ESPN Free Agency Day 1, Pens get highest grade.

No doubt about it. Great day to be a Penguins fan.
And I totally agree w/ them about Calgary — that organization has been imploding for some time now.

by Diomedes7 on Jul 2, 2010 12:12 AM EDT reply actions

No kidding. I think Sutter needs to be committed somewhere—or at least checked for severe mental defect.

-Bryan

by bryanewyatt on Jul 2, 2010 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Are you asking or telling someone to commit him, are you an expert?

by JasonGoPens on Jul 2, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Belanger?

Do the Pens have the space to sign Eric Belanger?
He could be even better than Malhotra for the 3C role (given that the wingers are overpriced or trash or both).
I thought Washington would re-sign him right away, but they didn’t…
Anyone?

by Diomedes7 on Jul 2, 2010 12:14 AM EDT reply actions

At this point, I think we should keep just about any “2nd tiered” forward in mind.
Shero said that the Pens plan is to sit back and see what forwards are out there. Cheap forwards, that is. He specifically said "guys that are looking for a 1 year/$1 mil. Sounds exactly like Billy G to me, but Shero seems to be going in different direction.

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

by PensFan8725 on Jul 2, 2010 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions

3C

one of the writers at faceoff factor guesstimates that it would take $1.5M to sign Belanger
and i just checked Mirtle’s Top 100 Free Agent List and he actually has Belanger ahead of Malhotra
so…i’m liking this idea a lot right now

Belanger is solid, reliable — you know what you are getting
I’d much rather than that than a 40 y.o. winger, or a retread (Demitra?), or a reclamation project (Higgins?)

by Diomedes7 on Jul 2, 2010 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Belanger wants a 4 year deal. I think the Pens have given enough long contracts.

And he’s also going to want $2+ million, pricing himself way out of Pittsburgh’s reach.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 2, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

so…what do the Pens do?
wait until the trade deadline for that last piece
and roll the dice on a retread in the meantime

by Diomedes7 on Jul 2, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know what they do.

But signing a center, who’s not better than 3 centers on the team, for $2+ million for 4 years is not an option.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 2, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Shero said that the Pens plan is to sit back and see what forwards are out there. Cheap forwards, that is. He specifically said "guys that are looking for a 1 year/$1 mil. Sounds exactly like Billy G to me,

This is my hunch as well. Guerin said that he received absolutely no interest in the 1st day of free agency. If he really wants to play, he might have to take $1 million from the Pens.

If the Pens are willing to do it, which I’d guess they probably would be.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 2, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed. There are enough decent players on the market that Shero can wait for the price to come down, and take his pick from what’s left. I’m not opposed to another year from Billy G … although I’m also not opposed to Shero bringing someone else in.

Canada Rocks. Except for the Ottawa Senators.

by PopRocks on Jul 2, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

No Belanger

We have Letestu.

There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.

by BobPurkey34 on Jul 2, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Letestu is a fine player, but he seems to be overrated by many fans
Did you see that photo that PAYD posted — it really brings home his physical limitations

by Diomedes7 on Jul 2, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

But he played quite well when he was called up this year. And not just “well for his size”, I think.

Canada Rocks. Except for the Ottawa Senators.

by PopRocks on Jul 2, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Geez

3 FanShots on the PensBurgh page in one day. Frank, I’m doing the work for you. =]
That’s got to be some kind of record.

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

by PensFan8725 on Jul 2, 2010 1:47 AM EDT reply actions

Heh. Well, I’d like to think everyone did a pretty good job of keeping info flying in from all directions. I think the hardest part of the day was keeping things in order during the work hours, but we sure had plenty to talk about and a lot of good posts from everyone. So thanks for chipping in.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Jul 2, 2010 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Of course. It was awesome talking to everyone all day. No one that I know (I live in Texas) is a big hockey fan, let alone a Pens fan, so getting feedback on all the news today from everyone on here was great.

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

by PensFan8725 on Jul 2, 2010 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I think I like what Shero did by picking up Ricky & Mickey (er … can we please stick with those nicknames?!), but I feel like I need to wait until we see Shero’s next move or two before I make much of an assessment.

Also, as I was driving along, almost hitting a poor bastard squirrel today, I realized that some of my initial apprehension about the signings had to do with the length of them. It’s been awhile since Shero has signed someone who hasn’t spent significant time in a Pens uniform to a lengthy contract. But our defense needed a change, and I’m glad we got it.

Canada Rocks. Except for the Ottawa Senators.

by PopRocks on Jul 2, 2010 1:53 AM EDT reply actions

It’s been awhile since Shero has signed someone who hasn’t spent significant time in a Pens uniform to a lengthy contract. But our defense needed a change, and I’m glad we got it.

Given these guy’s ages, I think you should feel at ease with the terms.

Speaking about Shero’s next move, I think it might be a few days before we see another one. But, I think we’ll eventually get a cheap winger.

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

by PensFan8725 on Jul 2, 2010 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions

No doubt we’ll get a cheap winger. But the million dollar question is … which one?! (heheh See what I did there? million dollar question … ) It’s not a twenty million dollar piece of the puzzle, but it’s an important piece, nonetheless.

And I feel okay about the five year terms, since all reports seem to agree that our new guys are the kind of guys we want/need. It just took a little mental adjustment.

Canada Rocks. Except for the Ottawa Senators.

by PopRocks on Jul 2, 2010 2:09 AM EDT up reply actions

i kinda like the length of the contracts. 5 years each means that Shero’s serious about these guys growing with our core. The contracts will be through their prime years.

THe only thing I’m concerned about is that with only 2 million to spend on wingers, Shero might just toss Tangradi into the deep end. And if Tangradi isn’t ready, we might have just screwed a prospect.

I'm 21 now... I still feel 20 and I still feel way too old.

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.

by Alighieri on Jul 2, 2010 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions

I think he’s NHL ready. Shero also manages the WBS Pens, so I think he knows when a guy is good to go up to the next level or not. What worries me, is the coaching staff trying to push Tangradi into a top 6 role. A role that he may not be ready for, with fans who have high expectations.

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

by PensFan8725 on Jul 2, 2010 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions

there was never any doubt that Tangradi’s NHL read… but it’ll take at least a couple of months before he can do the top 6… In an ideal world, i think he’d work his way up from the 3rd or 4th line for pretty much an entire season before we put him next to Sid & Geno

I'm 21 now... I still feel 20 and I still feel way too old.

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.

by Alighieri on Jul 2, 2010 2:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Why is that ideal?

Tangradi needs to be on a scoring line, not a defensive checking line. You never want to play the kids out of position or in a place where they can’t succeed.

There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.

by BobPurkey34 on Jul 2, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Tangradi played on the 3rd line almost all year in Wilkes-Barre.

Tangradi also looked good playing with Staal in the 1 game he was up here.

I think there’s wisdom in breaking him in slowly. There’d be a lot of pressure to produce if he’s on Crosby/Malkin’s line from jump street

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 2, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

But let’s be honest, playing on a 3rd line in WBS and playing on a 3rd line in the NHL is completely different. Our 3rd line matches up against the best forwards in the league on a routine basis while he surely didn’t in the AHL. He is a scoring winger, that’s why we traded for him.

I think he welcomes the pressure, and plus, if we were willing to give 20 games to Chris Bourque on a scoring line, why not Tangradi? He would never be the focal point of a team if he was on a line say with Sid. Opposing defenses will always spend more time worrying about Sid or even Kunitz, leaving Tangradi a lot more space to work with.

There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.

by BobPurkey34 on Jul 2, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Behind the net has Kunitz and Crosby as the 2 players who faced the toughest competition, and I think that holds. On a top line Tangradi would see the best defensemen in the league and I highly doubt he is ready to jump into that and produce.

Bourque averaged under 10 minutes a game though. It wasn’t like he skated every shift that Sid and Geno did. In fact, he was playing lower line minutes and some PP, couldn’t hack it, didn’t produce anything, so they let him go.

I’d favor the same idea with Tangradi — give him a small chance (including some PP) and it’ll become clear if he is ready. If not, no big deal just send him back to the minors where he should play more and hopefully regain scoring touch.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 2, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Funny..

I think the biggest thing everybody is missing here isn’t is he going to play with Sid, Geno or Staal…it’s what ROLE will the coaching staff put him in. Is Danny B going to want him in a defensive-minded role? Thus, landing him on the third line. Or, is he going to want to use him as a net presence? Thus, landing him on the 2nd or 1st line? Or, is Danny B going to use him as a corner force to led Sid do the work around the net? I know you don’t want Sid around the net, but let’s face it, he’s become quite good at it because he’s sneaky. A lot like that guy from Mr. Deeds…Sid is in your face one second, and behind you the next slamming the puck home as he says…“don’t underestimate the sneakyness.”

For a player like Tangradi, his spot on a line will most likely be determined by HOW the coaches want to use him, now where they think they NEED to put him. That will help him progress.

by Wags24 on Jul 2, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Is Danny B going to want him in a defensive-minded role?

I get what you’re saying, and don’t disagree with a lot of it, but I don’t think the 3rd line even plays a “defensive role”. The idea is to get the puck in the other team’s end, cycle like crazy to wear down the opposition and try to get scoring chances from hard work.

Don’t see how that’s a bad idea for a big guy like Tangradi who can use his size to shield the puck.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 2, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

No kidding..

Tangradi can definitely use his NHL-sized body to battle and keep the puck on his stick. You know what the say, the best defense is played by keeping the puck in your offensive zone. I say the third line is our defensive-minded line mainly because he usually puts them out there against the top-units of the other team like Ovie and co.

by Wags24 on Jul 2, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Can Tangradi play RW? It would probably be good for TK to have a little competition for his spot.

Canada Rocks. Except for the Ottawa Senators.

by PopRocks on Jul 2, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Kennedy...

True that! I love TK, Talbot, that type of guy. But you know what, it’s a game and it’s a business. If they are pulling their end, there are guys that can, and will! Their time, I am guessing, in Pittsburgh is running short if some of these WBS boys prove themselves this year.

by Wags24 on Jul 2, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

you guys forget that we do not have a traditional checking line. With Staalsy anchoring us in the middle, our third line is actually expected to pack some punch. My so-called “ideal” is actually for Tangradi to get used to the speed and quality of the NHL… Kinda like blooding him in instead of throwing him into the deep end.

I'm 21 now... I still feel 20 and I still feel way too old.

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.

by Alighieri on Jul 2, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice to see those nicknames getting some use, lol.

-Bryan

by bryanewyatt on Jul 2, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m a little offended that the Devils were ranked so low. I thought Lou did extremely well, all things considered.

by kellyn on Jul 2, 2010 7:57 AM EDT reply actions

i agree. i don’t love the Volch. signing, but most had him very high on the list and Tallinder was one of the best value deals of the day.

by Diomedes7 on Jul 2, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m with you. Volchenkov and Tallinder alone are great d-men who got paid a little less than most thought. Lou did alright in my book.

Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com

by GoPens! on Jul 2, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Volchenkov and Tallinder alone are great d-men who got paid a little less than most thought.

Well, that’s Lou for you.

by kellyn on Jul 2, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

I’d move them ahead of Vancouver into the 4th spot, but it does say they are grading on impact. The Devils were already defensively sound, and with these guys they will continue to be so. Good signings, but not huge impact signings.

The Pens will be back.

by PensAreYourDaddy on Jul 2, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Any chance kariya may take a pay cut to try and win a cup before hanging up the boots?

by spookygeek on Jul 2, 2010 8:59 AM EDT reply actions

Capitals just signed Sabo… poor guy

by biggoron on Jul 2, 2010 9:21 AM EDT reply actions

Long Run...

Looks like the PENS are now fit to take a run at the CUP…

FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS! Not a bad time to be a Pens fan wouldn’t you say?

by Wags24 on Jul 2, 2010 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

when was it ever a bad time to be a Pens fan?

I'm 21 now... I still feel 20 and I still feel way too old.

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.

by Alighieri on Jul 2, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

During the early 2000s it was pretty hard i gotta say

by moonknight31 on Jul 2, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

don’t be such a killjoy… we’re basking in our post-Sid happiness.., Now why did you have to go and mention the dark ages…

I'm 21 now... I still feel 20 and I still feel way too old.

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.

by Alighieri on Jul 2, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

That's for sure!

Still watched them, but it sure wasn’t easy. Shoot, could be a whole lot worse that’s for sure. Could be a Pirates fan!

by Wags24 on Jul 2, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

ESPN S U C K S

I just had to laugh when I saw the ESPN free agent rankings for day 1. I turned on ESPN at work yesterday around 1 pm because it was the only sports channel I could get, and there wasn’t ANY hockey coverage to be found. They only talked about Lebron James and his free agency, as opposed to an entire LEAGUE’S FREE AGENCY!!!!!

ESPN is a joke, they totally ignore an entire major sport while covering baseball, softball, basketball, college basketball, football, college football, soccer, tennis, golf, the x games, and all the Olympics. Thank god my friend was kind enough to text me throughout the afternoon so I had a clue what was going on. That’s my rant, great moves Shero!!!!

"I've always been very open in my desire to come to come to North America and be one of the best here." - Geno

by GenoTheGreat on Jul 2, 2010 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

NHL.com

I agree! I never watch ESPN anymore, honestly I don’t, because they don’t cover anything Hockey. Good places to check is during days like this, NHL.com will always carry a feed of NHL Network and TSN.ca always has great coverage of trade days and big days like Free Agency. Good secondary places to see it.

by Wags24 on Jul 2, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

LOVE these signings!

While we all (myself included) wish for that mythical “skilled young winger to play with Sid”, I thought our blue line was a far bigger problem last season. We saw in 2009 that the Pens can have tremendous success with the three-headed monster and a deep defense corps, over-the-hill/mediocre wingers or not. Aside from being a problem in its own right, poor defense made Fleury’s job much harder and required Sid and Geno to play a far riskier game, which led to further defensive mistakes up front.

So, Ray goes out and nabs two of the most prized D-men on the market. Michalek and Martin are both superb players who should help a lot in implementing a shutdown game. This is great news.

P is for Latrobe.

by holiday park on Jul 2, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions