It's all over now
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 9:48 PM EDT
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You could blame Marc-Andre Fleury.
You could blame some defensive turnovers.
You could blame the power play for going 0 for 6.
Or, you can just tip a cap to the Montreal Canadiens. They played spectacular, they managed injuries, they had the best goalies and the best scoring forwards. So that's what we'll do.
The 2-time Eastern Conference Champions are dethroned. Over time we'll come to see that the Pittsburgh Penguins didn't lose this series, the Montreal Canadiens won it.
It's not the ending the Igloo deserved, but it's what it got.
Thanks, old gal.
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I have been a supporter of MAF, but unfortunately the loss today has to be put on him. He had one of the worst games with the Pens Jersey. You cannot give up 4 goals and expect to come out of the hole. On the other side the Habs won it fair and square riding a hot goalie and the hot hand of Cammalleri and Gionta. Also sad to say but Serge played like he didn’t care what happened, to the point that Jones single him out in his commentary. All your points are well taken Hooks, as usual. The best team won, and it will be something to ponder during the summer. Hopefully now the Canadians won’t keep talking about conspiracy. Thanks for all the memories at the Arena. Here’s hoping for better future at the new building.
Did you watch the game?
The first goal was questionable — even then it got tipped. All the others you can point a finger at a defensive breakdown. Would you like the goalie to save the team’s ass everytime? Sure. But, uhh, that’s not possible.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Check under bus for Gonchar
"Skillet, we just spent $64,000 in that bar. So we're gonna have to get jobs to cover up the fact that we rob banks" -Mouse Fitzgerald
by joe579 on May 13, 2010 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I think we’ll be looking at a largely different D personnel next year… (which is obvious, even with a win – free agency is looming.)
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
you have a great point there our Defense has not played well allseriesseason
FTFY
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 12, 2010 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
What place would that be? Fleury set his own standards, I have always prasied him. But tonite he let the key first goal which was terrible deflected or not. Read my reply to Hooks. I’m not disagreeing with the other comments. We all knew we couldn’t win without a strong performance by MAF. He happened to have a bad game.
I’m gonna agree here, he had a bad game. Say what you want about the defense and how they messed up but MAF is the last line of defense and he failed bad tonight. 4 goals that quickly? Tonight, Halak would have made most of those saves. Orpik and Gonch didn’t help but ultimately it comes down to who is minding the net and he didn’t do his job. Oh well, next year.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
Flower had a bad game. All but one of the goals was scored from the perimeter or the point, but our D did not help matter whatsoever.
This one is on both Flower and the D.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 13, 2010 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
matters*
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 13, 2010 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I did watch the game the first goal was a poor angle shot. He should have had that. His counterpart saved a ton of those. Another goal was from the blue line.Granted the defense shares the blame. But Fleury has shown that he is capable of making those saves. Specially the one that put us down with 50 seconds of play in the game. I’m not excusing the dfense, but MAF set his own standards much higher that what he played tonight. Unfortunately it was an elimination game.
the first goal was a poor angle shot. He should have had that. His counterpart saved a ton of those
How many of those did the Penguins deflect from point blank range?
(Answer: 0)
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
MTL played good enough to win…what can you say. I dont think Halak stole this series or was incredible. He made the stops he needed to and the Pens didnt bury their glorious scoring chances. You cant put this loss on one guy.
I’m still shocked at the teams that are left. Philly, Boston and MTL. Call me bitter, or a homer, but to me those teams are garbage. Well Ill give MTL a little more credit, but still.
To quote a fat moron (cuz thats always a good idea) I would have bet my house that would not have happend.
by genomachine-O on May 13, 2010 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of bets...
I will unfortunately be at the bar wearing a dress and singing “O Canada” Friday evening for 30 minutes after placing a “friendly” wager with a coworker. At this point I can only hope it’s not skin tight as 250lbs of me in women’s clothing is not going to be pretty.
Anyway, it was definitely a team wide breakdown last night- turnovers, soft defense, blind passes, missed opportunities and a goalie who wasn’t as superb as he usually is. That first goal seemed to deflate them and get everyone off their game.
I would’ve hoped that the Pens would have got more fired up for what ended up being the last game at the Igloo, but sometimes it’s just a bad night and it happened at the worst possible time.
Oh, man! Now that’s a pride bet! I had to change my blog’s color scheme to Red Wings red and white for one day, post a cocktail recipe called the Detroit Red Wing, and wear Winged Wheel earrings to work, and I thought that was pretty bad. Tell us how yours goes!
"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
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
by GreenEyedLilo on May 13, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Can I just say, as a Flyers fan, whose team has had a goalie carousel this year…your defense can make your goalie look like a stud or a dud. The Flyers have been fairly successful with Ray Emery, Michael Leighton and Brian Boucher, clearly not all three of these guys are goaltenders as good as their numbers indicate but rather they are goalies who benefit largely from the defense in front of them.
MAF may not have had his best game ever last night but he has certainly stolen his fair share of games and honestly, as much as I dislike him because he seems to come up big against my team whenever they play, I would take MAF in a heart beat.
Fear not Pens Fans. Your team will be back next year. Hungrier than ever I bet.
Go Go Gadget Gagne
5-8-10...the day the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team won the 2011 NCAA Championship!!
Excellent points. It was pretty obvious earlier in the year that Pittsburgh’s defense was not the same foundation it was last season. Haters are gonna hate, and they’re going to direct that towards MAF. But this defense was porous all season long and really needs to get dismantled and reconstructed in the offseason. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) a lot of expiring contracts on this blue line will lead to some savvy GM moves to keep it stacked…or replace it.
We’ll see. It’s a longer offseason than planned, but what are ya gonna do? Last season’s ending was pretty perfect and that’s going to carry me for a while. I think other fans feel the same way.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
I know how you feel about the perfect ending…the Phillies winning the Series in 2008 made losing last year much less disappointing and has certainly kept me optimistic despite a good number of their starters being on the DL and less than stellar bullpen and bench play.
Go Go Gadget Gagne
5-8-10...the day the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team won the 2011 NCAA Championship!!
Do take care of Roy Halladay for me. That boy deserves a solid playoff run!
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Thank you. We hope to do so. I try and watch as much baseball and hockey as I can so I was familiar with him and his stuff before he came to Philly but man there is just something about the guy. You can’t describe it, you just have to watch it. More so, he really seems like a really great person and club house guy.
I take it you are a Jays fan. How do you feel about the Jays/Phillies series being moved to Philly due to the G-20 summit?
Go Go Gadget Gagne
5-8-10...the day the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team won the 2011 NCAA Championship!!
I’m glad you appreciate Halladay for what he is :)
Truthfully, I’m not a very passionate baseball fan. Aside from the early ‘90s, and $2 Tuesdays, Toronto baseball hasn’t been particularly good to me. (Of course, then I moved to Pittsburgh … which didn’t provide much competition for my fandom on the baseball front!)
It’s sad that Halladay won’t get his homecoming, though. It sort of feels like there should have been a better solution.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
just disregard the tip on the play.
" Lord Stanley, scratch thier names on your fabled cup" Mike Lange june 12, 2009
by oldtimehockey09 on May 13, 2010 4:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Completey disagree with Hooks, Flurey had an awful game an an even worse series. Still out goalie of the future without a doubt, but the series loss falls squarely on him and the defense. Of course he is not supposed to bail out lazy play from gonchar every time, but how about once? Fluery played awful, and shoudl’ve stopped 2-3 of those first goals. At least he was trying though, Gonchar didn’t even want to be at the game it looked like. Fluery is the man, just not this playoff year.
Most people dont see a defensive breakdown that leads to a goal. Or a horrible turnover that leaves the goalie out to dry. They see a puck go past a goalie and assume its his fault. Im a MAF fan. That first goal was an awful goal to give up….Thats the only one you can put on him though. The entire team played bad…They win as a team and lose as a team.
by genomachine-O on May 13, 2010 7:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed Hooks. Basically, you expect Fleury to stop 3 odd man rush break aways? Not me. I don’t expect anyone to. Thats why there’s a team there – to help each other out.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
wrong. aside from the first, and even that was flukey, it was on the defense.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Flucky?? it was a bad angle shot to let in, period. Again no excuses for the rest of the guys either
i’d be willing to say that 95% of the time fleury saves that.
he didn’t tonight.
therefore, flukey.
i just don’t wanna debate right now, let’s drop it, yes?
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
How dare you blame Fleury!! It’s never his fault, it’s ALWAYS the defense. Get with the program!! lol
by GhostWalker40 on May 13, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s ridiculous how any time the team wins, the goalie is the hero, and when the team loses, someone else is to blame. Yes, the Pens defense has been abysmal all season, but Fleury was pulled from games a bunch of times. He is immensely over rated.
The other problem for the Pens, IMHO, is that the three highly paid centers, don’t have good enough wingers to back them up. It’s sad that Crosby was relied upon for so much of the offense this season, when he is really a much better play maker. I’d rather they traded Malkin and used the extra money to build two superb lines, than have to go another season of Bylsma constantly shifting the lines around and never letting anyone get into a rhythm.
Mike Yeo has to go.
Condolences about the loss. It’s a suck-tacular feeling, I know.
Just gotta look towards the future. Penguins still have a large window of opportunity to win it all again.
Looking forward to seeing my Caps play in the new building.
The entire British Empire was built on cups of tea, and if you think I'm going to war without one, you're mistaken.
Ramblin' on.
thank you.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the season boys, we still love ya. This early exit was unexpected, and I think thats why it sinks so deep. This was a complete team loss as far as I’m concerned. No one played well enough to carry the team tonight. I’m not pinning it on Fleury, no way. The team was sketchy from the start, and dug a grave too deep to life themselves out of.
I wasn’t a fan of the turnovers at all. I’m not blaming that, but I am saying it’s a factor in why the Pens got into a hole early.
And then Jaroslav Halak was a factor in why the Pens couldn’t get out of it. They had chances. He’s a brick wall and a magician. No question.
Oddly enough, barring any sort of troll that would make me feel otherwise, I don’t utterly despise the Canadiens. I mean, this doesn’t sting the kind of way a series loss to the Caps or Flyers, but it still sucks. Don’t think I’m alone on that, but maybe i am.
I like the city of Montreal. I think their fans are out of control and beyond passionate.
With that sad, I need a day or so to collect my thoughts and figure out who I plan on rooting for.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
I does not sting as much as losing to the Flyers or caps but IMO it stings more then losing in the cup finals
Right now, for me, it definitely does.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I need a day or so to collect my thoughts and figure out who I plan on rooting for.
-Without words, Philly is out.
-Hossa must go down, so sorry Toews but Chicago is out.
-Boston has a lot of pompous asshole fans.
-Montreal just beat us and I don’t wish them well (even if I do acknowledge the win)
This leaves only the Sharks. That, by default, is who I’m hoping wins….(Notice I did not say cheering for).
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, thats a good breakdown right there Hooks, pretty much can’t agree any more.
-Philly, one word – NEVER.
-Hossa must always go down, though I do thoroughly enjoy the core of the Blackhawks – reminds me of us.
-Boston are clowns.
-No way can I root for the Habs for the rest of the playoffs (though I think they will be in the Cup Finals.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Chicago has the best uniforms in all of sports. I wouldnt mind seeing the sweet jerseys win.
by genomachine-O on May 13, 2010 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
this doesn’t sting the kind of way a series loss to the Caps (would)
How would we know? I mean, yeah, there was ’94, but who really counts that?
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Canadiens did win this series, not just because they were the better team, but because they never got cute. The Pens never seemed to adjust to there defense, or if they did it never showed. This was definitely not the way I would like to have seen the last game at the Igloo, but it happens. The Pens didn’t play the full 60 minutes to much this season and it showed in the end. Hopefully next year Shero will get some proven offensive talent because we have the grit, we just need the hands now.
Unfortunately, its obvious the Habs were the better team – tonight, when it mattered most.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
They were the better team.
The Pens have more individual talent, but playoff teams aren’t about that. They’re about unity, teamwork and passion and the Habs had more; it’s that simple.
Who Dat?™
They weren’t the better or more skilled team, but they played better, more unified and seemingly with more passion.
(So maybe that does make them the better team).
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Passion has been a problem all season. Habits were deveoped and continued, unfortunately. I thought both teams played one another well. The Habs were more consistent. That being said, despite them generally being a team I route for when the Pens aren’t playing, I can’t route for that trap game. I stopped watching hockey in the 90s because there were too many trapping teams. I’m voting for the Sharks this year. I won’t say I’m cheering for them, but I don’t want a trap team like Montreal to win. If everyone copies that and I have to put up with it every game again….I won’t survive.
I wouldn’t say the Pens didn’t have passion, that makes is seem like they don’t care.
They cared plenty.
But they ran into a team a little more desperate with a little more gas in the tank.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t get me wrong, the Pens cared. Just not as much. I was really impressed with how hard the Habs came at them this series. They were down 3-1 to Washington, 3-2 to the defending champs and they never wavered. Tough bunch of SOBs.
Who Dat?™
Gotcha.
For what it’s worth, frankly, I think the core of this group had played too much hockey lately and didn’t have enough to answer the bell.
Maybe that’s a cheap excuse I want to believe, but I think all the games they’ve piled up (especially Olympians like Sid, Geno, Gonchar and Orpik) took it’s toll.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe…but considering that Game 1 was basically a gift since the Pens had a long layoff and the Habs were tired, I’m not sure I buy that. It’s hard to imagine, I know…but the Habs were just…better. I can say that with all sincerity.
If I was an outside fan I’d probably even be rooting for them, the number eight seed trying to dethrone the old champs with Crosby and Malkin with little more than heart and determination.
This is all Ryan Whitney’s fault.
Who Dat?™
it took an insane effort from a goalie, unreal hands from top line forwards, a million blocked shots, and a team that simply wanted it more than the other for a trap team to succeed.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the trap gaining steam long-term, in today’s game I don’t believe you can ride it out for 4 series in a row (or so we’ll see).
Another note: Gonchar and Crosby, and maybe Malkin at times just seemed like they didn’t want to be out there. I haven’t seen them this hesitant and as such bystanders to it all ever. And while you can’t pin all the goals on Fleury – he got outplayed by Halak.
I’m hoping its just the case of tired legs from the last two playoffs and Olympics and a lack of drive that did us in right now. Maybe Consol will bring us back roaring next season
Gonchar and Crosby, and maybe Malkin at times just seemed like they didn’t want to be out there.
I’m not really sold on this thought, but I know for sure that Crosby and Malkin were beyond frustrated for all but the first game of the series. Their games are garnered around their speed and puck movement and ability to enter the zone, puck posession, and add a little finishing touch.
This series, they were pressured, but in a way were pressured flat-footed. They didn’t see the shooting lanes they were used to seeing, and surely didn’t see the success they were used to seeing.
Tired, possibly. But personally, I have never seen Sid and Geno play with such frustration before.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
What irked me was when the announcers would say things like, “Back in the old days you could clutch and grab and they took that away”…really?! Sid was carrying around a Hab for seven games and rarely drew calls for it. It just makes the regular season so irrelevant. Play 82 games one way just to have your season decided in 2 weeks with a totally different brand of play.
Who Dat?™
Play 82 games one way just to have your season decided in 2 weeks with a totally different brand of play.
This. This. This.
I hate that excuse, “they didn’t call it because this is the playoffs.” Wtf? We’re all still playing the same game….call it the same way.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 12, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. Why setup a standard of play to adhere to in the regular season only to throw it away when the meaningful games begin?
The Pens played the same way all season long and all playoffs long. After the 9-1 start their record was 38-34….thats not very good for the defending champs. The same weaknesses that were there in the reg season were there in the playoffs. Cant blame it on the officials, if they are calling something youve got to find a way to get it done anyway.
by genomachine-O on May 13, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn’t blaming the loss on the officials lol…that’s just silly. Just the playoffs, in general, I called totally differently than the regular season and it’s really annoying. More so for the players…how do they know what the boundaries are?
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
I’m not going to blame anyone for the game. Not the time to point fingers.
We lost. It’s done. The series is done, our playoffs are done.
Time to start practicing for next season.
Go Pens. Thanks, Mellon Arena. I’ve only been a fan for about a year and a half, but it’s felt like a lifetime of memories.
Glorious
Lots of things to look at roster-wise, that’s for sure.
Defensively we were a mess all playoffs and the power play was never there when we needed it most. I’m beginning to wonder if we should let Sarge go to free up some much needed cap space. The guy is world class and I love him to death but he’s not getting younger and boy that money could really help supplement our blue line or depth on the wings.
Who Dat?™
i’d bid adieu to sarge. tonight kind of cemented it for me.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
i think he was bound to leave, even as the season started…
he’s due for one last payday and the Pens don’t have the cash to give it to him… Question is whether Tanger & GoGo can collectively step up…
I’d rather we get a big defensive presence, like Free Candy
After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
I think I agree with you guys here. Defensively we are gonna look really different next year. If I was Shero, which fortunately I’m not, no way am I giving Gonchar big money after tonights game. He looked like he was just ready for the night to be over after the first period – sad, really. He’s been a great Pen for their revival, but he can’t take too much money and potentially hurt the cap thats already ridiculously tight.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's to the 09'-'10 Pens
Sad to see them go, but I felt this one coming. We won the East two years in a row, won it all last year…just weren’t as hungry as the Habs and it showed, so hats off to them. Clearly this team has some questions that need to be answered going into next year.
Raise your beers, whiskeys or what have you. Proud of you, boys.
Who Dat?™
later
going to miss you melon greatest hockey rink ever built
Thank you
Albeit the short playoffs is a big disappointment for us pens fans, I have to commend all of you bloggers for the first class way in which you handled this loss. I have absolutely enjoyed reading this season and have learned a lot from you all. Other team blogs are not as courageous mostly resorting to obscenities, placing blame and name calling. I am proud to be from the burgh and try to live by Badger Bob’s words. … “Every day is a bonus.” it is quite a challenge being a Crosby fan in SE Pa. Thanks for an outstanding season.
It’s a great day for hockey!
by katie300 on May 12, 2010 10:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I have the same problem
Being a Pens fan in South Jersey “Flyerland”. I mean Steve Coates lives a town over and drinks in my favorite bar after Flyers home games.
MAF’s always came up strong after getting pulled right? Maybe this tossing will get him the Vezina next year.
After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
Eh...
In some ways I think MAF was at his best when the Pens were horrendous and he got burnt out a little along the way. Something in him was off this year(and he wasn’t the only one). Call it a Stanley Cup Hangover…call it a bad year…I don’t know. But 2009-2010 MAF was NOT a Cup contending goaltender.
Who Dat?™
Flower’s fine… He’s more than solid enough. Put the kind of defensive corp that he’s been dealing with all playoffs and even the love child of Roy, Hasek, Plante & a brick wall would be letting in goals…
He’ll be back next year and do even better because as he has proven all this year, he’s not quitter and neither are the rest of the Pens
After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
this.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
They’ll be even more hungry next year, this one is gonna sting, and fight back from it. We still have quite the core to keep making long runs in the playoffs. I look forward to it starting brand new in Consol next year.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
new DGB post that is relevant to our interests: http://www.downgoesbrown.com/2010/05/horrible-truth-behind-montreals-miracle.html
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
Boo Penguins lost
I was hoping for a Sharks/Penguins Championship series.
Well, I guess it was a great series, even though I hate the Canadians.
Quitter's Proud United Member #11
Trade Geno, Fluery, Talbot, Gogo, Letang, Crosby. Fire sale time people, we need picks!!!
Avalanche fan stuck in Penguin territory.
we could get a good pick for staal and sidney. maybe we could trade them to get halak.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
hahaha, i apologize.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Ya'll are great and do great work
For what it’s worth you gained a fan.
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
by Plea From A Cat Named Felix on May 12, 2010 10:46 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks, we’ve enjoyed having you around during the run. Hope you’ll stay active here.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks, much appreciated.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Shero’s gonna have to think of Staalsy when he builds this team next year…
Him coming back from surgery, plus his general play, I’ll personally be replaying that last goal he scored all offseason.
I forsee a bigger role for him next year.
After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
Staal likes to play center, and that’s where he’s best suited to help the team. I think the Pens may use him a little more on the power play, but that’s about all he can do.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on May 12, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking we move him into the second line and have Sid & Geno as linemates… it’s something for the bosses to decide, not us bloggers, especially a noobcake like me.
After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
I wonder if the Pens should just make him the number 2 center and put Malkin up with Crosby full time. Geno suffered from Crappy Wing Syndrome all year long. Poni was a gigantic bust, and unless they find someone great in the free agent wire, maybe they should consolidate a bit. Have a Kunitz-Sid-Geno line and then Staal with whoever on the 2nd and then let a guy like Talbot or Letestu center the checking unit.
Who Dat?™
Eh, I dunno. Thats just too top heavy then. Then you are able to keep your potential top-paired D on the ice for whenever they’re on the ice, which could leave them in quite a point scoring drought.
And really, when it comes down to it with lines? Its Coach Bylsma were talking about here. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, is that nothing is consitently set it in stone, some players move in and out etc etc. Its all about match-ups.
And for me, declaring a Sid – Geno line is just too heavy and too easy for another team to sell out to stop.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
They need to do something to get Geno going again though. He had no help this year and took out his frustration in stupid ways way too many times. Geno was never dominant in the playoffs this year(considering he was the playoff MVP last year, that’s terrible) and was a minor factor at best in the MTL series.
Who Dat?™
Seeing a drop off from the unbelieveable playoffs he had last year wouldn’t of been a disappointment, but 11 points in 13 games and one less point than Gonchar? That’s not even mediocre Geno…he must be injured.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 12, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s too top heave &/or too easy to defend against. Teams have trouble defending against just Sid (and just Geno, when he’s on fire). The two of them together often work quite well, and giving them a chance to work together long term would be exciting. I think it’s a power line that could really click and dominate.
Then again, I’m really quite intoxicated right now, so I may not be quite as on top of this “hockey analysis” thing as I often am …
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
No time to talk trades now. We have to do it after everything sinks in. Not hours after a rather painful loss.
Actually, I’m okay… The core of this team stays… Sarge’s gone anyway… we’ll replace him and that pretty Poni with a good defensive presence like Scuds and Gill last year and in Poni’s case, yet another in the revolving door of wingers for Sid & Geno…
That and we should look into trading Crosby… (you kidding?)
After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
I have the feeling Guerin might retire. So there will be plenty of roster moves, except for the core players. How do you say good by Poni in rusian. Thanks for the memories Serge, but your price is too high.
Probably the answer to the comments about Sid, Geno and Serge, is what the coaching staff was worried from the start of this season. Too much hockey. Specially pressure at the Olympics for Sid and Geno. Maybe finally became a reality. Just wondering.
Could be, could be. They’ll have plenty of time to rest, heal and be ready for more next season.
by freephillips on May 12, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Just wanted to make some remarks as I’ve been dropping in on and off during the series.
1. This Pens team realistically wasn’t going to repeat this year. Defense just wasn’t good enough. That being said I thought they’d win this series. Habs, just like in the series with the Caps when the pressure was on they stuck to their system. They played smarter and more consistent when it counted.
2. MAF didn’t lose this series. If he did, then he won every other series he played in and the Pens advanced. He played the same way he has his whole career. The guy is never going to be elite goalie. Neither is Chris Osgood and he’s got plenty of rings. That being said he’s a decent goalie who gets streaky. Defense is the bigger concern. I’ve posted over before that Gonch is done. Time has finally passed him by. In addition, Pens need a solid stay at home guy and we all know Jay Mckee is not it.
3. How does Yeo still have a job? No clue. Don’t worry we Caps fans say the same thing about Evason.
4. You’ve got 3 great centers and a couple of nice young d-men in Letang & Gologoski. Just need some better pieces around them and you’ll be back in Conference Finals at least. Shero does need to do a re-eval of the whole org because your minor league system ain’t producing enough right now to fill enough holes. You guys are relying too much on vet FA’s and trades to fill all the holes.
5. Your new arena looks sweet. I look forward to hearing more about it when it opens.
Just my 2 cents as a non-Pens fan.
Final note – Thanks to all the regulars here for putting up with me the last week and a half. I know I’m annoying as hell when I’m pulling for a team I normally despise. By name, JustinM, katielynn, and the always patient Hooks Orpik put up with and responded to more of my ranting than they probably should have.
See you folks next season.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I’ve been a diehard Yeo fan for the last two years. But after tonight’s game I am left wondering about him. We’ll see whether he manages to keep his job … and if he does, whether there is a significant change to his specific responsibilities.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
I don’t agree with your assertion that Fleury is only decent to streaky…I think he’s proven better than that in past playoffs, even if he is inconsistent. I feel pretty confident that Mikey Yeo has coached his last in Pittsburgh and we’ll see what tweaks that Shero throws in.
But thanks for the outsider’s perspective. It was well thought out and written.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
thanks dude
No argument with any of your points there.
P is for Latrobe.
by holiday park on May 13, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I feel sorry for you guys. As much as I dislike the Penguins, I have grown to befriend some people here and feel sorry for you guys. I know what it feels like to lose a game seven to a worse team (thanks Walker) hopefully I wont feel this twice!
But anyways, sorry guys.
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:11 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks for your comments. And we’ll see you soon. Best of luck to your bruins. Remember, if at all possible destroy that big pile of s#@$t Pronger.
Oh trust me. I hate Pronger. I’ll stay here in the offseason, this is one of the best blogs on SBN. Will the pick em thing be here for the next round? Im kicking some ass on that ;)
and thanks for the good luck.
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
take out those filly clowns...
that being said,i’m still rooting for the habs(as much as i hate it,now) Go Canada,fvck bettman….
Sucks
That’s all there is to say. Ok, there’s a ton more to say, but that’s all I can muster right now. Go Boston? Honestly, they’re the least despicable team left, to me. Yesterday I would have said the sharks…but being in the bay area, I had some real dickhead remarks from co-workers today. Oy.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
yes, root Bruins
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions
wish the nucks were still in it
but yep, go Bruins. And, as a Cal grad, ucla bruins are the biggest front runners on the planet, so saying go Bruins really, really stings.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Bruins will not disappointed (I hope)
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
bestbostonsports, I’m not trying to be mean, but the B’s are done. Time to come to grips with that now and it will be much easier when it is made official Friday night. Their meltdown is making Chernobyl look like a brush fire.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
sadly, I agree
I mean, I really, really do not want the flyers to win. But as hard as it was to be up 2-1 in game 6 and then hit 3 posts…how much harder would it be to lose to the flyers after being up 3-0. yuck. please, please, go bruins
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
God i hate Mike Richards. He’s worse than Cooke. He stands around waiting to hurt someone
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh I’m in your boat. Its over. I know it. Just trying to keep the faith. How bout dem Celtics?
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, I was just dying to use that Chernobyl analogy. At least your boys have one more shot to save their season.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. .. not exactly confident.
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
i’m back in philly for the summer.
bruins have to wake up and MURDER THE FLYERS.
PLEASE.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope. I was banned from BSH
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Recchi rules
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
how about
ray whitney and maxim afineganov? those are two wingers i would like to see in black and gold
Think Whitney wants too much money and is too old.
by SlayerGhaleon on May 12, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, and say no to Maxim “Look ma! No hands! Literally!” Afinogenov. Don’t let his fluke season trick you.
by lostprophetRJX on May 12, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
he
had a few great seasons in buffallo as well. he has great speed on the wing, imagine him playing with crosby.
Yea, but I’d rather keep Dups at a cheaper price and spend the money on defensemen or on another winger next year.
by lostprophetRJX on May 12, 2010 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
You blame everything. Montreal playing solid defense, whatever superhuman power Halak possesses, whatever hallucinogen Gonchar and Kunitz were blazing pregame, and for that matter whatever other hallucinogen the PP unit was blazing that made them decide not to shoot when they should have.
by lostprophetRJX on May 12, 2010 11:22 PM EDT reply actions
Hard Loss
I am beyong frustrated…but I took a little bit of time to cool off so I would not rip my team.
1) First of all, congrats to the Habs, you are a gritty, gutty team, with all the heart in the world, and for that you havw my respect.
2) Halak is not human…he is a beast..a freak…unbelievable…the way he stoned wide open shots is beyond belief.
3) As much as I would like to throw MAF under the bus, his defense did not do him any favors. Lazy clearing of the zone, dumping passes in front of the net, instead of onto the boards like the Habs did…now MAF had his weak moments tonight for sure but it is not all on him… Hey D, did you not learn from the other losses? Clear the puck..don’t dump it in front of your own net..!
extremely frustrating to watch..but I give you Habs fans and your team credit..and you have all my respect, I sure hope you give those Flyers as much frustration if you end up playing them..
by BlackandGoldSSgt on May 12, 2010 11:35 PM EDT reply actions
Just wanted to stop by and say that despite my hatred of the Penguins, all of you here at PensBurg make up a fantastic site. I often enjoy reading your posts and contributions. Im aware of how you might be feeling. Unfortunately for me, I know the Penguins will be a serious threat yet again next season, and I will look forward to sparing with you all again soon. See you all around the boards.
-Flyers fan
bread. butter. cheese. VICTORY!
Nice words. Must be the Red Sox fan in you, because that can’t be the Flyers fan talking ;-)
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks!
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh hello flyers fan that got me banned. Oh and Bruins win Friday.
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
OK sorry dude. Probably for the better
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by bestbostonsports on May 12, 2010 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
So … as I mentioned above … I have had far too much to drink tonight, and my efforts at providing a sensible comment may be a goal that is too far out of reach at this point in my life. Nonetheless, I will try. As you have probably heard, excessive alcohol consumption leads to poor decision-making. And I am ready to own my poor decisions!
I expected this game to be a fight, but it seems we forgot to tell the Pens about that. Yeah, it was a rough start, but a 2-0 hole was not insurmountable. 4-0 on the other hand? Normally Game 7’s tend to be either blow-outs or extremely close. And I expected that. I hoped for a Pens blowout, but kind of thought they’d have to claw their way through a nail-biter. I did not expect the Pens to lose this way!
But I have to give credit to the Habs for identifying and exploiting the Pens’ weaknesses — and shoring up their own vulnerabilities enough to stop the Pens. If nothing else, I may have begun a new love-hate journey — with Jacques Martin.
Other than that, I’ll just say that I’m looking forward to the defensive overhaul/re-creation that is sure to take place this summer. Some cap magic may have to take place, but I still believe in Mario, Ray and Dan.
Go Pens, Down with the Flyers, Boo Boston, and … who do I cheer for now?!
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
That was far too long for me to read, but I do agree that drinking leads to bad decision making, and obviously a few Penguins must have been drinking tonight.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed!
At first glance I thought you said “a few Penguins fans must have been drinking tonight” and I was about to fix it for you … then realized you said it right the first time.
I should learn to read.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
And I was just kidding. I ready your whole, damn, drunken post! :-)
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's the short version:
1. Don’t drink and drive.
2. WTF happened tonight?!
3. I love-hate Martin.
4. In Mario, Ray and Dan we trust.
5. Who do I cheer for now?!
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Wish I could help you there.
Tempted to cheer for Montreal in that “they beat us so we want them to beat your team too” kind of way, but I really hate some of their players, so that is difficult.
Part of me wants to cheer for Philly because watching them get swept in the ’97 Final was delicious.
I could root for Boston, since I have some family connections there and I like the Sox.
I hate the Western conference with a passion, so they can all die horrible deaths.
Was that helpful?
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Not at all.
I can’t cheer for Philly, because of the three teams left in the East, I think they have the best chance against the West. And I can’t stand the thought of them winning.
Although your Cup Final Sweep theory is a nice thought.
I can’t cheer for Boston because I hate them. As a Leafs fan I hate them. As a human being I hate them. As a friend of far too many people who live in Boston — I hate them.
As a Canadian, I might be able to bring myself to cheer for the Canadiens. Except that I can’t. Not as a Leafs fan, and not as a Pens fan. My television can only take so many things being thrown at it before it just gives up and goes the way of the glass behind Halak.
It’s a puzzler.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Root for the Sharks.
That choice was easy enough for me :p
by AppleSweetRose on May 13, 2010 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Haha oh my god why do you hate the Western Conference??
by AppleSweetRose on May 13, 2010 2:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Because they make me stay up too late to watch their games. I might feel differently if I was back living in Phoenix.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 13, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Here's what I don't get
All this talk about the Habs being the better team, more deserving, blah blah blah. I’m not taking anything away from them, but a couple of bounces here or there and the Pens could have been wrapping this one up in 5. So, yes, Montreal played a great series, and it went 7, which means it was basically as close as it gets, so don’t go on about how they wanted it more, and they earned it, and we were awful.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:45 PM EDT reply actions
see: game six where we hit the post eleventy billion times.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Halak: Wow, you played amazing. To put it bluntly, your team was on the golf course two weeks ago if Carey Price was in net….even with the defensive system.
Subban: Hockey’s a team game. It’s not like basketball or football, where you can put the game in your best players hands when the going gets tough. That’s why, when you win a Stanley Cup, you obviously have to be good, but you also have to have the right pieces into place at the right time…you are and will continue to be a big piece of the Habs.
Gill: The refs finally started calling the penalties you got away with in the first 3 to 4 games of this series, but you played your heart out. You’re still the slowest guy in the league, but you make the right play at the right time.
Cammalleri: You played the series of you life. I hated the douche bag look on your face every time you scored but, then again, I probably wouldn’t of hated as much if you hadn’t scored as many goals as you did.
Sid: You will probably take more heat than you deserve. Go hide for a few weeks. Don’t go back home because they’re all probably rooting for Montreal. My question is: what are you going to work on this summer?
Geno: Whether your injured or not, I really hope you get your confidence back. You don’t have to be Conn Smythe/Art Ross Geno all the time, just not the Geno we saw this season.
Flower: Same as Geno. Hope you can shake this bad loss off and have a great 10-11.
Gonch: I think this is goodbye; the team will definitely miss you.
Guerin: This may be goodbye as well; we’ll miss your locker room presence and your leadership.
Tanger: Practice hitting the net this off-season. If Gonch is gone, you’re the new PP QB. Prepare for it.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 12, 2010 11:47 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
sidney is going to work on his goaltending. he told me so.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 12, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
lol you mean this and this weren’t enough?
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 13, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously? Thanks…I think.
What moved you the most lol? Was it the part about Montreal? It probably was.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 13, 2010 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh and one last thing — this morning Halak was detained getting on a plane to Montreal. The charge — torturing bunnies for fun. Apparently some photos of him in a devil’s suit have…oh, let’s say…“surfaced” You wouldn’t know anything about now…would ya?!
Cheers!
Uhh what was that?
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
Sorry, wrong poster. Someone previously said “I saw Halak in an interview…he seems like a good guy” and then someone responded….“I hear he tortures bunnies for fun” Bad joke…sorry….
Haha it’s ok.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 14, 2010 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Everything you said. That was awesome.
"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
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
by GreenEyedLilo on May 13, 2010 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Disagree
I think we would hate the look on Calamari’s face whether he score or not.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 13, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Time for bed. G’night everybody!
Bye, Mellon! I will miss you!
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 12, 2010 11:50 PM EDT reply actions
Depth?
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by James Mirtle on May 12, 2010 11:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Again with this…Seriously, dude?
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 12, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Lol
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by bestbostonsports on May 13, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
a++++++++++++
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 13, 2010 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Back to under the bridge…
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by James Mirtle on May 13, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Depth?
Crosby and Malkin combined for 2 goals this series, Cammy and Gionta got 12.
If you flip that script it’s a Pens sweep.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
Tonight-Game 7
coaching,you prepare you team to compete.it’s painfully obvious that the entire team wasn’t ready at 7:00,that sucks
Is the coach supposed to skate for them?
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
No single game changes “everything”
With that being said, the defense was a primary concern since free agency last summer. While some of our feelings were placated since with the acquisitions of McKee and later Leopold, we all knew it was never solved.
Great season. It will burn for a while, and some players will be lost, but we can start to get excited about how this team will begin again next season… Bright side anyone?
So you’re back? Still no videos?
It wasn’t gift wrapped. Nothing is ever gift wrapped in a 7 game series.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 13, 2010 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s only back as long as he can say “I told you so.” He’ll disappear shortly thereafter.
by SlayerGhaleon on May 13, 2010 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Funny how I don’t know who you are, so you don’t know who I am, but thanks for your concern. Next time I’ll ask for your permission to post.
Been busy so haven’t had time to hang out here much.
by GhostWalker40 on May 13, 2010 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah, no videos. Couldn’t bring my stuff with me. Hopefully I’ll be back next season
Just the fact that Gill got away with murder the whole series is a joke, not to mention a ton of non calls.
by GhostWalker40 on May 13, 2010 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
At this point, I don’t have time to read 162 comments so if it’s been covered I’m sorry. I love Ray Shero. His moves brought us Gill, Guerin, and Kunitz which may or may not have brought us the Cup (I argue those moves did). I’m happy about that. But when it comes down to it, the Penguins were lacking two things at the trading deadline: a shutdown defense and goal scoring winger for Crosby. He swung at both. You could make an argument he hit on Leopold until Sutton’s hit and I would not disagree. But he swung and missed on the wingers from the offseason until the trading deadline. Did he expect Fedotenko and Ponikarovsky to shit the bed? Of course not. But there should have been some plan to make sure we weren’t stuck with the decisions we were. Crosby and Malkin were left with inadequate wingers the entire season…Kunitz is too streaky, Guerin is too old (albeit the winger I trust the most), Poni is too soft, etc.
I hate to be so critical because I love the Penguins so much and they have brought me the most happiness over the past 2 years. Shero has made great moves that have gotten us to places we might not have deserved otherwise. But this year, I think he dropped the ball. I know he thought Poni was it, but man…this hurts
Pirates, Vikings, Hokies. I'm used to heartbreak. At least I have the Penguins....
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-The Great One
by blackjackfishtaco on May 13, 2010 1:34 AM EDT reply actions
the Penguins were lacking two things at the trading deadline: a shutdown defense and goal scoring winger for Crosby.
The absolute number one priority has to be defense this summer. I agree with you…the Leo signing made me scratch my head a little, but he played well for us. Although, it wasn’t what we needed.
I disagree about the scoring winger for Crosby, as he took it upon himself to score the goals this season. While maybe he could’ve used a younger Guerin, I would argue that Geno needed the scoring winger the most. Shero absolutely failed with Poni…what crap he turned out to be. I didn’t notice him the entire playoffs until after it was 4-0 last night.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
1 team down, 3 to go.
So. I haven't read all the comments.
And I’ll be avoiding reading anything Pens-Eliminated related articles on the internet or tv.
Might do that in a few days, but unlikely.
So I’ll just be reading this blog, Pensblog, and FTF.
Ah, this loss hurt.
Really, really hurt.
I really felt annoyed at the fans that left the building like 5 minutes earlier though. I really do.
Bugs me to no end.
But anyways.
Never been to the Mellon Arena.
It’s one regret.
But, I’ll make a new start next season and go to tons of regular games. I promised myself that.
Oh and hopefully you guys will have tons of articles going after this loss. Love this blog.
I’ve already put this loss behind me and am already looking forward to next season. Can’t wait.
Now. I’ll be all Sharks :(
/sigh.
Go Sharks.
It’s a shame you’ve never been to Mellon/Civic. You can’t appreciate it until you have been. Makes you fall in love with the Penguins, then hockey. Make sure you get to Consol.
Pirates, Vikings, Hokies. I'm used to heartbreak. At least I have the Penguins....
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-The Great One
by blackjackfishtaco on May 13, 2010 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I will. I absolutely will.
But yeah, it’s one thing I truly regret. I’ve had opportunities too, but thought I had time /sigh.
I’m already in love withe Penguins, but going to their home games will make that love/obsession grow tenfold.
So yah.
Blah this night sucks.
by AppleSweetRose on May 13, 2010 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions
+1, WILL NEVER root for Bruins/Flyers winner, obviously won’t root for Habs, would have rooted for Canucks, Blackhawks have Hossa, So we’re left with that hockey hot bed SAN freakin JOSE…. WTF, but my head says it will be the blackhawks…but thats why they play the games…..
At this point, I’m rooting for the Sharks. Why? They have the monkey on their back and their players don’t beat up cabbies over 20 cents (give or take). After that though, Hossa won’t keep me from rooting for the Blackhawks. It’s good for hockey as a whole and it’s not like Hossa is winning for the team he left the Pens for…so I can’t really root against him.
Pirates, Vikings, Hokies. I'm used to heartbreak. At least I have the Penguins....
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-The Great One
by blackjackfishtaco on May 13, 2010 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t understand the fans who left Mellon Arena, either. If I lived anywhere near Pittsburgh, I’d have wanted to soak it all in, stick around for every painful minute. I’m glad I got to be there for a couple games last year. Home games are such an amazing experience. But the important bit isn’t in the building. The fans will be at Consol, and will be just as wonderful. I found myself thinking real hard at Crosby last night, during that last interview, “You got a new playground built for you and the rest of the Penguins. You’re gonna play like you own the place, right? ’Cause you kinda do.”
"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
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
by GreenEyedLilo on May 13, 2010 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions
All this cinderella story coverage.....
It’s going to end in the Stanley Cup finals when one of those two Western teams pounds that Montreal trap into oblivion.
The magic always runs out at some point. Calgary lost it at the end against Tampa. Edmonton lost it at the end against Carolina. Carolina lost it a little earlier than the other two against us last year. It will run out against the Sharks or Hawks. At their best, those two are the best overall teams in the league.
GO HABS!!!!
Philly celebrates Flyers win and Penguins loss
Thursday, 05.13.2010 / 12:01 AM / News
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Philly took a break from Flyers frenzy to hate on its in-state neighbor to the west.
The City of Brotherly Love was still wringing its nervous hands during warmups before a must-win Game 6 against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night when the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins started a do-or-die game of their own.
Hockey Night In Pennsylvania was on in a big way.
The Flyers became just the sixth NHL team to force a Game 7 in a series it trailed 3-0. Only two of those clubs – the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 New York Islanders – finished the trick.
Philadelphia will get its chance to join the exclusive group on Friday night in Boston.
Funny thing is, the Flyers’ 2-1 victory in Game 6 wasn’t even the most surprising score in the state on Wednesday.
That distinction belonged to Montreal, which dethroned the Penguins with a 5-2 win and ended their run of consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup finals at two.
The eighth-seeded Canadiens followed up their 3-1 series comeback against Presidents’ Trophy-winning Washington in the first round by beating Pittsburgh after falling behind 3-2 in the second round. That assures the survivor on Friday – either the No. 6 Bruins or No. 7 Flyers – home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference finals.
Just another bonus for the orange-clad fans in Philly, who boasted Wednesday that “History Will Be Made.” Not bad considering the Canadiens, Bruins and Flyers all had to wait until the final weekend to secure spots in the playoffs.
Philadelphia didn’t get in until it outlasted the New York Rangers in a shootout on the last day of the regular season.
“This team has been through a lot,” said coach Peter Laviolette, who took over for the fired John Stevens in December. "It seems every time we get thrown something, we continue to play, continue to push.
“They won’t go away.”
Signs in the seats and on the scoreboard reminded anyone watching about what happened in 1942 and 1975. Although their nerves were likely frayed, everyone seemed ready to party – starting with an outdoor bash in the rain hours before the first puck dropped.
“We honestly believed all the way,” said forward Danny Briere, who scored the winning goal in Game 6. “Even when we were down three-nothing we felt like we were close. Bounces here and there weren’t going exactly the way we had hoped for and we weren’t that far off. We knew we had enough to get back in this series.”
With an hour to wait before the Flyers continued their quest to rebound from an 0-3 series hole, fans were given a glimpse of the first period of the Penguins-Canadiens. They roared with delight when Montreal took an early 1-0 lead against the team that knocked the Flyers out of the playoffs each of the last two years.
Forget Brotherly Love, this was blatant dislike – and it would only grow worse as the Penguins’ reign ran out.
“I’m not worried about them,” Flyers captain Mike Richards said.
When the Flyers and Bruins finished their warmups, the crowd again exulted when the Canadiens’ 2-0 lead was posted on the scoreboard. The advantage grew to 3-0 during a spirited rendition of “God Bless America” in Philadelphia and it hit 4-0 during the first stoppage of the game.
Suddenly, there was more to cheer about than just what played out in front of them.
The hero of this night for the home team was again goalie Michael Leighton, who took over for the injured Brian Boucher in Game 5 and finished off the 4-0 shutout on Monday that made Game 6 necessary. Leighton had served the savior role earlier this season when Ray Emery went down and seemed perfectly willing and able to reprise it with the season on the line.
“I’m not surprised,” Leighton said. “You look around the room and there are veteran guys, young guys. We have a great team. I’ve had confidence in this team ever since I got here. I know we have a great team and we can do great things. It shows a lot of character from our team battling back from 0-3.”
Boucher was a rookie star for the Flyers a decade ago and backstopped a surprise run to the Eastern Conference finals. Now he is a well-traveled veteran – but not forgotten.
When he was shown on the center-ice screen in the second period, standing against a Flyers wall mural in the bowels of Wachovia Center in a well-tailored suit instead of a mask and pads, Boucher was showered with a standing ovation. His season is likely over because of a knee injury no matter how long the Flyers stay alive.
But chants of “Booooosh” filled the arena as he waved, blew kisses and appeared to fight off tears. That was the only tinge of sadness on this night in Philadelphia.
The Flyers’ task is not complete.
“It wasn’t pretty, but then again they’re not all going to be,” defenseman Chris Pronger said. "At the end of the day, the result is what matters.
“It’s not always the easiest route, but we always seem to find a way.”
a for effort troll. heres an idea. when was the last time you knuckleheads won a cup???
" Lord Stanley, scratch thier names on your fabled cup" Mike Lange june 12, 2009
by oldtimehockey09 on May 13, 2010 4:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Dr. Death is a Pens fan. He’s posting the story because that was what a Philly newspaper printed/posted. He may hate MAF, but he’s not trolling.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
of course the flyers are happy...
The Pens won’t be around to eliminate them for a 3rd straight year should they pull the miracles out of their asses on Friday in Boston.
If I were looking objectively, I’d think Montreal was a good story and that they were extremely motivated and did a lot of things right. I kind of enjoyed witnessing the birth of a star in PK Subban—it’s a very similar feeling to what I had in the winter of 2006, when I realized Crosby was different in a good way. Of course, I don’t want them to have anything this year.
I think I’m going to cheer on the Sharks, but I won’t be watching quite as closely. It’s kinda weird to think there’s no more juju I can do for the Penguins and no more rabbits they can pull out of their hats. It’s really over until September!
I don’t know. All good things must come to an end. I saw the Penguins as a team develop some bad habits that need to be addressed—maybe this loss will take care of that. I see some weaknesses that need to be addressed this summer. But I don’t think we have to wait another 17 years to see the Penguins win the Cup again. The Consol may even be luckier than the Mellon. I don’t want to pass around a ton of blame, either. Second round in the playoffs isn’t horrible. Next year…
"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
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
Great season!
I JUST made an account and by the time it became active, the Penguins were allready losing game 7.
I have enjoyed reading all of your comments and like previously said, the conduct of the readers writing blogs here has been very professional. I truly believe we Penguin fans are extremely classy.
Furthermore, we simply lost to a team that was hungrier. It is time for Pittsburgh to take a much needed rest and look forward to next season. They will be hungrier than ever. Sid, Geno, Staal, and Fleury will all have matured light years by next year. I think the team will be back to the finals very soon! Not to worry.
Take care everyone! Enjoy your summer and GO PENS!!
Welcome! With the contracts expiring, we’ll have lots to talk about this summer. The guys you mentioned are young, and if they’re what I think they are, they’ll emerge from this long summer with a bit of perspective and all the better for it.
"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
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
by GreenEyedLilo on May 13, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
A weird little request
I asked on Twitter, and I think I will here, too. At the Cocktails With the Penguins blog, I named at least one cocktail recipe after most of the players this season and meant to get them all. (Some of you may remember that I started doing it here early this season. I stopped and posted the blog link in my sig instead because I saw that the recipes were beginning to take over the Fanposts.)
Anyway, I am missing 4. I know what I want to name after Brent Johnson. I know Jay McKee’s will involve several shots’ worth of liquor. But what to make for Ponikarovsky and Fedotenko? Oh, and I’d like it to be something that’s remotely drinkable for human beings. Hopefully that won’t limit anyone too much. :-)
"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
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
That’s pretty much the only vodka allowed in my house! I think one recipe uses it. I got it taken care of—had time this morning. I just used things I like for summer.
Thanks!
"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
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
by GreenEyedLilo on May 13, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
congrats to the Canadiens
In the end I think mental fatigue was what did this year’s Pens in. They had the edge in talent, they’re well-coached, and we’ve seen enough in the past three years to know they have heart. What they didn’t have was commitment.
I still believe the Canadiens can be beaten, but you have to be willing to ugly the game up to do it: do all the little things right in your own end, always finish your checks hard, never let up on the forecheck, and give the opposing goalie about 3 inches to maneuver in. The Capitals couldn’t do this because, well, they live and die by skill and play on the perimeter. The Pens can do it, but they didn’t this year, and I attribute that to not being able to dig deep and put themselves through that kind of hockey again. Which I think has a lot to do with not having had an offseason for three years now.
So cheer up, folks. We’ll be back next season. Refreshed and reloaded.
P is for Latrobe.
Thanks for the season Penguins
Although it sucks to be losing at this point it would be unfair if we don’t acknowledge that the Canadiens were a better team. Penguins had better players but as a team the Canadiens were much better.
The Penguins defense was not great enough for them to be champions again. As someone said on this blog the Penguins would need to score 4+ goals to win games with this defense.
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
It hurts more, because it reminded me of the loss in 1993 to the freaking Islanders. However this one hurts more because its the last game at the old building and there’s no chance for redemption. The whole team will be reevaluated as well as the coaching staff. Certainly the key components will remain intact. Next season, no Olympics, no run for the Cup(unfortunately) , no excuses. Since we close the Arena on a sad note , lets try to open the Consol bringing the Cup in the first season.
Wow. If this one hurts more than ‘93, then it can only be because it was more recent. The ’93 team was a team of destiny. They were by far the best team in the league and overwhelming favorites for win their 3rd straight Cup. It isn’t like there was a big giant waiting for them after the Islanders. Look who made the final that year – Montreal and the Kings. The Kings! It would have been epic to watch as Mario and Co. dismantled Wayne’s ragtag LA team.
The general opinion is that this year’s team simply wasn’t good enough to win it all, even if they got past the Habs. I disagree with that and see this as the wasted opportunity that it is, and those opportunities don’t come along all that often, no matter how great we think our young core group of players might be. Having said that, I still would have seen a Cup win this year as a bit of a bonus, compared to ’93 when it felt like they should just call off the playoffs and let us keep the Cup another year.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 14, 2010 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions
So now you all know...
…what it’s like to get Halaked. I have a feeling there’ll be a new word in the dictionary next year.
And good bye to Mellon Arena, a place where this Caps fan has some miserable memories. I am glad it’s going away, but not because of the expected reasons:
- It’s dark, small and a little bit creepy
- The hallways, especially upstairs are too narrow for the crowd in the arena. God forbid they ever needed to evacuate the place…
- The Caps are 0-2 in games I saw in the arena. Ugh
- The arena has too few seats. There are many more Pens fans and there won’t be any trouble filling the new place.
The virtual looks I’ve seen of Consol Energy look nothing short of spectacular and I’m hoping I’ll be able to get to a game up there in 2010-11… I’ll be the guy in red.
See you in October. :)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
Hello all, I am new here. Plus, I am a more recent hockey fan (2007-2008 postseason, when I was still living in Montreal and following the Habs until they went out to the Flyers in Round 2 and I also watched the Pens). I was lucky enough to be at Scotiabank Place for Game 6 against Ottawa this postseason when the Pens clinched their place into Round 2, and they scored and celebrated right by where my sister and I were sitting). Admittedly I am not upset about the Pens losing to the Habs because they have given me 2 glorious postseasons in a row and a third that was exciting. Don’t know if I can go back to supporting the Habs just yet, it may take time. But I got to see the Pens live 3 times this year in 3 different cities (Toronto, Montreal, and the aforementioned Ottawa). I can’t wait to see what they do next. Hopefully next season I will make the pilgrimage to Pittsburgh and see a game in the Consol Energy Center. Just wanted to share.
Welcome! It is always great to see new fans coming by, especially after such a tough loss. I am also looking forward to seeing what the new barn has to offer us next year. It would have been great to christen the place with a banner raising, but hopefully it won’t take too long before it really starts to feel like our home. I would also love to get to a Pens game north of the border. I was entertaining the idea of following the team on their Western Canada road trip last season, but that didn’t work out. Maybe I’ll check out Toronto or Ottawa next season. It will probably be a while before I want to be around any Habs fans, so a Montreal trip will have to wait. Anyway, it’s good to have you here and thanks for sharing!
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 14, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks very much. It’s great to finally join and post, though I have been reading Pensburgh since last season (and I love the game threads).
To be honest, as much as I loved the atmosphere in the Bell Center (great if you are a Habs’ fan, obviously, but the fans boo everyone, including former players. At the ACC, they give former players a standing ovation), it will definitely be a very long time before I go back there. And it’s not that easy to get tickets. Getting tickets for the ACC though is like pulling teeth. My sister and I went through ticket brokers to get seats for the Pens’ game. Great seats, cost an arm and a leg. Scotiabank Place is the easiest place to get tickets to and we got tickets to Game 6 with no problem (club seats in the 100s on the visitors’ side, so we sat near the Pens’ bench). And they were cheaper than the playoff tickets we got for the Bell Center (Washington-Montreal, because I couldn’t bear to hear fans chanting “Crosby sucks” the way they did for Ovechkin).
I highly recommend Scotiabank Place. The only problem is transportation. But if you drive, want to take the bus, or are willing to shell out $50 for a taxi from downtown one way, it’s totally worth it. And we were surrounded by Pens’ fans, which was a huge bonus. My sister and I will definitely be going back to Ottawa for regular season games. I can’t say enough good things about Scotiabank Place (maybe because the Pens came back from a 3-0 deficit to clinch the series and I got to see Dan Potash in the flesh…yes, I try to watch the Pens on FSN). Next season I am definitely going to make a trip to the new arena. It just sucks that I never made it to the Mellon. Sorry about the long post…
Love the long post! Great info.
Fun fact about Dan Potash – his license plate reads DJ PO
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 14, 2010 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously? Very interesting. I had seen Dan Potash between periods, very randomly, but no photos. After Dupuis scored the winning goal, us Pens fans got close up to the glass and that’s when I saw him again so I had to take pictures. To be honest, I almost took 400 photos at the game, about 99% of which were of the Pens, Disco Dan, Glenn Healy, Elliott Friedman, and so on. Thank God Don Cherry wasn’t there (I was already over him by that point). Didn’t get a single good shot of Mike Fisher and I totally forgot to look for Cory Clouston.
Would love to see some of your photos
In the meantime, here are a couple of the guys that you mentioned:
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on May 15, 2010 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
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