Crashing the Net - Pittsburgh Penguins final roster edition

by FrankD on Oct 9, 2008 12:49 PM EDT in Crashing the Net Comment 6 comments

Read up on the Pensburgh contest details

The Pittsburgh Penguins finalized their roster yesterday, sending both goaltender John Curry and forward Janne Pesonen down to the WBS team for good. In addition, Jeff Taffe was placed on waivers, while perpetually injured and traded forward Kris Beech was placed on unconditional waivers, as it is rumored he has an interest in venturing to Europe. Best of luck Beech. Don't let the door hit you on the way out - it'll probably sideline ya for three to five weeks.

According to the Tribune-Review, Petr Sykora is still pretty banged up. Not only was he sick for most of the overseas trip, but Sykora is also trying to heal up from a groin injury. He will not be in the home opener Saturday against the New Jersey Devils.

For some reason Paul Bissonnette was unsettled with wearing the number 67. He will now rock the number 16, formerly worn by Erik Christenson. You can now reset your "this is pointless" meters for the next installment of random, low-impact information.

Following in suit with yesterday's post about the Penguins first line/power play, the Trib-Review has an interesting article up about the PP. Then they go on to cry a bit more about Gonchar and Whitney.

Fact: The power play converting at a disgusting 7.1 percent while in Europe and took a total of 18 shots on 14 chances. Not fun.

Here's a bit of insight as to why we never see Letang shoot as often as we'd like him to. He choose quality over quantity, which is really something you can't hold against the guy.

"You don't want to take a shot just for taking a shot. You want to get a good rebound or a good shot outside. You don't want to just spend a shot on net and have the puck be back in your zone because of a bad shot."

Kris Letang
Trib-Review

Personally, I'm all for the quantity over quality right now. The Penguins are notorious for trying to lace the perfect pace when a shot on net would easily stand as the better choice. Go blocker side and hope there's a rebound.

John Buccigross over at ESPN ranks the Penguins second in the East - even without Gonchar and Whitney. GASP. I don't recall Buccigross ever doing any wrong by the Pens. And hey, at least he didn't pretend his buddy Barry Melrose has a real chance this year. I admire that.

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ESPN

Yea, I saw “NHL analyst” idiot Linda Cohn picked Tampa to win the Southeast. What a joke.

by Jett on Oct 9, 2008 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

psh – you can’t buy a team in any sport. That holds even more weight when all you do is buy up washed up guys like Recchi and Roberts, unnecessary role players like Hall and let go of the only defenseman you had of any value like Dan Boyle. If Melrose is trying to build a run and gun offense this season he’s going to be in for a sad surprise.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Oct 9, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Taffe gone for good or will he go to WBS? Taffe is a decent 4th/3rs liner, but if he goes no huge deal. Pesonen will be back soon I think. Curry hopefully will help WBS to another Calder Cup game. These ESPN analysts know nothing about hockey, but they also show alot of Pens highlights I noticed last year.

by steelcitykid on Oct 9, 2008 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Taffe was sent to waivers, that’s all I read. I’d imagine he will clear and go down to WBS but if anyone picks him up it’s no hard loss in my book. The waivers list right now is filled with a bunch of scrubs. I can’t see anyone having a specific eye on Taffe at the moment.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Oct 9, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I just read that he is eligible for WBS, but agreed, if picked up, no big deal for Pens and good for Taffe. Anybody on the waviers list or trade block the Pens might be eyeing?(scrubs or not) Not that they need anybody, just interested.

by steelcitykid on Oct 9, 2008 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well they finalized the roster the other day so I’d imagine they’re all set. Normally around this time of year players around the league that clear waivers spend the next month or two with their minor league affiliate. In the case of injuries or demotions they’ll get the call, but I think it’s safe to say the Pens are stacked and good to go.

If I had to guess though, based in reverse order of demotions, Janne Pesonen would be first to come up in a winger position if it’s needed.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Oct 9, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs