Ruslan Fedotenko?
Should Ruslan Fedotenko be playing? In my opinion he has been downright AWFUL. I think Dan Bylsma really needs to insert a "spark plug" or somebody who could possibly actually make a difference and not take stupid penalties or get caught behind the play. Maybe Eric Tangradi? I we want somebody to throw around their weight and get physical then why not Eric Godardzilla? Chris Conner looked pretty good in the ample playing time he receieved versus Ottawa. My point is that we have enough options to choose from, and we are choosing the old, lazy, Belarusian over the young athletic guy who actually might play with some heart.
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In no-way-shape-or-form should Godard be given a jersey in the playoffs. Every forward and even two defenseman on the taxi squad gets a jersey before he does. Godard knows his role and he also knows whether the Pens make the playoffs or not his season ends when the regular season does. At least he makes .75 million dollars a year to do it.
I COMPLETELY agree that the Tenks experiment needs to come to an end. I thought it was real classy for Disco Dan to give Tenks the nod when the Montreal series started. It was like he said, “The Ottawa series was the Ottawa series, lets start fresh and watch you play Fedotenko hockey”, which means kicking ass come playoff time. Up 2-0 I think you keep him in there, but with home-ice lost the Pens can’t play around with the known commodity that is a struggling Tenks.
As you said though, what is the alternative? I heard Billy G. took the morning skate off but with his experience I reckon this was strictly a maintenance thing so a newly dressed forward will be playing 4th line minutes with the chance to get a shift or two with Sid or Geno. So who should it be?
The two schools of thought are 1, do you dress the smaller forward who can skate with Montreal’s smaller line-up or 2, do you dress the bigger body to be the front of the net presence?
For the Pens to not repeat the mistakes of the Caps I think they need to go big, get it deep, win corner and board battles, and out muscle the Habs in front of the net. As such, my vote is for the other Tanger, Eric Tangredi. If he is only playing 5-7 minutes, 4th line forward time, how can he be worse than Tenks? At least Tanger 2 will hit and will have that energy that comes from called up for such a game. It may not be a long term solution for that adrenaline runs out, but why not try?
Life is about one simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying
Fedotenko is safe. He won’t make mistakes. He’ll almost always be in the right position. He’ll clear the zone when he gets the puck. And with Staal out he’s a reliable body on the PK, if you need it.
Is that enough for a jersey? For now, I’d say so.
Fedotenko may not be playing his best, but I still believe the level he’s sure to give is worth playing. Conner, Letestu or Tangradi could definitely have a higher ceiling, but they have exactly 0 NHL playoff games. Too much unknown, too many chances for mistakes. Remember Conner’s 2 bad turnovers that both ended up in the wrong net 1 game against NJ earlier this year? That’s what I’m thinking of.
Ideally Fedotenko can hit more and do better in the offensive zone, but overall he’s just a better, more reliable option at this point.
"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."
Conner played in the Ottawa series. But I have to agree. Tangradi will be on the pens next year im sure of it. Letestu/Conner are an injury away from playing a role with the big pens. But to insert them now could be horrible. What happens if one of those guys play and make an epic mistake? Then their confidence is shot for next year. Feds is the safest option IMO, as much as I’ll admit I dont think he’s playing good at all. I dont think he’ll be back next year for the pens bcuz I’m pretty sure he’s a free agent at the end of the season.
If we don’t win every game 10-0 someone always needs to throw someone under the bus. I’d rather have Fedotenko in the lineup than some youngin from WBS.
If you want to throw someone under the bus make it can’t hit the Goligoski. Every PP he he receives a pass and he can’t control it and they clear the puck…complain about his incompetence instead.
I liked how Letestu played last night, and I thought that Chris Conner played with a lot of passion in the Ottawa series. Feds just doesn’t seem to try enough, and he makes at least 1 stupid bonehead play every game
by 2010 will be the year on May 5, 2010 3:42 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t feel effort is Tenks problem. This IS NOT the time to be experimenting with the line up. Also notice what happened to malkin when his only constant line-mate was taken away. He became a shell of himself. If for no other reason Tenks should be out there because Malkin knows and trusts him.
Put on your dancin' shoes.

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