Ranking Pittsburgh's offseason signings - who do you feel makes the Penguins a better team?
by FrankD on Nov 24, 2009 4:15 PM EST
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PrintThere are times when any fan base witnesses a signing during the offseason that leaves the collective group of die hards scratching heads, punching walls and crashing message boards with usernames like "KrisBeechStillSucks" and "WhyMikeRupp?" But there also comes a time when that same fan base realizes, "Hey, uh, that wasn't a bad signing after all."
Now there was a healthy degree of doubt and a plethora of questions making way around the interwebs when the Pens announced the signing of a guy like Mike Rupp. And there was even a little doubt with a guy like Brent Johnson. Come to think of it, the Jay McKee signing got a little criticism as well. Oh wait, even Skoula...
You see my point, right?
Whenever a new guy comes on board, it's my firm belief that the fan base wants immediate results. Hockey fans are labeled a lot of things - crazed, loyal, neurotic, insistent, to name a few - but patient certainly isn't one of the labels at the forefront. So I decided now would be as good a time as any to give these guys there due. On a team riddled with injuries that is still finding ways to get it done, sometimes you have to look past the 100-point scorers, third line agitators, starting goaltender and offensive defensemen to really give credit to the guys who consistently get it done.
Take the jump before voting and speak your piece.
For a guy who makes his living as a shot-blocking defenseman, one would've thought it was just a matter of time before Jay McKee went down with some sort of injury. But how many of you actually predicted it would be a finger infection? Up until his injury report from a little over a week ago, McKee was leading all Pens in blocked shots and found himself right atop the league in the same category. When he came on board during the offseason he did so at a discounted rate. Granted it's only a one-year deal AND he had his last contract bought out by the Blues, but the guy is committed to winning. He proves that every time he throws his body down on the ice to block a shot.
It nauseates me to no end that the stock photo we have for Mike Rupp still shows him in a Devils jersey, but I'll let it slide for now. The man known around these parts as "Noted," as in "Noted goal scorer Mike Rupp," was on the receiving end of a fair share of criticism before even stepping foot at Penguins camp. "Why?" "Who?" and exasperated "Whats?" all fueled fans to criticize this signing. Reasoning included, but was not limited to, the followng:
Why? - They have Eric Godard for that.
Who? - I've never heard of him.
What?! - What?!
Admittedly a back-up goaltender will hardly get as much attention as, say, a forward. But for a team like the Penguins that have had Marc-Andre Fleury out of the lineup for at least three weeks over the past two seasons, it's nice to know there is a formidable talent ready to jump between the pipes when needed. The Pens got that with Brent Johnson. Many (including myself) thought this season was the ideal opportunity for the Pens to call upon WBS goaltender John Curry to fill the second string role. However, Ray Shero once again showed his market expertise and signed on former Capital netminder Brent Johnson to the Number Two spot. So far this season it's been anything but easy for Johnson. Of his three wins not a single one has come in regulation. The first two, Florida on October 23 and Columbus on October 30, ended in a shootout. win His most recent, against Boston on November 14, came within .4 seconds of registering as a loss before Bill Guerin forced OT and the Pens took it down in extra time. So really, the guy's had to work out there for each 'W,' but he's getting it done despite keeping us all on the edge of our seats. It also doesn't hurt that he's a huge Zeppelin fan.
Martin Skoula played 81 games with the Wild last season, scoring 4 goals and picking up 12 assists. This season, with only 15 games on record with the Pens, Skoula is only one goal short of last season's total with still a lot of time to play. While Skoula may be limping around the ice a bit right now with a supposed foot injury, whatever downside or pain he's experiencing is not showing up on the scoreboard. If not for Skoula's two goals the Pens would've fallen short against the Thrashers Saturday night. When you can't get big scoring going from guys like Malkin or Crosby, it's nice to see a defenseman, specifically one not known for scoring, picking up a goal or two to help the cause. The former 1998 first round pick has found his place with the Pens and has really stepped up in the wake of all these injuries.
Video evidence:
In all fairness I had to include him. Bourque was claimed off waivers on September 30 and has since been struggling a bit in the Pens' lineup. Or is it just another example of high expectations? FSN seems hung up on producing countless videos and features for the kid, but when his shots go right across the goal mouth or directly into an out-of-position goalie's logo, you tend to consider the reality of root of the animosity. Bourque has three assists over 16 games and is even getting some quality time on the first power-play unit. To his credit the hustle is there and he can, at times, play a strong game that doesn't register on the score sheet. But until (if) he cracks that first goal I feel the criticism will continue.
There is no right or wrong way to register your vote in this poll. It's merely a matter of one's own perception. Who do YOU feel is standing out the most? Who do YOU feel makes the Pens a better team? And just for posterity's sake, I know Ryan Bayda also signed in the offseason but he has yet to play for the parent club.
Now, get on with the voting and debating.
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How can you not vote for the shot blocking machine?
by Repperson29 on Nov 24, 2009 4:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I had to give my vote to Mike Rupp. Had to. He provides unanticipated scoring depth. When top pairings are shutting down Geno and Sid, it’s nice to know Rupp can chip on in on the third line.
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Indeed, and Rupp's presence could potentially make Godard obsolete.
I voted for him, for all of the reasons outlined in the original post.
And yes, Kris Beech does still suck.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
I hate to get into particulars but I feel that since the question is: “Which offseason signing is standing out the most?” I think that’s easy, Mike Rupp. And his ability to find the back of the net and drop the gloves is the reason. However, I feel like Jay McKee is the more important signing. Its just hard to appreciate the way the guy gets in front of the puck and is more often than not in great position to defend to say he’s standing. And after the departure of Scuds and Gill we needed to fill the defensive defensemen role much more than a depth forward.
by Steve In on Nov 24, 2009 5:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
You’re definitely entitled to the particulars of it all. After all, that’s more or less what I was trying to get us talking about here. I do admire McKee’s shot-blocking ability. No question. But my basis for voting Rupp is two part: 1) He provided some offensive contributions on an offense-first team when big guns were out and 2) He also provides a defensive side to his game. He might not be a fast-skating two-way forward, but he’s still a well-balanced player. McKee is a shot-blocking machine but Rupp can play both sides of the puck efficiently and chip in on offense to boot. Both, however, did stand up for teammates in a fight or two this year, so credit to them on that.
But like I said, there’s really no right or wrong answer here. I’m just curious to the buzz around these guys.
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and just to amend that, one can (and has) argued that an offense-first team is what makes McKee so much more valuable. You can really take any side on this.
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Indeed! I voted Mr Shotblocker but Noted could have gotten my vote just as easely, both have been great pickups by Shero, especially if you consider their contracts. The same goes for BJ and skoula though. Of all those players Bourque is the most disappointing but: He is also the most inexperienced by far, the rest of the players are veterans of the NHL, this is Bourques first real shot at a NHL starting position. I still think we need some Patience with this guy: his play has been going upwards the last couple of games imo. He bloody better do the fistpump though.
There is a knack to flying: it's learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.
by Sid the captain on Nov 24, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
One of my favorite things about Scuds was the security he gave me. I always felt as though things were going to be just fine when he was on the ice due to his sound defensive decisions. I see that in McKee and therefore I could have given him my vote. Rupp did receive my vote, perhaps for the wrong reasons, because he came from nowhere, in my hockey world anyhow, and puts it in the net at times when it seems most urgent.
I wish political elections could be like this—so many good choices, it was hard to pick. I went with Rupp because he’s doing his job as a defenseman quite well * and * scoring some goals. The only choice I didn’t consider was Bourque, and I’m surprised he got one more vote than Johnson.
I am trying to stay off the Bourque hater train, though I’ve ridden it a couple times already. I do see a bit of progress. But the others haven’t disappointed me at all, and I’m really happy to see them in the penguin sweaters already—no patience needed.
"Darling, you say Brooks Orpik 'checked' that guy. He did not 'get under him and put him into the wall'."--Beloved to me, Winter 2007
"Don't beat yourself!"--Darrell Waltrip
“Defenseman”? Sheesh. Damn, I really am distracted. I’ll be smarter next week, sorry.
I’m still glad I voted for Rupp.
"Darling, you say Brooks Orpik 'checked' that guy. He did not 'get under him and put him into the wall'."--Beloved to me, Winter 2007
"Don't beat yourself!"--Darrell Waltrip
by GreenEyedLilo on Nov 25, 2009 7:39 AM EST up reply actions
Two questions
Is the question who makes the team better? I think thats McKee. But here’s the thing – I assumed McKee, if healthy, would be a great blueliner. Rupp… well that was more surprising. So if the question is what was what free agent signing has made the most impact relative to what I thought they would make… It’s gotta be the Noted Goal Scorer.
Wrong Question
All of you have great points. And of course it is fun to put out questions like this and it gets the comments rolling. Each of these guys is contributing in one way or another, even though Bourque hasnt scored he has had some outstanding games. I think a more telling question would be has there been a BAD offseason addition ? I dont see one and I dont think there are many teams in the league that can say that. Well done Ray !!!
It was tough to decide between McKee and Rupp. I went with McKee for now. Right or not the fact that the Pens are only paying him 800,000 factored into it. I think McKee was making around $4mil for the Blues. Hes a well documented shot blocker, but I think his other defensive abitlies get over looked because of that.
I don’t think Rupps true value will be realized until the playoffs. I’ve been lobbying for Rupp to get more icetime all season long. I admit at first I didnt quite understand the signing. After just a couple games though I got it. Rupp does it all. Great defensively, physical, will drop the gloves, a big body, he can put a few in the net. Most importantly I think, hes a guy you can put out on a shift with Crosby or Geno if need be. Rupp is going to be huge for us in the playoffs, cuz hes a guy that can protect other players while not being a liability on the ice. Hes our Goddard for the playoffs. I’m a huge Rupp fan. It might sound crazy after 4 consectutive games with PP goals. However I’d love to see him parked in front of the net on the PP. Dude can play.
The Chris Bourque experiment is coming to an end. I don’t hate the guy, however he doesn’t really add anything to this team. Hes just not a top6 guy in the NHL. Not saying he’ll never be one(well maybe I am) but certainly not on this team. If you put him on the 4th line once Kennedy is back, he takes away some physicality of that line. I just don’t see a spot for him on this team. He def. doesnt seem to have the type of game that would be effective in the playoffs. Shero seems to look for a guy like this each season. Just a low risk high reward guy that gets a shot. Bourque, Pesonen, maybe Ekman. It was worth a shot.
Agreed
My recent thoughts keep coming back to Pesonen. Borque seems to have gotten a much longer look than Pesonen did last year due to the injuries, and has shown just as little. (I can’t remember the number of games Pes played in last year)
I went with McKee. When last I checked he was the leading shot blocker in the whole league and he’s a good all-around defensive defenseman which is exactly what we were looking for to fill the void left by Scuderi and Gill. Rupp would be a close second. He has been working his ass off on every part of the ice and contributing in more ways than just as a tough guy. Skoula has also looked solid in his #7 d-man role; he’s been asked to take on a lot of additional responsibility with so many guys injured and he’s come up looking good. Johnson has been decent in his backup role as well; I feel pretty confident with him backing up Flower. As for Bourque? Well… If you’re going to be in this league at 5’8" you need to be lightning quick with great hands; so far he has not demonstrated either trait. I just don’t see him as NHL material. Maybe he just needs some polish in the minors, but for now I am mystified that this guy is on our team at all much less the powerplay unit. Oh well, Shero and Bylsma haven’t led us astray so far; maybe they see something I’m missing.
It was pointed above already, but anyway… I voted for McKee cause my interpretation of the question is “who is the most important of the new signings?”… and that I think is Jay…
“Who has been the pleasant surprise?” – for sure Rupp… but still not good enough to get my overall vote (since we get to vote only once:)
Off-topic… I’m still at a loss to find the reason why Godard keeps playing … correction… keeps getting dressed for games every night…
You have to see it for yourself...
Surely it’s strictly for cardio workout purposes.
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