dude, you really didn’t have to.

Solid point. I didn’t even think of that. If anything this move may open up the system a bit more and result in skilled, quality players make their way up in positions better suited for them. It’ll be interesting to see how Bylsma handles this. Then again, he’s sitting in an interim position. It’s likely any moves like that would need the consultation of Shero.

It sure did die down and it’s amusing how this comes at such a late time in the season. I was actually thinking about your comment the other day in comparison to the Brewers’ manager. Perhaps the Pens will pull out a playoff spot after all.

Firing the GM is the sort of mix up that may take another season. His dad Fred was a great GM for Philly and I think we can expect the same from him here in Pitt. Frankly I’m not discouraged by what I’ve seen thus far.

I know you bashed the Hossa move, but that’s the risk Shero was willing to take. Frankly I was a fan of it then and I won’t hold it against him now. You mentioned guts, or lack thereof, earlier in your comment. I think Shero showed as much guts as any GM can with that move. Win the Cup and you’re a genius. Fall short and expect ridicule. I admire the effort regardless.

I don’t think we traded too much for Hossa. Someone had mentioned earlier that they were sad to see Angelo Esposito go, but the guy wasn’t exactly lights out. Same can be said of Erik Christensen and Colby Armstrong. Although Army was a fan favorite, you have to look at his time on the ice as a better gauge of his place in Pitt. If done in that respect, you’ll notice the only thing lost in that trade was a locker room guy. Friendly and light-hearted as he may be, we got a certified sniper and goal scorer when the team needed it most. I don’t regret it.

They gave up next to nothing for him, considering the age of our core players, we didnt need Esposito and the first round draft was whatever-our team is young enough.

You cant blame Shero for Hossa turning down 49M for a one year deal with Detroit; that would seem to suggest he didnt like playing here, so what can you do? He helped us get to the Cup, so I cant fault Shero for making that move

It seems to be the thing to do, to bash Shero right now. As for the Malone situation, Shero and Malone were way off in terms of salary. Malone knew what he was going to get on the open market and wanted the Pens to come close to that. When Shero’s offer was made Malone sent a text to the Tribune-Review that said “No Love”. At that point he was a goner, so Shero traded him. All of this happened before free agency and Hossa’s decision. If you don’t like the signing of Satan, then I ask, who would you have signed at the time? There wasn’t a big crop of forwards on the free agent market this past off season. Shero did the best he could with what was available. Shero went after the best that was available after Hossa burned him. As for Shero not helping the team, I say you are wrong. The bargains they got on Hal Gill and Mike Zigomanis were both beneficial to the team. I personally agreed the with the Hossa trade, although I understand if you don’t. I have a feeling he will address a lot of the teams issues this year in free agency. He doesn’t have a lot of internal contract negotiations to worry about which will free him up to land a respectable winger for Crosby and/or a big power forward. My only disappointment would be the fact that it took Shero this long to fire HCMT.

Anyone know if the Strength and Conditioning coach was fired?

It’s totally understandable. A friend of mine, ironically enough a Devils fans, said it best the other day after I filled him in on the Islanders game.

For a team like Crosby, Malkin, Sykora, Satan, et al that [37 shots] should be a season low. What’s the world coming to when the Devils can take 50 shots and be recognized as an offensive threat, and the Pens play a trapping style defensive game?

Then my head exploded.

In all seriousness, you’re right. The Pens aren’t just the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they are “The Pittsburgh Penguins?” (emphasis on the question mark) What game will they play with on any given night? Who will step up if the other team shuts down Malkin and Crosby? The identity is lost entirely, right on. But they are still young. And perhaps like any youngster searching for identity, they will find it soon enough and make something of themselves. It’ll likely require patience, but I think the end result will be worth the wait.