starting my new job in a few weeks so getting time off will be damn near impossible. I sincerely appreciate the offer though. :drink:

X-Terminator
09-15-2013, 08:16 PM
Pens lose 5-4 in OT to the Jackets in their first preseason game tonight. Looked like your typical early preseason game - lots of rust, some defensive lapses and plenty of goals. Malkin's line looked pretty good, the PP was really good (18 of 35 regulation shots were on the PP), and I really liked what I saw from Brian Dumoulin, Tom Kuhnhackl, Dustin Jeffrey and Chuck Kobasew. Preseason game 2 tomorrow night - Crosby's line is expected to play, along with Letang, Martin, Orpik, Jokinen and Sutter.

X-Terminator
09-21-2013, 09:49 PM
Got a text tonight that Vokoun had a procedure done to dissolve a blood clot in his pelvis, and he'll be out indefinitely. Wonderful. So it's all on Fleury now.

salamander
09-21-2013, 10:33 PM
Got a text tonight that Vokoun had a procedure done to dissolve a blood clot in his pelvis, and he'll be out indefinitely. Wonderful. So it's all on Fleury now.

I saw that. Looks like Jeff Zatkoff gets an extended stay in Pittsburgh and Peter Mannino, Eric Hartzell and Andy Chiodo will battle it out for the two goalie spots in WBS.

zulater
09-21-2013, 10:35 PM
Got a text tonight that Vokoun had a procedure done to dissolve a blood clot in his pelvis, and he'll be out indefinitely. Wonderful. So it's all on Fleury now.

Better now than in March.

salamander
09-22-2013, 02:55 PM
Penguins Reduce Training Camp Roster by Eight


Sunday, 09.22.2013 / 2:54 PM / News (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews)
Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned eight players to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL), it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Players sent to WBS were forwards Nick Drazenovic, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Steve MacIntyre, Jayson Megna and Adam Payerl, and defensemen Scott Harrington, Philip Samuelsson and Brendan Mikkelson.

more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=683617

salamander
09-23-2013, 05:21 PM
Apparently Steve MacIntyre was claimed off waivers by Edmonton.

X-Terminator
09-23-2013, 07:45 PM
Yes he did. So an already soft as shit team gets softer. Maybe the Pens sign PL3 to an NHL deal.

Nah, who am I kidding? :frusty:

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

salamander
09-23-2013, 09:04 PM
If I'm Big Mac, I'm actually happy because all he's done is keep the luxury box occupied in WBS the past 2 seasons.

steelerdude15
09-25-2013, 07:36 PM
The Pens are looking pretty good in their final preseason game. So far they are winning three to nothing and Malkin had the latest goal.

salamander
09-25-2013, 08:55 PM
Pens up 5-1.

vader29
09-28-2013, 01:52 AM
Edmonton lost Steve MacIntyre to an injury in their last preseason game, article says he will probably start the season on injured reserve and miss significant time.

http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2013/09/27/edmonton-oilers-lose-steve-macintyre-in-lopsided-defeat/

salamander
09-30-2013, 04:50 PM
Penguins Make Roster Moves


Monday, 09.30.2013 / 4:45 PM / News (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews)
Pittsburgh Penguins


The Pittsburgh Penguins have made the following roster moves, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Forward Andrew Ebbett (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473682) and defenseman Simon Despres (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475155) have been re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL); forward Beau Bennett (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475761) has been re-assigned to the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL; and defenseman Derrick Pouliot (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476884) has been re-assigned to his junior team, the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

The Penguins have also placed defenseman Kris Letang (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471724) and goaltender Tomas Vokoun (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8460712) on injured reserve and recalled defenseman Harrison Ruopp (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476408) from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=684862&navid=DL|PIT|home

Don't panic about Bennett being sent to Wheeling. I'm almost positive it's just a temporary cap move. He'll be back up very soon. They also sent Despres down to WBS for cap reasons. I'm sure he'll be back up soon.

steelerdude15
09-30-2013, 05:03 PM
Penguins Make Roster Moves


Monday, 09.30.2013 / 4:45 PM / News (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews)
Pittsburgh Penguins


The Pittsburgh Penguins have made the following roster moves, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Forward Andrew Ebbett (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8473682) and defenseman Simon Despres (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475155) have been re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL); forward Beau Bennett (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475761) has been re-assigned to the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL; and defenseman Derrick Pouliot (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476884) has been re-assigned to his junior team, the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

The Penguins have also placed defenseman Kris Letang (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471724) and goaltender Tomas Vokoun (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8460712) on injured reserve and recalled defenseman Harrison Ruopp (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476408) from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=684862&navid=DL|PIT|home

Don't panic about Bennett being sent to Wheeling. I'm almost positive it's just a temporary cap move. He'll be back up very soon. They also sent Despres down to WBS for cap reasons. I'm sure he'll be back up soon.

He's going to play against New Jersey on opening night so he's not an issue at all. I assume Despres will also be back very soon too. I really hope Kris isn't out for long.

X-Terminator
09-30-2013, 09:05 PM
He's going to play against New Jersey on opening night so he's not an issue at all. I assume Despres will also be back very soon too. I really hope Kris isn't out for long.

I think Despres' demotion is permanent. They are in love with Matt Niskanen, so of course they won't deal him to free up cap space, even though he does nothing special.

X-Terminator
10-05-2013, 08:53 PM
Pens off to a good start - 2-0 and Fleury has allowed just 1 goal in the first 2 games. So far, so good.

salamander
10-05-2013, 09:36 PM
Pens off to a good start - 2-0 and Fleury has allowed just 1 goal in the first 2 games. So far, so good.

We need Fleury to play well because as much as I enjoyed having Zatkoff playing out here for WBS, I'm not convinced he's an NHL-caliber goalie (yet).

vader29
10-08-2013, 04:56 PM
387681971360387072

vader29
10-08-2013, 08:42 PM
Jussi with a nice hat trick, Pens win 5-2!

salamander
10-09-2013, 06:52 AM
Pens off to a nice start. Got my tickets ready for the WBS Pens home opener on Saturday and I can't wait.

zulater
10-09-2013, 07:33 AM
I'm glad they got off to a nice start. But this teams troubles start in the playoffs. Can Fleury ever be trusted in a playoff series again? Can Crosby and Malkin play like superstars and take over a series when called upon? Will Letang stop turning over the puck at critical times in a playoff series? And what will Blysma do to insure that his best players have a chance to be at their best? ( p.p configuration etc...)

X-Terminator
10-09-2013, 08:03 AM
I'm glad they got off to a nice start. But this teams troubles start in the playoffs. Can Fleury ever be trusted in a playoff series again? Can Crosby and Malkin play like superstars and take over a series when called upon? Will Letang stop turning over the puck at critical times in a playoff series? And what will Blysma do to insure that his best players have a chance to be at their best? ( p.p configuration etc...)

Well, 79 games until we find out. Something tells me, though, that at the very least, Crosby and Malkin will show up. Neither of them were happy at all with their lack of production against the Bruins. Their biggest problems are still between the pipes and behind the bench.

salamander
10-10-2013, 08:17 PM
Fleury in the regular season vs. Fleury in the playoffs....

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1384285_535332099892077_915854990_n.jpg


:lol: :lol:

X-Terminator
10-13-2013, 09:28 AM
Well, he looked a little bit like the playoffs Fleury last night - 4 goals allowed on just 18 shots. Granted, 2 of the goals were off deflections of shots going wide of the net, but still...that's not good by any stretch. Thankfully Sid decided to dominate the 3rd and the Pens got the W.

steelerdude15
10-13-2013, 10:19 AM
The Pens have been pretty sloppy the past two games, but they won last night which is great. It was cool to see Sid get his eighth hat trick of his career and Matt's game winning goal on the power play was awesome. If they can clean up some stuff (passing, turnovers in the neutral zone, and staying out of the box), this team could really be dangerous. It is going to be neat to see the Oilers in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.

vader29
10-15-2013, 09:26 AM
Penguins Recall Forward Harry Zolnierczyk

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Harry Zolnierczyk from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL), it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

The Penguins have also placed forward James Neal on injured reserve.

Zolnierczyk, 26, has played in three games with WBS, helping the team post a 3-0 record by scoring a club-high (tied) three goals. He tallied twice in WBS’ 5-2 season-opening defeat of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Oct. 5.

Read more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=686794

X-Terminator
10-15-2013, 11:36 AM
Beau Bennett is injured, hence the callup. If nothing else, he'll provide some energy. Hopefully Bennett isn't out too long.

X-Terminator
10-24-2013, 08:39 AM
Conner, Harry Z sent down: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=688178

Megna recalled: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=688253

Letang appears ready to return to Penguins' lineup: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/4931037-74/letang-scuderi-penguins#ixzz2ieD7PaLr

zulater
10-25-2013, 08:39 PM
2nd straight game we outplay an opponent but we'll be lucky to come away with a point for the last two home games. :doh: They got to get the pp fixed!

- - - Updated - - -

2 straight home losses where' we've outshot the opponents by a 3-1 ratio. Fuck! :frusty:

salamander
10-25-2013, 09:28 PM
That was just plain ugly.

steelerdude15
10-25-2013, 09:42 PM
Well, that sucked. Hopefully the Pens can rebound against the Leafs tomorrow night. It was great to see Kris back on the ice again tonight.

X-Terminator
10-25-2013, 11:35 PM
Nice come-from-ahead loss tonight. Someone forgot to remind them that the game is 60 minutes long.

And yes, they need to get the PP fixed. Yeah, Neal is out, but there is still plenty of talent out there and there's no reason for them to be 0 for their last 14 with the man advantage. That's how you lose games when you dominate your opponent for 5.5 periods.

Count Steeler
10-26-2013, 09:22 PM
Leafs stole one tonight. The Pens were the better team for 2 periods and practically owned the play in the 2nd. Reimer had a great game.

X-Terminator
10-27-2013, 07:56 AM
At some point, though, the "running into a hot goaltender" excuse has to end. The team has to start scoring goals, period. I don't care about injuries, they still have the 2 best players in the game out there. Plus, what happened in the 3rd? Fleury gave up 3 goals...sorry, but that can't happen either. If your team isn't scoring, you can't afford to give up anything. Team has now lost 3 straight games because they can't put the puck in the net.

steelerdude15
10-27-2013, 08:05 PM
At some point, though, the "running into a hot goaltender" excuse has to end. The team has to start scoring goals, period. I don't care about injuries, they still have the 2 best players in the game out there. Plus, what happened in the 3rd? Fleury gave up 3 goals...sorry, but that can't happen either. If your team isn't scoring, you can't afford to give up anything. Team has now lost 3 straight games because they can't put the puck in the net.

The only two lines that produce are the first two, but with Bennett and Neal out on the second line, there is barely any production coming from Malkin and his line. I suspect there will be more goals once Bennett and Neal come back from injury and are back up to speed. The last two lines aren't good at all production wise.

X-Terminator
10-28-2013, 10:08 AM
The only two lines that produce are the first two, but with Bennett and Neal out on the second line, there is barely any production coming from Malkin and his line. I suspect there will be more goals once Bennett and Neal come back from injury and are back up to speed. The last two lines aren't good at all production wise.

Speaking of the bottom 2 lines, Brandon Sutter is turning out to be completely useless. Doesn't score, doesn't hit and isn't nearly as good on faceoffs as he was advertised to be. He is really making me miss Jordan Staal. He really needs to start picking it up. Chuck Kobasew is an empty sweater, just as I predicted he would be. I have no issues with the 4th line - Vitale, Adams and Glass have played very well when they were put together to start the season.

steelerdude15
10-28-2013, 08:42 PM
Speaking of the bottom 2 lines, Brandon Sutter is turning out to be completely useless. Doesn't score, doesn't hit and isn't nearly as good on faceoffs as he was advertised to be. He is really making me miss Jordan Staal. He really needs to start picking it up. Chuck Kobasew is an empty sweater, just as I predicted he would be. I have no issues with the 4th line - Vitale, Adams and Glass have played very well when they were put together to start the season.

Well, the only thing that Brandon is doing well is winning faceoffs. He has won 57.1% of his faceoffs going into tonight. Here is the article from the Trib talking about that:

Despite recent struggles, Penguins dominating on faceoffs this season

RALEIGH, N.C. — Some concerning flaws have been evident during the Penguins' three-game losing streak.

Losing faceoffs isn't one of them.

The Penguins, a team that struggled with draws early in the Sidney Crosby era, are thriving like never before.

“They are such a dangerous team and can beat you in so many different ways,” Islanders center Frans Nielsen said. “And that's just one more thing that they do really, really well.”

Through their first 11 games, the Penguins have won 55.5 percent of faceoffs. Only Nashville has won a higher percentage of draws.

“Obviously we have a lot of guys who are good in that situation,” Penguins left wing Jussi Jokinen said. “It's an important thing for a team.”

Why are the Penguins better at winning draws than in previous seasons?

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/4954462-74/penguins-vitale-faceoffs#ixzz2j4T0uoqk

On a better note, it was great to see the Pens end their three game losing streak. The Pens dominated most the first and third periods to win and Jason had a good game. Back to Pittsburgh to play Boston.

vader29
10-28-2013, 09:04 PM
:frusty:

395005905450070016

X-Terminator
10-28-2013, 09:12 PM
It fucking figures - that's at least a 3-month injury. :frusty: Every damn year, the Pens have a major injury to a key player, and of COURSE it happens to Scuds, who hadn't missed a game in 3 years. I've had more than I can take of this shit.

salamander
10-28-2013, 09:57 PM
It fucking figures - that's at least a 3-month injury. :frusty: Every damn year, the Pens have a major injury to a key player, and of COURSE it happens to Scuds, who hadn't missed a game in 3 years. I've had more than I can take of this shit.

I'm fully convinced that the injury bug lives in Pittsburgh and takes residence in the Pens' and Steelers' locker rooms.

vader29
11-02-2013, 01:28 AM
Capitals/Flyers brawl.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAxCoA6u0os

- - - Updated - - -

:horror:

396467156248195072

Spike
11-09-2013, 10:34 AM
Looks like Beau is back

Beau Bennett‘s absence from game action is about to come to an end. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Bennett, who has missed nearly a month with a lower-body injury, is “likely” to play Saturday at St. Louis.

http://cityofchampionssports.com/2013/11/06/penguins-gameday-skate-beau-bennett-close-return-james-neal-back-ice/

salamander
11-09-2013, 02:24 PM
What do the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pens and the Pittsburgh Pens have in common? They both suck on the power play which means it's an organizational thing.

Btw, the Baby Pens are 8-2-0-2 on the season so far.

Spike
11-09-2013, 10:46 PM
Beau and Neal both back - didn't help

Letang needs to sit for another month - he's 2 steps slow and his horrible turnovers are killing this team. Sid blows an easy goal and they lose 2-1 to the Blues in tough game

X-Terminator
11-10-2013, 09:45 AM
There was a game last night? I had no idea, because my interest in the league and the Pens gets less and less every day. Boring as shit league, boring as shit team. No thank you.

X-Terminator
11-13-2013, 09:57 PM
Another wasted game. I'm almost at the point now where I wish they'd start playing firewagon hockey again. With the talent they have, it's ridiculous that they can't score goals.

Spike
11-15-2013, 09:04 PM
Malkin and Letang finally wake up and stomp the Preds 4-1

Glass had a nice knock out punch in a fight


the good news is they changed up the PP and had Geno shooting from up high - everybody knows his bad angle low shot from the side now

steelerdude15
11-16-2013, 08:29 PM
This team is so frustrating to watch.

zulater
11-16-2013, 08:37 PM
Another wasted game. I'm almost at the point now where I wish they'd start playing firewagon hockey again. With the talent they have, it's ridiculous that they can't score goals.

At what point will it occur to Mario and Shero that they either have to change the talent or coach? Because what they're doing isn't working. If you can fire Therrian coming off a Stanley Cup final surely you can fire Disco Dan by this point! :frusty:

X-Terminator
11-16-2013, 10:00 PM
At what point will it occur to Mario and Shero that they either have to change the talent or coach? Because what they're doing isn't working. If you can fire Therrian coming off a Stanley Cup final surely you can fire Disco Dan by this point! :frusty:

It's not going to happen. If they wouldn't fire him after last season, they certainly aren't going to fire him now that he's going to be the HC of Team USA and Shero is assistant GM. But it's clear to everyone that this team is going nowhere with him at the helm. It's like they want to handcuff this team for whatever reason.

Spike
11-18-2013, 09:10 PM
Gibbons = slumpbuster!

way to go dude

1st game, 1st shot, 1st goal

Maatta looked good, Beau, not so much - Sid and Malkin woke up a bit from their snoozes

X-Terminator
11-18-2013, 11:37 PM
Gibbons scores in his first NHL game, which means he'll be in the press box Wednesday night for Matt D'Agostini. Can't have young players succeeding when you can play a useless "veteran" instead.

X-Terminator
11-21-2013, 01:04 AM
Pens blank the Caps 4-0 tonight in what may have been their best overall game, and best defensive game, in YEARS. They literally gave the Caps NOTHING.

Here's some stats I thought I'd never see from this franchise (through 22 games)

48 GA (T-7th, and just 29 GA in their last 14 games)
2.18 GAA (6th)
25 SA/G (T-3rd)
Fleury - 1.90 GAA (3rd among goalies with at least 10 starts), .924 save pct. (8th among goalies with at least 10 starts), 2 SO (T-2nd)

2.82 G/G (11th)

This may turn out to be their best defensive team since Kevin Constantine's team in 1997-98. If they keep up this defense and get their offense going...look out league.

Spike
11-21-2013, 07:21 AM
Pens are 2-0 in the Gibbons era.

Fleury is playing the best hockey of his life.

zulater
11-21-2013, 07:37 AM
I loved last night's game. But how much of it was the Pens and how much of it was about a complete no show effort by the Caps? Honestly watching that game last night it looked as if the Caps were in slow motion. No effort to get loose pucks, no focus on outlet passes etc...


So not trying to be negative, but I need to see a few more like this before I say they've turned the corner.

Regardless though that tic tac toe pp goal at the end of the second period was sic!

salamander
11-21-2013, 09:23 AM
Brian Gibbons is awesome. I loved watching him play down in WBS the last few years. I'm very happy to see him playing in the NHL.

Spike
11-23-2013, 07:16 AM
yay! - Malkin with the slumpbuster win

another tic tac toe for Sid in a squeaker against the Isles

steelerdude15
11-23-2013, 03:26 PM
Glad to see Geno finally break his goalless streak. I'm also glad Sid was able to end the game for us on a high note.

X-Terminator
11-23-2013, 08:34 PM
Pens look like complete trash and are about to lose to the Habs, but if there is any reason why fighting should always remain in the game, it's punk ass bitches like P.K. Subban. I really hope someone jumps him and shatters his ugly face someday.

Spike
11-24-2013, 09:55 AM
How many teams would let their captain take the kind of crap that Crosby took with no response whatsoever?

but after those tic tac toe wins you knew they would get fancy pants and start over-passing, back to backs on the road are tough

tip of the hat to Carey Price - he made more plays than Fleury

vader29
11-25-2013, 09:08 PM
Sid deflects the go ahead goal for the Bruins past Fleury late in the third period, then with Fleury pulled he ties it up with a goal with .3 seconds remaining but then the Pens quickly lose in OT.


And then of course there's this:
405168657455517696

:frusty:

X-Terminator
11-25-2013, 09:44 PM
Well, that's just great. :frusty: Bennett is turning out to be made of glass. That's the 2nd time now he's missing significant time because of wrist/hand surgery. It's a shame, because the kid is very talented, but if he can't stay healthy, then what good is he?

As for the game, forget the fact that Sid nearly cost them the game himself, can someone tell me what the fuck Kris Letang was doing in OT when he was trying to check Iginla? He lets him walk right around him for a shot on Fleury, and the Pens don't get the puck back again. WHY are they paying this bum so much money???

Spike
11-25-2013, 10:46 PM
Great win by Boston over the Pens in OT after Sid with the miracle goal with .02 left in the game to keep it going.

Neal was red hot to keep them in it after getting down 2-0 - the Pens outplayed the Bruins totally from the 2nd p on but missed too many wide open chances again

Spike
11-26-2013, 12:25 PM
Beau Bennett out 8-10 weeks after surgery with broken wrist.


we're in the shit now man


All of a sudden we have two roster spots open

buh-bye

@DarrenDreger
Phx places R.Klesla and Pitt places M.D'Agostini on Waivers.

Spike
11-26-2013, 12:34 PM
more moves - trade coming?


Brian Gibbons Re-Assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=693204

salamander
11-26-2013, 07:36 PM
more moves - trade coming?


Brian Gibbons Re-Assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=693204

Welcome back, Gibby.

Spike
11-26-2013, 07:50 PM
Pens have recalled Zach Sill & Andrew Ebbett

there we go

vader29
11-27-2013, 10:54 AM
And the injury bug continues, unreal.

405738251723370496

salamander
11-27-2013, 11:15 AM
Pittsburgh recalled Chris Conner, Jayson Megna and Simon Despres from WBS.

On a side note, the WBS Pens are currently 12-4-0-2 on the season.

salamander
11-27-2013, 12:14 PM
D'Agostini was claimed off waivers by Buffalo.

Spike
11-27-2013, 01:22 PM
go Baby Pens!

can't wait to see them all playing


#Penguins lines at skate: Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis Jokinen-Malkin-Neal Conner-Sutter-Ebbett Megna-Vitale-Adams

X-Terminator
11-27-2013, 02:35 PM
Why is Chris Conner up here, and why is he playing instead of Zach Sill? They DO realize they're playing the Leafs, right?

Spike
11-27-2013, 07:38 PM
so much for that - sloppy play - Conner got a goal but fucking Fleury is a fucking idiot trying to play pucks behind the net - stay where you fucking belong you goof!

4-1 leafs already in the 2nd

salamander
11-27-2013, 07:40 PM
Why is Chris Conner up here, and why is he playing instead of Zach Sill? They DO realize they're playing the Leafs, right?

When do the Pens ever play the right prospects?

Spike
11-27-2013, 08:30 PM
Pens come back but a goal is taken away and more turnovers by godawful Letang & company on D make it 5-3 after two

Letang needs another month of rehab on the bench - he's way too slow and a slow Letang is turnover city

zulater
11-27-2013, 08:37 PM
Losing Martin on top of Scuderi is a killer against the better teams.

zulater
11-27-2013, 08:43 PM
Opinions on Fleury. Is he good enough?

zulater
11-27-2013, 08:56 PM
Am I an idiot for thinking Flower should be reinserted now the games tied?

X-Terminator
11-27-2013, 09:09 PM
Opinions on Fleury. Is he good enough?

He's certainly been good enough this season, at least until recently. For the first month of the season, he was arguably their best player. But he wasn't very good against Boston and obviously got pulled tonight for the first time this season. But he will always be judged by what he does in the postseason.

BTW, his points aside, if you can find me a worse defenseman in the league than Letang, please let me know. The guy does nothing but turn the puck over and make one bonehead decision after another. He has the hockey IQ of a wet dishrag.

Spike
11-27-2013, 09:12 PM
Malkin and Neal are on fire - 5-5 - it's a barnburner

zulater
11-27-2013, 09:17 PM
Malkin and Neal are on fire - 5-5 - it's a barnburner


Actually the Pens are dominating. But the goaltending is the great equalizer.

Spike
11-27-2013, 09:49 PM
Sid & Malkin bomb them in the SO

what a comeback!

Spike
11-29-2013, 03:15 PM
Opinions on Fleury. Is he good enough?


I hope Fleury and Letang start for team Canada

go USA

Spike
11-29-2013, 11:33 PM
3-0 - ha ha - so of course Fleury looks good in the shut out, he stayed in the net

no pressure by the Bolts - they looked totally different without Stamkos

and Bylsma is the coach of Team Canada

Spike
12-01-2013, 09:11 AM
Pens crush Tim Thomas - 4 games in 6 days


+ Geno
+ Zatkoff
+ Maatta
+ Despres

Letang remains horrible

X-Terminator
12-01-2013, 11:46 AM
I swear to God, if Bylsma pairs Letang and Orpik together again, I'm going to lose my mind. Letang has been horrible, and Orpik hasn't been much better. I miss Scuds and Paulie already.

zulater
12-04-2013, 08:44 AM
Malkin's playing great since Neal came back. This is the team, stay healthy and we find out once and for all if this group's good enough. No excuses need apply.

Spike
12-04-2013, 09:58 AM
The Isles matches are fun,, always a scrappy game.. Even down 0-2 I knew we were coming back.

Even with Fleury doing his scary best to give the game away behind the net again Sid showed up with some world class moves to end it in OT

Despres looking good, Maatta looking like he might be up for good.


Penguins to show future on defense with pairing of Letang, Maatta

Only 19 and still with junior-hockey eligibility, Maatta is one of only three defensemen to play in every game for the Penguins.

His first month was about earning more than an audition. He did, starting the clock on his entry-level contract.

His next contractual barrier toward sticking with the Penguins the entire season is 39 — the maximum number of games he can play before this seasons counts as his first towards arbitration.

The Penguins plan to keep Maatta if he continues showing he can handle NHL life, and pairing him with Letang would provide a significant test. Letang's pairing usually plays at even strength against the opposition's second scoring line and often with Sidney Crosby's top line for the Penguins.

Maatta, as a third-pairing defenseman, has not consistently had those pressure-packed responsibilities. However, with a steady diet of nearly 15 minutes per game, Maatta has shown he is ready for prime time.

Success as Letang's partner — even if only while Paul Martin (lower body) is injured — could convince coaches and management that Maatta is ready for the big time, as in a top-four defensive role, earlier than anticipated.

If he is ready for that, he is ready to stay for the season.

Adapting to Letang is a challenge, though.

“He's more aggressive ... has the ability to read plays and see open ice that a lot of other defensemen don't even think to look for,” defenseman Matt Niskanen said. “When he sees an opportunity to jump in a hole, he's looking to go.

“Playing with him, you've just got to be aware he might not be in the conventional spot all the time. Recently, I've tried to just have one eye on him all the time — just so I can know where he is to either support him or back him up.”

Letang has scored three goals, though only recorded one assist, in eight games since returning from a right-knee injury that kept him from playing in the opening nine contests.

He was the only NHL defenseman to average a point-per-game last season, and by no coincidence he finished as a finalist for the Norris Trophy.

The Penguins thought enough of Letang to award him a significant raise — from $3.5 million to $7.25 million — on an eight-year contract that begins next season. It includes a clause that limits the team's ability to trade Letang.

http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/5045533-74/letang-maatta-penguins#axzz2kXRnSbPv

X-Terminator
12-04-2013, 07:36 PM
If they don't want to ruin Maatta, please don't pair him with Le-turnover. Last thing they need is to have the kid cleaning up his mistakes. That's why they brought Scuderi in, who has experience in cleaning up his crap.

salamander
12-05-2013, 11:00 AM
The injuries keep piling up.

Penguins Report: Game Day vs. San Jose

MALKIN INJURY
Evgeni Malkin left the team's morning skate early and will miss tonight's game against the San Jose Sharks. He has a lower-body injury and is day-to-day, per head coach Dan Bylsma.

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=694450&cmpid=pit-fb-penguins#MALKININJURY

X-Terminator
12-05-2013, 05:46 PM
Sure, why not? The entire team is made of glass, so this doesn't surprise me.

Count Steeler
12-05-2013, 06:15 PM
Sure, why not? The entire team is made of glass, so this doesn't surprise me.

Something in that Pittsburgh water.

salamander
12-05-2013, 06:33 PM
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins should just start playing in Pittsburgh since half the Baby Pens' team is up there anyways.

steelerdude15
12-05-2013, 09:38 PM
Overall, tonight's game was a solid performance by the Pens. I want to start with Kris. His passing is slowly getting better and returning to where it once was. He also made a very good read and created a turnover which almost led into another goal. He sat unnoticed by the Sharks and waited for the defender to make his pass and when he did, he intercepted it and possibly could have gotten a shot off if a defender from the Sharks didn't hit his stick. He also had great goal in the third period. Strong and accurate shot. Next, even though Pascal hasn't been himself when it come to scoring, he made a couple of key defensive plays tonight that helped stop a couple potential shots from the Sharks. He did have a goal, which was nice to see. Chris K. and James continued their strong offensive games and Sid was Sid. Flower also was great tonight and made some hard saves. Kudos to the Pens tonight. Hopefully Geno will be back soon.

Spike
12-05-2013, 09:47 PM
Malkin out -- day-to-day with lower body injury


doesn't matter, Pens with young legs gut the Sharks 5-1


Fleury stopped 40+ shots, they were bouncing right tonight

Spike
12-06-2013, 01:08 PM
Maatta and Despres are a breath of fresh air - and it was great to see Megna cruise up the ice and take the shot for a goal - I always watch the other teams announcers and they were in shock their mighty Sharks were getting picked apart by the baby Pens..... ha ha

they also made a very interesting comment - that the scrappy Pens defense, with all the young guys, now falls back to the net after shots, to protect their weakness - Fleury bad rebound control has taught them to be more defensive around the net

oh yeah - Letang wasn't totally awful

X-Terminator
12-06-2013, 03:33 PM
Malkin didn't go to Boston with the team, so he won't play in the game tomorrow. Dupuis has a lower-body injury but did go to Boston and might play. Andrew Ebbett broke his ankle blocking a shot and is on IR; Harry Zolnierczyk has been recalled.

zulater
12-07-2013, 07:11 PM
Well Orpik was mugged in Boston. No telling how long he'll be out.

http://networkedblogs.com/ROuaJ


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuVq-TZ7AJM

salamander
12-07-2013, 07:47 PM
Fuck Boston. Bunch of fucking scumbags.

dislocatedday
12-07-2013, 08:16 PM
I'm watching the game live on TV and I saw the "assault" on Orpik as it happened. I could not believe that went down. Reports are the Orpik is conscious and alert now at the hospital, so that is good news. I thought it might be much worse.

I try not to "really hate" other sports teams, but man, in my gut I honestly dislike/hate every professional Boston sports team there is. The Bruins of recent history are full of dirty scumbags. There are some players that have played there over the years that I respect, but by and large I truly detest their teams.

In case I am accused of being a homer for Pittsburgh, right before the Orpick assault Neal issued a cheap shot to Marchand by kneeing him in the head. Neal should receive a suspension for that IMO, but Thornton should have the book thrown at him for his crap.

X-Terminator
12-07-2013, 08:35 PM
Orpik's injury is Mario Lemieux's fault, for being such an anti-fighting pansy and not wanting to have any tough guys on the team. I wish we had a guy who would mug anyone who even looked at Crosby or Malkin. Not a popular opinion, but whatever.

As for Marchand taking a knee to the head...good. The little rat bastard has had it coming for a long, long time.

dislocatedday
12-07-2013, 08:41 PM
Unbelievable.....Fleury absolutely chokes and give up 2 goals in the last minute and a half of the game. Pens have 16 seconds left to tie it up after controlling this game completely.

Spike
12-07-2013, 08:48 PM
fucking horrible game - Orpik with the eyes wide open death stare on the ice - the goon should get at least 10 games

then to make it worse Sid and Letang's line gave up the winner after the defense crumbles - give up 2 goals in the last minute to lose the fucking game...Maatta almost gave the game away a couple of times so they were hanging on with borrowed time but they score with an open net - fucking horrible

stillers4me
12-07-2013, 09:05 PM
409517572464578560

zulater
12-07-2013, 10:08 PM
Talk about a bunch of sore losers. :lol: The Pens lost in no small part because Orpik was gone, leaving them small and tired on the back line at the end of the game. They wore down and were getting muscled off the puck. No shame in it. That's just the state of things once an already injury riddled defense lost a minute eating puck clearing Orpik.


Fleury played fine, so did the team as a whole. They lost to a good team on the road. They've been playing well of late. Scuderi's back skating, Malkin's day to day. Brooks hopefully will be back soon as well. A lot to be optimistic about with this team .

You guys need to lighten up. :drink:

X-Terminator
12-07-2013, 10:41 PM
Talk about a bunch of sore losers. :lol: The Pens lost in no small part because Orpik was gone, leaving them small and tired on the back line at the end of the game. They wore down and were getting muscled off the puck. No shame in it. That's just the state of things once an already injury riddled defense lost a minute eating puck clearing Orpik.


Fleury played fine, so did the team as a whole. They lost to a good team on the road. They've been playing well of late. Scuderi's back skating, Malkin's day to day. Brooks hopefully will be back soon as well. A lot to be optimistic about with this team .

You guys need to lighten up. :drink:

I'm not upset about the loss at all. The Pens are playing short-handed big time right now and have still managed to win games. Beat a damn good Sharks team the other night without Malkin and lost Dupuis early in the 2nd period. They'll be fine, and I predict they win the Metro Division by double-digits in the end. I'm more upset over how fucking soft the team is and how they refuse to toughen up because the owner doesn't like tough hockey players.

Spike
12-08-2013, 05:57 AM
Talk about a bunch of sore losers. :lol:

You guys need to lighten up.

lighten up my ass

What Thornton did to Orpik is some of the dirtiest shit I have ever seen in a hockey game - godammed right I'm fucking angry

zulater
12-08-2013, 07:42 AM
lighten up my ass

What Thornton did to Orpik is some of the dirtiest shit I have ever seen in a hockey game - godammed right I'm fucking angry

That wasn't what I was talking about.

Spike
12-08-2013, 08:16 AM
That wasn't what I was talking about.

oh what - you act like people here are posting sober

I was so fucked up last night I was screaming at everything - you should feel privileged I even keep posting here - there's only 2 or 3 Pens fans around anyway - who the fuck wants to hear your "I love Boston" shit anyway

zulater
12-08-2013, 08:46 AM
oh what - you act like people here are posting sober

I was so fucked up last night I was screaming at everything - you should feel privileged I even keep posting here - there's only 2 or 3 Pens fans around anyway - who the fuck wants to hear your "I love Boston" shit anyway

You still high or something? I don't love Boston. I hate fucking Boston, everything about it sucks. Red Sox, hate em, Patriots despise them, Bruins fuck them. And I hagte the Celtics as well.

My problem was the Penguin bashing.Yeah I was pissed that they lost. But I understood why they lost. ( and it wasn't because of Fleury) They didn't put the game away. They needed to get that 3rd goal on the board. As soon as Sid got stoned on the breakaway I said to myself oh shit, that could haunt us. I screamed and moaned for about 3 minutes when the Bruins scored the go ahead goal. But then that was it, I was over it and moved on to other things.

And I'm still liking what I see from this team. I tend to think the 5 in a row they won before last night are more reflective than last night's loss.

MrPgh
12-08-2013, 09:59 AM
There are Bruins fans defending what Thornton did. Apparently Orpik had to fight because of some neanderthal code that says you can't hit a player cleanly without retribution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTWrNSWs-to

When that goal was scored to eliminate the Bruins from the playoffs in 2012, Bostonians took to the internet and called the guy that scored the goal the N-word and all sorts of racial slurs. I thought Boston was supposed to be "progressive."

steelerdude15
12-08-2013, 12:41 PM
Thornton needs to be suspended. What he did was dirty and uncalled for. I never get angry anymore, but when I saw that live, I was beyond angry.

On a positive note, Kris had his best game of the season. I was very impressed with him.

X-Terminator
12-08-2013, 12:56 PM
There are Bruins fans defending what Thornton did. Apparently Orpik had to fight because of some neanderthal code that says you can't hit a player cleanly without retribution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTWrNSWs-to

When that goal was scored to eliminate the Bruins from the playoffs in 2012, Bostonians took to the internet and called the guy that scored the goal the N-word and all sorts of racial slurs. I thought Boston was supposed to be "progressive."

First of all, fuck Boston. If a meteor were to hit the Earth, I hope it hits Boston first. That said, it's not a "neanderthal" code for someone to have to fight if they run your star player. If a Bruin hit Crosby like that, I fully expect him to not only be challenged, but to drop the gloves and fight, and if he doesn't, you force him to. You can't allow the other team to run your stars like that, especially if he is coming off a concussion like Loui Eriksson was.

fansince'76
12-08-2013, 03:57 PM
When that goal was scored to eliminate the Bruins from the playoffs in 2012, Bostonians took to the internet and called the guy that scored the goal the N-word and all sorts of racial slurs. I thought Boston was supposed to be "progressive."

Boston has ALWAYS been notoriously racist. Just ask Bill Russell about it.


First of all, fuck Boston. If a meteor were to hit the Earth, I hope it hits Boston first.

This.

vader29
12-09-2013, 09:55 AM
410062060748558336

Spike
12-09-2013, 10:13 AM
#Pens lines at morning skate: Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis, Jokinen-Malkin-Megna, Conner-Sutter-Vitale, Adams-Sill-Kobasew @penguins

#Pens D at morning skate: Maatta-Letang, Engelland-Niskanen. Despres, Dumoulin and Bortuzzo rotated. @penguins


unleash hell on the Blue Jackets tonight - Malkin back, interesting they moved Vitale up to RW.

Spike
12-09-2013, 10:41 AM
You still high or something?

My problem was the Penguin bashing..


so what if I come with a rant here, you din't say anything about the 100 positive posts I put up - too bad if you don't like it, I'll say what I want

zulater
12-09-2013, 12:08 PM
Just heard James Neal has been suspended for 5 games. And Malkin is at the morning skate and says he'll play.

No word on Thornton yet.

- - - Updated - - -


so what if I come with a rant here, you din't say anything about the 100 positive posts I put up - too bad if you don't like it, I'll say what I want


Chill out Spike, I got no issues with you. Just think we all take the Pens for granted sometimes so I said so. Watching the Steelers suck up an entire season kind of reminded me that yeah the regular season does matter. We got a good team in the Penguins to follow. Thought it was worth pointing out. Never directed anything towards you personally except in your defensive responses.

Go back on the timeline. Carefully read what was said in context. You shouldn't be getting so offended.

Spike
12-09-2013, 12:20 PM
I get pissed when they lose and happy when they win - that's not being defensive, that's the facts jack


so if Neal got 5 games Thornton damn well better get more than 10



p.s. Letang is looking a little less sucky with the puck now that Maatta is on his line, but now Ollie is making the turnovers trying to be like him - make it stop

salamander
12-09-2013, 12:55 PM
So basically Pittsburgh has become the Pittsburgh/Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the WBS Pens have become the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton/Wheeling Nailers.

steelerdude15
12-09-2013, 04:34 PM
I think it's rediculous that James was suspended for five games. What he did didn't even look intentional. Thornton better get a huge suspension for what he did.

X-Terminator
12-09-2013, 05:16 PM
Neal got 5 games because he was fined once and suspended twice in his career. He's turning out to be a pretty dirty player, but since it was Marchand he kneed, I'm OK with it. I'm just disappointed he didn't knock his head off. Plus, there apparently was some history there as Marchand boarded Neal in the playoffs last year and got only a minor.

Putting all of that aside, the Pens are pretty damn depleted right now. They're down 3 of their top 6 defensemen, have lost Glass and Bennett and now won't have Neal until next week. If they still find a way to continue to win games, I might just lay off calling for Bylsma's head for a while.

zulater
12-09-2013, 05:21 PM
I think it's rediculous that James was suspended for five games. What he did didn't even look intentional. Thornton better get a huge suspension for what he did.


Is he going to appeal? It's not the NFL and Goodell's kangaroo court. In the NHL when players appeal they often get a reduction in discipline.

stillers4me
12-09-2013, 05:28 PM
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash1/s48x48/1209868_202236755091_54876223_q.jpg (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pittsburgh-Sports-Report/202236755091?hc_location=timeline)Pittsburgh Sports Report (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pittsburgh-Sports-Report/202236755091?hc_location=timeline)18 minutes ago

Boston's Shawn Thornton will have his in-person hearing with the NHL later this week. He's been suspended indefinitely and is not on the road with the Bruins this week.

X-Terminator
12-09-2013, 05:46 PM
Is he going to appeal? It's not the NFL and Goodell's kangaroo court. In the NHL when players appeal they often get a reduction in discipline.

Not for a 5-game suspension, and he wouldn't get any leniency anyway because he has a history. If you've already been fined and suspended twice - the last one was in the 2012 playoffs - then you should expect the punishment to be stiffer. Plus, it should be noted that neither Bylsma nor Shero were happy with him or his comments about it after the game.

vader29
12-09-2013, 06:02 PM
410110473116213251

stillers4me
12-09-2013, 08:53 PM
410237394076450816

zulater
12-09-2013, 09:58 PM
that was a crazy good goal Geno scored tonight! Tonight's win put the Pens in first place in the Eastern conference by a point over the Bruins. The Bruins have games in hand though.

vader29
12-09-2013, 10:04 PM
Thought for sure Fleury was going to get his empty netter tonight, almost! Great win.

zulater
12-09-2013, 10:09 PM
Thought for sure Fleury was going to get his empty netter tonight, almost! Great win.

Missed by a foot! Still not sure why that wasn't icing though? But I'm glad it wasn't.

vader29
12-09-2013, 10:43 PM
Missed by a foot! Still not sure why that wasn't icing though? But I'm glad it wasn't.
It went right by the Columbus player at center ice with the ref waiving it off, I didn't catch that when it happened either, thought it was going to be icing.

http://3.cdn.nhle.com/penguins/v2/ext/GIFs/fleury12.9.13.gif

Spike
12-10-2013, 11:30 AM
baby Pens beat the cheap suits in a forgettable game


Holy fuck those NHL studio guys were idiots

OH poor Thornton, those dirty Penguins had it coming - poor Thornton had no choice, and that Orpik guy was a pussy for not fighting earlier

OH that poor Thornton he's such a great guy and those dirty pens made him do it and now the league has a black eye

OH and that dirty Neal started it all with that dirty hit let's make it all about him


fuck you Roenick and Milbury - it took Pierre to shut them up straighten them out - they obviously had their orders to promote loveable Boston over those dirty Pens - the Orpik hit was clean

zulater
12-10-2013, 03:46 PM
baby Pens beat the cheap suits in a forgettable game


Holy fuck those NHL studio guys were idiots

OH poor Thornton, those dirty Penguins had it coming - poor Thornton had no choice, and that Orpik guy was a pussy for not fighting earlier

OH that poor Thornton he's such a great guy and those dirty pens made him do it and now the league has a black eye

OH and that dirty Neal started it all with that dirty hit let's make it all about him


fuck you Roenick and Milbury - it took Pierre to shut them up straighten them out - they obviously had their orders to promote loveable Boston over those dirty Pens - the Orpik hit was clean

Keith Jones sorta defended Orpik. He said he wouldn't have dropped the gloves either in that situation. Roenick was the real asshole about it.

Spike
12-10-2013, 04:28 PM
Keith Jones sorta defended Orpik. He said he wouldn't have dropped the gloves either in that situation. Roenick was the real asshole about it.

oh yeah - was it was Jones, not Milbury? - I get the two of them mixed up all the time

For once Don Cherry wasn't a total ass-hat about it - he called the slew foot and was ashamed for what Thornton did


Replace Thornton with Cooke and everybody in the media would call for a public execution.

vader29
12-13-2013, 03:08 PM
Pens Unveil Stadium Series Jersey

The Penguins are no strangers to playing outdoor hockey. They’ve been a part of two Winter Classics (at Buffalo in Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2008; vs. Washington in Heinz Field in 2011).

On March 1 Pittsburgh will play their third outdoor game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks at Soldier Field as part of the NHL’s Stadium Series.

On Friday afternoon, the Penguins – with the help of Chris Kunitz – unveiled their official Stadium Series jersey.

Read more: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=695697

http://3.cdn.nhle.com/penguins/images/upload/gallery/2013/12/20131209_Stadium_Series_Jersey_003_pg_slide.jpg

salamander
12-13-2013, 06:26 PM
Those jerseys kind of look like Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's new home and road jerseys for this year.

steelerdude15
12-13-2013, 08:49 PM
The Pens started out with a strong first period, a lackluster second period, but then had a decent third period to end the game. Flower was excellent tonight. I do not blame him for New Jersey scoring the two goals. The first goal, the defense allowed an offensive player to get by and by himself in front of Marc. The next goal, Olli and Devil got in the way of Marc and he couldn't see the puck. Anyways, a good, physical game by the Pens. A lot of blocked shots and big hits. The Pens were able to tighten it up on defense in the third period and that helped win them the game. Also, they were in the offensive zone a little more in the third period than in the second which helped too. One thing I've noticed this year about our offense is that defenses are easily shutting down lanes for the player carrying the puck into the offensive zone. This often turns into a turnover because two to three defensive players are collapsing on that player and not allowing him to pass it to another player. This is something I have seen less of from the Pens defense since Rob had his ankle broken in Toronto. I would like to see more of that from the defense. It happened a few times tonight and easily created turnovers and allowed the defense to get it out of the defensive zone. Sid had an excellent defensive play that saved a goal by using his speed to get into the defensive zone and blocked the shooting motion of the Devil.

I also am not too big on the Stadium Series jersey either.

Spike
12-14-2013, 09:34 AM
Fleury saved their asses, that's what.

Pens came out like greased lightning then took the next 50 minutes off. Megna got the game winner, that was cool. With all the young legs on the ice on defense I thought they played really well. It was a scary game, probably should have lost.

vader29
12-14-2013, 01:26 PM
Thornton only gets 15 games.


My thoughts exactly:
411939694310862848

X-Terminator
12-14-2013, 01:51 PM
Too harsh. I know Orpik was injured, but still...15 games for that is way too many. Back in the day, the Flyers' Dave Brown crosschecked former Penguin and then-Ranger Tomas Sandstrom in the face, and he only got 15 games. I hope Thornton appeals.

zulater
12-14-2013, 02:47 PM
Fleury saved their asses, that's what.

Pens came out like greased lightning then took the next 50 minutes off. Megna got the game winner, that was cool. With all the young legs on the ice on defense I thought they played really well. It was a scary game, probably should have lost.

I know what you're saying. But in a way this could be the best thing that happened to the Pens in a while. Fleury stole two points! When was the last time anyone said that? That Fleury is playing with this much confidence if it carries through to the postseason, that could spell a long run for the Penguins.

Scuderi and Orpik will be back soon. Once they're back the Pens will be able to handle these onslaughts better.

zulater
12-14-2013, 02:53 PM
Too harsh. I know Orpik was injured, but still...15 games for that is way too many. Back in the day, the Flyers' Dave Brown crosschecked former Penguin and then-Ranger Tomas Sandstrom in the face, and he only got 15 games. I hope Thornton appeals.

We got Vader who thinks it was too lenient, we have you expressing it was too harsh. To me that makes it just right.

stillers4me
12-14-2013, 04:20 PM
I think it was a slap on the hand. That had nothing to do with hockey. I read that he continued to punch Brooks in the head after he was already unconscious.

Spike
12-14-2013, 05:00 PM
That Fleury is playing with this much confidence if it carries through to the postseason, that could spell a long run for the Penguins..

He has been making some brilliant saves, more than a couple last night. There's a long way to go in the regular season first though.

Zatkoff will play against the Wings tonight.


I thought Thornton would get at least 10 games so I was satisfied with what they gave him.

zulater
12-14-2013, 08:04 PM
I hope Malkin isn't as bad as he looked. :pray: He couldn't put any weight at all on his left leg. That looked like a season altering injury.

X-Terminator
12-14-2013, 08:11 PM
We got Vader who thinks it was too lenient, we have you expressing it was too harsh. To me that makes it just right.

It's too harsh because if you know anything about Shawn Thornton, the outcome was NOT what he wanted. All he wanted to do was stick up for his teammate, give Brooks a couple of gloved shots to send a message. In fact, if Orpik gets up, all he gets is a 2-minute penalty. People act like it's such a vicious attack, when it wasn't. I just gave an example of what a vicious attack really is.

Oh well, you can pretty much spell the end of sticking up for your teammates after this incident. It's going to be SO enjoyable watching Penguins standing around with their thumbs up their asses if/when Crosby gets nailed with another huge hit and gets a concussion.


I think it was a slap on the hand. That had nothing to do with hockey. I read that he continued to punch Brooks in the head after he was already unconscious.

As far as I know, that last part is false. It was the second punch that caused his head to hit the ice that most likely knocked him out.

zulater
12-14-2013, 08:28 PM
A well earned 2 points by the Pens. But costly. I think Malkin's going to be out for a long time.

Spike
12-14-2013, 08:32 PM
fuck

fuck

fuck

just hope Malkin isn't out for the year. Pens played well in a 4-1 win. These young legs are something special...and Zatkoff looked good

zulater
12-14-2013, 08:48 PM
Just saw something from Pens beat reporter Rob Rossi on twitter saying Malkin walking normally around the locker room.

Spike
12-14-2013, 08:54 PM
for what it's worth

Josh Yohe ‏@JoshYohe_Trib 27s Malkin was walking in locker room. Limping, but moving OK.

https://twitter.com/JoshYohe_Trib/status/412051169251303424

zulater
12-14-2013, 08:59 PM
for what it's worth

Josh Yohe ‏@JoshYohe_Trib 27s Malkin was walking in locker room. Limping, but moving OK.

https://twitter.com/JoshYohe_Trib/status/412051169251303424

Hopefully we're looking at no more than a week or two.

Spike
12-14-2013, 09:02 PM
hopefully, if he was walking around it's probably not a broken leg

Pittsburgh Penguins @penguins

Malkin has a lower-body injury. While he was walking around after the game he will get further evaluated tomorrow, per #Pens coach Bylsma

https://twitter.com/penguins/status/412052249352105984

X-Terminator
12-14-2013, 09:12 PM
I saw the clip of the injury, and right away I thought broken ankle or high ankle sprain. Honestly, of the two, I'd hope for the broken ankle. A high ankle sprain could keep him out past the Olympics. Speaking of which, I'm sure everyone in Russia had puckered asshole syndrome after seeing him go down like that.

Spike
12-14-2013, 09:17 PM
the bad karma struck when Sid's high stick got called on Detroit and Malkin ended up getting hurt defending the point alone on a PP we should never have had

oneforthetoe
12-14-2013, 10:16 PM
Ok who sent the Steelers offensive line Karma to the Pens?

stillers4me
12-15-2013, 12:17 AM
It's too harsh because if you know anything about Shawn Thornton, the outcome was NOT what he wanted. All he wanted to do was stick up for his teammate, give Brooks a couple of gloved shots to send a message. In fact, if Orpik gets up, all he gets is a 2-minute penalty. People act like it's such a vicious attack, when it wasn't. I just gave an example of what a vicious attack really is.

Oh well, you can pretty much spell the end of sticking up for your teammates after this incident. It's going to be SO enjoyable watching Penguins standing around with their thumbs up their asses if/when Crosby gets nailed with another huge hit and gets a concussion.



As far as I know, that last part is false. It was the second punch that caused his head to hit the ice that most likely knocked him out.
Instant column: NHL declares open season for assaultsDecember 14, 2013by Dejan Kovacevic
By Dejan Kovacevic (http://triblive.com/sports/dejankovacevic/) | Trib Total Media
So Shawn Thornton got 15 games for criminally assaulting Brooks Orpik.
That’ll prompt all kinds of gnashing of teeth and parsing over precedents and comparisons to events to which this particular penalty has no actual resemblance. Meaning that it wasn’t in any way shape or form a hockey play. It was a blindside attack during a stoppage on an unsuspecting player, who was then slew-footed to the ice, then punched twice, including at least once while already unconscious.
Good luck compiling a meaningful list of precedents for that...........

http://blog.triblive.com/dejan-kovacevic/2013/12/14/instant-column-nhl-declares-open-season-for-assaults/

Spike
12-15-2013, 12:47 AM
Engelland will get at least 2 games for his hit tonight

X-Terminator
12-15-2013, 04:40 AM
Instant column: NHL declares open season for assaults

December 14, 2013by Dejan Kovacevic
By Dejan Kovacevic (http://triblive.com/sports/dejankovacevic/) | Trib Total Media
So Shawn Thornton got 15 games for criminally assaulting Brooks Orpik.
That’ll prompt all kinds of gnashing of teeth and parsing over precedents and comparisons to events to which this particular penalty has no actual resemblance. Meaning that it wasn’t in any way shape or form a hockey play. It was a blindside attack during a stoppage on an unsuspecting player, who was then slew-footed to the ice, then punched twice, including at least once while already unconscious.
Good luck compiling a meaningful list of precedents for that...........

http://blog.triblive.com/dejan-kovacevic/2013/12/14/instant-column-nhl-declares-open-season-for-assaults/

Dejan Kovacevic...it figures. Sensationalize much, Dejan? Guy seriously needs to stick to football.

At any rate, there are questions as to when Orpik was out, so I take his opinion with a grain of salt.


Engelland will get at least 2 games for his hit tonight

He has an in-person hearing on Wednesday, so he's getting 5+. He has a record (suspended 3 games in 2011 for an illegal check to the head).

Spike
12-15-2013, 11:13 AM
Ok who sent the Steelers offensive line Karma to the Pens?

Geno grabbed the back of his thigh - I was afraid he'd torn his hamstring

Spike
12-16-2013, 07:03 PM
nope - Geno standing watching the game at Mario's bar upstairs - maybe it was just an ass bruise - good news, day to day



Young legs full of energy - Ulf Samuelsson's son gets his debut. They are flying around the Leafs.

1-0 Pens - Dumoulin should have his first goal, in his second game up.

Go Baby Pens!

zulater
12-16-2013, 08:50 PM
Great win by Sid, Flower, and the Baby Pens! :applaudit:

stillers4me
12-16-2013, 08:54 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bbp6fnECMAEiUB2.jpg

X-Terminator
12-16-2013, 08:58 PM
That might have been the most fun I've had watching a Pens game in the last 2 years. The energy, grit and physical play the Baby Pens' players brought tonight was outstanding. These guys need to be given more of an opportunity, instead of stiffs like Craig Adams and Chuck Kobasew.

Bortuzzo was in beast mode tonight. Kid needs to play even when everyone is healthy. Hope he doesn't get suspended for his hit on D'Amigo, because it was the latter's fault he got smoked in the head. The league needs to start putting more onus on the guys receiving the hit in situations like that. If he doesn't reach for the puck at the last minute, he takes that hit in the chest and not the head.

salamander
12-16-2013, 09:12 PM
That might have been the most fun I've had watching a Pens game in the last 2 years. The energy, grit and physical play the Baby Pens' players brought tonight was outstanding. These guys need to be given more of an opportunity, instead of stiffs like Craig Adams and Chuck Kobasew.

Bortuzzo was in beast mode tonight. Kid needs to play even when everyone is healthy. Hope he doesn't get suspended for his hit on D'Amigo, because it was the latter's fault he got smoked in the head. The league needs to start putting more onus on the guys receiving the hit in situations like that. If he doesn't reach for the puck at the last minute, he takes that hit in the chest and not the head.

That's how we do things out here in Wilkes-Barre. :chuckle:

Spike
12-16-2013, 11:35 PM
yeah but, now Megna is hurt

they said Letang was on IR

X-Terminator
12-17-2013, 12:52 AM
No discipline for Bortuzzo. Finally, the league gets one right.

Spike
12-17-2013, 03:56 AM
yeah - with almost a dozen regulars out of the line-up we kinda need the guys we have left right now

got lucky on another big hit to the head

NHL Player Safety ‏@NHLPlayerSafety 45s In looking at Bortuzzo/D'Amigo, we see unavoidable head contact on an otherwise full body hit. Will not be pursuing supplemental discipline.

Spike
12-17-2013, 03:45 PM
Megna has a lower-body injury. "Unlikely to play" Wednesday in New York, per coach Bylsma #Pens @penguins

X-Terminator
12-17-2013, 11:39 PM
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Brian Gibbons from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL), it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Gibbons, 25, is in his second stint of the season with the Penguins. He scored his first NHL goal and added an assist for two points in a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 18.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Gibbons continues to lead the way for WBS offensively this season, posting team highs with 18 assists and 27 points in 23 games played. Gibbons (tied with Jayson Megna) leads the team, and is tied for second in the league, with two shorthanded goals.

A native of Braintree, Massachusetts, Gibbons has appeared in 163 career AHL regular-season games, tallying 28 goals and 59 assists for 87 points. He has added eight points (3G-5A) in 24 playoff contests.

Prior to entering the Penguins’ organization, Gibbons played four seasons of college hockey at Boston College from 2007-11, tallying 164 points (56G-108A) in 160 games. He was a member of two NCAA championship teams (2010, ’08) at BC.

The Penguins have placed forward Jayson Megna on injured reserve.

We're running out of warm bodies, folks. Might have to start tapping the Nailers next, that is if all of them aren't in WBS right now.

salamander
12-18-2013, 12:14 AM
Has there ever been a time when so many WBS guys were up in Pittsburgh at the same time because of injuries? Regardless, I'm sure none of them thought they'd all be up there all together like this. I'm sure they're loving it too.

Spike
12-18-2013, 11:19 AM
dammit! I really like Megna

It's the Sid + the Baby Pens show

meanwhile, it's great to have those young legs on D with energy in the line-up, the defense is looking awesome - I hate the thought of benching them for the old slow guys that Bylsma loves so much.

Our 19 y/o Maatta shut down Kessel by himself all last game

salamander
12-18-2013, 12:54 PM
dammit! I really like Megna

It's the Sid + the Baby Pens show

meanwhile, it's great to have those young legs on D with energy in the line-up, the defense is looking awesome - I hate the thought of benching them for the old slow guys that Bylsma loves so much.

Our 19 y/o Maatta shut down Kessel by himself all last game

That's the sad reality. We all know damn well that Bylsma will automatically play the old guys when they get healthy. God forbid they let the young guys play.

Spike
12-18-2013, 02:24 PM
Bylsma has a hard-on for the likes of Adams, Glass and Engelland - maybe this will finally change with how well the young pups are playing

Keep it up boyz!

btw - 5 games is fine for Engo. I wouldn't have cared if it was longer.

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/?id=514993

X-Terminator
12-18-2013, 05:24 PM
That was a total bullshit suspension. Abdelkader put himself in that position at the same time Engelland is committing to the hit. What the hell was he supposed to do, violate the laws of physics? At some point, the league needs to start blaming the guy receiving the hit when he clearly puts himself in a vulnerable position.

I do agree though that the young guys need to play, but we know as soon as all of the D is healthy, they're all going back and Bortuzzo will be back in the press box. I hate to make light of the injury, but Orpik's played like he's had a concussion for the past 3 years and really should be benched in favor of Big Bort. And I don't want to see Engelland off this team for any reason - he's not really that bad defensively and obviously brings toughness that the blue line sorely lacks.

D pairings when everyone is healthy:

Letang - Scuderi
Martin - Niskanen
Bortuzzo - Maatta

4th line: Glass - Sill - Megna/Vitale

Win a bunch more games.

X-Terminator
12-18-2013, 11:22 PM
Pens (or more accurately, Fleury) blow 3-1 lead in the 3rd period but win 4-3 in a shootout. Not sure what it is about late 3rd periods, but the Pens have been having a tough time closing games out even when they win. The Rangers had no business getting a point tonight. But they now have a 12-point lead in the division...I'm telling you, they will win this sad-ass division by double-digits. I'd be shocked if they don't.

Spike
12-19-2013, 08:05 AM
ah well, it was going to be another boring win if Fleury didn't spaz out in the last minutes again

He's a GOD in the SO though - blanked them for 5 innings

Spike
12-19-2013, 03:35 PM
Your Eastern Conference leaders on NHL Network again tonight agaisnt the Wild - welcome back Cookie! hope your team loses

SteelMember
12-19-2013, 08:46 PM
Hello Maatta

Spike
12-19-2013, 08:59 PM
Ollie Maatta - penalty shot and a cherry on top

How can you bench these young legs full of energy? - they are in every puck battle on the boards and winning the majority of them

Spike
12-20-2013, 10:44 AM
amazing, how lucky we are to watch this every game

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xesZ_eaqhec/UrOfHGEgQTI/AAAAAAACWLs/C5JlOj9_P4k/s525/datpass.gif

Am I allowed to root for Canada in the Olympics?

Spike
12-20-2013, 10:57 AM
"It was the only move I have"

go Ollie

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v97MLUFSOh4/UrOqR2R7DPI/AAAAAAACWL8/qdd2-j5HHjE/s489/maatta.gif

SteelMember
12-20-2013, 11:50 AM
That no look pass from Sid was sick. We are lucky to see shit like that more often than not. Helps me forget time like... let me finish my song here.

Hello Maatta, Rico Fata. lol.

When the best we had was Fata and Tarnstrom. sheesh.

Spike
12-20-2013, 04:51 PM
Dan Bylsma says his USA team will kick the Canadians team's ass

vader29
12-21-2013, 10:57 AM
414419669894692864

salamander
12-21-2013, 12:14 PM
414419669894692864

I'd say he's earned it.

X-Terminator
12-21-2013, 02:44 PM
He's definitely earned it. His first NHL start was a disaster, but he's been pretty solid since then. This also means Vokoun is likely going to retire, which is a shame. I'm sure this isn't how he wanted his career to end.

Pens win again today 4-3, but I'd say the Flames controlled much of the game. Definitely not their best performance, but they got the job done.

Spike
12-21-2013, 02:55 PM
Definitley needed Sid to show up big - the young legs were tired

Spike
12-24-2013, 09:41 AM
Help us Obi Wan, you're our only hope, the adrenaline ran out - and it all fell apart

Dupuis out now - but at least he didn't get his face amputated from a skate

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3762029/dupuishurt.gif



some boys are coming back

#Pens re-assign Zolnierczyk and Samuelsson to @WBSPenguins.

X-Terminator
12-24-2013, 10:39 AM
Glass and Orpik apparently will play Friday. I was hoping that concussion would have ended Orpik's season, because he hasn't been very good when he's been the lineup. Let Bort and Despres play instead.

Spike
12-24-2013, 10:58 AM
Dumoulin looked bad, yet he got more ice time than Despres. Is he Bylsma's new favorite?

Juicy is slow as shit, he ain't helping either.

I was pissed that the Pens let the Sens go after Sid all night with no payback

Maybe we need some young goons. Pens lineup looked tiny out there.

X-Terminator
12-24-2013, 11:34 AM
Dumoulin looked bad, yet he got more ice time than Despres. Is he Bylsma's new favorite?

Juicy is slow as shit, he ain't helping either.

I was pissed that the Pens let the Sens go after Sid all night with no payback

Maybe we need some young goons. Pens lineup looked tiny out there.

Get used to that. Mario does not believe in protecting his stars, even though he had his share of it when he played. Maybe it will take an Orpik-on-Eriksson type of hit that gives Sid another concussion that finally wakes his ass up.

Nah, even that wouldn't do it.

Glass and Engelland being out of lineup really hurts in that regard. They aren't the kind of goons I would like, but they can keep teams somewhat honest.

THIS is what needs to happen to anyone who touches Sid:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvtZ5cCzUKQ

A Shawn Thornton-style mugging would also be acceptable.

Spike
12-24-2013, 12:57 PM
Sens were just a bigger and faster club all around against our AHLers. Sid needs to start shooting again and forget about all the blind behind the back passes...the young'uns are trying it now and they aren't good at it. They have to win with hustle and score on the PP.

the streak had to end...oh well...Geno and Orpik could be back Friday

Spike
12-24-2013, 04:26 PM
...and we NEED Geno back. He was hot before he got hurt, and the lines are all fucked up now. Poor Sutter, he could end up with Glass again.

vader29
12-27-2013, 12:42 PM
Another one bites the dust. :(

416624649016188928

salamander
12-27-2013, 01:05 PM
Ugh...

X-Terminator
12-27-2013, 08:28 PM
OK hockey gods, you can stop now. The Pens have paid in full for their Cup and their past "transgressions." It's now bordering on cruel and unusual punishment.

Spike
12-27-2013, 09:01 PM
Squeaked another one out - in OT - yeah they love giving up late goals now...it's becoming a trend

salamander
12-28-2013, 12:03 AM
I think all the call-ups are starting to catch up with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Baby Pens are starting to fall into a bit of a scoring slump lately and are losing games.

vader29
12-28-2013, 12:58 AM
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sb_VBTNNyzI/Ur5LJsJM9WI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/WFbu0edCFow/s1600/geno2.gif

oneforthetoe
12-29-2013, 07:15 PM
SIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDD.

Spike
12-31-2013, 03:14 AM
The cheap suits were no competition, Zatkoff is growing on me

Spike
12-31-2013, 02:49 PM
almost missed the noon game

lose 2-1...no luck against the Debbils - I'm sorry, but these Wilkes Barre forwards aren't very good .....good thing the top seed is about locked up, they can afford to lose a dozen and still be leading

Orpik back making the team look sluggish again, slowing everything down, good energy in the 3rd, but we need Geno back

Juicy can't get it up, he looks easily replaceable

X-Terminator
12-31-2013, 04:07 PM
Watching the Devils is better than any sedative you can buy - legal or otherwise. I'm so glad I missed this game. They are easily the most boring team in the league.

Spike
12-31-2013, 04:56 PM
. They are easily the most boring team in the league.

they clog it up with that same neutral zone trap that the Penguins play now - Pens could barely get it in their end and then they missed some big chances - PP looked weak though, and Nisky and Juicy looked bad out there on that

Spike
01-02-2014, 01:35 PM
we just burned $1.5M for a bottom 6er

@DarrenDreger
Waivers: PIT claims T.Pyatt off waivers from NYR


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzXBkZo9qfM

X-Terminator
01-02-2014, 05:33 PM
Great. Another big marshmallow on the team. As if we don't already have enough mini-marshmallows on the team.

They need to get tougher, not softer!

EDIT: Apparently the claim was made because Chris Conner has a broken hand and is out 6-8 weeks. And the beat goes on...

Spike
01-03-2014, 11:55 AM
Penguins RW Pascal Dupuis suffered a season-ending knee injury December 23 against Ottawa and, even though he hasn't had his most productive season, Dupuis' absence does leave the Penguins short-staffed up front.

Of course, you can hardly tell right now, as the Penguins have shifted James Neal to join Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz on Pittsburgh's top line and the trio has been productive (Neal had three goals and five points Saturday night).

Once C Evgeni Malkin returns to the lineup, however, the Penguins aren't going to leave Malkin without support, so Neal would most likely return to that line with Malkin and Jussi Jokinen, once again leaving room on the right side with Crosby and Kunitz. It could be an ideal opportunity for Beau Bennett, who is recovering from a broken wrist and did get an audition with Crosby and Kunitz before he was injured. Bennett's time frame for return was 2-3 months after suffering his injury November 22.

If the Penguins are prepared to put Bennett in that spot, a lot of responsibility for a 22-year-old who has 17 points in 38 career games, then they may not be inclined to seek out trade alternatives. They can plug in Joe Vitale, Chuck Kobasew or Brian Gibbons. The Penguins have even claimed Taylor Pyatt on waivers from the Rangers, so he's another possibility to take up space on the right flank.

None of those are ideal choices but, really, the Penguins need someone that can help out, but also stay out of the way when Crosby and Kunitz are generating opportunities.

Anyway, if the Penguins want a more established scorer in that spot, then pending free agents like Ales Hemsky, Mike Cammalleri or Matt Moulson could have some appeal, but I'd bet on Bennett getting an opportunity to stick before other alternatives are explored.

http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/scott_cullen/?id=440226

X-Terminator
01-03-2014, 12:40 PM
IMO Hemsky would be ideal for Sid's line. Has very good speed, tremendous hands and can dish the puck as well as anyone. Most importantly, he is a RW. His only question mark is defense. Cammalleri and Moulson are both LW and neither have the speed to keep up with Sid, so they are out.

Spike
01-03-2014, 01:31 PM
so we're using one top line and three 4th lines out there right now, and still running away with it. I see no reason to make any trades yet



Eastern

Rank/Team/GP/W/L/OT/ROW/PTS/GF/GA/Home/Away/Last 10/Streak

Metropolitan

1 Pittsburgh 42 29 12 1 26 59 131 96 17-3-0 12-9-1 8-2-0 Lost 1
2 Washington 41 20 15 6 12 46 125 123 13-8-2 7-7-4 3-3-4 OT 1
3 Philadelphia 41 20 17 4 17 44 106 113 11-7-0 9-10-4 7-2-1 Lost 1

Atlantic

1 Boston 41 27 12 2 26 56 120 88 17-4-2 10-8-0 6-4-0 Won 1
2 Tampa Bay 40 24 12 4 19 52 114 95 14-4-2 10-8-2 7-2-1 Won 1
3 Montreal 42 24 14 4 21 52 109 98 12-7-2 12-7-2 5-4-1 Won 1

Wild Card

1 Toronto 42 21 16 5 14 47 118 120 14-8-1 7-8-4 5-3-2 Won 3
2 Detroit 42 18 14 10 17 46 109 120 6-10-7 12-4-3 3-5-2 OT 1

Spike
01-03-2014, 05:16 PM
Shero will wait till the trade deadline - it's a garbage market right now


NHL trade deadline set for March 5, week after Olympic break ends

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/23594032/nhl-trade-deadline-set-for-march-5-week-after-olympic-break-ends

X-Terminator
01-03-2014, 06:08 PM
Well hopefully by then they won't still be riddled with injuries, and Dupuis will be the only guy out. I doubt that will be the case, though. They might even have the division damn near wrapped up by then too.

Spike
01-03-2014, 06:19 PM
godspeed Joe Vitale...why don't you try scoring a goal?

X-Terminator
01-03-2014, 09:25 PM
Interesting that Jokinen gets criticized, then goes out and scores 2 goals. Kunitz pots 2 and the Pens win 5-2 over the Rangers. Man, that team sucks balls. How the hell did they soundly beat the Pens once this year when they were healthier?

Looking WAY into the future, but if the playoffs started today, there would be some quality matchups in both conferences:

Pittsburgh vs. Detroit (rematch from the 2008 and 2009 Finals)
Boston vs. Toronto (great Original 6 matchup, two tough teams who despise each other)
Washington vs. Philadelphia (LOTS of bad blood between these two teams, could be the most physical and fight-filled series)
Montreal vs. Tampa Bay (meh)

Chicago vs. Phoenix (meh)
Anaheim vs. Vancouver (another great matchup)
Colorado vs. St. Louis (no love lost here)
San Jose vs. Los Angeles (these 2 teams HATE each other)

Spike
01-04-2014, 08:13 AM
Interesting that Jokinen gets criticized, then goes out and scores 2 goals.

that happens every time I pick on someone - poor Rags, even Juicy can score on them

X-Terminator
01-05-2014, 02:46 PM
Pens beat the Jets 6-5 today. It figures that as soon as Malkin and Mr. Turnover get back in the lineup, they completely forget how to play defense. Yeah they won, but that was just an awful display of defensive hockey. This had better not become a trend.

salamander
01-05-2014, 04:01 PM
Letang sucks. Period.

X-Terminator
01-05-2014, 06:24 PM
Letang sucks. Period.

Normally I'd agree, but it wasn't his fault today. Brooks Orpik was absolutely brutal. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell he was thinking on the first goal by Evander Kane, with the pirouette shit. I wish Thornton had concussed him so that he'd miss the rest of the season, because he's been SO fucking bad for much of the past 3 seasons. I'll be pissed if he's brought back next season.

Spike
01-06-2014, 02:15 AM
naturally, Danny Boy brings back his whole old and slow playoff defense, they scratch Bort and Despres and they give up 5 goals and it probably should have been 10

oh, they outscored Winnipeg 6-5 but it was NOT a good game like those asshats the Pens have for announcers tried to tell you in their wailing and screeching voices

Malkin came back all fired up

salamander
01-06-2014, 10:32 AM
Normally I'd agree, but it wasn't his fault today. Brooks Orpik was absolutely brutal. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell he was thinking on the first goal by Evander Kane, with the pirouette shit. I wish Thornton had concussed him so that he'd miss the rest of the season, because he's been SO fucking bad for much of the past 3 seasons. I'll be pissed if he's brought back next season.

Upon further review, you are correct. However, Letang still irks me a lot at times. :chuckle:

Spike
01-07-2014, 02:52 PM
looks like I'm not the only one questioning the look on defense


Shelly Anderson's Penguins chat: 1.6.14


2:33
[Comment From Nick]
A couple of things, why simon depres isn't playing IMO doesn't make sense. Here's why, he's just better then Derek engellend, even though I'll admit engellend has played well so far this year. Also, if they need to make a big trade id imagine depres would be one of their main assets to move, and why not let him play so he can continue to Improve his stock around the league. Lastly let him play so you can continue to see what you have in him.

2:35
Shelly Anderson - It's a bit of a surprise when Simon Despres is a healthy scratch. Then again, I expected him to have a great training camp and force his way onto the opening-night roster, and that didn't happen. Instead, he started the season in the AHL. I agree, though, that others -- and that includes Deryk Engelland -- are playing well. It's a hard truth that as the defensemen get healthy, two or three good players are going to be on the outside looking in.


2:35
[Comment From Nick]
Any idea when the pens can hope to get back any of their injured players back? Bennet, martin, and menga in particular.

2:37
Shelly Anderson - Paul Martin got good results from a bone scan last week and has started skating. He apparently is bent on being back from his broken leg before the Olympics. Jayson Megna has been skating for several days and, from what I've seen, doesn't look like he's favoring his leg injury. Beau Bennett hasn't skated, as far as I know, so apparently for now that would be too much of a risk in case he fell or otherwise banged his surgically repaired hand/wrist. It's not real clear what his timetable is.


2:38
[Comment From Bob]
Are the Penguins really going to make the mistake of trading a 6'4" 205lb defenseman who can skate like the wind, play physical defense, and make a beautiful outlet pass while a career AHLer/7th-man like Engelland gets 20+ minutes a night? Are Bylsma and Shero more interested in winning the stanley cup, or running the team like a family?

2:39
Shelly Anderson - I have not seen or heard anything concrete in terms of Simon Despres being on the trading block. That doesn’t mean that he or another in the team’s deep group of defensemen won’t be traded. After all, GM Ray Shero has talked in the past about accruing what he calls “assets,” and right now a lot of those assets are on defense. Keep in mind, though, that the team has gone a dozen or so deep in their organizational depth chart at defense because of injuries, so that depth came into play for more than just trade bait. I don’t agree that Shero is handcuffing himself through any loyalty or personal feelings. He made business decisions to let go of players such as Jordan Staal, Max Talbot, Matt Cooke, Mike Rupp and others who were team and/or fan favorites. Shero does have a deserved reputation for treating his players extremely well, but I don’t think he lets that interfere with making sound hockey decisions.


2:40
[Comment From Tony]
Are Shero and Bylsma aware of how the team actually plays worse the healthier it gets? When they were dressing an AHL defense and two AHL bottom-6 lines, there was structure and support from all 5 skaters. Now, with Orpik, Engelland and Glass back in the country club, there's an endless supply of entire shifts in the defensive end, headless chicken structure, and no physical play in front of Fleury. Is the team even willing to admit its own faults, or are they content wrapping themselves in the cloak of their great record while in the worst division in hockey?

2:41
Shelly Anderson - I think you’re probably being more reactionary, particularly after Sunday’s sloppy game, than accurate in an overall sense -- although I do like the phrase “headless chicken structure.” There have been plenty of sound games this season, many with a minimum of fill-ins from the American Hockey League. Winnipeg, for whatever, reason, seems to bring out games like that in the Penguins. I will say that you have a point that the call-ups have, overall, performed well. But the Penguins still are a better club with as many regulars as they can get. Certainly, a stretch of games with most of their regulars in the lineup would serve them well.

http://mobile.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=87254c0d6f&ent=dgigler001

X-Terminator
01-07-2014, 04:40 PM
Personally, I'm sick of seeing so many fans dumping on Engelland. Do these morons actually watch the games, and if they do, pay attention to what they are actually watching? He has been asked to play 2 roles this season, sometimes during the same fucking game, and has performed well in both. It's one thing to want Despres in the lineup, but at least make some god damn sense whenever you make your arguments.

OK, rant over.

Anyway, if anyone should be benched for Despres, it's Orpik. The guy has been a disaster back there, standing around with his thumb up his ass and making terrible decisions.

Spike
01-08-2014, 12:44 AM
Sid performs another miracle on ice in Vancouver. Pens go up 2-0 early, blow the lead late with more piss poor defense and go down 2-4 ...and Letang and Sid tie it up with a minute to go and an empty net...and Sid wins the shoot out! Thanks for choking one our way Canucks.

Letang was his old self again, flying like the wind and shooting.

X-Terminator
01-08-2014, 01:57 AM
Funny...they bench Engelland for Despres like so many fans wanted, and the team still gives up 4 goals, 3 in the third period. Guess Engo ain't the problem after all. Like one of those commenters said above...the healthier the team gets, the worse they play defensively.

Spike
01-08-2014, 09:12 AM
Funny...they bench Engelland for Despres like so many fans wanted, and the team still gives up 4 goals, 3 in the third period. Guess Engo ain't the problem after all. Like one of those commenters said above...the healthier the team gets, the worse they play defensively.

Engelland wasn't benched - he played as a winger

Glass Adams and Orpik bring nothing....that's Dannyboy's "core" we can replace - they are all slow as mud

Maatta had a decent game. Nisky was good. Way too many blind behind the back passes from them all - just shoot the damn puck

Fleury is a God and his shooters are unreal in shootouts... too bad we can't win with them in the playoffs.

Spike
01-10-2014, 05:56 PM
Here's your lines tonight against the Oilers

Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby (C) - Brian Gibbons
Jussi Jokinen - Evgeni Malkin (A) - James Neal
Tanner Glass - Brandon Sutter - Taylor Pyatt
Craig Adams - Joe Vitale - Deryk Engelland

Brooks Orpik (A) - Robert Bortuzzo
Rob Scuderi - Kris Letang
Oli Maatta - Matt Niskanen

Spike
01-11-2014, 12:09 AM
Pens get a point - but blow another 2-0 lead and lose this one

yep - the cement skates of Orpik, Adams and Engelland cough up a game - shut the fuck up Steigy, your constant bad-mouthing and belittling the other team makes you sound even more stupid than usual now, doesn't it

X-Terminator
01-11-2014, 12:29 AM
Admittedly I didn't watch the game, but I ask again...why are Orpik and Adams still on this team? And Engelland, much as I love him, should not be playing forward and should be on defense only. He is a huge liability out there on wing. As for Steigy, he's a moron. Nothing else more needs to be said. He was better when he was Lange's sidekick, and he obviously learned NOTHING from him.

Not surprised in the least that they blew another lead. This is more like what we are used to from this team - the defensive zone is a minefield for them.

Spike
01-11-2014, 08:55 AM
Scuderi scolds Penguins after overtime loss to Oilers


EDMONTON, Alberta — Rob Scuderi has seen enough.

The steady defenseman, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, doesn't believe championship teams are formed by glitz and glamour. He sent that message loud and clear after the Penguins' 4-3 overtime loss against the Oilers at Rexall Place.

Turnovers and foolish penalties finally caught up with the Penguins, and Scuderi said his team didn't deserve to win Friday's game.

“Absolutely not,” Scuderi said. “If you're going to try and play hockey like the Harlem Globetrotters, you're going to get burned. We continue to make the same mistakes, go for the same highlight reel plays."

http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/pensgalleries/5368876-74/penguins-game-malkin#axzz2q6M8DqcP

salamander
01-11-2014, 10:27 AM
Scuderi scolds Penguins after overtime loss to Oilers


EDMONTON, Alberta — Rob Scuderi has seen enough.

The steady defenseman, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, doesn't believe championship teams are formed by glitz and glamour. He sent that message loud and clear after the Penguins' 4-3 overtime loss against the Oilers at Rexall Place.

Turnovers and foolish penalties finally caught up with the Penguins, and Scuderi said his team didn't deserve to win Friday's game.

“Absolutely not,” Scuderi said. “If you're going to try and play hockey like the Harlem Globetrotters, you're going to get burned. We continue to make the same mistakes, go for the same highlight reel plays."

http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/pensgalleries/5368876-74/penguins-game-malkin#axzz2q6M8DqcP

I feel bad for Scuds. He probably didn't realize that THIS is what he was coming back to.

X-Terminator
01-11-2014, 12:15 PM
I read that article and have already added my 2 cents...multiple times. It's nothing more than the same old song and dance from the Pens.

Bring back the WBS kids. At least they played hard and played SMART hockey, which is why they were still winning games. Now that the country club is getting back together, expect more of this bullshit every night.

Spike
01-11-2014, 12:29 PM
Not surprised in the least that they blew another lead. This is more like what we are used to from this team - the defensive zone is a minefield for them.


It's sad that the Pens were a more solid team defensively when Malkin and Letang were out and the team was determined to win games 1-0. Plenty of blame to go around in this one. Malkin's penalty was killer, selfish as they come, kicking the goalies stick from him, it gave them life when they had 0 energy in the building and Pens up 2-0 and it led directly to a goal.

oh well, another one tonight

Spike
01-12-2014, 07:24 AM
bye Bort - Looked shoulder to shoulder to me - the leaping and wild swinging elbow hit nothing but air, but it looked bad so I expect 3+ games


Meadowlark Malkin and his boys just beat a team full of Craig Adams, otherwise that could have been another loss to a bad hockey club.


Shelly Anderson @pgshelly Bylsma had no updates on Vitale (brace on right wrist) or Gibbbons. Said there were a few days between games to get home and evaluate them.

Spike
01-12-2014, 03:56 PM
Need a nickname for Sid's RW.

The Deathwing or something. Bennett, Dupuis, Megna and now Gibbons.

X-Terminator
01-12-2014, 05:30 PM
I was actually thinking the same thing. Playing RW with Sid is either a fast-track out of town or to the hospital. The only RW he's had who didn't have either happen to him was Bill Guerin.

Spike
01-13-2014, 09:16 AM
only 1 game in the next 8 days - everyone gets a rest

Spike
01-13-2014, 10:04 AM
for what it's worth

... the Pittsburgh Penguins would like to acquire Winnipeg Jets winger Blake Wheeler to play with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz on the team's first line. The main obstacle, is that the Jets are not interested in accepting draft picks in exchange for core players. The Penguins are reportedly willing to trade defenceman Simon Despres, their 2009 first round pick.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=441068

salamander
01-13-2014, 10:42 AM
for what it's worth

... the Pittsburgh Penguins would like to acquire Winnipeg Jets winger Blake Wheeler to play with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz on the team's first line. The main obstacle, is that the Jets are not interested in accepting draft picks in exchange for core players. The Penguins are reportedly willing to trade defenceman Simon Despres, their 2009 first round pick.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=441068

Don't like that at all. Wheeler would probably just end up getting hurt like the rest of them and you would lose Despres. Just my opinion but I am against this.

Spike
01-13-2014, 05:05 PM
Injuries are such fun.

Pittsburgh Penguins ‏@penguins
Vitale will be out 3 weeks (upper body). Gibbons week-to-week (lower body), per #Pens coach Bylsma

#Pens Bylsma said Beau Bennett is skating as well, he's holding a stick but can't catch a pass yet. Still 4 weeks out

Martin, Megna and Ebbett will be re-evaluated Wednesday to see if they can progress and return to play, per #Pens coach Bylsma

https://twitter.com/penguins/status/422784353190432768

Spike
01-13-2014, 05:19 PM
found this


Hockey World: Finding a winger for Penguins’ Crosby won’t be easy

But GM Shero always seems to find a way to get the players he needs

He traded defenceman Alex Goligoski to the Dallas Stars for James Neal and Matt Niskanen and years back he got rental stud Marian Hossa and throw-in Pascal Dupuis for Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen and other pieces.

Now, Shero has to find a right-winger for Sidney Crosby because Dupuis wrecked his knee. Or maybe he doesn’t. Maybe he just moves Neal up with Crosby and fellow Canadian Olympian Chris Kunitz and leaves Evgeni Malkin, who’ll be expected to carry Russia’s Sochi quad, to play with Jussi Jokinen and Player X on another line.

“The search for players in a salary-cap world is hard,” said Shero, who doesn’t know if he’ll look to a rental (how do you spell H-e-m-s-k-y or C-a-m-m-a-l-l-e-r-i?) or take somebody with the hope they can re-sign him in July when the salary cap goes up to around $70 million.

“We’ve got Chris Kunitz and James Neal … one guy on the Canadian Olympic team and the other who was really close,” said Shero. “That’s good, and on the second line we’ve got Evgeni Malkin. He’ll play with somebody else. So don’t feel sorry for me. They (Crosby and Malkin) still play with good players and get lots of points. It’s a bit of a challenge, but they make other players better.”


“We’re fortunate we have assets, especially on defence,” he said about Simon Despres, Robert Bortuzzo and Brian Dumoulin, outside of their two prize youngsters — Olli Maatta and Derrick Pouliot.

“We’ve got (winger) Beau Bennett coming back next month, maybe after the Olympics. He’s a good young player.

“(The trade deadline is) all about supply and demand. I remember one year I wanted Ray Whitney, when he was in Carolina when he had a no-movement clause, and talked to GM Jim Rutherford and he says, ‘Here’s what I want for him.’ I told him I didn’t think I could do that. But I called a week before the deadline and Jimmy said the price was the same. I called him again about two hours before the deadline and he said, ‘Here’s the price.’ I told him I couldn’t do it and he didn’t trade Ray. I respected Jimmy. I enjoy dealing with somebody like that. No B.S.,” said Shero.

Shero and Rutherford did work out the Jordan Staal trade in 2012, though, with Pittsburgh getting centre Brandon Sutter, Dumoulin (a 22-year-old in the American Hockey League with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins) and a first-round pick (they chose Pouliot, who is playing junior with the Portland Winterhawks).

“One of these (trade deadline) years, maybe we do nothing,” said Shero.


Chances of that are slim, however. They like the Winnipeg Jets’ Blake Wheeler, who’ll be playing for Bylsma on Team USA in the Olympics, but the Jets won’t take draft picks for core players in any trade talk. The Penguins would move the former first-rounder Despres, for sure, but Maatta is untouchable.

“The speed factor is a huge thing. One of the deciding things with people playing with Crosby is the wingers playing with speed so they force other teams to deal with that, either on a forecheck or as a threat. Pascal Dupuis has done that,” said coach Dan Bylsma.

“The guys who do well with Sid don’t worry about playing with Sid. They just have to skate and think and the guys who have trouble are the ones feeling they have to get him the puck all the time,” said Shero.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Hockey+World+Finding+winger+Penguins+Crosby+easy/9378561/story.html

X-Terminator
01-13-2014, 05:33 PM
Don't like that at all. Wheeler would probably just end up getting hurt like the rest of them and you would lose Despres. Just my opinion but I am against this.

I disagree. Wheeler would be a great pickup - has size, skill and the speed to keep up with Sid and Kunitz. Plus, he's a U.S. Olympian. I would not mind trading Despres for him. They have so many good, young defensemen - Maatta and Derrick Pouliot being their best prospects - they can afford to trade him. Replace him with Brian Dumoulin from WBS if they want an extra defenseman - another young kid who should be a solid defenseman.

As for the injuries, at least they have some guys close to coming back. If Megna is ready to go, put him right up there with Sid to replace Gibbons, and they can simply insert Zach Sill to replace Vitale. With the Olympics coming up, they don't need to rush him or Bennett back. They can even send both of them to the AHL for conditioning during the break if they want.

vader29
01-13-2014, 06:08 PM
For whatever reason it doesn't look like Despres has a future with the Penguins as long as Bylsma is the coach here so they might as well trade him if they can get good value for him in return.